JAPAN! Sacred Pilgrimage from Kyoto to Tokyo – November 6th-15th, 2026
JAPAN!
Sacred Pilgrimage from Kyoto to Tokyo
November 6th-15th, 2026
Join Ulrika and Andy exploring the sacred pilgrim paths from Kyoto to Tokyo in Japan, next fall 2026.
Our journey in Japan begins in Kyoto with a fanfare of Japanese treats for the senses; we greet the day with Yoga and Zazen at one of the oldest Zen temples in Kyoto, participate in tea ceremony, learn the aesthetic principles of wabi-sabi, stroll through the Gion district and enjoy a special dinner and private audience, dance and conversation with a Geiko or Maiko (also known as Geisha and apprentice Geisha).
Limited to 12-16 participants depending on single or double occupancy.
After two nights in Kyoto our pilgrimage begins and we transfer location from lodge to lodge the remaining 7 nights, by foot, train and bus, with luggage transfers pre arranged. Carry only a small day pack with essentials. The inns provide robes, slippers and all the essentials including traditional Yukata to wear for dinner.
We wake up early to join the Gongyo, monk’s morning prayer ritual, practice yoga and hike the historic Kumano Kodo, meet with a local Shugendo priest to learn about mountain based spiritual practice. As the evenings draw close we check in and stay at traditional Japanese Inns along the trail, ending each day with beautiful traditional dinners and natural hot spring baths.
As we continue exploring the temple pilgrimage trails with our guide explaining the local rites and customs, we carry onward to visit one of the most sacred areas and temples, the Nachi Falls and Nachi Grand Shrine, meditate and practice gentle yoga outdoors.
Here we spend one night on the hilltop with views of the Pacific Ocean. The next day our hiking continues along the historic Nakasendo Trail through Kiso Valley, from Ochiai to Magome onward to the evocative town of Tsumago, enjoying Onsen baths by the river and traditional Japanese cuisine.
With Tokyo on the horizon, we continue our journey over Torii-Toge Pass to Narai visiting a Orokugushi workshop to gain insight into the local arts and crafts. On the way we drop deeper into history visiting Matsumoto castle, once a home to the ninja of the Akutagawa family and enjoy a visit of a local miso producer. After a tasty miso based lunch we travel to Tokyo by bullet train to enjoy a festive celebration dinner in town on our final night together in Japan.
SIGN UP: A $1,500 non refundable deposit per person is required to secure your reservation. Email Ulrika @Yoga-Journeys.com to save your space. Final balance due June 1st, 2026. Personal travel insurance coverage is recommended on all journeys.
AIRFARE and TRANSFERS: Fly into Kyoto and depart from Tokyo.
COST INCLUDES:
- 9 nights of accommodations in hotels and traditional Japanese Inns; Ryokan and Minshuku. Some traditional inns come with shared bathrooms, and hot spring access.
- Breakfast and dinner daily, four lunches, snacks.
- A full time guide during the whole journey, daily yoga or meditation.
- All transportation cost and tickets between locations including bullet trains, bus and taxi.
- Entrance fees to museums and temples.
- Luggage transfer of one suitcase.
- All activities and experiences shared in the invitation.
- Gratuity for staff, hotel, tourist and government taxes.
COST: $7,450 per person double occupancy / $8,450 limited *single occupancy accommodation two nights in Kyoto and one night in Tokyo. *Some nights at the traditional inns requires shared double occupancy with others booked single. In Kyoto and Tokyo we stay at western 4 star hotels with en-suite bath. Some of the Japanese Inns traditionally share bathrooms, some provide en-suite private baths.
EXTRAS: Airfare and airport transfers, five lunches, drinks and alcohol. Extra optional gratuity for our guide. Travel insurance.
Register with a $1,500 non refundable deposit!
Final balance will be due June 1st, 2026
