You may have traded in your backpack for a roller carry-on, but you still have the heart of a student. You’re a lifelong learner who wants more than relaxation from a vacation…maybe even transformation. If you long to travel like you used to as a student or young adult backpacking the world, this is your chance to rediscover that person–the one who doesn’t need every moment scheduled or stuffy 5-star hotel accommodations. You’re not looking for the “whistlestop tour” jamming each day with main attractions, endless shopping, and #Instagram.

Picture this: you land in Tokyo, grab your carry-on, and swing by the 7-11 to cash up. You’ve got your Suica sorted and are ready to hit the monorail into the city during rush hour. While most of the other tourists are continuing to Shinjuku (why!?), you and your small group get out and have a look around.

 

Next thing you know, you’re having happy hour at a neighborhood joint that looks like a stand at the State Fair against a backdrop of skyscrapers. There aren’t any other tourists–or even women! It’s where the salarymen of Japan, Inc. go to blow off steam. After a little negotiation by your guide, the Mamasan acquiesces and gives you tables back by the kitchen–where she can keep an eye on you. After a frenetic order, you wind up drinking Suntory something, washing down your octopus-on-a-stick.

Around dusk, your guide suggests you head toward a temple. Is it even open? No buses in the parking lot or many people around; but, you feel it before you see or hear it–the chanting. You stumble into the main hall with a couple dozen monks chanting the heart sutra for folks on their way home from work. You quietly take a seat in the back and lose yourself, feeling a long, long way from home…

Mind you, little of the above was listed on the “official” Itinerary for Japanic: FInding Peace in Chaos. In fact, the original plan was to visit a Samurai Strolling Garden, but by the time we got through the airport, it was getting dark, so we pivoted, threw ourselves at the mercy of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy (see above). She was generous.

You eventually hop the subway to your hotel on a quiet street in one of Tokyo’s most upscale neighborhoods. There aren’t any other hotels around it–just people walking their dogs, picking up their kids, going about their lives. No “Lost in Translation” $900/night Hyatt. You’re down for about $100 per person per night, clean and comfortable, huge Japanese breakfast included. So far so good, what will the other 13 days be like?

If you know the difference between being a traveler vs. being a tourist, Japanic 2026 might be for you. We’re not that in to “group travel” in the conventional sense, but see the value of having a guide who’s been there before, speaks enough of the language, and knows the culture and history from living there. We also know the value of teamwork! There will be some group activities, but you can also forge out on your own or in a smaller group any time you feel like it. The vibe is chill, fluid. Plans and timetables shift to accommodate the weather, energy levels, and unique outdoor yoga classes that will stretch your muscles and your mindset. You’ll need that yoga after 15-20,000 steps/day (stairs!) and appreciate the opportunity to experience Japan somatically– getting to know the places and spaces with all five senses. “Looky Lous” need not apply.

And yes, there will be homework! You’ll arrive already knowing the difference between Buddhism and Shintoism, Chrysanthemums, and Hollyhocks. You won’t be the person talking loudly on a packed train at rush hour. You’ll be able to sit (or almost sit) on the floor, get your shoes off/on, and not cause a fuss at the tatami mat restaurants. You’re not on the trip to be pampered or crowned Queen Bee. Ready-set? Want to get a jump on the homework? Check out my blogpost, Kamakura, Japan: Buddhas, Beaches, and Badasses.

 

Remember what it was like traveling when you were younger–maybe a college interim abroad or as a young adult backpacking? You had all kinds of time to read up beforehand, but you didn’t over-plan. You didn’t have a lot of money, but you didn’t crave insulation. You formed functional friendships with other travelers and looked after each other. You felt alive and not quite certain what each day would bring or who you might meet. You weren’t in such a hurry and you weren’t afraid to extend yourself, even immerse yourself. You were young, poor, and grateful for those chance encounters with locals who tried to help you. You CAN be that again, albeit with more comfortable accommodations…and even heated toilets!

The earlier you commit, the more input you get! Wish the trip were a bit longer or shorter, or included a city you had your heart set on? Then commit early and bring friends! Those in on the ground floor will have more say in the planning stages. This isn’t some canned, out-of-the-box experience. These trips are “crowd-influenced” by participants–No two will be the same!

Tentative Itinerary: 

4 Nights in Tokyo: I have a time-tested “arrival sequence” to help you beat jetlag. You’ll be on my “home turf” of Tokyo, so I’ll give you the insider’s tour, without exhausting you! We’ll decompress with some yoga in a small quiet park, smack in the middle of one of Tokyo’s most elite neighbhorhoods, where rooms are around $120/ night (double occ) and come w/ a breakfast buffet that will keep you full until dinner! We won’t miss “Tokyo after dark” either. Tokyo is known for its night life so you’ll go beyond the hotel bar, promise!  I’ll be taking us on a pilgrimmage to one of Tokyo’s oldest live rock venues where they know me and will have our table ready! 

2 NIghts in Hakone: This is our splurge–you’ll go upscale for one night in a classic, established ryonkan, a traditional Japanese Inn where a multiple course meal is included, as well as a Japanese breakfast. The service will be impeccable, as will be the view of Mt. Fuji and the outdoor onsen.

2 Nights in Hiroshima: The worst thing you could do is go to Japan and miss the Peace Pavillion. Years later, you might have trouble recallign the various temples and shrines, but you’ll never forget the Peace Pavillion or the unexpected beauty of Hiroshima! You may have to have the regional special, Okanomiyaki, more than once–I’ll take you to a place filled Japanese office workers, no tourists in sight! 

5 Nights in Kyoto:  5 days in Kyoto is perfect as there are really 5 sections of the city ot explore. Plus, we’ll likely be hitting it around the time the Cherry Blossoms pop, so you’ll want some time for revelry w/ the locals under the trees.  The trip can be open-ended here in that you can fly home whenever like from Kansai/Osaka airport. After 2 weeks with me, your confidence in getting around will be sky-high!  

Please get in touch if you’re interested in:

~ A Private Tour to Japan for your group of 4-8 people

~ Joining  Japanic 2026

~ Getting help planning your itinerary for Japan (Hourly rate, 2 hour minimum).

 

Qualifications;

I lived in Tokyo for three years in the mid 1990’s–three neighborhoods and different socio-economic levels from starving student to ex-pat Director for for a US software company. I was fortunate to be mentored by a Japanese businesswoman who owned property all over the city, plus a retreat in Hakone which I visited frequently. She taught me everything, from how to speak some “high Japanese” to how to argue with taxi drivers. I got to experience her Japan, the Japan of a woman who was a teenager during WW II, a rare female business owner in the go-go 80’s, and a somewhat struggling property owner after the real estate bubble burst in the 90’s — that’s a lot of Japans!