Signature Japan | Through Temples & Time

In soft lantern light and moments of stillness, discover a nation where the past lives gently within the present

The true Japan reveals itself in swaying bamboo groves, the grace of geisha, and the dawn chant of Buddhist monks. Few visitors truly experience it; even fewer experience it like this. Guided by our hand-picked Signature Guide, you’ll travel from ancient Kyoto to the futuristic skyscrapers of Tokyo. A journey through temples, time and torii gates. It’s the story of Japan, where tradition flows through every sacred sutra, every bowl of tea, and every quiet bow.

Venture to the very heart of each destination on our Signature Collection, where every journey is shaped by our unrivalled local connections and insider expertise. Step beyond the ordinary with private invitations, rare encounters, and experiences few will ever share. So when someone says, “I’ve been there,” you’ll simply smile, knowing you’ve experienced it differently.

Signature Experiences:

• Join an apprentice geisha for an elegant kaiseki dinner, enjoying their refined art of traditional hospitality
• Follow a Buddhist monk on a special nighttime walk through the sacred Okunoin Cemetery in Koyasan
• Walk the ancient Nakasendo trail, uncovering the timeless grace of rural Japan

Signature Day: Experience our distinctive Signature day, choosing between an intimate tea ceremony, kintsugi workshop, or exclusive artisanal sake brewery tour

Signature Stay: Enjoy the rare chance to join an immersive Buddhist retreat in Joki-in Temple, where simplicity and stillness shape each day

Signature Guide: Let your hand-picked Signature guide lead you to the country’s soul — sharing their home, heritage, and heart

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

We also weave Signature Legacy moments into your itinerary, so the positive impact of your trip lasts long after your stay. These are moments to remember which help people and nature thrive, ensuring you build a harmonious, positive connection with the places you visit.

On this journey, you can: 

• Participate in an intimate tea ceremony guided by a local tea master, highlighting sustainability through cultural preservation, supporting local tea farms, and promoting mindfulness and minimalist living.  

• Join a kintsugi workshop, learning the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold. This centuries-old technique embodies the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, while promoting sustainability through repair and reuse. 

• Visit the Moss Temple to practise shakyo, the meditative art of copying sutras, fostering mindfulness and helping to preserve and share an ancient tradition. 

Is this trip for you?

We have graded this trip Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.

Driving times: The longest journey takes place on Day 3 (5hr 30min), Day 6 (6hr 30min) and Day 8 (four hours). All other journeys are under 2hr 30min.

Prebooking activities: An immersive adventure of your choice awaits on the Signature Day. All you need to do is prebook the activity at least 60 days before departure through our Signature Collection travel experts.

Additionally, those arriving early on Day 1 can pre-book an optional guided walk tracing the quieter paths around the Fushimi Inari Taisha, priced from US$80.

Vaccinations and Health

Japan

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis B, tetanus, Japanese encephalitis, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Methanol: The FCDO warns travellers to be cautious of methanol poisoning when travelling in destinations visited on the trip.

Visa

Japan

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Japan. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/japan
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Japan.html

Food & Drink

This journey is designed to deepen your connection to the country through its food and drink. Multi-course kaiseki dinners reveal the artistry behind Japanese cuisine, a maiko-hosted banquet offers a rare insight into refined hospitality, and a simple but authentic shōjin ryōri in a temple provides unique insight into the life of a Buddhist monk.

Weather

The areas around Kyoto and Tokyo share four distinct seasons.

• Spring (March to May) is mild and popular for cherry blossoms.
• Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with frequent rain in June and occasional typhoons.
• Autumn (September to November) is pleasantly cool with vibrant foliage.
• Winter (December to February) is cold but mostly dry and clear.