Best of Japan tour

Planet

Carbon Reduction:

Public Transport Immersion: This tour is built around Japan’s world-class public transportation system. We exclusively use high-efficiency Shinkansen (bullet trains), local trains, and buses for inter-city travel. This dramatically reduces our carbon footprint per traveler compared to domestic flights or private coaches.

Vegetarian Cultural Experience: A highlight of this trip is the stay at a Buddhist monastery on Mount Koya, where you will dine on Shojin Ryori. This is a traditional, multi-course vegetarian meal that is not only culturally significant but also aligns with low-carbon dietary choices.

Human-Powered Discovery: Our city explorations in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are heavily reliant on walking and local subways. This approach not only minimizes emissions but also allows for a more intimate and authentic experience of these vibrant urban landscapes.

Environment and Wildlife:

Respect for Sacred Nature: We visit several sites of immense natural and cultural importance, such as the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the majestic area around Mount Fuji. Our local guides provide context on the significance of these places and emphasize responsible tourism practices, like staying on designated paths to protect the delicate ecosystems.

Supporting Green Spaces: By paying entrance fees and bringing visitors to managed natural and cultural sites like Hama Rikyu Garden and Tenryu-ji Temple, we contribute to the funds needed for their maintenance and preservation for future generations.

People

Local Economy:

Diverse Local Accommodation: We support a variety of local businesses through our choice of lodging. This includes city hotels and, most notably, a Shukubo (temple lodging) on Mount Koya. This provides a direct and unique source of income that helps the monastic community maintain its historic buildings and cultural practices.

Supporting Small Vendors: The itinerary includes planned visits to local markets, such as the 600-year-old Takayama morning market and the famous Nishiki Market in Kyoto. This encourages our guests to interact with and purchase directly from local artisans, farmers, and food producers.

Freedom to Explore Locally: With most lunches and dinners left open, we encourage our guests to dine at small, independent restaurants. Our guides are trained to recommend local favorites, which helps distribute the economic benefits of tourism beyond the main tourist hubs.

Employment, Inclusivity, and Diversity:

Local Expertise: The entire tour is led by a professional Japanese tour leader who provides invaluable local knowledge, context, and support. This provides skilled, local employment and ensures a more authentic and insightful experience for our travelers.

Deep Cultural Immersion: The overnight stay with the Buddhist monks on Mount Koya is a profound opportunity for cultural exchange. It fosters a deeper understanding and respect for Japan's spiritual traditions. We ensure our visit is conducted with the utmost respect for their customs and way of life, contributing to the preservation of this unique cultural heritage.