Japan is cultural tourism at its finest, a place that may feel known but in reality is totally different than anything found in the west. While Japan is proud and loud about the nation’s modernity, a trip around this island nation presents a more varied picture of ancient temples, lush rice fields, and traditional life ticking along under a rising sun.

I’ll be straight with you–I like to travel with positive, optimistic, fun-loving, flexible people who can roll with the punches. Travel can be a tough experience sometimes. Bad weather, strikes, and overcooked pasta are all hazards we face. If you get cranky when things aren’t perfect and will be upset about spotty wifi, I’m not your girl.

On the other hand, if you’re an easy-going type who doesn’t complain, can walk reasonably well, can manage luggage, and wants to see other cultures as they really are–warts and all– I think we are going to get along just fine. Bonus points if you like wine and having fun with a bunch of new friends. I promise to give you a rich, empowering, enlightening experience no matter where I take you. Girl Scout’s honor.

Day 1: Welcome to Japan! We'll begin with an orientation meeting and walk then proceed to dinner. Tonight we will learn how to make one of Hiroshima's specialties: okonomiyaki.

Day 2: Today we will visit Miyajima with its spectacular floating torii gate. For our visit, we will be assembling a travel watercolor kit and practice plein air (open air) watercolor studies. Your included kit will be with you for the tour to develop a small stack of watercolor postcards. An option upon our return to Hiroshima is to visit the Memorial Museum. This evening gather with Dr. Lucy to paint fans

Day 3: This morning we will ride the bullet train to Okayama. After checking into the hotel there's time for lunch on your own. This afternoon we will learn about the art of sashiko,  a traditional Japanese embroidery technique used for reinforcing clothing or adding decorative patterns, in a nearby town known for denim production.

Day 4: Today we travel together to the island of Naoshima where you are free to explore the numerous art installations throughout the island. We will provide an electric bike for you to pedal around the island or you can choose to use public transit. This afternoon we will travel back to Okayama together.

Day 5: After a short transfer to Kyoto we will see the Unesco World Heritage Nijo Castle. This castle was built by the first shogun of the Edo Period before being used as an imperial palace. This afternoon we will visit the Kyoto International Manga Museum and learn about manga inking.

Day 6: This morning will begin with a visit to the beautiful Kinkakuji Temple before heading to the bustling Nishiki Market where you can explore a great variety of savory and sweet Kyoto specialties. After lunch we will gather for a kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold, workshop.

Day 7: Today starts with an early transfer to Nagoya and on to the Ghibli Park. The day is yours to explore all the different areas within the park.

Day 8: Our last bullet train ride, from Nagoya to Tokyo, is this morning after breakfast. In Tokyo we will visit Senso-ji, the oldest temple in the city, before learning some Japanese calligraphy. Tonight we say farewell at our last dinner.

Day 9: Our tour ends after breakfast. Your guide will be available to help you with transportation plans or give advice on what to do if you have time before your flight departs.