Self-Guided Adventure
Tailor-made
Hidden Zen
14 Nights: from US$8964 per person (twin share) Trip Code: HZEN
Explore a lesser seen part of Japan using the newly extended ‘shinkansen' bullet train, experience some moments of ‘Zen' after an adventure through the big cities, learn zen meditation, stay in an authentic ‘ryokan', and culminate in a picture-perfect farmhouse laden with Japanese artwork. Read more >
From the busy bright lights of Shinjuku to the humble countryside of Toyama, our Hidden Zen itinerary starts off loud and vibrant, before unfolding into a relaxing retreat with Zen as its central pillar. Making use of the shinkansen extension that opened in March 2024, you'll explore harder-to-reach destinations that tourists rarely get to, with unique experiences all around Hokuriku - as well as the 'bucket list' destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto. Once you've had your fill of spectacular skyline cityscapes, otherworldly digital art exhibitions, and an evening strolling the famous geisha district of Gion, you'll escape Japan's cities and retreat to some of the most beautiful, rural areas of the country. For us, it's in those lesser visited areas where the real magic happens. Hokuriku's small provinces - Shiga, Fukui, Ishikawa, and Toyama - have lots to offer from holistic retreats near historic temple complexes, to onsen-hopping in quiet leafy towns, or getting a taste of life in a traditional farming community. This is hidden Zen at its best. There's the stunning Eiheiji temple, set back in a dense forest, where you can try your hand at Zen meditation or watch the monks as they observe morning prayer. There's also Kaga Onsen, an area with quiet, gentle hikes and a well-preserved history of crafting lacquerware - and the best place to experience truly traditional ryokan-style accommodation. You'll also spend time in Kamakura, which offers a brilliant alternative to Kyoto's busier temples, boasts bamboo gardens at Hokokuji that rival the famous Arashiyama, and provides a chance to glimpse Mt. Fuji if the weather is clear. Here you have the opportunity to join a tour with a local expert on Japanese gardens, who will introduce you to some of the hidden treasures of Kamakura, via the back streets known only to locals. Finally, with a focus on entirely Japanese-owned superior accommodation, you'll spend the night in some special locations - from Rakudo-An farmhouse, where you can meet local farmers and admire the copious artwork added by a variety of esteemed Japanese artists, to the serene gardens at Kyoto's boutique Genji hotel. If you're looking to get beneath the surface of Japan's 'golden route', and branch out into some of the country's idyllic locations focused on local ways of life, Hidden Zen is a route worth exploring.
What's included
- 14 nights' accommodation
- Breakfast at all hotels (self catered at townhouse style) and four dinners
- Airport transfers and All transport between destinations
- Manaca transport card with 2,500 yen credit for city transport
- Eight-hour private guide service in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa
- Japanese home cooking class in Kyoto
- Tickets to a world famous digital art exhibition
- Pocket WiFi device
- Your personalised InsideJapan Info-Pack
- Expert led Garden Tour in Kamakura
What's NOT included:
- International flights
- Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination unless otherwise specified
- Baggage handling and luggage forwarding
- Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Trip Highlights
- Get off the beaten track to experience destinations that showcase Japan's hidden Zen
- Stay at a traditional ryokan and taste a multi-course Japanese feast
- Ride on the extended shinkansen (bullet train) route from Tsuruga to Kaga Onsen
- Explore small, local areas and experience top hospitality in Hokuriku
- Soak up the way of life and Japanese bathing culture in an onsen town
- Visit popular Tokyo and Kyoto at the same time as lesser-known destinations.
For more information email us: info@insidejapantours.com or call: + 44 117 244 3380
What, where, when and how...
Hidden Zen - 15 Days

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