2026 Itinerary, Pricing and Registration: Japan Zen

2026 Japan Zen Exploration:
The Art of Simple Living Women’s Retreat

September 24 – October 3, 2026 –  10 Days/9 Nights

Prepare to embark on a journey beyond familiar boundaries, entering an environment where everyday actions are guided by deep calm and meticulous attention. Japan is distinguished by its Zen Buddhist traditions, which permeate all aspects of daily life. During my 2026 Japan Zen Exploration, you will discover practices that can be integrated into your personal routines and experienced both within tranquil natural settings and amid the dynamic ambiance of vibrant urban centers.

This women’s retreat, designed in collaboration with my long-time travel partners at Learning Journeys, provides a structured program to explore the calming influences and understated elegance characteristic of Japanese culture. The 2026 Japan Zen Exploration is a thoughtfully curated experience intended to inspire meaningful personal growth and cultural understanding.  Join me for a remarkable experience in Japan!

Program Pricing

Japan Zen Exploration: The Art of Simple Living Retreat for Women

10 Day/ 9 Night

September 24 – October 3, 2026

Double Occupancy: $8,895 Per Person*                 

Single Occupancy: $10,885 Per Person*

3 Easy Payments Offered on This Exploration

 1 – INITIAL REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: A $1,000, per person, non-refundable* deposit is required before Monday, September 22, 2025 on the link that corresponds to your room request – either sharing a double room (each person must pay the deposit) or a single room. Please email me the name of your sharing roommate at martyharger1@gmail.com

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY DEPOSIT LINK

SINGLE OCCUPANCY DEPOSIT LINK

*To confirm the departure of this program, we must secure a minimum of 8 women travelers by Monday, September 22.  You will be notified on Tuesday, September 23 to confirm the departure or your initial deposit will be refunded by Learning Journeys right away.

2 – SECOND DEPOSIT – Assuming that the Exploration departure is confirmed, this non-refundable second deposit is due on Tuesday, October 7 and represents the balance of the 40% deposit required. You will receive a separate link to pay this amount.

Double Occupancy, Per Person = $2,558

Single Occupancy, Per Person = $3,354

3 – FINAL PAYMENT on the balance owed will be invoiced at 120 days prior to departure for payment, in late May 2026.

 *All prices are net, payable in US Dollars

 NOTE: The Japan Zen Exploration includes arrival at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and concludes for departures from Kyoto Kansai International Airport (KIX). Some may choose to take a bullet train back to Tokyo at the conclusion of the Exploration.

 PRE or POST-EXPLORATION HOTEL ROOMS – We are happy to make arrangements for hotel accommodation before or after the Exploration. Please reach out to Marty Harger for details.

DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1- Thursday, September 24 – ARRIVE IN TOKYO, WELCOME DINNER

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, you will be met by a Learning Journey’s representative and transferred to your hotel. Check in and get settled. Then meet the group tonight for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome (or similar) (D)

DAY 2: Friday, September 25 – TOKYO- CITY TOUR, PURIFICATION RITUAL, FLOWER ARRANGING

This morning after breakfast, we will head out for a full day sightseeing in Tokyo! Our tour will take us to experience an authentic Esoteric Fire Purification Ritual where smoke and thunderous drumming fill the air in this local temple’s fire blessing ritual. As we will see, supplicants bring their belongings to be blessed by smoke and fire in this unique ceremony. For the good luck on our journey, witness how the monks will burn a sacrificial plank in our honor.

Continuing through Tokyo, we’ll visit the Edo Tokyo Museum to get a clearer understanding of this unique area of Japan, and its history over hundreds of years. Then it’s on to see the most famous Shinto shrine in Tokyo, the Asakusa shrine. We will conclude our first day tour at Nakamise Street where a classic Japanese shopping arcade awaits our discovery. Nakamise features shops owned by families for generations, offering souvenirs, tasty snacks and street food options.

We’ll stop for a lunch break at a local restaurant, before a fascinating workshop begins to learn about Japanese flower arranging and Ikebana. In this introductory lesson, you will be taught the basics of Ikebana and flower arrangement, and why it is considered so important in Japanese society. The instructor will demonstrate, then we can try the techniques ourselves! Following this session, we’ll return to our hotel for the evening and dinner at a location of your choice.

Overnight at Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome (or similar) (B, L)

DAY 3: Saturday, September 26 – TRENDY TOKYO – SPIRITUAL TOKYO

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head out for a half-day of sightseeing in Tokyo to see both the spiritual and the trendy aspects of this city which is known as the most populous metropolitan area in the world (Tokyo city proper is about 14 million people)! Experience traditional Japan in nature as we will visit Meiji Shrine, known as a peaceful, forested oasis for contemplation which honors Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Next stop is Harajuku, the area of Tokyo known for its street art and quirky, youthful boutiques, street food including bubble tea and donuts! Taking a queue from the Champs-Elysees, the Omote-Sando area is where high-end luxury boutiques and unique architecture combine in a fashionable atmosphere.

We’ll enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch at a local restaurant before heading out to the Shibuya area, famous for the iconic and world’s busiest Shibuya Crossing, a symbol of Tokyo’s energetic urban life, and for its status as a global hub for youth fashion and pop culture. Here we’ll find trendy shops, modern entertainment, fashionable boutiques in this social epicenter of the big city.  After an exciting day, we’ll return to our hotel midafternoon. Later, enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurant, and a restful night’s sleep.

Overnight at Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome (or similar) (B, L)

 

DAY 4: Sunday, September 27 –  KAMAKURA – HAKONE – HOT SPRINGS SOAK

Today after breakfast and check out, we’ll drive south of Tokyo toward the seashore to Kamakura. Significant as Japan’s medieval capital, Kamakura features many ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, the iconic outdoor Great Buddha statue, and beautiful natural surroundings including beaches and hiking trails.  Here you will visit the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple – famous for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Continuing our drive to Hakone, a mountainous resort area well known for its view of Mount Fuji and its natural hot springs. Once in Hakone, you will continue sightseeing, stopping at Chokokunomori (Hakone Open-Air Museum) where art and nature combine in a magnificent display to enjoy.

Now it’s time to relax as we make our way to our hotel to enjoy dinner and the natural hot springs offered at this peaceful, mountainside boutique hotel.

Overnight at Indigo Hakone Gora hotel (or similar) (B, D)

DAY 5: Monday, September 28 – NATURAL WONDERS – MT FUJI HIKE – SCENIC GONDOLA RIDE

Get ready for an exciting day as we depart after breakfast to Kawaguchiko to visit Mt Fuji 5th station. We’ll have a day in nature, hiking up to the 6^th station, a gentle hike with a small elevation gain that takes from 40 – 90 minutes, depending on our pace. Once we reach the spectacular, natural views, shops and eateries at the 6^th station, we’ll hike back down to the 5^th station to return to Hakone to visit the Owakudani Valley’s Hakone Ropeway. The Hakone Ropeway is a 10-passenger aerial gondola that soars above the mountains, and where you can enjoy views of the volcanically active Owakudani Valley, if weather permits!

We’ll return to our hotel for an evening of hot springs soaking and dinner at your leisure.

Overnight at Indigo Hakone Gora hotel (or similar) (B,D)

DAY 6: Tuesday, September 29 – BULLET TRAIN – WEAVING – SPIRITUAL MT. KOYA

Today we’re off to Odawara Station for the speedy Bullet Train to Osaka. Please pack a small bag for the next two nights. Large luggage will be transported by our guides to Kyoto to be held for us.

On arrival at Shin Osaka station, we will enjoy a special Saori Weaving Workshop. Saori weaving is a technique developed, and perfected, to make inexpensive and beautiful items for everyday use. Our expert instructor will teach us the basic techniques of Saori weaving so we can make our own small scarf or shawl.

Perhaps the most unique experience of our Exploration is where we travel next, to Mt Koya for a truly unique monastery and temple stay where we’ll get to “live like a monk.” “A Mount Koya (Koyasan) temple stay, or Shukubo, is an overnight experience in a Buddhist temple on a sacred mountain in Japan, offering a unique chance to live like a monk. Your stay typically includes vegetarian Buddhist meals (Shojin Ryori), participation in morning prayer ceremonies, and sleeping in traditional Japanese rooms with futons and tatami mats. It’s a spiritual and peaceful retreat, though the accommodations are more rustic than a modern hotel.”

For dinner, we will enjoy a traditional vegetarian supper before our overnight stay in the temple. Please note that the nature of a temple stay is that your room may not have a private bath or toilet.

for 2 nights in Mt.Koya.
Overnight at Hongakuin Temple (or similar) (B, D)

DAY 7: Wednesday, September 30 – ZEN at MT KOYA – FOREST BATHING – MEDITATION EXPERIENCE

Begin your day with morning prayer rituals and experience a traditional monastery breakfast. We will meet for a morning of Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing where our guides will introduce us to the meditative and restorative health benefits of mindful time spent in the forest, a skill you can take home and use over and over for calming and wellbeing. Enjoy a walk in the forest and take time to relax and rediscover yourself. Experience the powerful effect that nature can have on you in this Japanese natural environment.

Today we will visit Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of the Koyasan branch of the Shingon School, and the Okunoin Temple and Graveyard – considered a very sacred site created in 835. We’ll conclude our tour of the area with lunch at a local restaurant before heading back for an Ajikan meditation experience at the temple. Finally this evening we will again enjoy a traditional vegetarian supper.

Overnight at Hongakuin Temple (or similar) (B, D)

DAY 8: Thursday, October 1-  KYOTO SITES – ZEN MEDITATION WORKSHOP

Begin today with morning prayer rituals, and a traditional monastery breakfast. This morning as we leave Mt Koya and the monastery, we will drive to the city of Kyoto to explore its history and spiritual significance. We’ll visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, a mountainside Shinto shrine dating from 711 A.D. featuring a path with hundreds of traditional Torii gates.  Our visit to the Kiyomizu Temple – one of the signature World Heritage sites in Kyoto will introduce us to an incredibly scenic area. Then it’s on to discover the stone-paved pedestrian roads lined by traditional buildings and shops of Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka.

We’ll make a lunch stop next at a local vegan restaurant with unique, fresh cuisine. Now it is time to quiet your mind and body with a local Zen meditation workshop at a nearby temple. Run by a resident monk, he will explain the basic poses and breathing practices used in Zen meditation and then lead the group in a meditative session. This is a wonderful and unique opportunity to look deeply into the world of Zen Buddhism through the eyes of a revered monk who will share insights into the thinking, practice, and day-to-day life of Zen practitioners in one of the most significant monasteries in Japan. This workshop is a rare opportunity to better understand a person who has devoted his existence to the practice of Zen Buddhism, making it his mission to introduce this path of enlightenment to others.

After the meditation workshop, we will arrive at our hotel for the evening and time for you to find a dinner spot on your own.

Overnight at Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei or similar. (B)

DAY 9: Friday, October 2 – KYOTO SITES – TEA CEREMONY – COOKING CLASS – KIMONO DRESSING

Today we’ll enjoy our final, full day with visits to key sites in Kyoto, beginning with the Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Here we will experience a traditional tea ceremony!
While sipping the rich flavor of matcha green tea, a master of the tea ceremony will give us an insider’s look into the small details that makes the humble tea ceremony an icon of Japanese culture and tradition.

After the tea ceremony, you will continue to visit Kinkakji temple, the Golden Pavillion beautifully covered in gold leaf, and Ryoanji temple celebrated for its minimalist, nationally famous Zen rock garden.

Now it’s time to learn to cook with a special cooking class! Gain insights into the real authenticity of Japanese cooking. Enjoy a home-style cooking workshop at a renovated Japanese Machiya. We will learn to make a few select dishes that are staples in Japanese home life and cuisine. We will also have the opportunity to learn the art of Kimono dressing and experience wearing a Kimono.

We’ll return to our hotel for some leisure time to pack, and then perhaps gather for a final meal together this evening.

Overnight at Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei or similar.  (B, Tea Ceremony, Cooking Class)

DAY 10: – Saturday, October 3 – DEPARTURE DAY

It is time to say Sayōnara as we check out following breakfast and depart for Kyoto’s Kansai Airport for our flights back home.  We hope you have truly enjoyed our unique Japan Zen Exploration and look forward to exploring other parts of the world with you again soon!

SAYONARA JAPAN!

UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, whether because of customer’s choice, operational reasons, because of bad weather or any other reason.

ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

BAGGAGE. Each traveler is limited to one large suitcase (maximum 50 lbs.) and one small carry on due to limited baggage area on buses. For some airlines and taxi/coach transfers, extra luggage may be subject to an extra charge due on the spot.

You are responsible for complying with the airline regulations concerning their baggage allowances and with the airline restrictions on the size, weight and contents of your check-in and carry-on bags. Check with the carrier for luggage guidelines. Learning Journeys is not responsible for loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage of your luggage.

AIRPORT: We recommend you arrive at the airport for your check-in at least 3 hours prior to your international flight departure time and 2 hours prior for your domestic flights.

PASSPORT, DRIVERS LICENSE and VISA. Visa details will be provided prior to final deposit. For travel outside the United States U.S. citizens must have valid passports, with an expiration date of at least six months after the scheduled return date. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required as rules can change on occasion. Each traveler is responsible for processing any required visas. Please ask the respective consulate for visa processing schedule to ensure you receive your documentation at least 7 days prior to departure. Any information provided pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for all domestic flights within USA. It is suggested that you use a passport for domestic travel as well. Learning Journeys is not responsible for denial of boarding due to passenger negligence and cannot offer assistance on location or at the airport. If a passenger has not met the requirements as stated above and is denied boarding the cost of the tour is fully non-refundable.

NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Learning Journeys booking must match the name on your passport, and in-turn, the name on your air ticket. Any variation between the spelling of your name on your air-ticket and passport will require re-ticketing, often at the cost of a completely new ticket. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket does not match your passport. Learning Journeys requires a copy of passengers’ passport be forwarded no later than 120 days prior to departure. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information including the exact name as listed on the passport, date of birth and passport number. If the information forwarded is incorrect, the passenger will be liable for any change fees which may occur.

FEES FOR CANCELED LAND SERVICES. If you cancel your complete land reservation, the cancellation charges listed will apply. Cancellation charges are based on the number of days from the time Learning Journeys is notified of your cancellation, to the start of the services provided – whether air and land or just land services. (Some charges may be avoided by your purchasing optional travel insurance explained below).

CANCELLATIONS & COMPLAINTS. We work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. But unexpected problems, often out of our control, can still arise. We urge you to work with us in correcting the problem on the spot instead of dealing with it after you return home. If your program has a tour manager, you are required to work with them to resolve pending issues.

If a cancellation or refund is warranted, it is under the express condition that you release Learning Journeys from all further liability and you thereby waive all additional rights and remedies under this contract or any applicable state, federal or foreign law.

GUESTS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Iceland is not an easy destination to navigate if one has compromised mobility. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Please provide your Learning Journeys Program Manager about any specific dietary needs or any specific issues which may require attention during your program.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Deluxe motor coach transportation will be provided based on the number of participants in our party. Should the number of participants on any motor coach tour drop below estimated passengers, we reserve the right to operate the tour with a smaller vehicle. Please also note that smaller coaches may not have the same facilities as full-size coaches (no lavatories, TV, etc.). Baggage is limited to one carry on and one suitcase per person. If luggage guidelines are not followed, a second vehicle may be added to accommodate the excess baggage at the passenger’s expense. There are strict laws concerning driver hours on touring coaches that must be always respected. A typical touring day can last 8 hours only. In addition, here are mandatory rest periods during the working day and weekly rest periods depending on the length of the tour.

DELAY CHARGES: If your flight delays cause additional charges for transportation/guides waiting times you will be responsible to pay extra charge on the spot directly to the vendor. If you purchased travel insurance, it may be covered under the policy. We recommend you check with your Travel insurance company on coverage for trip delay.

EXPERIENCES & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing and entrance fees have been included as specified in itinerary. All foreign airport transfers are also included in the land cost. Land arrangements will be provided as described; however, Learning Journeys reserves the right to substitute sightseeing features. Optional add ons and hotel reservations are non-refundable once reserved and paid.

TIPS AND SERVICE CHARGES: All taxes and service charges levied by the hotels or charged by various governments and municipalities are included. We have not included tips to the restaurants, chambermaids, drivers/guide or escort. Tips to servers, chambermaids and local guides should be left at the time of service. Tour Manager and driver tips should be given at the end of the tour. Suggest Tipping in USD will be provided in the months leading up to the Exploration.

SINGLE ROOMS. Be aware that single rooms are often smaller than double rooms. Ask about a “double room/single use” option at a cost above the normal single supplement.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. In rare cases scheduled tours may be cancelled. In such cases Learning Journeys reserves the right to change the scheduled tour itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/or to substitute airlines, hotels or features of a similar category for those listed in the confirmed itinerary. Learning Journeys shall not be held liable for any such changes.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR CANCELLATIONS BY LEARNING JOURNEYS. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Learning Journeys sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Learning Journeys.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for necessary cancellations due acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond the company’s control.

MISCELLANEOUS. Foreign air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motor coaches are not up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs.

The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Learning Journeys’ sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodation or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers.

RESPONSIBILITY. Learning Journeys Ltd. and their employees, shareholders, officers, and directors does not own or operate any entity which goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, guides or trip leaders, food service providers, equipment suppliers, ground operators, etc., including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Learning Journeys name. Learning Journeys is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation Learning Journeys is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract of any third party, such as an airline, train, hotel, restaurant, or food supplier; bus, taxi, van, or local ground handler; local outfitter or guide, which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule or failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart safely; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; insolvency or default of any third party; acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control and cancellation policies per the contract will apply.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNINGS. In the case of a government issued warning, we will provide our utmost consideration to the severity of the warning and accomplish everything possible to safeguard the well-being of our passengers. We reserve the right to evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis for potential refund/cancellation fees, re-scheduling of tours or itineraries and postponements.

BINDING ARBITRATION. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to these Terms and Conditions, this release, the catalog, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement.

NOT INCLUDED: Passports, laundry, food and beverages not listed on the itinerary International Travel Tax and Porterage at U.S. Airports, as well as all other items of a personal nature.

Please use the REGISTRATION LINK above that corresponds to your travel plans (traveling single or double occupancy), after reading the above the Terms & Conditions. Note deposit requirements outlined above via the link provided by our deadline will secure your place in our 2026 Japan Zen Exploration Exploration.