The Japan of Your Dreams: Summer

Japan spent centuries deliberately closed to the outside world, and something of that mystery never quite left. You feel it the second you step off the Ginza crosswalk into a quiet side street lined with knife shops, or when a kimono-clad priestess begins to dance in a forest that’s been sacred for a thousand years. This trip is built to get you past the surface.

At NextTribe, we believe now — at midlife and beyond — is our moment to shine: to explore, grow, embrace new friendships, and enjoy new experiences together. With our connections, you’ll be able to see places and meet people you simply couldn’t on your own.

On every trip, bonding is quick and deep. There’s always a NextTribe leader along for the duration–a worldly, warm woman our age who will welcome all into the fold. Not a 26-year-old with a clipboard and attitude. One of us.

We keep groups small on purpose — which means this fills fast. Don’t be the one who waited too long.

~ Small groups-Women 45+ ~ Solo travelers welcome ~ Easy, interest-free payment ~ NextTribe members get $100 off this (and every) trip

Japan can feel like a big leap to take solo — which is exactly why we built this trip the way we did.

You won’t be the only one
A good number of women on this trip are traveling solo. You’ll land in a group full of women in exactly the same boat — that’s not an accident, it’s the whole design.

Slow means safe
This is not a chaotic dash through megacities. We move at a pace that lets you actually settle in — no scrambling, no overwhelm.

A trip leader who’s done it herself
Eleanor used to live in Tokyo and was on NextTribe’s first Japan trip in 2026. She knows exactly what first-time NextTribe travelers and those new to Japan need.

Rooming made simple
Solo travelers can book a single supplement or be matched with a compatible roommate from the group — your call.

The trip to Japan was a magical introduction to a country rich in traditional culture, amazing food and a peaceful, beautiful setting. Meeting new friends added to the trip’s fun moments and memories. – Janet H.

Japan’s culture of quiet kindness, honestly, respect and cleanliness will always remain with me? The visit to the Chichu Museum and Art Island was my “zen” moment. – Peggy M.

I was totally shocked by how much I enjoyed my trip with this wonderful group of ladies. WE all came from various parts of the country and various backgrounds, yet we bonded like old firends. This was my first trip with the group and I will definitely be doing it again!! I’m pretty much a loner but I felt right at home. Truly a great time every minute. – Christine B.

1. We skip the temple death-march. Japan has shrines on nearly every corner, and most trips make you visit an overly large percentage of them. We don’t. We take you to the ones that matter — Ise Jingu, the holiest site in Shintoism — and let the rest of your time go toward things you’ll actually remember.
2. You’ll work with your hands. Origami, kintsugi (the art of mending broken pottery with gold), Noh mask craftsmanship — this trip is full of the kind of hands-on, slow-down moments that turn a country into a memory instead of a photo album.
3. The women of Japan take center stage. We built this itinerary around conversations with female artisans, a female sushi chef, a female Noh mask carver, and the legendary Ama pearl divers — women who’ve been diving for shellfish at the bottom of the sea since the 10th century.
4. A full day of art on a private island. Naoshima is one of the most extraordinary places in Japan — an island given over almost entirely to contemporary art, with an underground museum, a Yayoi Kusama pumpkin on the shore, and galleries built to disappear into the landscape.
5. We eat like we mean it. Omakase sushi with a female chef, a countryside BBQ over the water, shabu shabu (a Japanese hot pot), seafood caught that morning by Ama divers — every day on this trip revolves around a meal worth planning around.

Do I need to come with someone?
Not at all. Women come with friends, sisters, or completely alone. The group dynamic works beautifully either way — and solo travelers often tell us it’s the best decision they ever made.

What fitness level do I need?
Moderate. You’ll be on your feet most days, but we pace thoughtfully. There is an option for a  hike in the outskirts of Kyoto, but you can always sit out anything that doesn’t appeal to you — no pressure, no judgment.

Will I know anyone?
Probably not going in. Almost certainly yes by day two. It happens on every single trip — that’s not marketing, it’s just what this kind of travel does.

What’s included?
All accommodations, 9 dinners, 7 lunches, all breakfasts, ground transportation, guided excursions, and your NextTribe trip leader throughout. International flights not included.

What if I need to cancel?
Full refund up to 90 days out (except for your deposit, which can be applied to another trip). We highly recommend trip protection insurance for added peace of mind — and we’re happy to point you toward options.

Eleanor grew up as a “Navy Brat”, moving every couple of years and never got tired of exploring new places. She’s always been passionate about travel and new experiences, having lived in Tokyo, London and Dubai and traveling globally whenever she found time.

She retired about 2 years ago from her job with NATO where she was based in the lovely, tiny, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. She recently qualified for Luxembourgish nationality and now splits her time between her new home and Virginia where she has family ties. She’s particularly obsessed with food, art and the history surrounding them, seeking out local artists, food tours and cooking classes on her travels. Her bucket list trip: Anyplace she hasn’t been – current cravings are New Zealand, Machu Picchu and The Galapagos.