ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT! The Japan of Your Dreams

At a Glance

Multiple Locations , Japan

Apr 10 - Apr 20, 2026

10 Nights

3

12-14 Travelers

Starting At

$6,999

Deposit: $500

Home >Trip >ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT! The Japan of Your Dreams

Trip Description

We Show You the True Charm of Japan

For centuries, Japan was closed to the outside world and shrouded in mystery. Today, even though visitors have been exploring this country of shoguns, geishas and Shinto temples since the late 1800s, it still retains a powerful other-worldliness.

REMEMBER: We offer easy interest-free monthly payments to make our trips more accessible.

We can’t wait to take you from the neon-lit cities to the rolling countryside. During our 10 days on this carefully curated itinerary, we’ll stay in modern hotels and also traditional ryokans; we’ll travel on high-speed bullet trains and in private mini-buses. We’ll eat sushi, drink sake and soak up the many elements that make Japan one of the most distinctive destinations in the world.

But most of all we are eager to introduce you to interesting Japanese women–artists, artisans, dancers and those who continue to keep traditional ways.

NextTribe members get a $100 discount. Become a member here.

5 Things We Love About This Trip

We stay away from the temple track. There are temples and shrines everywhere in Japan, but we’ll only take you to the best ones. We have planned an itinerary that takes you beyond a checklist of architectural or religious sites.
We go hands-on. We’ll take classes in bento-box making, Kintsugi, indigo dyeing, mask making for traditional Japanese theater.
Oh, the women we’ll meet–including Ama Pearl Divers–“sea women” who have been diving and fishing at the bottom of the ocean since 927 AD
Art, art, art. We’ll send on day on Naoshima, an island filled with innovative sculptures and galleries.
Food, food, food. Anyone who’s been on a NextTribe trip knows we love to eat great, fresh, local food.

Meet Your Trip Leader: Jeannie Edmunds

Jeannie Edmunds lived and worked in Asia starting in 1987. She was the CNN reporter in Seoul for 2 years, and leads our trips to Vietnam every year. Though this is her first trip to Japan, she helped design the trip with a Tokyo-based, women-owned company that will provide us with English speaking guides in each destination. She has a Japanese relative in Tokyo who will greet our group as we begin our journey.

Photos

Map

Sample Itinerary

FRIDAY, April 10th: Welcome to Japan

A private charter bus will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel.

In the evening we will go to Gonpachi, the restaurant where the famous Tarantino film, Kill Bill was filmed.

We’ll have a welcome dinner in a traditional Japanese bar with drinks.

SATURDAY, April 11th: Bento Making and Tokyo Exploring

This morning, we join a bento cooking class, a cooking style used by Japanese mothers and wives for generations.

After enjoying our creations for lunch, the guide will take us to Ginza and give us a walking tour around the shops and architectural landmarks.

We’ll have the afternoon free to enjoy this shopping district or explore other places in Tokyo.

SUNDAY, April 12th: Kintsugi & The Arts

We start with a visit to Nezu Museum whose garden, building, and art collection are all unique, opening a window into the modern and the classic Japanese arts.

From there, we take a walking tour of Kappabashi Dori a street full of pottery, knives, and kitchen utensil shops.

After lunch, we’ll join a kintsugi experience with a female artisan. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold.

For dinner, we get to experience a private omakase sushi dinner with a female sushi chef.

MONDAY, April 13th: Shinto Shrine & Traditional Miko Dancing

Today we check out from our hotel and take the Bullet train to Iseshi. You can buy a bento and enjoy it on your ride–as the locals do!

When we arrive, a private bus takes us to Ise Jingu Shrine, the most important shrine in Shintoism, the indigenous religion in Japan. In the temple complex, surrounded by a sacred forest, we’ll see a Miko dancing ritual performed by a young priestess.

After that, you’ll have some free time exploring Okage Yokocho Street before heading to the hotel, a traditional Japanese ryokan.

TUESDAY, April 14th: Women Pearl Divers

In the morning we’ll have a pearl accessory-making experience on an oyster farm.

Then we head to Osatsu for a delicious lunch with fresh seafood caught by Ama Divers. Ama are “sea women” who have been diving and fishing at the bottom of the ocean since 927 AD.

After lunch you can relax in the room, get a massage in the spa or enjoy the natural hot springs.

WEDNESDAY, April 15th: Kyoto, Indigo Dyeing & Sake Tasting

Today we head to Kyoto by private bus. In Kyoto we’ll explore Fushimi Inari with its more than 1,000 beautiful and iconic red gates. Then, a traditional lunch nearby with sake tasting at one of the local breweries.

In the afternoon we’ll have an indigo dyeing experience, learn the traditional technique, and you can take your creation home on the same day.

For dinner, we’ll go to a Japanese izakaya and have some drinks like a local.

THURSDAY, April 16th: Women Monks & Artisans

In the morning we’ll be treated to a breathwork session guided by a female monk. Afterwards she’ll explain her philosophy in an intimate conversation with the group.

Then we’ll visit the workshop of a woman who makes Noh masks. She will talk to us about her artistic process and show us some masks used in this traditional Japanese theatre.

Later we head to Higashiyama where are invited to a traditional Buddhist lunch at Tenryuji Temple.

That afternoon is free for your to explore on your own.

FRIDAY, April 17th: Castles, Gardens & Shops in Okayama

In the morning we take the train to Okayama.

We’ll visit Okayama Castle, a 16th-century castle noted for its black exterior. The garden beside the castle is considered one of Japan’s three great gardens, and though it has been destroyed by floods and bombing over the years, accurate historical records have allowed them to restore it to the original plan. We’ll also explore Kurashiki, a merchant town known for its centuries-old buildings, shops, and canals.

Tonight we stay in the port town of Uno, where we’ll have another a delicious dinner.

SATURDAY, April 18th: Japan's Art Island

Today we’re exploring Japan’s art Island: Naoshima. A bus will take us to the ferry dock, and we’ll make the 20-30 minute trip across the water..

On the island we’ll visit the Chichu Art Museum, an underground museum built to host various art pieces co-existing with nature. Then we’ll visit the Benesse House Museum, where nature, art, and architecture come together.

After lunch we’ll explore the Miyanoura Port area.

SUNDAY, April 19th: Exploring Osaka

This morning we’re back on the Bullet train to our last destination, Osaka. Well start our visit at the Osaka castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan in the sixteenth century.

In the afternoon, we head to Dotonbori for a food tour, after which you can choose from the local food specialties, such as Takoyaki and Kushikatsu for lunch. We’ll also visit some female-run shops and have some free time to explore.

Our farewell dinner will take place on a terrace overlooking the illuminated Osaka skyline at night.

MONDAY, April 20th: : Departure

Farewell, friends!
Transfer to the airport for flights home or other destinations.

Logistics

Fly into Tokyo on Friday, April 10th. Your first activity will be dinner, so you can arrive in the afternoon. Keep in mind that you will most likely be departing the US on April 9th in order to get to Japan on the 10th.

Fly out of Osaka on Monday, April 20th. You can book your flights any time today.

Airport transfers are included both ways.

If you wish to arrive early or extend your trip, you are responsible for your own hotel bookings. We will do our best to keep you in the same room.

We will have the same English speaking guide with us for the entirety of the trip.

Transportation within Japan will be by private microbus and Bullet Trains.

No visa is required for US citizens. Please ensure that your passport is valid for 90 days after your trip.

You will be receiving periodic communications from us leading up to departure with other important details included. If you have any questions, you can contact our travel manager, Marcy, at travel@nexttribe.com

Arrival

Fly Into Tokyo

Departure

Fly Out of Osaka

What's Included

10 Nights Lodging
7 Dinners
6 Lunches
10 Breakfasts
Ground Transportation
Activities.

All activities noted in the itinerary.

What's Not Included

Roundtrip Airfare
Meals, transportations and activities not listed in the inclusions
Alcohol
Personal Expenses such as gifts and snacks

Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff, travel insurance, round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, personal items such as phone calls, laundry, baggage fees and items not expressly listed as included.

Additional Add-Ons

Hotels

Solaria Nishinsetsu Ginza

Tokyo

View Hotel

Sun Urashima No Sato

Mie Urashima

View Hotel

Oakwood Hotel Oike

Kyoto

View Hotel

Moxy Osaka Honmachi

Osaka

View Hotel

Uno Hotel

Uno

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Our travelers love us (yay!)

Colleen M., California

“

What I love about the NextTribe trips is that there is so much camaraderie of other women that are like you, and then the fabulous things that the organizers puts together to give you that viewpoint, it’s awesome.

”

Courtney M., Texas

“

What I love about NextTribe trips is that you get the experience from an insider’s perspective—someone that has ties to the community and focused on building relationships from the start. I’ve been on a trip with another women’s travel group that dropped a guide in, not personally knowing anything about the locale, traditions, or culture. She was there to make sure you showed up on time, got on the bus, etc. With NextTribe, you feel like you’re having a personalized experience with your best girlfriends.

”

Donna B., Washington

“

I didn't know anyone going on the trip but that didn't stop me from signing up. I have learned that some of my life's greatest adventures have come from taking a risk and jumping in feet first. So glad I did with NextTribe! I may not have known anybody at the start, but now I feel like I know everybody.

”

Connie B., Pennsylvania

“

I love to meet and interact with strong, mature women from across the country as we learn together.

”

Leslie M., Georgia

“

I always come by myself on NextTribe trips because I like to meet super fun and interesting women. We're always doing fun and interesting things in great cities that you couldn't do on your own because you wouldn't know the people or places or the insiders.

”

Teresa S., Kentucky

“

NextTribe fills the need I have to travel with older interesting women who are curious about the world and want to share the journey.

”

We write articles about all our trips. Read about these special experiences.

View More Past Trips

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What to Expect Traveling with NextTribe

You’ll be embraced by a tribe of travelers, starting with smart, fun women who lead our trips. We even have a code of community for both travelers and guides.

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Terms & Conditions

Here’s the boring stuff we encourage you to read so there are no surprises.

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Travel Insurance – Do You Need it?

Short answer: Yes! We strongly suggest you buy trip insurance to protect your investment in the trip.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s different about your trips?

We curate trips specifically for curious, engaged women over 45. You’re pretty well assured that your fellow travelers will be a lot like you–since you’ve all responded to the idea of “aging boldly.”. That means built-in compatibility in your small group, including the woman who is leading the adventure.. In addition to specializing in group travel for people who don’t normally like group travel, we also pride ourselves on creating experiences that allow you to interact with local women or get deeper into the culture than you would if you planned the trip yourself.

Where do you go?

We have a wide range of weekend jaunts here in the U.S. for those who want a quick getaway. We also love taking women to Mexico, where founder Jeannie Ralston used to live. We’re always talking about pushing boundaries, and we’re doing that in the geographic sense too. For those with more time, we offer trips all over Europe, to India, Vietnam, Peru (for a hike on the inca Trail to Machu Picchu). Soon, our travelers will be getting passport stamps in even more countries on six continents. Be saving those frequent flier miles!

What do you mean by transformational travel?

NextTribe is affiliated with the Transformational Travel Council, an international group of travel professionals dedicated to making the world a better place, one trip and one traveler at a time. We recognize that travelers, especially post-pandemic, are looking for more than just a date and a destination. They can shop for that anywhere online. Our community honors the intention behind a traveler’s investment in a trip. Our travelers want to have fun (we do too!) and to travel with a sense of purpose and belonging. That’s why we go to great lengths to provide ways for women to self-select by reading the articles in our magazine and the content of our website. If you like what you see, you’re likely to be a NextTribe traveler, and we look forward to seeing you on a trip soon!

What if I travel solo?

If you really prefer to book your travel yourself and go it alone, we applaud you. That’s brave and bold and we would never try to talk you out of it. But our trips are designed so that even a woman who’s used to traveling alone, or someone shy about meeting new people, will feel comfortable in our group. Our trip leaders are there to “read the room” and make sure everyone feels included and respected.

What if I don’t like group travel?

We don’t either! Not the way most groups do it. If you feel like doing what the group is doing, great! Join us for dinner or just some of the activities. All the benefits of solo travel and the comfort of being with a group. Our groups are small (normally around 12 to 14 women) and in most situations, you are free to opt out of an activity. We figure you’re grown-ass women who know what’s best for you.

What’s the price range of your trips?

We are committed to providing what we call “affordable-luxury” travel. Don’t expect
the Four Seasons, but who wants to stay in a gilded bubble anyhow? We always look for good value and offer wonderful hotels and memorable experiences that won’t break the bank and will get you closer to how locals live. Our prices depend on the length of the
trip and the destination. We offer domestic trips for under $2,000 for a shared room, which we encourage. If you don’t have a roommate we will match you with someone. Sometimes this has resulted in lasting friendships with new travel buddies., Some of
our longer trips–two weeks in India or Vietnam, for example–will cost between
$4,800 and $6,000.

What’s included in the price?

Our trips cover most everything you’ll need to dive into a destination. Hotels and most meals, plus special experiences such as hands-on classes and sessions with local artists, writers or entrepreneurs are almost always included, but each trip is different so please be sure to read The Experience and the itinerary. We occasionally have an add-on for an extra price, but those are clearly designated. What’s not covered as a rule are airfare, alcohol and tips.

Do you have payment plans?

We sure do. It’s easy to pay for our trips by setting up automatic credit card charges at regular intervals, interest free. Think of it as the layaway plan to feed your soul.

How do I get trip discounts?

Our NextTribe members get a discount on every trip. Plus, members are the first to hear about new trips and receive upgrades on rooms if they’re available. Check out our three different membership levels here.

What’s the average age of women on the trips?

We welcome all women over 45, but most of our travelers are in the 50 to 65 age range. More important than age is the spirit of the traveler–her curiosity about the world, and her eagerness to embrace new opportunities. We’ve found women of any age with those qualities fit in well with our groups.

What’s the activity level of the trips?

Most of our trips are geared for active travelers who like to walk–a rating of 3 on our 1-5 rating scale. Here are some examples of how we rate. A designation of 1 would be our beach trips, where it’s up to you if you’d like to stroll down the beach, or play in the waves or walk around the small town. Trips where we have dedicated transportation for much of the time (such as India) are a 2; Paris is a 3 because we believe the best way to appreciate a city is to view it on foot. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is a 4, because you’ll be walking up some hills (at 6,000 feet altitude) and occasionally on cobblestone sidewalks. Our Inca trail trip is a 5, as are our more adventurous outdoor trips.