Your Journey Day by Day
Zen Fall: An Autumn Adventure in Hidden Japan
November 10–18, 2026
Day 1 (Afternoon/Evening): Taketa — Quiet Castle Town & Temple Sanctuary
Travel inland to Taketa, a charming historic castle town. You'll wonder why it's not overrun with tourists. .
Feel time slow as you walk the grounds of Fukoji Temple, its towering stone Buddha carved into a cliff face, a sculptured garden and profound stillness.
Watch the sun set from high atop Oka Castle Ruins, once a stronghold — now a poetic hilltop overlooking the a winding river and the distant mountains.
Dine at a no frills local restaurant serving the best Japanese fried chicken around or home-style chicken nanban, prepared by according the family secret recipe for 50 years.
Spend the night in a peaceful village inn where simplicity restores your senses.
Day 1 (Morning): Beppu — Legendary Hot Springs
Start your journey surrounded by a vast mountain range and the steaming soul of Japan’s geothermal heart.
Nestled on the edge of a national park, cradling the pacific Beppu welcomes you with iconic hotsprings and crisp mountain air. Ease into the rhythm of the retreat with a grounding Zen orientation session, then indulge in a top end sushi lunch — served by kimono clad staff combining Japanese renowned hospitality and Kyushu's friendly openess.
It’s your first taste of letting go.
Day 2: Taketa to Takachiho — Myths, Forests & Sacred Energy
Begin with sunrise meditation and a slow exploration of Taketa’s cultural and geological gems — waterfalls, Geopark sites, and old-world charm. In the afternoon, descend into the sacred realm of Takachiho. Stand among towering cedars, walk to the mythic cave where the Shinto gods once gathered, and feel the deep pulse of Japan’s origin story. Then travel to the pristine Shishigawa region. Pause at a awe inspiring mountaintop lookout for sunset meditation before arriving at your riverside retreat nestled beneath majestic peaks.
Day 3: Shishigawa — Virgin Forest Climb & River Silence
Awaken with Zen and Chi Gong, then hike a secluded mountain trail through untouched forest scattered with huge xenoliths to waterfall beside a curiously shaped balancing rock.
Enjoy lunch with high and deep in ancient forest before returning for riverside meditative walking.
As the sunsets behind majestic peaks, enter noble silence, soaking in the peace oozing from this secret sanctuary.
Day 4: Shishigawa — Nature Healing & Breathwork
Let the land be your temple.
A day of inner adventure supported by nature: breath-work, sound healing, and deep rest.
With forest light dancing on water and Gaia beneath you, you’ll remember what it’s like to truly be.
Day 5 (Morning): Kadogawa — Festival Spirit in Full Bloom
Step into the living heart of Japans fishing culture at the Danjiri Festival — a spirited, centuries-old celebration of strength, pride, and community.
The air pulses with taiko drums, chants, and the deep roots of tradition. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable.
Feel the vitality of this port towns life — become part of the sea of supporters urging on the feats of strength and endurance.
Day 6: Ebino Plateau — Volcanic Majesty & Zen Retreat
Enter the first national park in Japan, long revered for its spiritual energy. Hike a rarely traversed path through several distinct forest environs to crater lake, to peak with only the sky above. By evening, retreat to a secluded ryokan hidden in red pine forest and volcanic gases billowing from the slopes. Soak in outdoor hot springs with sweeping view of the valley far below and experience a rare volcanic steam sauna — ancient tools for cleansing and rejuvenatiing body and spirit.
Day 7: Ebino Highland — Sacred Loops & Final Reflections
Begin with morning Zen and a hike through crisp pine air to a sacred 3-lake shrine circuit, a highland crater moor, pause above dramatic volcanic cliffs for one last deep breath — this land, this life, this moment. Close the circle not with words, but with presence.
Day 5 - Secret Peninsula Hike and Emerald Bay Tidal Pools
Step away from the festival energy and into a hidden coastal paradise.
Hike through semi-tropical forest where mountains tumble into the sea, revealing dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and jewel-toned coves.
Enjoy a picnic bento by an emerald bay, then explore tidal pools teeming with life.
In the late afternoon, ascend to one of the region’s highest coastal peaks for a breathtaking sunset Zen session.
As twilight deepens, return to town, where the Danjiri floats still rumble through the streets — and finish the day with what to me is the highlight meal of the tour unforgettable feast of expertly grilled chicken and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu.
Your Journey Day by Day
Zen Fall: An Autumn Adventure in Hidden Japan
November 10–18, 2026
Day 1 (Afternoon/Evening): Taketa — Quiet Castle Town & Temple Sanctuary
Travel inland to Taketa, a charming historic castle town. You'll wonder why it's not overrun with tourists. .
Feel time slow as you walk the grounds of Fukoji Temple, its towering stone Buddha carved into a cliff face, a sculptured garden and profound stillness.
Watch the sun set from high atop Oka Castle Ruins, once a stronghold — now a poetic hilltop overlooking the a winding river and the distant mountains.
Dine at a no frills local restaurant serving the best Japanese fried chicken around or home-style chicken nanban, prepared by according the family secret recipe for 50 years.
Spend the night in a peaceful village inn where simplicity restores your senses.
Day 1 (Morning): Beppu — Legendary Hot Springs
Start your journey surrounded by a vast mountain range and the steaming soul of Japan’s geothermal heart.
Nestled on the edge of a national park, cradling the pacific Beppu welcomes you with iconic hotsprings and crisp mountain air. Ease into the rhythm of the retreat with a grounding Zen orientation session, then indulge in a top end sushi lunch — served by kimono clad staff combining Japanese renowned hospitality and Kyushu's friendly openess.
It’s your first taste of letting go.
Day 2: Taketa to Takachiho — Myths, Forests & Sacred Energy
Begin with sunrise meditation and a slow exploration of Taketa’s cultural and geological gems — waterfalls, Geopark sites, and old-world charm. In the afternoon, descend into the sacred realm of Takachiho. Stand among towering cedars, walk to the mythic cave where the Shinto gods once gathered, and feel the deep pulse of Japan’s origin story. Then travel to the pristine Shishigawa region. Pause at a awe inspiring mountaintop lookout for sunset meditation before arriving at your riverside retreat nestled beneath majestic peaks.
Day 3: Shishigawa — Virgin Forest Climb & River Silence
Awaken with Zen and Chi Gong, then hike a secluded mountain trail through untouched forest scattered with huge xenoliths to waterfall beside a curiously shaped balancing rock.
Enjoy lunch with high and deep in ancient forest before returning for riverside meditative walking.
As the sunsets behind majestic peaks, enter noble silence, soaking in the peace oozing from this secret sanctuary.
Day 4: Shishigawa — Nature Healing & Breathwork
Let the land be your temple.
A day of inner adventure supported by nature: breath-work, sound healing, and deep rest.
With forest light dancing on water and Gaia beneath you, you’ll remember what it’s like to truly be.
Day 5 (Morning): Kadogawa — Festival Spirit in Full Bloom
Step into the living heart of Japans fishing culture at the Danjiri Festival — a spirited, centuries-old celebration of strength, pride, and community.
The air pulses with taiko drums, chants, and the deep roots of tradition. It’s raw, real, and unforgettable.
Feel the vitality of this port towns life — become part of the sea of supporters urging on the feats of strength and endurance.
Day 6: Ebino Plateau — Volcanic Majesty & Zen Retreat
Enter the first national park in Japan, long revered for its spiritual energy. Hike a rarely traversed path through several distinct forest environs to crater lake, to peak with only the sky above. By evening, retreat to a secluded ryokan hidden in red pine forest and volcanic gases billowing from the slopes. Soak in outdoor hot springs with sweeping view of the valley far below and experience a rare volcanic steam sauna — ancient tools for cleansing and rejuvenatiing body and spirit.
Day 7: Ebino Highland — Sacred Loops & Final Reflections
Begin with morning Zen and a hike through crisp pine air to a sacred 3-lake shrine circuit, a highland crater moor, pause above dramatic volcanic cliffs for one last deep breath — this land, this life, this moment. Close the circle not with words, but with presence.
Day 5 - Secret Peninsula Hike and Emerald Bay Tidal Pools
Step away from the festival energy and into a hidden coastal paradise.
Hike through semi-tropical forest where mountains tumble into the sea, revealing dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and jewel-toned coves.
Enjoy a picnic bento by an emerald bay, then explore tidal pools teeming with life.
In the late afternoon, ascend to one of the region’s highest coastal peaks for a breathtaking sunset Zen session.
As twilight deepens, return to town, where the Danjiri floats still rumble through the streets — and finish the day with what to me is the highlight meal of the tour unforgettable feast of expertly grilled chicken and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu.
