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.
We've tweaked the itinerary based on traveler feedback from our first trip and moved the trip to the fall when there are fewer crowds. All this makes it extra special. Tried and true!
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
Visit NextTribe.com to explore all our trips!
As seen in Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler, MSNBC & Parade
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Questions? Click here to schedule a discovery phone call with Jeannie Edmunds, our NextTribe COO.
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.
Sept. 14-25, 2027
Come, explore, grow, embrace new friendships, and enjoy new experiences. The Japan of your Dreams is waiting — your moment to shine, to explore and grow.
Join us for this incredible Asian experience!
Reserve Your Spot Today!
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Touch down, get settled, and let the city do the rest. Tonight, we gather for a welcome dinner at a traditional tempura bar in Ebisu — think fried-to-order courses, good drinks, and your first real look at the group you'll be adventuring with for the next twelve days.
We start slow and meditative with a hands-on origami workshop — a craft that looks simple until you're the one trying to fold a crane. The rest of the day is yours: wander Ginza's flagship stores, get delightfully lost in a department store food hall, or just watch Tokyo move.
A day built for curiosity. We visit the Nezu Museum, where a serene garden holds centuries of Japanese art, then wander Kappabashi-dori — a street devoted entirely to knives, pottery, and kitchen tools. In the afternoon, we sit down with a female kintsugi artisan to learn the art of mending broken ceramics with gold, a practice that turns damage into beauty rather than hiding it. We close the day with a private omakase dinner from a female sushi chef — still rare in Japan's sushi world, and a meal worth the trip alone.
We ship our bags ahead to Kyoto, grab a bento for the ride, and board the bullet train to Iseshi. Ise Jingu is the most important shrine in all of Shintoism, tucked inside a forest so old it feels like its own weather system. We'll watch a Kagura dance performed by young priestesses before wandering the old-fashioned shops of Okage Yokocho. Tonight, we check into a traditional ryokan.
Today belongs to the ocean. We'll try our hand at pearl accessory-making on a working oyster farm, then head to Osatsu for lunch with the Ama — free-diving "sea women" who have fished these waters without modern equipment since 927 AD. In the late afternoon, sink into your ryokan's hot spring and let the day settle in.
A day with nowhere to be. Get a massage, soak in the onsen, walk the coastline — and around midday, gather for a BBQ lunch with a view of the sea that makes it hard to leave.
We travel by private bus to Kyoto, stopping for a shabu shabu lunch en route. In the city, we visit Nanzenji Temple's brick Suirokaku Aqueduct, then spend the afternoon with a female Noh mask artist, who walks us through the centuries-old craft of making masks for Japan's most enigmatic theater form. Dinner is French-Japanese fusion — Kyoto's quieter, more surprising side.
A free day to explore Kyoto however you like — or join the optional hike from Kurama to Kifune, an easy four-kilometer trail through forest and past hidden temples.
On our free day in Kyoto, you can choose to go on an easy 4-kilometer hike that connects the Kurama and Kibune villages. You’ll hike through a beautiful forest, with stops at unique temples along the way.
On the way back to Kyoto, the group will stop on a Ramen street where everyone can enjoy lunch at leisure.
This activity can be added at a later time. A decision is not required when booking.
Bullet train to Okayama, where we walk through Korakuen — one of Japan's three great gardens — with views of the striking black-walled Okayama Castle. From there, we explore Kurashiki, a centuries-old merchant town built along quiet canals. We spend the night in Uno port with dinner overlooking the water.
A ferry ride away is one of the most unusual places in Japan: an island where contemporary art and nature share equal billing. We'll descend into the underground galleries of the Chichu Art Museum, visit Benesse House, and pose with the island's iconic yellow pumpkin before heading back to the mainland.
Bullet train back to the capital, with the afternoon free to shop, wander, or simply sit somewhere and watch the city hum. We close out the trip together with a farewell dinner at a lively, of-the-moment izakaya.
One last morning in Japan before heading to the airport. Sayonara — until next time.
After booking the trip, you will recieve a travel guide with more detailed logistics and informaton.
It's tempting to book flights right away to get the best deal. We advise you wait until the trip has filled and is confirmed to book your flights. If you want to do it sooner, make sure you have good cancellation terms or trip protection insurance.
Arrival Sept. 14th: Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita (NRT). Haneda is closer to the hotel.
Departure Sept. 25th: Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita (NRT). Haneda is closer to the hotel.
Visa: No visa is required for US citizens traveling in Japan for less than 90 days. Your passport must be valid for 3 months beyond the last day of the trip.
If you have any questions, you can contact our travel manager, Marcy, at travel@nexttribe.com
Activity Level 3: Travelers should expect 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day, with some standing for lengths of time at various sites. All travelers need to be able to handle their own luggage.
Need Travel Planning Help? If you would like additional assistance with your travel planning (both pre and post NextTribe tour), please reach out to Vanessa Sinclair. She is a seasoned NextTribe traveler, trip leader, and licensed travel advisor. Vanessa@journeysoftaste.com
Inclusions
12 Nights Lodging
9 Dinners
7 Lunches
12 Breakfasts
Ground Transportation including bullet trains
Activities mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
Roundtrip Airfare
Airport Transfers (more details will be provided and we can assist with this) You should plan on approximately $100 each way.
Passport & Visa Fees
Alcohol
Meals, transportation and activites not listed in the inclusions
Travel Insurance (required for international trips. Scroll down for details)
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff
Next Tribe requires all international travelers to purchase travel insurance.
Travel insurance can be a helpful and valuable resource to pack! It can protect the investment of your trip and you while traveling.
We partner with Wanderwell, a Certified B Corporation travel insurance provider that makes it as simple as possible by not overwhelming you with options.
They offer just a few modern, benefit-packed trip protection plans that can cover the most common travel perils related to trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, travel Medical Expenses, baggage & personal effects, Emergency Medical Evacuation, and more.
Click Here to create quotes and purchase a plan through Wanderwell from our partner page.
If you prefer to talk to someone, please email support@gowanderwell.com. They will set up a phone call with you and can answer your questions.
This video will tell you if you’re a good fit for a NextTribe trip. We are proud that we’ve become known for how quickly and deeply our groups of women bond on our trips. One of our rules: No divas, please.
For more information, please contact our travel manager, Marcy, at travel@nexttribe.com