OCTOBER 17 - 27, 2026 - Waitlist only

April 18 - 28, 2027 - now booking

All destinations available for private group bookings of six or more people on a date of your choosing. Email us via our contact page by CLICKING HERE.

Package Details: 

ACCOMMODATIONS

You’ve likely heard how expensive Japan is. That can be true. However, we do extensive research to find the very best quality without breaking the bank. Our hotels are upscale and located in ideal locations just a short walk from the best dining, temples and activities! You’ll experience authentic culture right outside your doorstep!

Fukui - Our trip begins in a beautiful prefecture still untouched by mass tourism. You won’t find any English menus here and very few English speaking locals. Perfect! When we built this trip our goal was to show you authentic Japan and we found it! A short ride from our wonderful hotel, lie some of the countries best temples. Unlike the experience of most Japan travelers, we won’t be crowded by thousands of people. Quiet, calm and serene. Just like we like it!

Kyoto - We were leery about including Kyoto given it’s popularity. However, after our scouting trip there we fell in love. Yes, there are crowded areas. We avoid them at all costs. Kyoto is stocked with amazing dining and some very cool cultural experiences. We will visit temples but we know the secret to avoiding the crowds. Go after sunset! Temples are beautifully lit at night and other travelers are headed off to dinner. And this is why you travel with Flow. We do our homework and show you all our hacks.

Kurashiki - Our friends in Kurashiki are going to show you a side of Japan 99.9% of visitors will never see starting with meals at small Izakayas where you’ll dine with, and like, locals. Our hotel is steps away from the beautiful Bikan Historical Quarter. We’ll tour a 117 year old sake brewery, share a tea ceremony together, ride a traditional Yakatabune boat down the canal and so much more. Ever been to a locals only karaoke bar? Our owner was the first foreigner to ever enter it. We’ll take you there if you’re feeling adventurous.

Osaka - No trip to Japan is complete without seeing the big city lights, and organized chaos, of Tokyo or Osaka. We prefer Osaka given it’s proximity to our other destinations and reputation for being a smaller, slightly more laid back vibe. You will start and end your trip here with just enough time to visit iconic areas like Dotonbori, America Mura and Shensekai. Like every location we take our guests, we’ve got the dining scene dialed and will open doors to the best hidden speakeasys and restaurants in the area for you. No effort needed on your part. It’s what we do.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

This trip is packed with cultural experiences, beautiful temples and amazing dining. We truly believe you will leave Japan feeling you experienced it all. Not just the standard big citys and temple tours. Authentic, local, off the beaten path memories created. These are a few of the trip highlights. But only a small taste of the full experience!

Japanese Tea Ceremony - This one is moving. As in your soul is going to get touched by over 1,500 years of tradition. Your eyes will see it, but your spirit will feel it. Like so many of our activities, our personal friend, Soshin, will be hosting us. We can’t wait for you to enter her chashitsu and feel the power of this special occasion!

Washi Paper Making - Talk about a cool souvenir! The ancient practice washi making has existed since the birth of Japan and we don’t just take you any old washi location. We take you to the one town in Japan that is specifically know for it’s washi craftsmanship. A town with 1500 years of washi making history. The real deal. You’ll hand craft and decorate your own paper that can be made as a fan, postcards, letters and more. See below photo gallery.

Shamisen Lesson - You know in the movies where a character is playing a small guitar like Japanese instrument? You’re going to learn to play that from a local professional who plays all over the world in various performances. Our friend, Jack, is a fantastic instructor that will have you strumming in tune by the end of the lesson. Well…in tune is up to you. But SO fun guaranteed! LOL

Wagasa Making (Japanese Umbrella) - In 1690 the Tsujikura legacy began. Since then, it has been passed down through seventeen generations. You’re going to need a special place in your home to feature the umbrella you designed and decorated in Japan. Not only is it a unique piece that represents you, it’s literally a piece of generational history. The average retail cost of their umbrellas is over $400. We make a smaller version of that but yeah….this piece is special.

Samurai Sword Lesson - Go on an journey into the world of Samurai. We first take a guided tour through the families museum featuring Edo period armor, swords and weapons while learning about the Kyoto specific history of Samurai. And then the fun begins! Dressed in traditional Hamaka pants and Kimono top, a Samurai master will teach you how to draw and wield the sword before moving on to learning a traditional kata. You are now officially a bad ass! LOL

Yakatabune Ride - In the historic Bikan District of Kurashiki, we’ll enjoy a very casual day of shopping, dining and strolling the area. Peace is the word that comes to mind. We’ll start that day with a calming traditional boat ride down the beautiful canal. BTW the shopping and food scene in Kurashiki is wonderful!

Organized Yet Free - This trip is loaded with activities as you’ll see below. However, these planned activities are just the tip of the iceberg. You will have a chance to experience so much more of Japan in non planned activities should you choose. You’re also in dining and shopping heaven and you will have plenty of time for both. It's your vacation! Fill your cup as you see fit.

TEMPLES

Echizen Daibutsu features the largest seated Buddah in all of Japan at seventeen meters tall. It also features Japan’s tallest five story pagoda which we will walk to the top of for a stunning view of the Fukui prefecture countryside.

Eiheiji, "The Temple of Eternal Peace", is one of the two head temples of Soto Zen. It was founded by Zen Master Dōgen in 1244. Still today, at Eiheiji over one hundred monks devote themselves wholeheartedly to his practice of Shikantaza （"single-minded sitting").

Heisenji Hakusan is said to have been founded by the Great Master Taichō in the first year of the Yōrō era (717). At its peak during the Warring States period, it is said to have boasted 48 shrines, 36 halls, 6,000 monastic quarters, and a force of 8,000 monk-soldiers. The site was burned to the ground during a war and abandoned for centuries before being discovered again and excavated in 1989.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

10 Nights Upscale Accommodations in Osaka (2), Fukui (3), Kyoto (3), Kurashiki (2)

Four Shinkansen Bullet Train Rides In VIP Cabin

Private Transportation To All Excursions and Activities

Temple / Shine Visits - Heisenji Hakusan Shrine, Echizen Daibutsu, Diahonzan Eiheiji, Kodai-Ji, South Tower Gate Kyoto & and Maruyama Gardens Night Tour

Asakura Clan Ruins & Museum Tour

Washi Paper Making & Souvenir

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Shamisen Guitar Lesson

Japanese Umbrella Making & Souvenir

Samurai Museum Tour & Sword Lesson

One Hundred and Seventeen Year Old Sake Brewery Tour & Tasting

Yakatabune Boat Ride

Gion Historical District Kyoto Walk

Nishiki Market Kyoto Walk

Osaka - Dotonbori, American Mura and Shinsekai Walk

Hidden Speakeasy and Locals Only Bar Tours (For those interested)

Planned Time To Stroll, Relax & Shop In The Beautiful Towns We Stay In.

All Logistics Handled By Flow Team On Site With You

Flow Team Scouted Restaurants For The Best Japanese Food You’ll Ever Taste

Most Importantly… A Connecting, Uplifting, Supportive Group Environment Fostering A Transformational Vacation Experience !!!

Optional Add On

Extend your trip by visiting Tokyo or multiple other locations. Flow will send you our list of recommended hotels, restaurants and activities in each. It’s extensive.

Not Included

Flight To Japan

Meals and Beverages (Read Below)

$25 Suica Mobile App (Needed By Each Guest For Transfers In Train Stations)

These are just the basics of the trip. We’re going to take you to some of the most scenic and tasty restaurants you’ve ever seen. Places that are an experience all on their own! In addition, there will always be plenty of down time built into the trip for you to simply relax and bliss out in paradise, shop or explore.

FLIGHTS

You need to land in Osaka, Japan by 3:00 PM on the first day of the trip. We highly recommend arriving sooner than later so you don’t waist a full day. You can also arrive a day or two early if you’d like more time to relax before the trip begins. We will arrange any extra nights for you at our hotel once you have emailed us your flight confirmation.

Your departure flight will be out of Osaka on the last day of the trip. You also have the option to extend your trip in a variety of locations which we will assist you in planning. We have done extensive research in Japan and are happy to share our knowledge with you.

We are happy to take the stress out of booking and arrange your flights for you. Simply give us your local airport and we will find the best flight at the best price. Use Google Flights to look up the flight you want. Then book directly with the airline. This will help avoid challenges should you have delays or need to make changes.

DINING

One of the many extras you get on a Flow vacation is our knowledge of the best places to dine. The best flavors, views and ambiance. You’ll never eat somewhere average. We chose not to include breakfast on this trip because the hotels charge an arm and a leg for it which we would have to pass on to you. In our scouting trip to Japan we found you can eat for a third of the price, and better, by dining just outside of the hotel buffet. Our Kyoto hotel for example has a wonderful café/bakery in the lobby. $6 gets you a coffee and a delicious meal. The hotel breakfast buffet cost $20.

We always encourage guest to explore the local dining scene. It’s a major part of the experience. Many of our nights we will take you to spots most travelers would never find. Hidden gems! Local friends! We’re going to eat good! You also have the choice to dine where ever and when ever you like of course.