A JOURNEY THROUGH BUDDHIST JAPAN
A reflective journey through Buddhism, landscape, and the art of seeing.
Spring 2027 · 13 Days / 12 Nights · Japan
An intimate exploration of temples, traditions, and landscapes — and the quiet moments in between.
The journey in a nutshell
A Journey Through Buddhist Japan is not a conventional sightseeing tour, nor is it a formal Buddhist pilgrimage.
It is a slower journey through Japan, following the connections between Buddhism, landscape, history, architecture, gardens, traditional arts and everyday life.
Buddhism provides the connecting thread, but the journey is open to people of any belief or level of previous knowledge. Along the way we will visit important Buddhist temples and historic sites, experience Japanese gardens and traditional arts, stay in distinctive Japanese accommodations, and leave time for photography, conversation, personal exploration and quiet reflection.
The itinerary doesn’t move in historical order — it moves geographically, from Kamakura’s Zen temples to Nara’s early foundations to Mount Hiei, where much of Japanese Buddhism began. Each day fills in another piece of how these traditions connect.
Rather than trying to see as much as possible, the journey is designed to allow each place to contribute to a larger story. Our aim isn’t to see as much as possible, but to learn how to see more deeply.
I will personally host the journey together with my wife, Maria Franco Jove. We will be accompanied by specialist local guides and cultural partners arranged by our Japanese partner, Towaka, a Japan-based destination management company.
The Art of Seeing
Photography will naturally be part of the journey, but this is not a photography workshop.
Japan offers endless opportunities to slow down and pay attention: the architecture of a temple, the changing light in a garden, Mount Fuji across the lake, the atmosphere of an old post town, a tea ceremony, a craftsman’s hands, or a fleeting moment on the street.
I will be available throughout the journey for anyone interested in photography, whether you are working with a camera or simply a cell phone. I am happy to offer informal guidance, discuss images, or look at photographs with you along the way.
There will also be opportunities for those interested in meditation, a short sitting practice, or a gentle morning Qigong warm-up. These will be entirely optional.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Arrive individually at either Narita or Haneda Airport, with individual or coordinated transfer to the hotel.
The afternoon is intentionally light, allowing everyone to rest and settle into Japan.
In the evening we will gather for a welcome dinner and an introduction to the journey.
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Welcome dinner
DAY 2 — KAMAKURA
The Development of Zen in Japan
We travel by private vehicle to Kamakura, one of the most important centres in the development of Zen Buddhism in Japan.
With a specialist guide, we will explore the emergence of Zen, its relationship with the warrior class and its influence on Japanese religious and cultural life.
Possible visits include Kōtoku-in and the Great Buddha, Kenchō-ji and Engaku-ji, with time for lunch and individual observation.
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 — TOKYO TO LAKE KAWAGUCHI
Mount Fuji as a Sacred Landscape
We leave Tokyo by private vehicle for the Fuji Five Lakes region.
Before reaching Lake Kawaguchi, we will visit Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, historically connected with pilgrims preparing to ascend Mount Fuji, and learn something of the Fuji-kō pilgrimage tradition.
We then continue to Lake Kawaguchi, where the late afternoon is free to enjoy the lake and surrounding landscape, relax or make use of the hotel’s hot spring baths.
Overnight: Lake Kawaguchi
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 4 — LAKE KAWAGUCHI
Landscape, Stillness and the Art of Seeing
A deliberately spacious day around Lake Kawaguchi.
The experience of Mount Fuji depends greatly on weather and light, so rather than filling the day with activities, we leave room to respond to the landscape.
There may be an optional nature or cultural excursion, but there will also be plenty of time for walking, photography, independent exploration, reflection and the hotel’s hot spring baths.
Overnight: Lake Kawaguchi
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 5 — LAKE KAWAGUCHI TO NARAI-JUKU
A Journey Through the Mountains
We travel through the mountain landscapes of central Japan by private vehicle.
Narai-juku was once an important post town on the Nakasendō route between Edo and Kyoto. Its preserved streets offer a very different atmosphere from Tokyo and provide a natural transition before Kyoto.
There will be time to explore the historic town slowly, with the possibility of a small cultural encounter involving local craftsmanship, lacquerware or the living history of Narai.
Overnight: Narai-juku
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 6 — NARAI-JUKU TO KYOTO
From the Old Highway to the Cultural Capital
Enjoy a quiet morning in Narai before continuing to Kyoto.
We will combine private transportation with reserved-seat train travel. Where practical, main luggage will be forwarded separately to the Kyoto hotel, allowing us to travel without the burden of suitcases.
The remainder of the day is free to rest or begin exploring Kyoto.
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 — EASTERN KYOTO
Temple Architecture and the Tea Tradition
We begin our exploration of Kyoto in the eastern districts, where temples, historic streets and traditional architecture remain closely connected.
The day may include Kiyomizu-dera and a carefully paced walk through Higashiyama.
We will also share a traditional tea experience, looking beyond the formal movements of the ceremony to consider the relationship between attention, hospitality, aesthetics and presence.
The late afternoon is free.
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8 — KYOTO
Zen, Gardens and Contemplative Culture
Zen, Gardens and Contemplative Culture
Today we explore the influence of Zen on temple design, garden aesthetics and Japanese cultural expression.
Rather than trying to visit every famous temple, we will focus on a carefully chosen selection of places that allow us to experience different aspects of Zen architecture and aesthetics.
After visiting one of the gardens, there will be an invitation to sit in silence for a few minutes before moving on. Entirely optional.
Kyoto’s Zen history includes women as well as men — Mugai Nyodai, who became the first female Zen abbess in Japan in the 13th century, founded a convent here that was part of a network of women’s Zen temples known as the Ama Gozan.
Subject to availability, there may also be an opportunity for a short meditation session or encounter with a temple representative.
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 — NARA
The Foundations of Buddhism in Japan
We travel to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and one of the most important places for understanding the early development of Buddhism in Japan.
Our central visit will be Tōdai-ji, with its enormous Great Buddha and vast wooden hall.
We will also have time to experience a quieter side of Nara, perhaps exploring Naramachi, a quieter temple or historic neighbourhood.
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 — KYOTO
Traditional Arts and Personal Exploration
Our final full day in Kyoto offers another perspective on Buddhist Japan through traditional arts and everyday cultural practice.
A carefully selected experience may include flower arranging, calligraphy, craftsmanship or another discipline reflecting attention, practice and aesthetic awareness.
The afternoon is deliberately free. You might return to a favourite place, explore independently, photograph Kyoto or simply rest before our stay on Mount Hiei.
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11 — KYOTO TO MOUNT HIEI
Entering the World of Enryaku-ji
We leave Kyoto for Mount Hiei, home of Enryaku-ji and the centre of the Tendai Buddhist tradition.
Mount Hiei is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Japan. Many influential Japanese Buddhist teachers trained here, and the mountain played a foundational role in the development of several later schools of Japanese Buddhism.
We will stay at temple accommodation associated with Enryaku-ji. The simplicity of temple lodging and the rhythm of temple life provide a natural culmination to the journey.
Subject to the temple’s schedule, there may be an opportunity to participate in meditation, sutra copying, a Dharma talk or another temple-led Buddhist activity.
Overnight: Mount Hiei
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 12 — MOUNT HIEI TO KYOTO
Reflection and Conclusion
The morning begins with the rhythm of the temple. Subject to the temple’s schedule, there may be an opportunity to participate in morning worship or another contemplative practice.
After breakfast, there will be time for a final walk or temple visit before returning to Kyoto.
The afternoon is free for rest and personal reflection.
In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner and an opportunity to reflect on the places, stories and experiences that have connected throughout the journey.
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
DAY 13 — DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we transfer to Kansai International Airport according to the final flight arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodations have been selected not simply for comfort, but for their relationship to the character of each destination.
The current accommodation plan includes:
Tokyo — 2 nights
Hotel Niwa Tokyo
Lake Kawaguchi — 2 nights
Fuji View Hotel, with its gardens, views toward Mount Fuji and hot spring facilities
Narai-juku — 1 night
BYAKU Narai, where the accommodation itself becomes part of the experience of this historic town
Kyoto — 6 nights in total
Accommodation to be determined
Mount Hiei — 1 night
Enryakuji Kaikan, temple accommodation associated with Enryaku-ji
All accommodations are subject to availability and final confirmation.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THIS JOURNEY
Physically
This is not a hiking tour, but we will be walking regularly, including through temple precincts, gardens, historic streets and urban neighbourhoods.
Guests should be comfortable with several hours of walking on some days, often on uneven surfaces and stairs.
The most physically demanding element will be walking around Mount Hiei and the Enryaku-ji complex.
MEDITATION, BUDDHISM AND THE JOURNEY
A Journey Through Buddhist Japan is not a formal Buddhist retreat or an academic study tour.
Buddhism is instead the thread that connects many of the places we visit. It provides a way of looking at Japanese history, architecture, gardens, art and everyday life.
I have practiced Tibetan Buddhism since 1973 and am an authorized meditation teacher. For those who are interested, I can offer some meditation instruction during the journey, and on some mornings we may begin with a short sitting practice or gentle Qigong warm-up.
Participation is completely optional. There is no requirement to have previous experience with Buddhism or meditation.
YOUR JOURNEY
Anticipated Pricing
Early Registration: US$8,900 per person
Regular Price: US$9,200 per person
Pricing is based on double occupancy.
Small-group journey, hosted by James and Maria.
Single-room supplement: To be confirmed.
A US$1,000 non-refundable deposit is anticipated to reserve a place once registration opens. Final deposit, payment schedule and cancellation terms will be announced when booking opens.
Final pricing and booking terms are subject to confirmation with Towaka.
What is included
- 12 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Welcome dinner in Tokyo
- Dinners at Lake Kawaguchi
- Dinner at Narai-juku
- Dinner at Mount Hiei
- Farewell dinner in Kyoto
- Airport arrival transfer
- Transportation as described in the itinerary
- Private transportation where appropriate
- Reserved-seat train travel where appropriate
- Luggage forwarding from Narai-juku to Kyoto where practical
- Transportation for the Nara excursion
- Transportation between Kyoto and Mount Hiei
- Departure transfer to Kansai International Airport
- Selected specialist guides and cultural partners
- Entrance fees for scheduled visits
- Shared tea experience in Kyoto
- Selected traditional arts or cultural experience
- Selected temple and Buddhist experiences, subject to confirmation
- Towaka’s supplier coordination and journey management
- On-trip operational support from Towaka
- Final travel documentation and operational information
What is not included
- International airfare to and from Japan
- Travel insurance
- Visa or passport-related expenses
- Most lunches
- Dinners not specifically listed as included
- Alcoholic beverages and other personal beverages
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Optional activities
- Excess baggage charges
- Additional luggage forwarding beyond the agreed programme
- Single-room supplement
- Photography or filming permissions requiring additional fees
- Private photography sessions or professional production costs
DATES
Spring 2027
Mid-May 2027
Exact dates will be announced once the final accommodation and supplier arrangements have been confirmed.
The timing is deliberately after Japan’s Golden Week holiday period, when the country is generally less crowded and there is greater flexibility in accommodation and travel arrangements.
RESERVE YOUR PLACE
Registration will open once final dates, pricing and booking conditions have been confirmed.
If you are interested in joining the journey, please contact me to be added to the advance-interest list.
gritzphoto@gmail.com
YOUR HOSTS
Your Hosts
