Journey to Kyoto, the Cultural Capital of Japan

December 1 – 8, 2026

From $5495 per person

“In Kyoto, there is a beauty that transcends time. Walking through its narrow streets, visiting its temples and shrines, you feel a connection to the past. The city whispers stories of ancient times, and every corner holds a piece of history. It’s a place where the old and the new blend seamlessly, creating a harmony that is uniquely Kyoto.” – Alex Kerr, writer

Journey to Kyoto with Jeni and Rocky!  Kyoto, which is one of the oldest municipalities in Japan, became the seat of Japan’s imperial court in 794. Today, Kyoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan. It is home to numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces and gardens, some of which have been designated collectively as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Traditional Japanese crafts are a major industry of Kyoto; Kyoto’s kimono weavers are particularly renowned, and the city remains the premier center of kimono manufacturing. Sake brewing is another prominent traditional industry in Kyoto 

Jeni, whose parents were missionaries, lived her first ten years in Japan, calling Kyoto home from 1968-69. As sometimes happens, life intervened and kept her from returning until now. She is filled with joy at the opportunity to share the city she remembers so fondly from her childhood.

This Journey is scheduled so as to coincide with the turning of the leaves in Kyoto which tends to happen the last week of November and first weeks of December. 

Visiting Kyoto during this time of year will not only be beautiful but give us the opportunity to taste some of the seasonal specialty dishes like a stew called oden and Nishin soba, noodles with grilled herring on top.

Our Kyoto Yoga Retreat

This retreat will feature hikes in Arashiyama and Kameoka, visits to temples in northern Kyoto, a zazen meditation in a Zen temple, a Hozugawa River Boat ride, a Goma Fire Ritual, and more.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see parts of Kyoto that most tourists miss when they visit. The Authentic Kyoto experience awaits!

• Tokyo Prince Hotel   The first night we will gather at Tokyo Prince Hotel. Those of you who want to arrive earlier that week can request extra nights at the hotel for an additional charge.

• Celebration Dinner   Our first meal together will be in Tokyo. Together we will celebrate the beginning of the retreat, meet all of the guests, as well as our guide Frank, and our Land Tour Operator, Kazuyo.

• Train to Kyoto and back   On the 2nd day of the retreat, we will board the super fast shinkansen bullet train together and travel to Kyoto. On the final day of the retreat, we will ride the shinkansen back to Tokyo.

• Our guide, Frank Witkam   We are excited to work with Frank, our guide. He is Dutch but has lived in Japan with his Japanese wife for 7 years. His knowledge of Japanese art, history, language and culture is impressive!

• Kazuyo Hall, Land Tour Operator   We are equally honored to work with Kazuyo Hall, our Land Tour Operator. Her attention to detail, enthusiasm for sharing her country with foreigners and her incredible work ethic make her exceptional!

• Kyoto Hotel stays   In Kyoto, we will stay in a beautiful traditional Japanese boutique hotel. It is locally owned and operated and features excellent restaurants and onsen, natural hot springs baths.

• Delicious Japanese Meals   No journey to Kyoto would be complete without being able to enjoy traditional Japanese food. All meals from the first night’s dinner to the last morning’s breakfast are included.

• Hozugawa River Cruise   This River Cruise is a boat ride down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama. The cruises utilize traditional style, heated, flat-bottomed boats piloted by boatmen with oars and bamboo poles.

• Goma Fire Ritual   The Goma Ritual of consecrated fire is unique to Esoteric Buddhism and is the most recognizable ritual of the esoteric Shingon sect in Japan. The ceremony is performed to destroy negative energies.

• Zazen Meditation   The Zen meditation experience at a Zen temple offers a unique insight into the world of Zen and its impact on Japanese culture.

• Temples in North Kyoto   Frank will introduce us to Buddhist temples in northern Kyoto as part of our tour.

• Exploring Kameoka   Kameoka, west of Kyoto’s famous Arashiyama district, is where culture and traditional arts are highly valued. Tucked away in the mountains, it is home to hot springs, ancient temples and artisans.

• Exploring Arashiyama Arashiyama, in western Kyoto, is bordered by the Katsura River and surrounding mountains. You’re likely to see people in kimono enjoying local food, shopping, and pilgrimages to the temples.

• Bamboo Grove   While in Arashiyama, we will walk through the breathtaking Kyoto Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing grove of thousands of tall bamboo plants.

• Japanese Tea Ceremony   The Japanese tea ceremony is a Japanese tradition steeped in history. It is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea typically in typically in a traditional tearoom with tatami floor.

• Hatha Yoga   Jeni will lead morning yoga classes, as well as some restorative classes in the afternoon. Yoga helps guests feel more grounded during the experience of exploring a very unique and different culture.

• Yoga mats and props   Yoga mats and props will be provided to use during yoga classes.

• All domestic travel   Occasionally, charter buses will be used to transport our guests to the train station, trail heads or other locations.

What’s not included:

• International Travel   International flights to Tokyo are not covered by the cost of the retreat. If you need help selecting the best flight, please contact Jeni.

• Travel Insurance   Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended to protect from unexpected travel or medical challenges that may occur.

• Tips   Japan does not have a tipping culture. No need to tip waiters, hotel staff, taxi drivers, etc. The exception is our guide, Frank. Customary tips for guides are $10-$15 per day pp at end of the retreat

• Alcoholic Beverages   Sake, wine, beer or any other alcoholic beverages will be the responsibility of each guest.