Women’s Adventure Expedition 2026!

12 Days of Japan Travel. Off the beaten path, nature immersion, cultural exploration, adventure, connection & fun!

This Expedition!

This adventure expedition is the product of a genuine love and passion for rural Japan, off the beaten path treasures and the wonderful authentic culture that can be enjoyed through experience and interaction.

This is not an off the peg tour of the usual sights in guide books. It has been crafted together from experience and passion to empower like-minded women to adventure and explore the authentic side of Japan.

This is NOT aimed at the average TOURIST. Instead it is tailored with WOMEN with an ADVENTUROUS streak who are looking for AUTHENTIC travel through experience, nature and cultural EMERSION and not to mention meaningful CONNECTION with other COOL KICK ASS WOMEN!!

Your Host!

This expedition is designed and lead by me (Collette). I lived in Japan between 2019-2025, during which time I established a children’s forest school and ran various hiking trips, camps, retreats and expeditions for Women and Families under ReWild Child. This is my passion and my joy.

Having travelled Japan extensively both solo, with family and with the amazing community of women around me, a huge part of my heart and soul will also ways belong to rural Japan and its mountains!

The Draw of Japan!

The draw of Japan is strong and irresistable. It’s unique and mysterious history is deep rooted and still intertwined into many aspects of culture and everyday life today.

Japan is a facsinating oxymoron. It’s fast paced, high tech, skyscraper, mega city image, counterbalanced by calm meditative temples, zen gardens, wild landscapes, rugged mountains and untouched coastlines.

At every corner there are new and wonderful glimpses into its rich and diverse culture. There are opportunities for interaction with a nation of people so private, yet so open, kind and warm.

Its safety is unprecedented – The rumor you heard, that locals reserve their table with a bag or a phone is not untrue. Whilst you should of course keep your belongings safe, you can have faith that if you lose an item you’ll likely find it exactly where you left it. Omotenashi, (おもてなし) translates directly as hospitality, but it is much more than that. Engrained deep within Japanese culture is a practice of not only providing high level of service but a genuine meaningful encounter. Likely we will experience this not only in our hotels, but in day to day life on the mountain, train station, conbini (convenience store) and even a regular street.

Is it for YOU?

The expedition is small (9 participants maximum) and is dedicated to Women, as a way of providing a space for women to travel, adventure, be inspired and connect in a safe, comfortable and fun environment!

This expedition is designed for women who love nature, have an adventurous side, want to authentically experience a country, like to be active in their travel, have travelling in their soul and are comfortable with moving and traveling with a backpack – experiencing all kinds of accommodations styles from luxury, to backpacker basic.

Although it includes some restful days, we are generally on the move and our itinerary includes several days of hiking and cycling. Although you don’t necessarily need significant experience or any technical abilities, you should be comfortable with these activities and have a basic level of fitness to be comfortable on the go.

You don t need experience of backpacking – maybe this is an experience you’ve been dreaming of and waiting for the right moment – but you know you’ll be comfortable with this type of travel

Travel Style:

The design of this trip is the outcome of passion, experience and time. Japan has so much to offer, but the hidden gems and gold memories lie beyond the main exported sights. This trip is a reflection of my own experiences in Japan and a deep passion for rugged adventurous travel and nature immersion mixed with relaxation, a dash of luxury and authentic connection.

This curated trip weaves all these elements into an amazing 12 day experience.

Accommodation:

Like everything about this tip, none of our accommodations are off the peg. Each one carefully chosen to add diversity to the experience. Chosen from direct experience and personal recommendations, our lodgings have been carefully selected to compliment each step of the journey and to blend modern, rugged, traditional and tranquility along the way! Our selections include modern city hotels, capsule hotel, hostels, mountain huts, luxury coastal villas, ryokan, guesthouses and more. There is a mixture of premium with local, but always the focus is warm and genuine hosts.

Transport:

This is a backpacking, on-the-go trip, so most of our onward journeys are planned ahead and when possible tickets are booked and seats reserved in advance.

The most cost-effective transport plan for this trip a 7 day Japan Rail (JR) Pass. We’ll activate this on day 5 and use it for the following 7 days, brining us back to Tokyo on day 11. There will be a few small additional transport costs along the way – short bus rides for example. But mostly we will travel by Train and, when routes allow, via Japans famously fast, efficient and high speed Shinkansen.

The Japan Rail Pass costs €302/£263 and needs to be purchased separately by you, in advance of the trip, as it’s a travel pass available only for foreign visitors. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through the process of purchasing the pass, and subsequently booking tickets for all onward travel during the trip. 

A reminder again, that this is a backpacking trip. Remember, that mostly you’ll be carrying your luggage around with you, so keep it to a backpack and a daypack at the most. My suggestion is, keep your luggage to as close to 40-50 liters as possible. We’ll have to walk from place to place, station to hotel etc and on the bus/train. Restaurants/cafes and hotels are considerably smaller than western options. This adds to the minimalist charm, but means space for luggage is limited.

Japanese Cuisine:

The Japanese take food seriously. Even the simplest fast food ramen is served at a standard unprecedented in most western countries.

Like any trip, food is a big part of the experience and our journey will give us chance to experience the variety that Japan has to offer. Ramen, Sushi, Tempura, BBQ, Udon, Nabe, Curry and more. Ice cold salted cucumbers, tangy pickled vegetables, sticky (slimy) natto, mountain mochi, sweet dango, refreshing kakigori, seaweed, onigiri, egg sandwiches….The list is endless. But there is time for it all!

Breakfasts and some of our evening meals are included in this plan at hotel destinations. Others, we’ll grab nearby, or on the way at small restaurants, cafes or conbinis.

The Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Today is arrival day. Early evening we’ll gather at the hotel, get to know each other and orientate ourselves to our coming adventures. For those a little less jet lagged, we’ll head out, soak up some of Tokyos city vibes and grab a bowl of steaming ramen.

Day 2: Shinrin Yoku & Matsumoto

Our first full day begins gently in one of Tokyo’s tranquil and lesser known green spaces, with a taste of 森林浴 (Shinrin Yoku) – which literally translates as Forest Bathing. 

Japan is a nation with a deep and ancient connection to nature, still evident in modern life, religion, culture and art. The Japanese still have a way of slowing down in nature, doing less and connecting with it. 

This somatic, sensory experience will slow us down, tune us in to the present moment and prepare for the journey ahead.

Later, we leave the city lights and scrapers behind us and head deeper into rural Japan, to the mountain town of Matsumoto – our base before heading into the Japans Alps, for the coming few days. 

Our evening will allow time to stroll Nakamachi-Dori and its charming storehouses and local crafts shops, making sure we catch sunset at Matsumotos iconic castle.

Days 3-5: Into the Japanese Alps

An early start, and we set off early for the mountains. We’ll be spending the next 3 days emersing ourselves in the beauty of two of Japan’s most iconic mountain ranges – the Hilda and Hotaka mountains and Enzanso Sanso; one of Japans best rated Mountain hut,. 

The warm and friendly atmosphere on the Japanese mountain is endearing. Come armed with some friendly Japanese pleasantries, such as “Ohayo gozaimasu”, “konnichiwa” & “ganbatte” to enjoy the joyful exchange as you pass fellow hikers. 

You’ll find all sections of Japanese society on the mountain, but perhaps surprisingly you’ll find a great number of Japans older population. Expect to see Japanese women of 50, 60 maybe 70 tearing past us on the trail. Their joy, energy and passion for the mountains makes my heart sing! The Japanese mountain culture is a national treasure that they keep sacred and to experience it alongside them is pure joy!! 

Day 3: Tsubakuro Yama & Enzanso Hut

Nakabusa onsen is our trailhead, where we begin our hike up Tsubakuro Yama. As we gain altitude, the landscape opens into sweeping ridgelines and alpine vistas. After a full day on the trail, we arrive at our remote mountain hut, nestled among the peaks, and settle in for a peaceful night under the stars.

The delights of a Japanese Mountain hut are endless. Without question, there are the epic endless mountain views, floating peaks amongst the clouds and majestic sunsets and sunrises. But there’s so much more than that. The warm, welcoming greeting you’ll be met with after a morning of uphill hiking, the delicious hearty food, hot coffee and cold beer. The huddling around the heaters and the greeting and chatter among hiking comrades. The slippers, the close yet cozy tatamis, the early morning breakfast bell and the general hustle of adventure and stillness at the mountain peak. This journey is more than a hike, it’s an immersive experience of a side of Japanese culture that is sacred, yet so often missed and overlooked.

Day 4: Sunrise & Otensyo Yama

We rise early to catch sunrise from the ridgeline—an unforgettable moment
as golden light washes over the mountains. After a hearty mountain breakfast, we continue across the ridgeline towards the infamous Hotaka-Yama in the distance enjoying the vast expansive views along the way. 

Stopping for lunch at Mount Otensyo, before returning to enzanso hut in the afternoon, with time to rest, journal, and enjoy the stillness of the highlands.

We’ll be spoilt by the warm and welcoming charm and atmosphere of the mountain community, endless views, red-sky sunrises and sunsets but also their plentiful, delicious and infamous meals, shared communally as a hiking community. 

Day 5: Descend & Travel to Nakasendo

Today we begin our descent from Enzanso Sanso, back to Nakabusa, retracing our steps to the trailhead. 

From here, we travel onward to the the ancient town of Nakasendo, nestled within a nature heaven and beautifully preserved corridor of Japan’s ancient cobble highway system. 

Deserving a well earned rest after all our hard work in the mountains, here we will indulge in a little luxury, staying 2 nights in a traditional Ryokan, where we will have the chance to enjoy traditional guesthouse hospitality, food and soak our aching bodies in soothing onsen baths.

Day 6: Nakasendo Trail

Cutting through both tranquil forest areas and the old ancient town, we spend today walking a quiet section of the Nakasendo Trail, one of the last remaining ancient roads that connected Kyoto and Edo. Once used by samurai and travelling merchants, this historic route boasts ancients cedar forests, wooden inns, mountain villages and a glimpse into old Japan. 

The evening is spent relaxing back at our Ryokan, before an early start the next day.

Day 7: Crafting of the sword

In Japan, the sword is the soul of the Samurai, still evident throughout past culture or art and still today in popular culture and Anime. The craftship of the blade is one passed down through generations. Over time, traditions and craftsmanship slowly fade, but the art of the blade is still an important part of Japans culture and today we experiences that story. 

Heading south to Gifu Prefecture, we will be greeted by a master craftsman in his traditional swordsmith center. Here we will learn about Japan’s blade-making heritage and have hands on experience of traditional blade making techniques ourselves. A truly rare and unique experience.

In the afternoon, we continue to the charming port town of Onomichi—the starting point of our next adventure: the Shimanami Kaidō cycling route.

Days 8-10:

Days 8-10 will be filled with an epic 3 day cycling adventure through the Seto Inland Sea archipelago. The Islands of Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima and Oshima all sit within the Seto Inland Sea, connected by a series of long bridges that are true architectural and engineering masterpieces.  

The Shimanami Kodai offers a unique and extraordinary way to travel and experience rural Japan. The route (with detours) is roughly 90km in length, but split over 3 days and with the option of e-bike this route is accesible and manageable for all. 

Most of the journey is along cycle or road, with flat or gentle climbes. Some elevation is made as we enter some of the towns, and to get up to the bridges. 

With numerous optional detours, the journey offers something for everyone, from beautiful seafront paths and beaches, epic panoramic views, cultural and historical sights, delicious daily caught seafood and many art and handicrafts markets. 

Days 8 & 9: (Roughy 35km & 30km) will be full days of riding and exploring at a gentle pace, stopping at coastal viewpoints, shrines and temples, cultural spaces and small cafés along the way. Embracing the rhythm of the island, this is slow travel at its best—immersive, light, and unhurried.

Days 10 – 11:

Day 10 (roughy 20km) will see us complete the last section of our cycling journey in Imabari. After returning our bikes, we transfer via Onomichi to the lesser known island of Shikoku. An island of vast natural beauty and sacred cultural value, it is very much a road less travelled.

We will basque in the beautiful coastline beaches, experience one of Shikokus 88 temples, take a short hike to one of Japans most scenic shrines, explore the hidden nooks and crannies of an old remaining town and sample some local sake— A chance to connect and unwind with local flavours.

Day 11 ends with a train journey back to Tokyo a final evening of karaoke and song!

Day 12: Sayonara!

The next day, we say sayonara to each other and to Japan. Each making our own way to the airport, leaving with full hearts, stronger connections, and stories to carry home.

What’s included?

• Careful curation of this unique itinerary, with care, love and passion for what will work for you, to make this an inspiring and meaningful experience for adventurous women. 
• Guided and Lead by Collette – who lived in Japan for 5 years until 2025 and spent much of that time adventuring in the mountains, lakes and coasts, often taking her family, other families and a community of women with her for their own adventures within rural Japan! 
• Initial screening form, to aid you in assessing if this is the right trip for you
• Assistance in purchasing your JR Travel Pass 
• Guidance on purchasing your airline tickets, visas
• Guidance what and how to pack, keeping your prepared for the adventure and as light as possible.
• One zoom meeting in advance, to connect as a group and to have a basic pre-trip orientation.
• All Accommodation (11 nights) sleeping in hotels, hostels, mountain huts, villas, ryokans and guesthouses. Standards of accommodation are both basic and luxury, but we focus of quality of experience!
• All breakfasts, 2 mountain dinners, 2 traditional Ryokan dinners.
• 3 day guided hike (Japanese registered mountain guide) within Japans Alps. An experience unmatched!
• 1 Shinrin Yoku experience by registered Forest Therapy Guide.
• Participation a master sword making demonstration and hands of experience.
• 3 Day bike hire and epic Shimanami Kaido bike ride!
• Shipment of backpacks by courier company from Matsumoto to Imabari, so you travel the active sections “lightly”.
• Final Karaoke night in Tokyo. 
• Trip Funds Protection in line with UK Package Regulations 2018 (UK and Overseas included).
• Photos from the expedition and unforgettable experiences

Not Included:

• Air tickets 
• JR Travel Pass and any additional small bus journeys.
• Remaining lunches and dinners (approx Y700/1500 daily)
• Other admission for attractions and sights which may possibly appear during the trip. However, this will always be determined in advance and accepted by all participants of the expedition.
• Personal travel insurance

BOOK NOW, RESERVE YOUR SPOT, MAKE YOUR ADVENTURE!