KYOTO
October 23 - 26, 2025
4 Days, 3 Nights
A Journey, Outward and Inward
Journey into Japan’s spiritual and cultural capital, where ancient wisdom holds fast in an ever-changing world. In this three-night stay, you will embark on a brief but deep foray into Japan’s most enigmatic city. Along the way, we will pass through temple and shrine gates, both grand and humble, demarcating the world outside and the sacred world within. We will walk the stone paths of the ancients, be guided in Zen meditation by a monk, sip the finest Japanese green tea, and contemplate Japan’s simple yet profound aesthetic philosophy. We will taste seasonal, local cuisine and know why Kyoto also distinguishes itself as a culinary destination in its own right. In this journey, we will explore that which makes Kyoto a place of awe, beauty, wonder, and mystery.
Price from (based on double occupancy)
$2,800
Questions? Contact us directly by emailing
contact@unpluggedjapan.com
Your Trip, Day by Day
4 Days, 3 Nights
Day 1: Welcome to Kyoto
October 23, Wed
Welcome to mainland Japan, and welcome to Kyoto! From your southern retreat in Okinawa, we gather in Kansai, Japan’s historic heartland, where Kyoto is located. After checking in to your accommodations, we will meet for a festive welcome dinner. In true Kyoto tradition, we will dine in the presence of geisha, whose grace and skillful art is something to behold. The journey begins now.
Highlights
• Private Transfer from Itami Airport to Kyoto • Welcome Dinner with Geisha
• Stay at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 2: Arashiyama
October 24, Thurs
Today, we begin with an early morning jaunt to the northwestern foothills of Arashiyama. An area of natural beauty that the Japanese aristocracy once called home, it evolved into an important site of Shinto and Buddhism, with shrines and temples everywhere. Adding to the beauty of masterfully constructed temples and shrines, picturesque mountains frame our surroundings, and the bamboo forest awaits. Our early start today is key, as that will allow us to beat the inevitable crowds.
While Arashiyama sets the scene of traditional Japanese spirituality, it is time to actually participate in it. After lunch, we will enter a temple to learn about and practice Zen meditation, with a Buddhist monk as our guide. Refreshed from a day of activity and introspection, take the evening to explore Kyoto freely.
Highlights
• Morning Arashiyama Visit with Private Guide • Kyoto-style Pizza Lunch
• Zen Meditation Experience with Buddhist Monk in Historic Temple • Stay at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 3: Fushimi Inari | Uji | Byodo-in
October 25, Fri
Following breakfast, we head south to the sacred shrine of Fushimi Inari. Here, rows of blazing red torii gates, numbering in the thousands, line winding paths (one could walk for hours without passing under the same torii twice). The shrine’s mountain trails are worth exploring here as well.
Afterward, we venture further south to the great tea-producing region of Uji, where Tea culture originated. As we will see, tea is not only for drinking: It can be upcycled for incense. After crafting incense with upcycled tea, we will visit a legendary 16-generation ceramics dynasty to learn about legacy and the Japanese sense of beauty in ceramics. Toward the day’s end, we will visit the stunning temple grounds at Byodo-in, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its forested paths, elegant bridges and mossy ponds reflect the beauty of the contemplative life.
Highlights
• Fushimi Inari Shrine • Uji Area Visit • Upcycled Tea Incense Crafting Experience
• Tea Ceremony • Seasonal Japanese Lunch • Byodo-in Temple • Farewell Dinner
• Stay at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 4: Departure
October 26, Sat
Farewell and departure day. Depending on your flight schedule, take the morning to explore central Kyoto on foot before checking out of the hotel and transferring to the airport.
Day 1 : Kyoto
October 23, Thurs
Welcome to mainland Japan, and welcome to Kyoto! From your southern retreat in Okinawa, we gather in Kansai, Japan’s historic heartland, where Kyoto is located. After checking in to your accommodations, we will meet for a festive welcome dinner. The journey begins now.
Highlights
-Private Transfer from Itami Airport to Kyoto
-Welcome Dinner with Geisha
-Stay at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 2 : Kyoto
October 24, Fri
Today, we begin in the northwestern foothills of Arashiyama. An area of natural beauty that the Japanese aristocracy once called home, it developed into an important site of Shinto and Buddhism, with shrines and temples decorating the land. Adding to the beauty of masterfully crafted temples and shrines, picturesque mountains frame our surroundings, and the bamboo forest awaits. After lunch, we will enter a temple where a monk will guide us in Zen meditation. Take the evening to explore Kyoto freely.
Highlights
-Morning Arashiyama Visit with Private Guide
-Kyoto-style Pizza Lunch
-Zen Meditation Experience with Buddhist Monk in Historic Temple
-Stay at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 3 : Kyoto
October 25, Sat
After breakfast, we head south to the sacred shrine of Fushimi Inari. Here, rows of blazing red torii gates, numbering in the thousands, line winding paths (one could walk for hours without passing under the same torii twice). Afterward, we venture further south to the great tea-producing region of Uji, where Japan’s Tea culture began. In Uji, we will craft incense using upcycled tea, visit a legendary ceramics dynasty, and walk the stunning temple grounds at Byodo-in, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights
-Fushimi Inari Shrine
-Uji Area Visit
-Upcycled Tea Incense Crafting Experience
-Tea Ceremony
-Seasonal Japanese Lunch
-Byodo-in Temple
-Farewell Dinner
-Stay at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 4 : Departure
October 26, Sun
Farewell and departure day. Depending on your flight schedule, take the morning to explore central Kyoto on foot before checking out of the hotel and transferring to the airport.
Where You Rest
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Comfort and Calm in the City Center
Our stay will be at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto, situated in the leafy Higashiyama Shichijo district of central Kyoto. It is within walking distance of countless restaurants and cafes and some of the finest temples in Japan, including Tofuku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera.
Reserve Your Spot
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Words from Our Happy Travelers
Personalize Your Trip
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Questions?
In order to cancel your participation in the trip, you must provide Unplugged Japan with written notification of your cancellation by email to travel@unpluggedjapan.com. The date of your cancellation is the date on which Unplugged Japan receives such notification. If you cancel your participation in the trip or fail to meet deadlines as outlined in this document, the cancellation fees listed below will apply. If you fail to show up for a trip, leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced or miss any features thereon, no refunds or compensation for unused services will be made. This policy applies equally if you fail to show up for pre- or post-trip travel arrangements and/or if you miss any features thereof.
If you cancel your participation 91 or more days prior to the group arrival date, your deposit will be treated as the relevant cancellation fee, unless otherwise specified in writing by Unplugged Japan.
If you cancel your participation 46 to 90 days prior to the group arrival date, a cancellation fee of 50% of the cost of all services booked through Unplugged Japan will apply, unless otherwise specified in writing by Unplugged Japan.
If you cancel your participation 45 or fewer days prior to the group arrival date, a cancellation fee of 100% of the cost of all services booked through Unplugged Japan will apply.
This exclusive trip is only available to IDMTV’s Okinawa yoga retreat attendees in October 2025.
This trip is led by an Unplugged Japan trip leader. They are your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
Unplugged Japan highly recommends that you purchase Travel Insurance. A short-term travel insurance policy can cover trip costs due to personal or family illness or accident. Without it, you are solely responsible for any and all monetary incurrences resulting from trip cancellation or interruption, and will not hold Unplugged Japan liable for your decision to forego it. While we do not facilitate this, a reputable top company is Travelex.
Accommodation, daily breakfast, and meals as listed in the itinerary; transport as listed in the itinerary; arrival and departure airport transfers; guided activities as listed in the itinerary; entrance fees.
International roundtrip airfare; individual travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in the itinerary; all personal expenses; all gratuities for tour leaders and local guides.
Our trip begins in the Kansai region of Japan. You will fly from Naha Airport (OKA) to the nearest airport servicing Kyoto, Itami Airport (ITM). The trip ends in Kyoto, Japan. Your flight home from Kansai International Airport (KIX) or one of Tokyo’s two airports, Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND), should be scheduled to depart at 4pm or later on our final day.
US citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Japan for stays up to 90 days. The only requirement is a passport that is valid for the entirety of your stay, but we recommend that your passport is valid for 6 calendar months beyond your planned departure date.
Not a US citizen? Please check with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
