Welcome! I’m so very glad you landed on this page and are considering this special trip. In general, every trip we lead is focused on two main experiences: the best sightseeing in the country and connecting with each other.
Our love of sightseeing means an itinerary that is as full of local culture as we can fit into an intimate, fun, and experiential trip. We want to see everything that is well-known in that country, when we can, and we also want to make sure there are some small and special experiences that leave us touched and connected with that country in surprising ways! We want to see the “must-sees,” but it’s also crucial to us to get off the beaten track and really connect with locals and their lives.
To support that, we want all of our travel to live up to the highest standards of sustainability and ethical travel, so we place special emphasis on meeting the locals, supporting their causes, and making sure we frequent their businesses/hotels/restaurants to ensure our money is reinvested back into those who live wherever we visit. Plus, we've got our eye on adding the "little things" that really make a trip feel special: making your own perfume scent at a perfumeria, visiting a local spa, arranging for beautiful walks and hikes, attending rooftop concerts, sampling artisan chocolate, etc.
And when it comes to connecting, every trip is first and foremost about us supporting and connecting with one another in our group, but is also about us connecting with the people in our destination country. Our hope is that you feel more connected to people around the world and also feel like you made new friends!
So if you love travel and want an incredibly special curated trip with a group of amazing people you're invited to join us! xoxo
Japan is home to an enchanting blend of rich culture, world-class cuisine, advanced technology, breathtaking landscapes, and amazing hospitality. It's truly the ultimate destination for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, whether you're exploring ancient temples, savoring sushi in bustling markets, or experiencing the serenity of traditional tea ceremonies.
Our 12-day journey begins in Tokyo, where we will explore all of the magic of Japan’s capital for 3 days. Next, we will spend 4 days in Kanazawa, a city treasured for being the center of traditional Japanese arts and culture. The remainder of our adventure will continue in Kyoto, where we will be exploring ancient temples and continue to learn more about the history and traditions of Japan! And what better way to experience such beautiful cultures and unique experiences than with your loved one?
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
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Experience a sweeping panoramic view of Tokyo on top of the Tokyo Tower
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Explore the serene Meiji Shrine, one of the country’s most popular Shinto shrines
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Participate in a Sake tasting and learn all about Japan’s national rice
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Experience a day trip to Mt. Fuji, where we will take a cable car up the mountain to admire the beautiful views
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Enjoy a Sumida River Cruise to Asakusa, a city filled with traditional craft shops and delicious street-food stalls.
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Learn about Japanese philosophy and all of the modern cultural patterns that influence relationships and love from our host
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Visit the National Museum in Kanazawa and learn about the history of Japan
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Enjoy Sake and tea with traditional Geishas, Japanese women who have been trained to provide entertainment and company to men
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Visit local artisans and shop makers in Kanazawa, a UNESCO city of arts and culture
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Visit a rice farm and learn about the deep history of the food within the country
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Learn about Japanese spiritual beliefs and religions
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Experience the Samurai district and learn about the fascinating history of Japan’s traditional warriors
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Relax and recharge during a trip to the Kurama Hot Springs
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Plenty of time to relax, shop, and take in all of the beauty of this amazing country!
We are a proud partner of Altruvistas, the socially responsible and philanthropic travel company that is organizing all our details. We are thrilled to have Malia and her team overseeing our trips to ensure that our itinerary is as authentic of an experience as possible while making sure that our money is spent in an eco and socially-conscious way. Malia and her team will work with you one-on-one to make sure you are all ready for our amazing adventures.
If you have questions about this trip, please email malia@altruvistas.com
YOUR TRAVELCIRCLE COMMITMENT:
Hey beautiful traveler! Before you pack your bags and your big, brave heart, here’s what you’re saying yes to when you say yes to a TravelCircle adventure. These trips are magic — but they only work when we’re all on the same page about how we show up for ourselves, each other, and the journey.
Think of this as your warm, heartfelt handshake with the circle: I’m in!
Physical Expectations
Our trips aren’t boot camps — but they are active adventures.
You can expect:
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Standing for up to an hour or two on guided tours.
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Walking several miles at a comfortable pace — think city streets, cobblestone alleys, or short scenic trails.
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Climbing in and out of buses, boats, or local transport.
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Weather that might include sun, heat, wind, rain, or all of the above in one day.
If your body’s ready and able to keep up with these activities — wonderful! If you need accommodations or aren’t sure, let’s chat before you book so we can help you decide if this is the right fit.
Relational Expectations
We don’t just travel to see the world — we travel to see each other.
TravelCircles are built on connection. We believe that the real souvenirs are the friendships we carry home. So while you don’t have to become everyone’s new BFF, you do need to come ready to:
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Share stories, laughter, meals — and maybe a tear or two.
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Be open to conversation and curiosity.
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Respect everyone’s space, while also leaning in to connect.
If you’d rather travel solo or keep to yourself, that’s totally valid — but this probably isn’t the right circle for you. We’re here to build memories together.
Travel Style Expectations
We are not Rick Steves. We are not Rhodes Scholars. We don’t run the same cookie-cutter itinerary for the 84th time this season. We are TravelCircles: we craft one-of-a-kind trips with unique experiences, local surprises, and beautiful detours. This means:
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Flexibility is our secret sauce. Plans might shift. A street festival might pop up. A local might invite us into their garden for tea. We’ll say yes! when it feels right.
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We’re organized and intentional — but not rigid.
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If you need every moment to run like clockwork… you might find us a little too delightfully spontaneous.
We promise you’ll feel taken care of — just pack your flexibility along with your passport!
Attitude & Energy Expectations
Here’s the truth: we can plan the most beautiful itinerary in the world — but how we travel together has the greatest impact on whether this becomes one of the best trips of your life… or just another getaway.
Travel is full of surprises — a sudden downpour, a late bus, a menu that’s not quite what we expected. Things won’t always go perfectly (that’s part of the adventure!). But how each of us responds? That’s the magic-maker or the deal-breaker. Our travelers tell us, time and again, that the quickest way to drain the joy from a group is complaining. So in this circle, we:
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Catch ourselves before we slip into constant grumbling.
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Pivot to curiosity, flexibility, or humor instead — together.
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Remember we’re all co-creating this vibe: every kindness, every laugh, every “let’s roll with it” makes the trip brighter for everyone.
If you know you like to process by venting, or tend to dwell on the hiccups — that’s human, but this might not be the best match for that style. We don’t do perfection. We do presence, perspective, and shared adventure.
Our attitude is the secret ingredient — let’s protect it together.
Ready to Circle Up?
If you’re reading this and thinking yes, yes, yes! — welcome in! We can’t wait to explore, connect, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Got questions? Let’s chat — we want you to feel excited and clear before you commit.
Your next adventure — and your next circle — is waiting. ✈️💛✨