Japan

Worshipped as a place of rebirth, for centuries Japanese pilgrims have aspired to walk the Shikoku Henro trail once in their lifetime. This ancient network of trails that pass through cedar forests, cascading waterfalls and picturesque villages speaks to those seeking meaning, reflection & a deeper connection to themselves.

For those seeking to experience Japan’s traditional way of life, the Shikoku Henro immerses you in this heritage - villagers tend orchards of heirloom ume plums, pound rice using wooden mallets to make mochi, and welcome the weary to soak tired muscles in their healing onsen hot springs. Walking this pilgrimage gives renewed meaning to the old adage that happiness is a journey, not just a destination.

We sleep in small ryokan inns or lodges on very comfortable futons. Each place we stay has access to their own private onsen. Your lovingly created nourishing traditional meals also showcase their delicious seasonal produce as we explore the remote regions we travail.

We experience the health giving properties of Matcha tea from the source. An organic tea plantation that is not open to the public, shares with us their secrets of why their 88 year old founder felt so inspired to create this special life-giving tea. We experience a traditional tea ceremony like no other. Our immersion into the world of Matcha is one of the many highlights of this journey.  

There is so much more to this journey...soon to be revealed in the full itinerary.

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Suggested level of fitness to enjoy the benefits of this journey ~ to walk 10kms at least 3 times per week