Jan 27, 2026

9 min read

🇯🇵 Japan

November ‘25

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

🇯🇵 The Future Bows to the Past

If you want to understand Japan, don’t start with landmarks.
Start with good manners.

Doors open softly. Voices lower automatically. Shoes come off without discussion. People bow, not deeply, not theatrically but just enough to acknowledge your presence and your dignity.

Japan is polite in a way that feels intentional, not performative. It’s friendly, but not loud. Clean, but never sterile.

It’s a country where respect is the default setting. 

Old Meets New. Everywhere, all the Time

You can drink matcha tea that follows a 400-year-old ritual.
Then pay for it with your phone.

Walk on tatami mats, wrapped in a colorful yukata that feels like a cloud, in a building that’s been standing longer than your country has existed.
Then wake up to a toilet that could probably launch a space shuttle.

This contrast isn’t jarring. It’s seamless.

Japan doesn’t replace the old with the new.
It layers and weaves with harmony.

Kyoto

Small Details that Matter

There is a rhythm to Japan that reveals itself in tiny details…

Slippers for the hallway.
Different slippers for the bathroom.
Yukata folded perfectly, every time.
Shoes lined up like they’re waiting for inspection.

None of it feels fussy.
It feels like care.

Care for space.
Care for others.
Care for doing things well, even when no one is watching.

Food as a Cultural Language

Japan doesn’t just serve food.
It communicates through it.

Sushi: Minimalism with discipline. Nothing unnecessary survives.

Ramen: Humble, soulful, deeply personal. One bowl can tell a life story.

Teppanyaki: Precision and performance, heat controlled to the second.

Mouriya, Kobe

Kaiseki: A multi-course seasonal conversation between chef and guest.

Breakfast - Kazari Roykan

Every meal feels intentional.
Every ingredient has a job.

You don’t rush. You don’t modify.
You trust the process.

Dinner - Kazari Roykan

Tea, Silence, and Samurai Energy

The tea ceremony is quiet in a way that makes you aware of yourself. Your breath. Your posture. Your impatience.

And beneath that calm lives something else. Discipline.
Focus.
The quiet confidence of samurai energy. Strength without display.

Japan doesn’t shout about excellence.
They expect it.

Traditional Matcha Ceremony

Why Japan Stays With You

Japan isn’t flashy. It doesn’t beg for attention.

It shows you gently, consistently that there is beauty in restraint, pride in precision, and joy in getting the small things right.

You leave wanting to speak softer. Move slower. Care more. And maybe, take your shoes off at the door.

Narai

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🔥🔥🔥2026 - Coming in HOT!

Hi Friends,

Welcome to 2026! I’m so excited to continue growing and exploring together. Our 2026 itinerary is LOADED and I’m happy to tell you, EVERY 2026 TOUR IS SOLD OUT!

We’ll explore wine country the the Pacific Northwest. Spend almost a month in northern Spain, then revisit one of my all time favorites, Sicily! Follow us on FB & IG for highlights and checkout our website for more details.

Fear not, we’re already planning for 2027. Behold!

Our current 2027 schedule!

🇯🇵 Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Nakasendo Trail

This will be a deeply curated experience with incredible food, beautiful fall scenery, luxury hotels, a traditional ryokan stay, Shinkansen travel, cultural excursions, and of course, plenty of unforgettable meals.

Torii Gates

🇪🇸 Spain - San Sebastian, Rioja & Barcelona

An unforgettable journey through Spain’s most celebrated food and wine regions, from the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the rolling vineyards of Rioja and the coastal charm of San Sebastián. This immersive tour blends culture, history, and gastronomy, offering exclusive experiences that showcase the terroir and traditions of each destination.

🇪🇸 Sicily - Catania, Ortigia, Agrigento, Taormina

Join us on a journey through Sicily’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and rich culinary traditions. From the dramatic slopes of Mt. Etna to the baroque splendor of Catania, a UNESCO world heritage site in Ortigia, the Greek ruins of Agrigento, and the lively streets of Taormina. This tour offers an immersive experience in Sicily’s diverse terroir.

Valley of the Temples

🇵🇹 Portugal - Vinhas & Vistas Women’s Retreat

Porto

Beginning with two nights in the vibrant city of Porto, this retreat invites you to immerse yourself in art, architecture, and the timeless charm of Portugal’s riverside soul before journeying into the heart of the country’s most iconic wine region.

Our time in the Douro Valley unfolds among winding rivers, terraced vineyards, and historic quintas. This exclusive getaway blends scenic beauty with meaningful experiences, winery visits, a jeep excursion through the vines, river cruises, and optional hiking, creating space to slow down, reconnect, and savor the rhythm of life in Portugal’s wine country. It is the perfect setting to restore, indulge, and build genuine connections with women who value travel, presence, and shared discovery.

Douro Valley

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💰 The Bonus Board

Perks & Rec: Masterclass

👉 Definition: Point Transfer

A Point Transfer is easy and takes place online on your credit cards website in the transfer portal. Almost like transferring money.

A credit card point transfer portal is a way to transfer points earned on a credit card to participating programs. After linking your accounts, you can transfer points through your credit card's website or app.

Perks & Rec: Masterclass

Perks & Rec: Masterclass

Make 2026 the year you master points & miles. Join our next Perks & Rec Masterclass and learn to travel the world for free! I’ll show you exactly how we turn everyday spending into trips we’ll never forget. Elevate your travel game in 2026 with a clear roadmap to earning and redeeming points for unforgettable experiences. 

Details and dates coming soon!

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