one of the most rustic onsen villages we visit on the “kyoto, kyushu & kumano kodo” tour.

one of the most authentic “northern samurai” villages in japan that we visit as part of our “mountains & monkeys” tour.

one of japan’s most famous “hidden hot springs” in the mountains of akita: part of our “mountains & monkeys” tour.

a great seaside fishing village with amazing baths & boats: part of the “kyoto, kyushu & kumano kodo” tour.

famous for its milky hot water and gorgeous alpine setting, zao onsen is part of our “mountains & monkeys” tour.

a traditional hot springs town with great bath architecture in the nagano alps: part of our “mountains & monkeys” tour.

everyone’s favorite village close to the onsen saru national park, on of the stops on our “mountains & monkeys” tour.

often overlooked as just an airport layover, this small town has historic temples & amazing local food! the town we stay at at the beginning & end of all tours.

one of the main pilgrimage sites in the world, a day of purification through forest bathing and sacred sites: part of the “kyoto, kyushu & kumano kodo” tour.

shirahama’s white sandy beaches, seaside bathing & local cuisine are a must stop on our “kyoto, kyushu & kumano kodo” tour.

10,000 steps to the top of this unesco designated sacred heritage site not to be missed when in yamagata. an annual pilgrimage we make on our “mountains & monkeys” tour.

kyoto, oh kyoto: too many wonderful things to share about this ancient city. we take a breather here between the kyushu island and the kumano kodo pilgrimage on our “kyoto, kyushu & kumano kodo” tour.

nestled in the mountains of northern kyushu, yufuin is famous for its healing hot waters, galleries & local cuisine: an essential stop on our “kyoto, kyushu & kumano kodo” tour.