Active

From the Japanese Alps to the Seto Inland Sea

Our three-week February journey through western Japan and Okinawa is designed for travellers who want to experience Japan beyond the classic tourist trail. It combines remarkable landscapes, regional cuisine, traditional culture and genuinely memorable encounters.

We begin in Nagano with two days of skiing in the Japanese Alps, complemented by the restorative pleasure of an onsen and a stay in a traditional ryokan. From the mountains, we travel west to the Seto Inland Sea, where the pace becomes slower and more immersive.

On Naoshima—Japan’s celebrated “art island”—we explore extraordinary contemporary art installations and architecture woven into the island landscape. We then continue to the Shimanami Kaido for one of Japan’s great active-travel experiences: cycling between the islands of the Seto Inland Sea across impressive bridges and along quiet coastal roads. Along the way, we pass fishing villages and stop to enjoy local food and scenery.

Hiroshima and Miyajima

Our journey continues through Hiroshima and across to Miyajima, balancing the profound history of these destinations with their living culture, beautiful landscapes and regional food traditions.

Rather than simply ticking off the major sights, our small-group approach gives us time to seek out local restaurants, neighbourhood experiences and lesser-visited places. There is a strong emphasis on seasonal Japanese cuisine and the customs that make each region distinctive.

We experience the contrast between Hiroshima’s vibrant contemporary city life and Miyajima’s forested mountains, shrine traditions and island atmosphere, while leaving space for the unexpected discoveries that are often a highlight of small-group travel.

Carefully selected accommodation—including traditional ryokans where appropriate—adds another dimension to the journey, providing opportunities to experience Japanese hospitality, tatami rooms, onsen culture and beautifully prepared regional meals.

The Okinawa Islands

The final stage of our journey takes us into the subtropical world of the Okinawa Islands, where the scenery shifts dramatically from snow-covered mountains to turquoise seas, coral reefs and distinctive Ryukyuan culture.

We explore Okinawa’s most rewarding experiences while avoiding a conventional resort itinerary. These include historic Ryukyu heritage, traditional villages, extraordinary coastal scenery and regional specialities such as goya, Okinawa soba and locally caught seafood.

Depending on conditions, there may also be opportunities for an island excursion, snorkelling or coastal exploration, alongside time to relax and enjoy Okinawa’s slower pace of life.

As a small, personal travel company, our aim is to create a journey that feels considered rather than packaged—combining Japan’s iconic experiences with excellent food, meaningful cultural encounters, beautiful accommodation and less-travelled places that provide stories you will remember long after returning home.

Journey highlights

• Three-week journey through western Japan and Okinawa
• Skiing in the Japanese Alps
• Traditional ryokan stays and onsen experiences
• Contemporary art and architecture on Naoshima
• Cycling the Shimanami Kaido
• Hiroshima and Miyajima
• Seasonal Japanese and regional Okinawan cuisine
• Ryukyuan history and culture
• Island, snorkelling and coastal experiences, subject to conditions
• Personal small-group touring beyond the conventional tourist trail