Private Guided Luxury Tours in Japan
A JOURNEY INTO IKIGAI
Discover Japan through exclusive access and tailored experiences designed for affluent travellers seeking meaning beyond luxury.
Our private tours for couples, families, and executives combine refined comfort with cultural authenticity—private Zen temple visits, conversations with artisans, seasonal cuisine, and intimate encounters rarely open to the public guided by Ikigai Tribe founder Nicholas Kemp.
Away from the crowds, in the stillness of Aichi and Gifu’s countryside, you’ll find space to slow down, engage in unique cultural experiences, reflect on a different way of living, and reconnect with what truly matters - what makes your life worth living.
STEP BEYOND TOURISM AND INTO TRANSFORMATION!
Your itinerary is handcrafted with you to meet you desires.
You may find yourself:
- Meditating with a Zen priest in a centuries-old temple
- Savouring a private tea ceremony guided by a cha-jin tea master
- Learning the art of washi paper making or indigo dyeing from a fifth-generation artisan
- Walking quiet forest paths once used by pilgrims
- Sharing exquisite meals prepared with seasonal local ingredients
- Having a conversation with a Japanese thought leader or cultural expert
Every encounter will be arranged to allow you to participate, not just observe.
THE SPIRIT OF IKIGAI: AICHI AND GIFU
Far from Japan’s crowded tourist routes, these prefectures reveal a more contemplative Japan—one of mountains, gardens, and living traditions.
From castle towns and sacred shrines to artisan studios, this region invites you to experience the essence of ikigai.
Each day of your tour will offer opportunities to engage meaningfully—with people, with nature, and with yourself.
PRIVATE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Your tour will be thoughtfully tailored to your interests and needs—from your chosen destinations and activities to your culinary preferences and pace of travel. Great care goes into crafting a once-in-a-lifetime journey that offers not only comfort and luxury, but also moments of meaning, personal growth, and inner learning.
Private Zen Temple Visits
Japan's best kep secret
Kokeizan Eihoji Temple founded in 1313 contains two buildings that are listed as National Treasures. The temple grounds and gardens have been designated as a place of National Scenic Beauty. Here we will take in the beauty of koyo, autumn foliage, as we walk around the Zen garden after morning meditation and Shakyo, zen sutra tracing.
Washi Paper Making Experience
Traditional Japanese paper making
Set within the natural beauty of Warabee Land in Mino, Gifu Prefecture—Japan’s UNESCO-recognized washi capital—this hands-on workshop invites you to slow down and connect deeply with the process. You’ll create your own sheets of washi to take home—a one-of-a-kind memory infused with mindfulness and meaning..
Iaido
The Japanese art of sword drawing
Delve into Iaido, a traditional Japanese martial art centered on the controlled, deliberate act of drawing the sword. In this exclusive masterclass, you’ll train under the guidance of 9th-dan iaidō master Atsushi Shibata. As you learn the fundamentals of kata—structured solo forms emphasizing smooth movement, mental discipline, and the avoidance of conflict—you’ll engage in a rare form of training that unites mind, body, and spirit.
Unique Dining Experiences
Traditional Japanese paper making
Set within the natural beauty of Warabee Land in Mino, Gifu Prefecture—Japan’s UNESCO-recognized washi capital—this hands-on workshop invites you to slow down and connect deeply with the process. You’ll create your own sheets of washi to take home—a one-of-a-kind memory infused with mindfulness and meaning.
Encounters with Japanese
Meaningful Conversations to Last a Lifetime
Your trip offers more than beautiful sights—it invites meaningful dialogue. You'll have the rare opportunity to meet and engage in private conversation with respected Japanese thought leaders, temple priests, or cultural experts. These encounters provide authentic insight into Japan’s philosophy, traditions, and contemporary challenges—offering moments of reflection that linger long after the journey ends.
Seasonal Experiences
The timeless tradition of autumn leaf viewing
Enjoy strolling through serene forests and temple grounds awash in crimson, amber, and gold, where every step invites reflection and presence. More than just a seasonal activity, momijigari is a practice of mindful appreciation, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the quiet joy found in impermanence.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Indigo Inuyama Uraken Garden exudes a fantastic vibe, blending modern sophistication with traditional Japanese elements. The interior design is stunning, with thoughtfully curated decor that reflects the local culture and history of Inuyama. Every corner of the hotel feels like a piece of art, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
We will even take care of your luggage and have it forwarded between hotels so you can enjoy the Shinkansen ride with peace of mind.
- YOUR GUIDE -
NICHOLAS KEMP
Your journey will be guided by ikigai authority and author Nick Kemp, along with local expert Shinji Kimura. Together, they will provide you with unparalleled insights and experiences that will help you transform lives through your enhanced coaching and communication skills.
You’ll enjoy a fully curated experience and gain insider access to renowned Japanese thought leaders and academics, while partaking in unique cultural activities that will inspire and deepen your understanding of ikigai and Japanese culture.
