Getting from the US all the way to Japan is a big undertaking. The plane ride is long, and of course, there’s a significant financial commitment. So when you find yourself in the Land of the Rising Sun, you want to make the most of your time! My recent trip with Collette Travel allowed me to do just that. We saw many of the stunning sites Japan has to offer, but we also had plenty of opportunities for hands-on activities to get really immersed in the culture. With that said, here are some of the best ways to make the most of international travel to Japan!
See the Pearl Divers of Mikimoto Island
What was your dream job as a kid? You probably didn’t have pearl diver on your radar! On the gorgeous Mikimoto Island, women train to plunge into the sea and harvest pearls. I had the honor of meeting one of these fearless women—she had been working as an Ama pearl diver for over 30 years! After our meet and greet, we were treated to an incredible barbecue dinner, complete with scallops, squid, and shellfish. I’m not usually one for seafood, but I cleaned my plate!
Participate in a Japanese Tea Ceremony
Tea ceremonies are among Japan’s most well-known cultural traditions, so I was excited to participate in one myself. Our itinerary included a very formal ceremony where we got involved in brewing, serving, and tasting the tea. It was an entirely multi-sensory experience. The smells, sights, and flavors were amazing!
Spend a Day with the Women’s Association of Kyoto
On day 10, we spent a delightful day with the Women’s Association of Kyoto (W.A.K.), a group of elegant housewives passionate about sharing their culture. We folded intricate origami cranes, cooked up some delicious miso soup, and sipped on the finest sake. Their warmth and enthusiasm made Kyoto’s rich traditions feel even more special. I love how this Collette itinerary is more than just sightseeing!
Try Out Life at the Monastery
Here’s an extraordinary over-60 travel experience for you—on days 11 and 12 we were welcomed into a monastery on Mount Koya. I adored the serene setting and the chance to see how these religious folks live. We got the full package, including sleeping on tatami mats, joining prayers, and eating a lovely vegetarian dinner.
Take a Japanese Cooking Class
When you grab dinner at your local Japanese restaurant, you might not give a second thought to how it’s made. But on this solo trip, I got a chance to cook okonomiyaki, a famous Japanese dish. With a skilled chef at the helm, I learned a ton about what makes this country’s cuisine so special.
Remember History While Looking Ahead
Toward the end of my group’s time in Japan, we met a remarkable 86-year-old woman who was only eight when she survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Her firsthand account of survival and resilience was so moving—an unforgettable reminder of history’s lessons and the power of human strength. I truly believe EVERYONE, including world leaders, should hear about these experiences from people who lived through it.
Which Japan Trip Essential Will You Try?
I had such an amazing time exploring Japan with Collette! I highly suggest going guided—not only will you get exclusive experiences, but you also won’t have to navigate the language barrier alone. Want to see more highlights from this outstanding itinerary? Follow me on Instagram @travelingblackwidow!