Go With the Flow in Japan with Jessica Kolbe

Join Jessica Kolbe on a transformative journey to Japan and immerse yourself in the art of “going with the flow” through a daily practice of Qigong/Tai Chi. Experience Japan’s unparalleled natural beauty, sacred sites, and rich traditions as you explore its creativity and culture. Discover your own Buddha nature and awaken your inner samurai warrior spirit, returning home with a renewed vision of beauty, creativity, compassion, and peace for yourself and the world around you.

This spiritual pilgrimage will take you deep into the heart of Japanese culture, faith, and history. Through its breathtaking landscapes, exquisite cuisine, and ancient wisdom, you’ll have the opportunity to embrace life fully, celebrate its impermanence, and embody the principles of “wabi-sabi.” Our journey includes places in Kyoto, Mt. Koya, Osaka, and time at a very special Zen Wellness Retreat Center.

With Spirit Tours, you get to travel in an open and relaxed state, knowing that all the details are taken care of! Enjoy daily spiritual practice and be surrounded by loving, like-minded travelers as you experience all that Japan has to offer.

About Jessica: Jessica Kolbe is an educator in the Health and Wellness field. She is a Level 3 certified Tai Chi and Qigong instructor. Jessica is one of 6 Senior Teacher Trainers for The Institute of Qigong and Tai Chi (IIQTC), an organization that trains future Qigong and Tai Chi instructors.

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SUMMARY OF DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
YOKOSO! (Welcome!)

Welcome to Japan! Immediately, you’ll be immersed in a whole new world – beauty, spirituality, language, food, culture, and creativity.

The hotel we have chosen is the 4-star Kyoto Century Hotel. This is an historic and traditional Japanese owned hotel with everything we will need for our stay as well as being centrally located to excellent restaurants, shopping, and other beautiful experiences that are within easy walking distance.

Day 2:  Thursday, October 23, 2025
After breakfast, we have an Opening Circle to get to know one another. We take a quick ride to the Nijo-jo Castle, where the grandeur of the Kara-mon Gate and the 400-year-old Ninomaru-goten Palace welcome you into the early Edo period’s golden age. Stroll through the intricate Ninomaru Garden and marvel at the ornate architecture and magnificent interiors of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Engage in a heart-centered Qigong practice led by Jessica to set your intentions for the day. Inspired by the Samurai ethos, find freedom and mindfulness by “setting one’s heart right.”

Dive into the life and philosophy of the Samurai, guided by the Hagakure’s teachings. Reflect on bushido’s principles of discipline, loyalty, and courage as you learn about the Samurai’s way of life.

We have time on our own to enjoy lunch and explore Kyoto’s local shops for unique treasures and souvenirs.

Visit the Samurai Museum for an immersive look into the Samurai’s history and culture. Participate in a fun and interactive Ninja activity, where you can channel your inner warrior and try something new.

Experience the serenity of Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon Temple) another UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Zen rock garden. Contemplate the simplicity and “nothingness” of this iconic space, embodying the spirit of the peaceful dragon.

Return to the hotel and cap off the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine while connecting with fellow travelers and sharing your day’s reflections.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Friday, October 24, 2025
Today we take a deeper step into the history and majesty of the ancient capital of Kyoto. Experience the ultimate torii gate experience by walking through the thousands of vermillion torii gates that climb through the hills near the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Here, at this shrine, we encounter the Japanese “Inari”, the fox-guardian spirit (the Shinto god of rice). Found in fable, legend, and the spirit world, the fox is a messenger and guardian. This walk is part of our spiritual practice today.

After our walking time, we visit two very important temples today. The first is the Kiyomizu-dera Temple built over 1250 years ago. Halfway up Mt. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range, this temple has welcomed large numbers of visitors who come to pay their respects to Kannon, a deity of great mercy and compassion. For this reason, the temple is known as a “Kannon Reijo.” “Reijo” is a Japanese word meaning a “holy place” and it’s here that Kannon’s compassion is abundant.

Stand before Kannon with a thankful heart – feelings of gratitude for coming into this world, your daily life, and your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances who are always there beside you. The presence and peace of Kannon is palpable, and the beauty is everywhere with several opportunities to participate in ancient rituals.

You’ll also have ample time for phenomenal shopping and eat lunch at one of our recommended restaurants while there.

Walk the Philosophers Path (“the Path of Philosophy”). The walk is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees and is gorgeous in the fall. We’ll walk in silence to fully soak up every moment.

Next, we experience the beauty of the Ginkaku-ji Temple, “The Silver Pavilion”. This is an elegant temple set in beautiful grounds at the foot of Kyoto’s eastern mountains. Its grounds are an outstanding example of Japanese landscape architecture. Whether you’re sitting on the landing beside the unique sand garden with its 2-meter silver cone or walking the trail and catching glimpses of the Pavilion from different vantage points, you’ll constantly aware of the lovely details which move the heart. It’s also here where we encounter the very heart of the Japanese aesthetic of “wabi-sabi”, a deep artistic and philosophical concept of the “impermanence of all things”. Like a fleeting natural sound, the wind in the trees, or a garden of raked lines in stone and sand, they are beautiful, but not meant to last.

Take a walk up to the vista for an amazing view! Jessica will lead us in a Qigong practice. Then, you’ll be able to pick your own spot to eat in the area before returning to our hotel.

Meal Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Saturday, October 25, 2025
We visit the Sanjusangendo Temple that within its temple hall, holds Japan’s longest wooden structure. In the center sits a large, wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon (Senju Kannon) that is flanked on each side by 500 statues of human sized 1000-armed Kannon standing in ten rows. Together they make for an awesome sight.

Today’s sacred time includes a private, guided Zazen meditation experience at the Shorinji Temple.  Shorinji means “The Wood of Awakening”. Zazen = ‘Za’ is the harmony of the body, breath, and mind. Zen is the Chinese translation of the Sanskrit, dhyana, or meditation. Zazen is the gradual unification of your body, breath, and mind through seated meditation.

You then have the afternoon and evening to explore the magnificent city of Kyoto on your own.

Meal Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Our journey takes us to Kibune – only around thirty minutes from Kyoto City, but it feels like worlds away. The area is filled to the brim with wildlife and seasonal flowers blooming along the river, and the local restaurants and ryokan (traditional inns) serve meals on platforms built over the cool waters. We climb the steps to the Kifune Shrine. This shrine is particularly significant to the Japanese as home to Kami, the God of Water. It’s recognized as the head of over 2,000 such water shrines all over Japan. This entire area is calm, healing, and deeply spiritual for the Japanese people. Legend has it that a goddess traveled to this location from Osaka. It is here where her spirit, as well as her boat, is kept. There is a boat stone, under which, is said to be buried the goddesses’ boat. People who own businesses, come here to seek blessings.

We then head to the Sanzenin area to enjoy special places to shop and pick a place to eat lunch.

Afterwards, we visit Sanzen-in Temple, which is a very significant temple for the branch of Buddhism called “Pure Land Buddhism”. The method of worship is in the form of chanting sutras. This kind of Buddhism is also called “Jodo Buddhism” – the belief that one can be reborn into a new “Buddha-field” and make steps in the next life to improve and come closer to enlightenment. This branch of Buddhism is widely spread throughout Asia and is popular because it grants the possibility for people to improve and find “the Buddha” even if they are not particularly virtuous in this life.

The various magnificent gardens reflect the seasons and are particularly famous in autumn for the fall colors. On the grounds, the path meanders around small halls with ancient histories and through moss gardens dotted with smiling little jizō statues, making for a beautiful and relaxing time.

Take some time to wander and explore this marvelous and sacred space. Afterwards, you can choose to BE and have some tea in a gorgeous setting or walk to the Otonashi no Taki Waterfall is found on the Sanzen-in Temple grounds and its name, “Oto-nashi” means, “soundless”.

Meal Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Monday, October 27, 2025
We depart Kyoto and transfer to one of the holy of holies of Japan, Koyasan (Mt. Koya). Upon our arrival, we enjoy a wonderful lunch.

Koyasan is a holy site that is a series of temples, but also a gravesite that is the final resting place for about half a million people. Among those who are interned here are several very significant historical figures, famous monks, as well as the legendary figure of Oda Nobunaga.

In the most central part of Koyasan is the Okunoin Temple (ancient graveyard), where Kukai (posthumously named “Kobo Daishi”) is resting. Legend has it that Kukai is not, in fact, deceased yet meditates day and night until he is ready to come back to this world. Monks carry meals to his mausoleum every morning and evening.

Koyasan is also the endpoint for those finishing their holy pilgrimage. You may see “ohenro pilgrims” in their white clothing and sedge hats. It is considered a sacred duty of many Japanese Bhuddhist to make a pilgrimage here, one time in their life. They come here to pay homage to Kukai and to thank him for his steadfast companionship on the path they have just completed. In their hands they may carry a staff which is said to be the embodiment of Kukai, and they keep it/him with them as they travel. On the staff reads in Japanese, “Dogyo-Ninin”, which means, “two travel together”.

We spend the night in a Japanese Buddhist temple for a genuine, sacred ryokan experience. Enjoy the stillness, beauty, simplicity, meditation, meals, and the monks singing (praying).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Awaken in the peaceful setting of the monastery, participate in morning prayer, have breakfast, and then make our way to Osaka.

For our spiritual deepening experience today, we visit the Sumiyoshi Taisha for a special Shinto ceremony – a unique experience to receive blessings and prayers from an authentic Shinto shrine. This shrine is dedicated to the three gods of the sea (the Watatsumi, a creature in three manifestations), god of war, and god of poetry. We then indulge our eyes and tastebuds in one of the most remarkable meals one can eat in Japan at Sumiyoshi. Trust us – it’s incredible!

We have a special Ryokan Inn Experience for the next two nights staying at the Takarazuka Onsen Hotel Wakamizu. The Takarazuka Onsen is a renowned hot spring with a history that dates back 700 years. There is a large indoor onsen bath and an open-air bath. The spring quality of the water in the open-air bath is sodium-chloride cold mineral spring, which has the property of warming the body from its core, keeping you warm after the bath.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Eight: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Today is a very special day as we travel out to the island of Awajishima (Awaji Island). It is here that the very first gods met and from this place that all other islands of Japan were born. This is the very epicenter of Japanese legend and Shinto tradition.

We enjoy some marvelous time at Zenbo Seinei (a Japanese Zen Retreat) for a Zen Wellness Experience overlooking the panoramic views of the valleys all around.

Your ZEN Retreat is designed to detoxify and retreat your body and mind by experiencing meditation and qigong in the brilliant sunlight, clean air, and magnificent greenery. You’ll enjoy freshly prepared original Zenbodishes by our chef, handmade tea cakes and more surprises. Everything about this our time there is Going With the Flow! It’s an unforgettable experience on many levels, including the view.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Nine: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Begin your transformative day at the renowned Japan Osaka Kung Fu School – a center for traditional martial arts and energy cultivation practices. This unique opportunity connects you to centuries-old wisdom and mastery passed down through generations. Step into the serene training space and prepare to immerse yourself in a comprehensive Qigong practice led by expert master teachers. Their deep knowledge and gentle guidance will help you connect with your body, mind, and breath. The session focuses on flowing movements, intentional breathing, and energy alignment to harmonize your qi (life force energy). Feel the vibrant energy of Osaka surrounding you as you cultivate inner balance, strength, and serenity. The teachings emphasize mindfulness, grounding, and the flow of energy within and around you—key aspects of “going with the flow” in life.

Afterwards, we go back to Kyoto where you’ll have an opportunity for last minute shopping/sight-seeing. We meet up for a special Celebration Dinner and share, reflect, and give thanks on all our priceless moments.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Ten: Thursday, October 31, 2025
After breakfast we have our closing circle.  And then we leave for the Kansai Osaka Airport (KIX) and our flights home or to Tokyo if you plan to enjoy Tokyo.

Meal Included: Breakfast

PRICING FOR 10-DAYS and 9-NIGHTS LAND PACKAGE:

Per person Double Occupancy: $5,689
$889 nonrefundable deposit to hold your space. 
*Single Supplement is $1,450 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND CANCELLATION POLICY:

There is a $889 nonrefundable deposit required to reserve your spot.
First payment of $1,500 due by February 15, 2025
Additional $1,500 due by May 15, 2025
Final payment (Full balance) tour is due by August 1, 2025

If cancelled outside of 90 days of tour date – full refund minus $889 nonrefundable deposit
If cancelled between 89 and 61 days – 50% is refundable minus $889 nonrefundable deposit
If cancelled within 60 days – No Refund

Itinerary is subject to change if necessary without notice.

Trip Insurance (Cancellation/Interruption/Medical) highly recommended and medical insurance required for all international tours. Assistance with insurance and airfare are available through Spirit Tours.

Note: Each traveler is responsible to adhere to local Pandemic Protocols, ie: wearing masks and social distancing where advised. It is the Traveler’s responsibility to have all the necessary documents, tests, and vaccinations completed prior to departure. Improper required travel documentation is typically not covered by travel insurance. Spirit Tours/Agency/Agent not liable for errors and omissions of approved/paid itinerary and held harmless for unforeseen travel complications as of result of Pandemics and Quarantines.