M O V E M E N T S J A P A N
WHERE CULTURAL IMMERSION
MEETS INTENTIONAL RITUAL.
curated for the evolving soul.
A Curated Cultural Wellness Journey
September 4 - 14, 2027
Kyoto
Osaka
Nara
Mt. Fuji
Tokyo
Join us for an 11-day, 10-night culturally immersive journey through Japan— where tradition, presence, and intentional living are not observed, but experienced.
From the quiet rituals of Kyoto to the dynamic rhythm of Tokyo, this experience is designed to move beyond surface-level.
You'll be guided through moments of cultural depth, creative exploration, and personal reflection-- woven together with thoughtfully curated spaces, practices, and encounters.
Each destination, each experience, each pause has been chosen with care.
Not to show you Japan,
but to invite you into a different way of being within it.
This journey is rooted in something deeper.
KYOTO | OSAKA | NARA | MT.FUJI | TOKYO
Why Japan?
Japan offers a rare balance--
where ancient tradition and modern life exist in
quiet harmony.
It is a place where ritual is not reserved for ceremony,
but woven into the everyday.
Where attention to detail becomes a form of presence.
Where simplicity holds depth.
Where stillness is not empty, but full.
This journey explores the intersection of:
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cultural immersion
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intentional ritual
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mindfulness in motion
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artistic expression
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and the practice of presence
Not as concepts,
but as lived experiences.
T h e C h a p t e r s
Each chapter has been thoughtfully designed--
balancing exploration and reflection, movement and stillness.
Created for the traveler and the curious within,
and curated for the evolving soul.
Explore each chapter below and uncover the moments, rituals, and experiences that shape this journey.
Meet Your Hosts
Guided with intention,
shaped by experience.
Guided by two distinct yet complementary perspectives, this journey is shaped through a thoughtful blend of cultural depth and creative expression.
With a background in public relations, wellness curation, and multimedia artistry, MC brings a lens of intentional living and embodied experience. Alongside her, Eric-- a Japan resident of over 27 years, Japanese art history professor, and longtime presence in the local culinary scene-- offers rare insight into traditions, stories, and hidden layers of Japan.
Together, they weave a journey that is both deeply rooted and intuitively curated-- offering access not just to places, but to perspectives often unseen.
Marie-Claire (MC)
MOVEMENTS Founder | Wellness Curator Multimedia Artist
With a background in public relations and a global career spanning the United States, France, and Jamaica, MC brings a perspective shaped by tourism, wellness, and experiential curation. Raised between American and French cultures, and having lived in New York, Paris, and Miami, she developed a deep appreciation for movement, culture and meaningful connection. It was in Negril, Jamaica, where the vision for MOVEMENTS first took shape-- leading her to found MOVEMENTS in 2023, the home of MOVEMENTS Jamaica, and later expanding into new chapters in Japan and the United States. Kyoto, where she completed an art residency, continues to inform her creative direction and serves as the setting for her upcoming multimedia project, Silent Altars. Today, her work lives as a collection of immersive experiences rooted in intention, place and story-- inviting guests into moments that are intimate, sensory and quietly transformative.
Eric
University Lecturer | Culinary Curator & Guide
PechaKucha Night Kyoto Founder
Having called Japan home for over 27 years, Eric brings a rare depth of cultural understanding shaped through decades of immersion in Japan's traditions, aesthetics, and everyday life. As a university lecturer, his work is rooted in a deep appreciation for the stories, philosophies, and craftsmanship that define the country's cultural landscape. Beyond academia, Eric is also a respected presence within Kyoto's culinary and hospitality scene, with longstanding relationship that offers access to spaces and experiences often unseen. With a perspective that bridges scholarship and lived experience, Eric invites travelers to engage with Japan beyond the surface-- revealing the subtle details, rituals, narratives that make each moment meaningful.
Meet our Local Partners
A circle of creatives, cultural keepers who make each moment meaningful.
Through trusted relationships and shared values, we collaborate with local artists, artisans, and storytellers who offer a deeper connection to Japan's traditions, creativity, and everyday beauty.
Mamiko
Chef & Culinary Curator
Masahiro
Entrepreneur & Tatami Artisan
Aya
Photographer & Visual Storyteller
Rooted in Hiroshima and shaped by years spent in Marseille and Kyoto, Mamiko brings together Japanese and French culinary traditions through food and hospitality. Her approach goes beyond preparing a meal-- she creates thoughtful experiences around the table, where culture, flavor, and connection come together. Through cooking, she offers guest an intimate taste of Japan shaped by both tradition & international perspective.
Born and raised in Kyoto, Masahiro- known as Hiro- carries forward a family tradition of Japanese craftsmanship dating back to 1959. Through his work with tatami, he reimagines a centuries-old craft into wearable art and contemporary pieces that can travel beyond Japan. His hands-on workshops invite guests to experience the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship while connecting with tradition, creativity, and family legacy behind it.
Raised between two "small towns'-- Los Angeles and Osaka-- Aya is a bilingual photographer with over 12 years behind the lens. Specializing in cinematic imagery, she approaches photography as more than capturing a moment; it is about curating an experience. Through her distinctive lens, Aya brings the beauty and nuance of Japanese aesthetics into each visual story.
Where You'll Stay
A space to rest & restore
Each stay has been intentionally selected to reflect the rhythm of its surroundings -- from the quiet refinement of Kyoto, to the grounding stillness of Mt. Fuji, and the dynamic energy of Tokyo. These are not simply places to rest, but spaces that deepen your experience in Japan.
K Y O T O
Quiet refinement in the heart of tradition.
Kyoto Century Hotel
Location: 680, Higashishiokojicho, Kyoto, Kyoto 600-8216
Stay: 6 nights
Experience: Comfort + accessibility + cultural immersion
Meals: Breakfast included
Located steps away from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Century Hotel offers a thoughtful balance of comfort, accessibility, and calm-- serving as your home base as you explore the cutural heart of Japan.
From here, guests will have convenient access to the temples, gardens, and neighborhoods that shape the first chapters of the journey, from Arashiyama's bamboo groves to Fushimi Inari, Uji, Nara, and beyond.
A stay designed to provide both ease and intention -- allowing you to return each evening to a place of rest after days of exploration.
MT. F U J I
Restoration in the presence of nature.
Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen
Location: 9 Chome 1, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi
Stay: 1 night
Experience: Onsen retreat + Japanese hospitality
Meals: Breakfast + Kaiseki dinner included
Nestled in the Fuji Five Lakes region, Fujisan Onsen Hotel Kaneyamaen offers a moment of pause and renewal within the journey. Surrounded by Japanese gardens and views of Mount Fuji, this traditional stay invites guests to slow down and reconnect through the rituals of Japanese hospitality.
From the restorative warmth of the onsen to the artistry of a traditional kaiseki dinner, this stay is designed as a transition point -- a space to reflect, restore, and embrace the quiet beauty of Japan before entering the energy of Tokyo.
T O K Y O
The rhythm of modern Japan.
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Location: 1 Chome 12-2, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 150-0043
Stay: 3 nights
Experience: Urban energy + modern exploration
Meals: Breakfast included
Located in the heart of Shibuya, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu places you at the center of Tokyo's dynamic energy. With sweeping city views and immediate access to one of the world's most iconic districts, and within easy reach of the city's creative neighborhoods, cultural landmarks, and hidden moments of stillness.
From the vibrant street of Shibuya and Harajuku to the serene grounds of Meiji shrine, this stay offers the perfect balance between exploration and reflection.
A seamless and comfortable base to explore, reflect, and take in the final chapter of the journey.
T h e E x p e r i e n c e
Each experience is thoughtfully designed to offer both structure and space -- allowing you to move at your own rhythm while being held in a carefully curated journey.
Shared Room Experience
$ 4,800 USD
Designed for those who are open to connection and shared moments, this option pairs you with another guest in a thoughtfully selected room. A beautiful balance of comfort, community, and value -- while experiencing the full journey.
Private Room Experience
$ 6,800 USD
For those who value personal space and quiet restoration, this option offers a private room throughout the 10-night journey. An elevated level of comfort, allowing you to fully unwind and integrate each experience at your own pace.
* Whichever you choose, you'll receive the same full experience -- this simply comes down to your room preference.
Curated Enhancements
Beyond the journey itself, curated enhancements allow you to personalize your experience through moments of deeper connection -- from culinary discoveries and creative workshops to cultural experiences designed to bring each destination to life.
Each enhancement holds its own story. Explore the gallery below to discover the experiences that invite you deeper into Japan.
From intimate local dining to regional specialties, each culinary experience is thoughtfully selected to connect guests with the flavors, stories, and people of Japan.
A kimono experience capturing the beauty of tradition through movement, artistry, and photography.
A scenic river experience inviting reflection and presence within Japan's landscapes.
A traditional tea experience exploring ritual, mindfulness, and Japanese hospitality.
Explore the electric energy of Osaka through an evening of street food exploration and Dotonbori cruise.
A guided sake tasting experience exploring regional craftsmanship, flavor profiles, and the cultural rituals behind Japan's most iconic spirit.
A hands-on workshop where you create your own set of chopsticks, connecting with the precision, simplicity, and intention of Japanese craftsmanship.
A kintsugi pottery experience where broken pieces are restored with gold, reflecting the beauty of imperfection and the philosophy of renewal.
A sumo wrestling dining experience where you witness this centuries-old sport up close while enjoying traditional meal in an immersive cultural setting.
Begin Your Journey
Your journey to Japan starts with a single step.
When you feel called to join us, we invite you
to take the next step. Reserve your place for this intimate cultural wellness journey and step into an experience shaped by intentional moments, meaningful connections, and the stories waiting to unfold across Japan.
Created as an intimate experience designed for
meaningful connection, thoughtful exploration,
and a deeper way of experiencing Japan.
September 4 - 14, 2027
KYOTO | OSAKA | NARA | MT.FUJI | TOKYO
Begin the Experience
A $500 deposit secures your place.
Flexible payment plans are available.
Complete our reservation form and our team will
personally follow up with payment options and next steps.
Before You Begin
Frequently Asked Questions & Journey Details
Everything you need to know before stepping into your journey.
About the Journey
Planning Your Experience
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What is included in the investment?
Yes. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to introduce guests to Japan's cultural depth while balancing guided exploration, personal time, and moments of reflection. From iconic destinations to hidden layers of tradition, we create space for guests to experience Japan beyond the surface.
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Do I need to speak Japanese to join this journey?
No. While we encourage guests to embrace the culture and language, no prior knowledge of Japanese is required. With Eric's local expertise and our carefully coordinated experiences, guests can feel supported while discovering Japan with confidence.
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Can I join if I am travelling alone?
Absolutely. Many guests may arrive independently, but the intimate nature of the journey creates space for meaningful connections and shared experiences. Whether traveling solo or with someone you know, you'll be welcomed into a thoughtfully curated group experience.
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How many guests will be on the journey?
MOVEMENTS Japan is designed as an intimate cultural wellness experience, allowing for deeper connection, flexibility, and a more personal journey. Group size is intentionally kept small to preserve the quality of each experience and allow guests to fully immerse themselves in Japan.
Investment & Payment
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What is the total investment for this journey?
The total investment for your journey will depend on your selected experience and any curated enhancements you chose to include. Each guest's journey is intentionally designed to reflect the level of depth and personalization they are seeking. Following your reservation inquiry, you will receive a detailed overview of your selected experience, including a complete investment breakdown.
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Is a deposit required to reserve my place?
Yes, a deposit is required to secure your place on the journey. Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive a personalized confirmation with your payment schedule.
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Are flexible payment plans available?
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans to allow you to prepare for your journey with ease. Details will be shared upon confirmation of your reservation.
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When is the final balance due?
The remaining balance will be due prior to departure. Specific timelines will be outlined in your reservation confirmation.
Your investment includes accommodations, daily breakfast, selected meals, guided cultural experiences, transportation outlined in the itinerary, host guidance throughout the journey, and all included experiences described in the Journey Guide.
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What is not included?
International flights, travel insurance, personal purchases, meals listed as "on your own" and any additional experiences outside of the curated journey are not included. A complete breakdown of inclusions and exclusions will be provided in the Journey Guide.
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How do curated enhancements work?
Curated enhancements are optional experiences designed to deepen your connection with Japan through food, craftsmanship, culture, and meaningful moments. Guests may select their preferred enhancements during the reservation process. Availability is subject to advance booking requirements, and final selections will be coordinated prior to departure.
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What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
We welcome guests with dietary considerations and ask that you share any allergies, restrictions, or preferences during the reservation process. Our team will work with our local partners to thoughtfully accommodate your needs whenever possible.
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How much walking is involved?
Japan is best experienced through movement, and guests should expect a moderate amount of walking throughout the journey, including temples, gardens, neighborhoods, and cultural sites. We encourage guests to bring comfortable footwear and let us know of any mobility considerations so we can best support your experience.
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Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment and provide coverage for unexpected circumstances, including trip interruption, medical needs, or travel delays. Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance before departure.
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What travel documents are needed?
Travel requirements vary depending on your nationality. Guests are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary documents required for entry into Japan. For U.S. citizens, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport is required for entry, and we recommend that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
Beginning Your Reservation
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What happens after I submit my reservation form?
After submitting your reservation form, our team will personally review your details and follow up with your selected package, payment options, and next steps to secure your place. Once your reservation is confirmed, we will continue supporting you with your journey preparation and important travel details leading to your arrival in Japan.
For a complete overview of your journey, including preparation details and everything you need before departure, explore our Journey Guide.
