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About this trip
Enjoy the unique culture and traditions of Tokyo and Kyoto and fly to Okinawa to meet with some of the Islands aged population and learn their lifelong secrets! Aging isn't just a biological process -- it's also very much a cultural one. Different cultures have different attitudes and practices around aging and death. Japanese perceptions of elders diverge markedly from public perceptions of old age in the United States.
For the first time in modern history, the world’s population is expected to virtually stop growing by the end of this century, and Japan’s unique population, fertility, and immigration history make it a leading exemplar of this trend.
Worldwide, there is a growing recognition that the kind of life we now give our elders will impact the way we will be treated and cared for as we enter our later years. Because aging is a worldwide phenomenon, the needs and opportunities of an aging world must also reflect and respect cultural and social diversity in developing programs that encourage quality of life at all ages.
Visit Okinawa Prefecture one of the world’s “Blue Zones,” areas that have a high concentration of people who exceed the average life expectancy. We will explore the many different factors believed to contribute to the longevity of Blue Zone residents.
Program Highlights
· Take a bullet train to Kyoto
· Enjoy a homestay for a couple nights in Okinawa sleeping in traditional homes on tatami mats (futons).
Focus on Positive and Productive Aging
· Meet with community and healthcare professionals and experts on aged care to speak about the cultural differences in the view of the aging person and how this effects care provided in the US vs. Japan.
· Spend some time at an elderly/child community center in Kyoto (or similar) to learn about their services, talk to their staff about topics of mutual interest.
Focus on the Community & Culture
· Explore iconic sites in Tokyo and Kyoto including Kodai-Ji Temple, go on a city tour in Tokyo to see the Meii-Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace Plaza and will see the incredible city views from the observation deck of Tokyo Tower.
· Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and enjoy a Zen Meditation experience while at Kodai-ji Temple. This gorgeous temple complex honors a preeminent samurai warrior dating to 1606.
· Visit Ogimi Village of Longevity (Blue Zone), famous for the number of centenarians that live there including a visit to a handicraft shop to see how they produce Kijoka Bashofu (banana fiber cloth).
Informational Video
Bobbi Kolonay and Nanda Journeys founder Nicola Balmain recently recorded an informational video about the upcoming journey to Japan. You can play it back online HERE.
Fundraising for Ashville
Many of our Nanda family are impacted, or have family members impacted, by the Hurricane Helene tragedy. A $50 per traveler donation will be made to families who need assistance recovering and rebuilding.
What’s included
- Hotel Accommodations4/5* Star locally owned hotels
- Many MealsBreakfast daily, 3 Lunches and 5 Dinners as outlined in the daily itinerary
- Professional Meetings8-10 hours of professional exchanges with your counterparts in host country
- Entrance FeesAll entrance fees and activities mentioned
- National GuideEnglish speaking guide to stay with you throughout the program
- Local GuidesLocal Guest Guides who will provide specialized local knowledge throughout the journey
- Private local transportPrivate motor coach and driver
- 24/7 Travel SupportNanda Journeys team support before, during and after travel. 24/7 during travel.
- Unique itineraryNanda Journeys has designed this program exclusively with Bobbi Kolonay for ALCA members and their guests
- Most TipsTips for restaurants, local guides included
What’s not included
- MealsMeals not mentioned in the program itinerary
- Passport & VisasPassport application, renewal (no visas required)
- Alcoholic BeveragesMeals include soft drinks with alcoholic beverages being at your own personal expense
- International FlightNanda Journeys can assist in making flight reservations
- InsuranceTravel insurance is not included, but highly recommended. Nanda Journeys will provide recommendations
- TipsTips for national guide and hotel staff are not included. Suggested tipping $10-15 per day guide, $2-4 in room maid service.
- Personal ItemsAny item purchased at the hotel or restaurant which is not mentioned in the daily itinerary
Available Packages
By selecting this option, you are electing to book your own flights. Please review Booking Terms & Conditions HERE
The $500 deposit is refundable, less a $95 admin fee, until 150 days prior to travel (December 18, 2025)
** Nanda Journeys will endeavor to assist persons requesting a roommate; however, a shared room cannot be guaranteed. Participants will be contacted to confirm space in a shared occupancy room approx. 90 days prior to travel. If we are unsuccessful in finding a suitable roommate, the enrollee will be invoiced the applicable single supplement **
By selecting this option, you are electing to book your own flights. Please review Booking Terms & Conditions HERE
The $500 deposit is refundable, less a $95 admin fee, until 150 days prior to travel (December 18, 2025)
Many of our Nanda family are impacted, or have family members impacted, by the Hurricane Helene tragedy. A $50 per traveler donation will be made to families who need assistance recovering and rebuilding.
Itinerary
Make your way to Tokyo, Japan independently. Many Westcoast cities offer good non-stop options like Los Angeles. Nanda Journeys can provide flight quotes from your home airport.
Japan Highlights
✓ 7 nights / 9-day journey through Japan
✓ Take a bullet train to Kyoto
✓ Enjoy a homestay for a couple nights in Okinawa in a traditional home, sleeping on tatami mats (futon).
Community & Cultural Connections
✓ Explore iconic sites in Tokyo and Kyoto including the Kodai-Ji Temple. A city tour in Tokyo will include sites like the Meii-Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace Plaza and a visit to the Tokyo Tower to take in the view.
✓ Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and enjoy a Zen Meditation experience while at Kodai-ji Temple. This gorgeous temple complex honors a preeminent samurai warrior dating to 1606.
✓ Visit Ogimi Village of Longevity, famous for the number of centenarians that live there including a visit to a handicraft shop to see how they produce Kijoka Bashofu (banana fiber cloth).
Educational Interaction
✓ Meet with healthcare professionals and experts on aged care from a variety of settings to speak about the cultural differences in the view of the aging person and how this effects care provided in the US vs. Japan.
✓ Focus on the cultural beliefs and practices that affect the treatment of the elderly in Japan; how professional and public opinion have evolved; and role of healthcare practitioners in end-of-life care.
✓ Spend a day at Shimizu Medical Corporation’s elderly/child community center in Kyoto (or similar) to learn about their services, talk to their staff about topics of mutual interest.
Please note: All itineraries are subject to change based on availability of hotels, flights and hosting organizations at the time of finalization of booking. Comparable meetings and activities will be arranged should an itinerary change be necessary. 30 days before departure, a finalized itinerary will be available and reflect final details.