Find Your Journey

SMALL GROUP JOURNEYOFFERS

The Ancient Spiritual Kingdom & Sea Canals

2026▾

2026 2027

Days

Private Helicopter Charters

10,000 Burning Lanterns

Solo

10,000 burning lanterns in the sacred Okunoin cemetery, ancient pilgrimage forests, and Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin on the Seto Inland Sea

See Pricing & Inclusions ↓

↑ Back to Top Overview Itinerary Stays Why This Journey Pricing & Inclusions

10 Days

Small Group

from $9,650 pp

Home › Journeys › Japan › The Ancient Spiritual Kingdom & Sea Canals

OverviewA highly curated itinerary focusing on high-altitude temple monasteries, sacred pilgrimage forests, and world-class contemporary art architecture — relying on a private helicopter charter to skip heavy land transits between the sacred mountains and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Standing inside the Okunoin cemetery illuminated by 10,000 burning brass lanterns, hiking the ancient Kumano Kodo, and viewing Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin from the coast of Naoshima Art Island.

Best For	Discerning travelers seeking high-altitude temple monasteries, sacred pilgrimage forests, and world-class contemporary art architecture
Duration	10 Days / 10 Nights (approx)
Route	Nairobi → Osaka (KIX) → Mount Koya (Koyasan) → Kumano Kodo → Naoshima Art Island → Osaka (KIX) → Nairobi
Group Size	Private or small group — your party, or join a small departure
Price From	$10,500 per person sharing

✦

Private helicopter from Osaka's Kansai Airport to the misty cedar peaks of Mount Koya (Koyasan) — the cradle of Shingon Buddhism

✦

Soji-in Temple Lodging — VIP Imperial Room — staying inside a working Buddhist temple, with traditional vegetarian Shojin Ryori cuisine

✦

Okunoin — Japan's largest sacred cemetery. Walking past 200,000 moss-covered stone stupas under giant cedar trees to the Torodo Hall, illuminated by 10,000 permanently burning brass lanterns

✦

Pre-dawn morning chanting and fire rituals of the Koyasan monks — one of the most powerful meditative experiences in Asia

✦

Ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail — stone staircases cutting through the forest on one of Japan's most sacred walking routes

✦

Private helicopter to Naoshima Art Island — touching down on an island where architecture and art exist in complete harmony

✦

Benesse House Oval Suite — designed by Tadao Ando, with the Seto Inland Sea visible through every window

✦

Yayoi Kusama's Yellow Pumpkin on a concrete pier over the sea, and private underground tour of the Chichu Art Museum where natural light illuminates Monet

✦

Dorokyo Gorge — private boat through an emerald-green river cutting between sheer vertical cliff walls covered in moss and ancient azaleas

✦

Exclusive Washi paper-making and indigo dyeing masterclass with Shikoku island artisans

Download PDF

The Ancient Spiritual Kingdom & Sea Canals

Route Map

Interactive Route Map

Nairobi → Osaka (KIX) → Mount Koya (Koyasan) → Kumano Kodo → Naoshima Art Island → Osaka (KIX) → Nairobi. Day-by-day scrollspy markers to follow.

Itinerary

Mount Koya (Koyasan), Japan

Day 1 | Nairobi → Osaka → Mount Koya — Temple Arrival by Helicopter

VIP handling at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport, flight to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. VIP tarmac reception, then board a private helicopter for a spectacular flight over the urban landscape into the misty cedar peaks of Mount Koya (Koyasan).

Check into Soji-in Temple Lodging — VIP Imperial Room. The serene atmosphere of a working Buddhist temple, cedar trees, the sound of monks' chanting. Private guided tour of the temple grounds. Welcome dinner.

Day 1 | Nairobi → Osaka → Mount Koya — Temple Arrival by Helicopter

Soji-in Temple Lodging, Mount Koya

Dinner

Okunoin Cemetery, Mount Koya

Day 2 | The 10,000 Lanterns of Okunoin

Explore Okunoin — Japan's largest and most sacred cemetery — with a private monk guide. Walking past 200,000 moss-covered stone stupas under giant cedar trees to the Torodo Hall, illuminated by 10,000 permanently burning brass lanterns.

The mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. A traditional vegetarian Shojin Ryori dinner at the temple.

Soji-in Temple Lodging, Mount Koya

Breakfast, Dinner

Kumano Kodo

Day 3 | Dawn Monk Chanting & Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Rising before dawn to witness the evocative deep-voiced morning chanting and fire rituals of the Koyasan monks.

Afternoon on a private crowd-free section of the ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail — stone staircases cutting through forest that has been walked by pilgrims for a thousand years. Hot local plum wine and Shojin Ryori delicacies from a private stone platform overlooking a raked rock garden at sunset.

Day 3 | Dawn Monk Chanting & Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Soji-in Temple Lodging, Mount Koya

Breakfast, Dinner

Naoshima Art Island, Seto Inland Sea

Day 4 | Helicopter to Naoshima Art Island

Private helicopter flight west across the Seto Inland Sea to the world-famous Naoshima Art Island — miniature pine-topped islands and turquoise water from above.

Check into the ultra-exclusive Benesse House Oval Suite, designed by Tadao Ando. The Seto Inland Sea visible through every window. Afternoon exploring the island's coastline. Gourmet dinner.

Day 4 | Helicopter to Naoshima Art Island

Benesse House Oval, Naoshima

Breakfast, Dinner

Naoshima

Day 5 | The Yellow Pumpkin & Chichu Underground Museum

Walk to Yayoi Kusama's iconic Yellow Pumpkin on a concrete pier over the sea — the striking contrast of bright yellow against the blue. A private crowd-free guided tour of the Chichu Art Museum, built completely underground to let natural light illuminate masterworks by Claude Monet.

A lavish champagne brunch prepared by a private chef on a high promontory overlooking the glassy Seto Inland Sea. Return for a relaxed evening.

Day 5 | The Yellow Pumpkin & Chichu Underground Museum

Benesse House Oval, Naoshima

Breakfast, Dinner

Dorokyo Gorge

Day 6 | Hidden Gem — Dorokyo Emerald Gorge

A private boat excursion to the Dorokyo Gorge — navigating a quiet emerald-green river channel cutting between sheer vertical cliff walls covered in moss and ancient mountain azaleas.

The towering cliffs and lush vegetation creating one of Japan's most dramatically beautiful hidden landscapes. Swimming in the clear water. Return for gourmet dinner.

Benesse House Oval, Naoshima

Breakfast, Dinner

Honmura, Naoshima

Day 7 | Art House Project — Living Architecture Walk

The historic fishing village of Honmura — a private architectural walk through old timber houses transformed internally into modern structural art installations. Each house features a different artist's vision fused with traditional Japanese architecture.

Your guide explains the Art House Project and the artists involved. Return for a relaxed evening.

Benesse House Oval, Naoshima

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 | Private Yacht — Seto Inland Sea & Island Bonfire

A full day cruising the quiet channels of the Seto Inland Sea on a private luxury yacht — navigating past miniature pine-topped islands, the extraordinary seascape of the inner sea.

A celebratory multi-course bonfire dinner on the island's edge under a brilliant blanket of stars.

Day 8 | Private Yacht — Seto Inland Sea & Island Bonfire

Benesse House Oval, Naoshima

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 | Exclusive Washi Paper & Indigo Dyeing Heritage Tour

An island cooperative with indigenous master paper-makers and indigo dyers — filtering mulberry bark into heavy Washi paper sheets, traditional organic indigo fermentation vat techniques.

A private performance of historic folk storytelling. Celebratory farewell dinner at Benesse House paired with vintage sake.

Benesse House Oval, Naoshima

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 | Helicopter to Osaka — Departure

A relaxed luxury breakfast over the sea channels. Private helicopter back to Kansai International Airport. Complementary spa session in Osaka. Optional city tour. International flight back to Nairobi.

City Hotel, Osaka

Breakfast

Want to adjust the pace, swap a lodge, or extend this journey?

We are here for that. Every Finders & Keepers Safaris itinerary is a starting point, not a fixed departure — the pace, the lodges, the length, the dates and the party travelling can all be reshaped around you. Tell us what you would change and a specialist will rebuild the journey and price it honestly, before you commit to anything.

Tailor This Journey →

Your Accommodation

Two Exceptional Properties

Soji-in Temple Lodging — VIP Imperial Room

NIGHTS 1–3

Mount Koya (Koyasan), Japan

Soji-in Temple Lodging — VIP Imperial Room

View

NIGHTS 4–9

Naoshima Art Island, Japan

Benesse House — Oval Suite

View

Why This Journey

What sets this journey apart

A night in a working Buddhist temple on Mount Koya, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail and Naoshima’s art island, reached by private helicopter.

Sleeping in a temple

A night at Soji-in, a working Buddhist temple, with a traditional vegetarian meal and the monks’ pre-dawn chanting and fire rituals.

Among 200,000 stupas

Okunoin, Japan’s largest sacred cemetery, walked beneath giant cedars past moss-covered stupas, then the stone stairways of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail.

Art by helicopter

Private helicopters to Mount Koya and to Naoshima, then the Chichu Underground Museum, Benesse House, the Art House Project and a private yacht on the Seto Inland Sea.

Shoulder SeasonJan – MayCherry blossom season across the country

Best ValueMay – SepWarm, humid summer — better value

Peak SeasonSep – DecAutumn foliage — one of Japan's best seasons

Best forSpiritual travellersArt loversReturn Japan visitors

Plan this journey with us →

Inclusions & Price

Deposit Offer

Hold 2027 for half the usual deposit

Confirm any 2027 departure with a 15% deposit instead of the usual 30%, booked before 31 December 2026.

Your balance is not due until 60 days before departure.
The reduced deposit holds your camps, permits and internal flights at today’s rates, so a mid-year price movement does not reach you.
Applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be combined with a group discount on the same booking.

Solo Travellers

30% off the single supplement

Travelling on your own? We cut the single traveller supplement by 30% across selected 2027 departures.

The supplement covers the sole-occupancy cost a camp charges when a room sleeps one rather than two.
Available on selected camps and dates — your specialist will tell you which of your nights qualify before you commit.
Nothing changes about the journey itself: same guide, same vehicle, same rooms.

Group Offer

Bring three, the fourth travels free

Book four guests on a 2027 group departure and the fourth guest’s safari cost is on us.

The waiver covers the land portion — camps, meals, guiding and game drives.
International flights, visas, gorilla and chimpanzee permits and personal spending are excluded, as those are paid to third parties per head.
All four guests must travel on the same departure date and book together.

What's Included

VIP tarmac handling at all airports
All private luxury vehicle transfers
9 nights luxury accommodation
All meals — Full Board throughout
International flights Nairobi–Osaka–Nairobi
Private helicopter Osaka–Mount Koya
Okunoin private monk guide
Kumano Kodo pilgrim trail walk
Private helicopter to Naoshima
Chichu Art Museum private tour
Champagne brunch on sea promontory
Dorokyo Gorge private boat
Art House Project architectural walk
Private Seto Inland Sea yacht
Washi paper & indigo dyeing heritage
Private helicopter Naoshima–Osaka
All site entry fees
✓Travel insurance facilitated on your behalf (adjusted in your quote if you are already covered)
Visa processing assistance & fees

What's Not Included

International flights to/from Nairobi (confirm at booking)
Gratuities for guides & staff
Premium imported alcohol
Washi paper & indigo purchases at guest discretion
Items of a personal nature

Per Person Pricing

Per Person Sharing$10,500

Single Traveller SupplementOn Request

ⓘ Pricing is an estimate subject to confirmation based on season, group size, and final accommodation selection.

2027 Season Pricing

The same unforgettable journey, priced by season.

Jan – May Shoulder SeasonCherry blossom season across the country

$11,750

May – Sep Best ValueWarm, humid summer — better value

$9,650

Sep – Dec Peak SeasonAutumn foliage — one of Japan's best seasons

$12,050

Flexible Payment Plan

Reserve today with a low early deposit to lock in your 2027 dates and pricing.

Spread the rest across convenient instalments, at a pace that suits you.

Final balance due one month before departure — nothing more to pay once you fly.

Speak To Us

Journey Details

Travel Kit

Duffel, sun hat, rain shell and day pack

Your duffel — A soft-sided Finders & Keepers Safaris duffel, sized for domestic flights and easier than a hard case on train platforms, ferry jetties and old-town lanes.
What is inside it — A wide-brim sun hat, a lightweight packable rain shell for tropical downpours, and a foldable day pack for temple mornings and market afternoons.
Yours to keep — The bag and everything in it is a gift, not a loan.
Packing around it — Slip-on shoes save time at temples, where you remove them repeatedly, and one set of clothing covering shoulders and knees is essential for religious sites.

Note

Some experiences are highly seasonal

Cherry blossoms (late March–early April) and autumn colours (November) are the most popular — and most crowded — times to visit. Your itinerary is timed to make the most of seasonal highlights where included.

Early starts — The best of this journey happens at dawn — before the heat, the crowds and the haze. Your guide will confirm what time you will be collected from your hotel.
Tailoring this journey — If you would like this package with more or fewer days, arranged for a group, a family or a solo traveller, or with add-ons, reach out and we will tailor it for you.
Route changes — Your guide or driver may alter the route in certain circumstances, but every destination set out in the itinerary will be covered.

Documents

Visa-free for most nationalities

Passport — Valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank pages for stamps.
Visa exemption — Japan waives the short-stay visa for 74 countries and regions, including the UK, the EU, the US, Canada and Australia, generally for 90 days.
Visit Japan Web — Filing immigration and customs in advance through Visit Japan Web produces two QR codes and takes you through the fast lanes at Narita and Haneda. It is free and saves a long queue.
Medication is taken seriously — Japan prohibits several medicines sold over the counter elsewhere, including many pseudoephedrine decongestants and codeine painkillers. Bringing them in, even in hand luggage, is a criminal matter, and larger quantities of prescription drugs need a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate arranged in advance.
We handle the paperwork — We complete and submit your visa, eVisa or travel-authorisation applications on your behalf. You supply the documents once; we do the filing, track the approval and hold the confirmations for you.
Where you must appear in person — A few consulates insist on biometrics or a short interview that nobody can sit on your behalf — China requires fingerprinting for some nationalities, as do European and United States visas. We still prepare the entire file; we simply book you a single appointment and brief you beforehand so one visit settles it.
Before you travel — Entry rules change frequently and without much notice. Your specialist confirms the current requirements for every passport in your party at the time of booking, and checks them again before you fly.

Guaranteed Departures

Private, tailor-made departures on your dates, or join a small group

Once confirmed, you travel — When your departure date is confirmed, it is guaranteed. We do not cancel, merge or reschedule a confirmed departure for commercial reasons, however the final numbers fall.
What confirms a departure — A departure becomes confirmed once the agreed number of travellers has been reached and paid for in line with the agreed payment schedule. Places held without payment do not count towards it.
If the minimum is not reached — Where a group departure has not reached its agreed numbers, we tell you early rather than late, and you choose: move to the next available date, continue at a revised small-group rate, or take a full refund of everything you have paid.
Solo journeys — Solo and tailor-made itineraries carry no group minimum at all. Your dates are confirmed the moment your deposit is received.

A deposit of 30% is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due 60 days before departure. All itineraries can be tailored — extend a stay, add a destination, or adjust the pace to suit you. Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation and personal effects is required for all guests. Your dedicated specialist remains on call throughout your journey for any changes or assistance you need.

What to pack — Light layers and slip-on shoes, which you will take off repeatedly at temples, shrines and traditional inns. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter most religious sites, so pack at least one modest set you can throw on. A light rain shell handles the tropical downpours, and the highlands and northern cities run far cooler than the coast — bring a proper warm layer if your route climbs.