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“My Japan”

Come and join me on a small group tour to parts of Japan that are close to my heart. 
INTRO

Awaken your senses with a journey
off of the beaten path…

My Japan offers a travel experience that includes must-see landmarks as well as hidden gems off the beaten path, ensuring a deeply enriching adventure. You will explore various facets of Japan’s rich culture and history, from the vibrant streets of Tokyo to tranquil hiking trails in the mountains and along the coast. Each journey is thoughtfully designed to emphasize unique elements, catering to travellers who prefer to savour the experience rather than rush from one attraction to another.

My bond with Japan began over three decades ago when I was a student in Tokyo, and it has grown stronger with every return. These visits have allowed me to forge lasting friendships, discover lesser-known destinations, and witness the evolution of this fascinating country. Japan has brought me immense wonder and joy, and many of its fundamental values and traditions have become a guiding thread in my life. I invite you to embark on this journey of (self) discovery with me and uncover the many layers of a country that continually astounds me.

UPCOMING DATES

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
– Robert Frost

Come and join me on a small group tour to parts of Japan that are close to my heart. You’ll learn about and experience different aspects of its rich culture and history, discovering places less travelled. Each journey is unique, yet they all capture the diversity and spiritual energy of this amazing country that I have visited for over 30 years.

 

Date #1 : September 25 – October 4, 2025 

This is a 10-day (small group) travel in collaboration with wainando.de. This journey is well suited for solo travellers who like to embark on an exploration to Japan but not entirely on their own. Highlights of this trip will be cultural and historical places, delicious local meals and some time to get to know and experience the spiritual side of Japan through nature walks, a temple stay and rituals of worship. The pace of travel allows a little “me time” as well as the fun of shared experiences and of connecting with likeminded people. Note: Wainando is a German based travel company that specialises in authentic, mindful experiences.  Expect a mix of languages (German / English) if German is not your first language. 


Before signing up for any adventure, ask yourself if this is what you truly want to do. If you can relate to the pace of the journey, its objectives, and its destinations, then this is your opportunity to experience something truly unique. Please  feel free to chat with me about any of the above itineraries, and if you can not find what you are looking for, I might be able to help you with your own travel planing. 

 

Past experiences:

 

May 23 – 31, 2025 

Wabi Sabi Pilgrimage Retreat. This is a deeply immersive Yoga Retreat in partnership with my friend Margaret Rosania (owner of Siendo Art of Being) . We will explore traditional aspects of Japanese culture such as the waterfall meditation, a temple stay, traditional tea ceremony, the art of repairing broken pottery, fire ceremony, daily mindful and yoga practises and more all under the umbrella of “wabi sabi”. We will enjoy staying in private (Machia) houses, enjoy vegan meals, and embark on long nature hikes. 

October 19 – 26, 2024 

This trip was a captivating cultural exploration of Japan, showcasing the stunning contrast between ultra-modern architecture in Tokyo and the Edo-inspired villages nestled in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture. Our journey included a memorable overnight stay in a serene Buddhist temple and a tranquil retreat at a remote hot spring resort, offering us deep insights into the lesser-known facets of Japanese history and tradition.

Each day presented an opportunity to savor local specialties that are unique to Japan, along with excursions to vibrant local markets and charming hidden tea shops. The entire experience felt wonderfully complete, made possible by the incredible energy and enthusiasm that everyone brought to this journey.

“Our trip was very well planned and one could feel the enthusiasm (of Tina) behind . It was also very diverse, allowing us to experience a multitude of activities without  feeling exhausted. We never felt like typical tourists, as we explored off-the-beaten-path locations. This journey offered a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture, especially with (Tina´s friend) Ken joining us for some time. “
Rita Piçarra

November '24

“I very much enjoyed it. It was a wonderful “introduction” to Japan. As both an “outsider” and an “insider” Tina brought a unique perspective to it.  I very much appreciated the written communiques explaining various aspects of the trip. The planning itself was really good. THANK YOU TINA!“
Razmik Panossian

November '24

“…it was a great introduction to Japan, really enjoyed it. The pre-travel info was very useful and helped me with my travel planing also for my time afterwards when I continued by myself.  In summary it was a very nicely planned trip with attention to details. It gave me a very good overview of (Japan´s) culture and history and it s variety of food. Our Onzen (hot spring) experience was so unique , the view from the room and the deliciously prepared meals…”
Maria Meichl

November '24

“In total, I am very grateful that we have had the possibility to travel with you. The group was super nice, Ken (Tina s Japanese friend) absolutely amazing and charming and without you I doubt that I would have ever gone there. So thank you for this opportunity and all the love and work you have put into it.“
Clea Nuss-Troles

November '24

“Our trip to Japan was absolutely amazing! Tina’s ‘wabi-sabi’ vibe really made everything special. We loved wandering through traditional temples,  looking up the mountain that started to change colours and exploring the lively streets of Tokyo with all its cool modern buildings. It felt so peaceful and welcoming – just like the Japanese culture that values respect, humility, and kindness. Every meal was a total treat, bursting with the incredible flavours  and they were served up with such care and nod to those age-old traditions. Huge thanks for sharing your passion with us; it was the perfect way to explore this beautiful country together as friends!”
João P. Marques

November '24

Contact

Please get in touch if you have any questions, like to receive notifications of the updated session & event schedule in your mailbox, or just want to know me personally

+351 917 970 488

hello@tinasahl.com

Appointments by pre-booking: Sintra / Ulgueira