Kyoto, Japan: Ancient Wisdom for a Wholehearted Life

Walk. Reflect. Grow. Each day brings new landscapes, new insights, and new connections—with nature, others, and yourself.

Day 1: Sunday, May 9 — Arrival in Kyoto

Arrive in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and spiritual heart, where ancient temples, quiet gardens, and modern life exist side by side. Depending on arrival time, you’re welcome to explore the surrounding area. Visit a nearby shrine, grab a coffee, or simply take in the rhythm of the city.

You can check into the Hotel Mercure, our home for the next 6 days, at 3pm.  We’ll gather at 4pm for our opening educational session, setting the tone for the week ahead. Through introductions and shared intention, we’ll begin creating a space grounded in honesty, reflection, and meaningful connection.

Day 2: Monday, May 10 — Fushimi Inari & Sushi Making

Our morning session focuses on awareness—beginning to notice the patterns, stories, and habits that quietly shape how we live and relate. From there, we step directly into one of Kyoto’s most iconic and sacred spaces: Fushimi Inari Taisha. We’ll walk together beneath thousands of red torii gates as the path winds up the mountain. The steady climb creates space for reflection, conversation, or quiet—whatever you need. Along the way, small shrines, overlooks, and rest stops remind us this isn’t just a hike—it’s a practice in staying present. Later, we’ll return to the city for a hands-on sushi-making experience, grounding the day in something tactile, creative, and shared.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday, May 11 — Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park

This morning’s session centers on perspective—how we see ourselves, our work, and the stories we carry. From there, we head to Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and immersive areas. We’ll walk through the bamboo forest, where towering green stalks filter light and sound into something almost surreal. From there, we’ll explore nearby temples and make our way to the Monkey Park, where a short climb rewards us with sweeping views of Kyoto. The day blends movement, beauty, and just enough effort to shake loose whatever’s been stuck.

Included: Breakfast

Day 4: Wednesday, May 12 — Golden Pavilion, Rock Garden & Nijo Castle

Today’s session invites us into deeper work—looking at perfectionism, control, and the ways we try to manage uncertainty. Then we step into some of Kyoto’s most refined and contemplative spaces. We’ll visit Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), a striking temple set against water and carefully designed landscape. From there, we move to Ryoan-ji, home to Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden—a place that has been quietly frustrating and enlightening people for centuries. We’ll also explore Nijo Castle, once home to powerful shoguns, where history, architecture, and subtle design reveal how power and presence were once communicated without saying a word. The day ends with a special evening dinner experience connected to Kyoto’s traditional arts and culture.

Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Thursday, May 13 — Kiyomizu-dera, Gion & Old Kyoto

This morning we shift toward integration—how to take what we’re learning and actually apply it to our lives. Then we head into one of Kyoto’s most iconic areas. We’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera, a stunning temple perched above the city, offering expansive views and a sense of scale that’s hard to ignore. From there, we’ll walk through the historic streets leading into Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. This part of the city invites a slower pace—wandering narrow lanes, noticing details, and letting the experience unfold without rushing to the next thing.

Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Friday, May 14 — Mount Hiei, Imperial Palace & Temple Dinner

Our final full day focuses on meaning and direction—what you’re taking from this experience and how you want to move forward. We’ll travel to Mount Hiei, a sacred mountain that has been a center of Buddhist practice for centuries. The quieter, less-traveled setting creates space to reflect on the week as a whole. Depending on timing, we’ll also explore the Imperial Palace grounds or a local temple market, before gathering for a closing dinner experience in a temple setting—simple, intentional, and a fitting way to mark the end of the retreat.

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Saturday, May 15 — Departure or Nara overnight add on

After breakfast, our formal retreat comes to a close. You may depart Kyoto or choose to stay for an optional Nara add on

Meals: Breakfast included

Optional Days 7 & 8: Overnight Add-On: Nara

Just outside the ancient capital of Kyoto lies Nara, one of Japan’s most enchanting and peaceful destinations. On this optional day trip, we’ll wander through historic temples and gardens, stand in awe before the Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji, and stroll among the famous free-roaming deer of Nara Park. We’ll also take time to slow down and restore at a traditional Japanese onsen, soaking in the calm rhythm and beauty that make Nara feel worlds away from the pace of modern life. Along the way, expect hidden shrines, quiet pathways, incredible food, and the kind of moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.

$249 shared room/$349 single room

Included: One night hotel stay, guided visits, and time for reflection.

Not Included: Train ticket to Nara, admission to onsen, museums or other attractions you may want to see.

TRAVEL SUPPORT 

This retreat is not an endurance challenge; it’s an invitation to slow down, explore, and reconnect. While there will be opportunities for hiking, much of our time will be spent in meaningful educational sessions, experiences, cultural exploration, and shared moments of reflection. This is a shared group experience with a set itinerary. There will be built-in flexibility and options to step back when needed, but we’re not able to customize individual plans throughout the retreat. Part of the work is learning to navigate that balance, honoring your needs to listen to your body, your energy, and the quieter voice within while staying engaged with the group.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Expert bilingual guides
• Daily educational and reflective sessions on over 25 CME/CEU topics on resilience, burnout prevention, and authentic living
• 6 nights at the charming Mercure Hotel in Kyoto
• Daily breakfasts
• Transportation during the retreat
• A pre-retreat Zoom session to help you prepare for the experience
• A post-retreat Zoom session to help you integrate new insights

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare
• Ground transport to and from the retreat (e.g., car/train to Kyoto)
• Daily lunches and dinners
• Gratuities for guides
• Travel insurance (Click here for a quote)
• $50 learner plus membership to claim CME/CEUs

CANCELLATION DETAILS

• Cancellations prior to January 10, 2027 are subject to a $500 cancellation fee.
• Non-refundable on or after January 10, 2027.
• A minimum of 12 participants are necessary or the retreat will be cancelled. This decision will be made at least 90 days before international retreats and 60 days before domestic retreat start dates.
• If Bounce Travels cancels the retreat, you’ll receive a full refund of your registration fee or you may apply your balance plus $200 toward another Bounce Travels retreat through the end of the following year.

PLEASE NOTE

This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, rain, festivals and spontaneous side trips. This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS 

To claim CME/CEU credits, participants are required to purchase a $50 annual Learner+ membership. This one-time registration provides unlimited access for one year to claim credits through reflective activities—both from this retreat and other eligible experiences. Learner+ is an accredited activity portal designed for busy healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician associates, pharmacists, social workers, athletic trainers, case managers, dietitians, chaplains, and more. It allows you to capture reflections at the point of learning or care and convert them into continuing education credits. Reflections based on session content may be eligible for up to 30+ AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ per session. Learn more about CME/CEU eligibility for your specialty here.

🌊 WADE IN EXPERIENCE

You’ve started exploring your inner life—maybe through a book, a podcast, therapy, or a few reflective conversations—and now you’re ready for more. This experience offers grounding tools, mindset shifts, and meaningful dialogue to support your next steps. It’s a great fit for those looking to reconnect with themselves and gain momentum in their growth journey