Directly translated, the Japanese idiom ichi-go ichi-e means “one time, one meeting.” This concept urges us to recognise that each unique experience is fleeting and to appreciate every moment. Ichi-go ichi-e tells us to live in the moment and experience life fully.

It’s a concept that pairs so beautifully with guided travel in Japan. Collette’s expertly planned, expertly led tours have all the details taken care of, so all you have to do is live in the moment and immerse yourself in the local Japanese culture. Whilst travellers have a list of must-sees in the Land of the Rising Sun (we see you, Tokyo Tower, shopping in Ginza, bowing deer of Nara, and Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine), your interactions with local people may just be the experiences that make the journey. Here are the top moments that travellers say have stuck with them well after their tours:

Connecting with Ama Pearl Divers

Photo by Ama Hut SATOUMIAN

Collette Traveler Mary H. identified that local people were the best part of her travels.

“I was amazed at the graciousness, kindness, helpfulness, and attentiveness of the Japanese people we encountered,” she said.

And people with an interesting and meaningful story that our small group Explorations travellers meet are Japan’s Ama pearl divers.

The Ama divers are extraordinary freestyle divers who dive for fish, seaweed, and pearls. Traditionally in Japanese society, the man is the breadwinner. These women defy conventional gender roles every day. And they begin this career early: The women begin diving at 12 years old and continue into their 70s, withstanding freezing temperatures. Collette travellers who meet these female divers get to watch them take the plunge into the sea during a demonstration. They dine with some of them in a traditional Ama hut for lunch. The women grill a seafood dinner over an open flame and invite travellers to have a conversation with them.

Whilst many travellers tell us that this experience is a highlight, traveller Carrie S. called it out as her favourite part of the tour. “Absolutely enjoyed Ama divers,” she said. “They were such a joy to watch, and the food was fabulous.”

Visiting with the Kyoto Women’s Association

Japanese women share their country’s culture from the sea and beyond. In the case of the Kyoto Women’s Association, the cultural lessons are set in traditional city townhouses.

For Collette traveller Linda G., trying her hand at some traditional Japanese practices alongside the association and getting a taste of local culture was the best part of her trip.

“I loved the interactive parts of my tour, especially the Women's Association with the sake tasting, origami, and sushi making,” she said.

Whilst the Ama share their unconventional experiences, the Kyoto Women’s Association shares their insight about Japan and its culture with a more common perspective of a woman’s experience in this complex society. There’s also a look at important elements of Japanese culture overall: Japan's “traditional sake brewing” was recently selected to be included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Collette travellers, men and women alike, have indicated that visiting the Kyoto Women’s Association is a powerful experience that gave them a deeper understanding of the country.

“They really educated me on Japanese culture and Japanese core values,” traveller Homer P. says.

Travellers Ed and Erica K. have been on 13 Collette tours. Ed said that learning how women-run enterprises operate around the world has been an experience that he likely would not have found travelling on his own.

“Collette supports women’s groups and women’s businesses,” Ed said. “I enjoyed things like that, that you get introduced to on the different holidays we’ve been on with them.”

Meeting an Atomic Bomb Survivor in Hiroshima

Coming face to face with wartime history can be difficult, but many travellers have told us that they find it a rewarding and meaningful experience.

Patricia and Patrick G., a mother/son duo, who went on tour to Japan touted speaking with a hibakusha – a survivor of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima – as a major highlight. “I’ve got to say that my favourite thing was Hiroshima, going to the Memorial Park,” Patrick said in an episode of Collette’s Travel Unpacked podcast. “That was very meaningful and striking … more memorable than anything and very impactful.” The family noted that the survivor they spoke to was a woman who was six at the time of the war, and the detail of her firsthand account was astonishing.

“She remembered what she was wearing that day,” Patricia said. “Her father told her to run and seek shelter, and she was describing what she was wearing. That was quite amazing, considering she is in her eighties now.”

Travellers Ed and Erica K. said they were fortunate to speak with a survivor, despite being hesitant about the meeting at first.

“I wasn't sure I even wanted to go because I thought it was just going to be a terrible day of facing what happened,” Erica said. “But the attitude of the Japanese people is, ‘We want to show you this so that it never happens again to anyone else.” Erica said that she and her husband spoke with a Hiroshima resident who had left town the day of the bombing for work; whilst he survived, he lost many loved ones and his city. And despite the tragic loss, Erica said the dedication to peace was powerful. “I came away with a great, great deal of hope, more than the depression I thought I was going to be feeling,” she said. “It was a very moving experience.”

Experience Japanese Culture on a Collette Tour

Certain destinations demand expertise. From navigating different cultures to having a local expert at your side to show you how to navigate public transport when you don’t know the language, many travellers choose to book guided tours in Asia for peace of mind.

Traveler Erica K. points out the value of cultural immersion that she experienced on tour in Japan.

“These are the kinds of experiences that Collette offers … that you don’t get when you try to go by yourself,” she said. “There’s no way that we would ever have met a survivor of Hiroshima (on our own).”

When you’re ready to book your tour to Japan, call us or see your travel professional and ask for Collette.