June 2026 | A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Japanese beauty & WEllness culture from the inside out
Japan has long been the quiet powerhouse of the global beauty industry. While K-beauty captured headlines with its multi-step routines and sheet masks, J-beauty has remained steadfast in its philosophy: quality over quantity, ritual over routine, and a deep reverence for ingredients sourced from nature.
But what if you could step behind the curtain? What if you could walk the same halls where Shiseido’s innovations are born, visit the tea fields where Kotoshina harvests its organic skincare ingredients, and learn the centuries-old wellness rituals that inform Japan’s approach to beauty?
This June 2026, I’m thrilled to invite you on an extraordinary journey through Japan—one that goes far beyond the typical tourist experience to reveal the soul of Japanese beauty culture. Along with other Japan expert guides, I will be on the tour to guide you through the detail of Japanese beauty culture and of course some beauty shopping in Tokyo!
More Than a Trip: A Transformation
Partnering with Allure Magazine and Indagare, this carefully curated 10-day wellness journey offers unprecedented access to the people, places, and practices that make Japanese beauty so revered worldwide.
We’ll be joined by Jessica Cruel, Editor-in-Chief of Allure and SELF, whose deep expertise in beauty journalism and commitment to inclusive beauty storytelling brings a unique perspective to our exploration.
What Makes This Journey Extraordinary
Exclusive Industry Access
This isn’t about walking past glass displays in a department store. We’re going inside:
- Private visit to Shiseido headquarters: Walk through the halls of Japan’s most iconic beauty brand, explore their flagship store with insider knowledge, and understand how a 150-year-old company continues to innovate at the intersection of science and artistry.
- Behind the scenes at SK-II: Discover the story behind Pitera™ and see how one of Asia’s most coveted skincare brands creates its cult-favorite products.
- Kotoshina’s tea fields in Uji: Visit the source of green tea skincare. Watch as antioxidant-rich leaves are cultivated and transformed into high-performance beauty products. There’s something profound about touching the soil that grows your serums.
Immersion in Wellness Traditions
Japanese beauty has never been just about what you put on your skin—it’s about how you care for your entire being:
- Meditation with a Buddhist monk: Learn mindfulness practices that have centered Japanese wellness philosophy for centuries
- Two nights at Beniya Mukayu ryokan: This family-run gem in Kaga Onsen offers private open-air onsens, sound baths, yoga, and exquisite kaiseki meals. This ryokan has been included in the World’s best hotel spa list by Michelin Guide and W Magazine.
- Visit to Meiji Jingu shrine: Connect with Shinto traditions and understand Japan’s spiritual relationship with nature
- Evening with a geisha: Experience the artistry, ritual, and discipline that defines Japanese aesthetic perfection
Hands-On Cultural Experiences
- Kintsugi workshop: Learn the art of repairing broken pottery with gold—a perfect metaphor for finding beauty in imperfection, the essence of wabi-sabi philosophy
- Tea ceremony: Participate in this meditative ritual that has influenced everything from Japanese interior design to skincare application techniques
The Itinerary: Tokyo, Kaga Onsen & Kyoto
This journey has been expertly designed to balance energy with serenity, innovation with tradition:
Tokyo: Explore the cutting edge of beauty technology and urban wellness culture. Private brand visits, skincare labs, and the pulsing energy of one of the world’s most innovative cities.
Kaga Onsen: Retreat to the mountains for restorative hot spring therapy. This is where you’ll truly understand yu-ami—the Japanese art of bathing as spiritual practice. Staying in one “One of the best spa’s of the world” by W Magazine.
Kyoto: Discover ancient beauty rituals in Japan’s cultural heart. Visit traditional artisans, historic temples, and the tea fields of Uji.
Why June 2026?
Timing is everything. June in Japan means:
- Post-rainy season clarity and fresh green landscapes
- Comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor onsens
- Hydrangeas in bloom at temples and gardens
- Fewer crowds than cherry blossom or autumn leaf season
More Than Luxury: Conscious Travel
Through Indagare’s commitment to responsible tourism, this journey is 100% carbon-neutral. Your trip supports carefully vetted non-profits preserving Japanese culture, heritage, and environment through the Indagare Impact Fund.
Every experience is designed not to extract from Japanese culture, but to support the artisans, small family businesses, and traditional practitioners who keep these crafts alive.
Who Is This Journey For?
This experience will resonate deeply if you:
- Are fascinated by Japanese beauty and skincare culture
- Want to understand the why behind the products you use
- Seek authentic cultural immersion over surface-level tourism
- Appreciate small-group travel with expert guidance
- Value wellness practices that integrate body, mind, and spirit
- Want to connect with like-minded travelers who share your curiosity
Whether you’re a beauty industry professional, a devoted J-beauty enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a transformative travel experience, this journey offers something you cannot find anywhere else.
The Details
When: 14-21 June 2026
Group Size: Intimate small group (typical Indagare journeys host 10-16 travelers)
What’s Included:
- Luxury accommodations in Tokyo, Kaga Onsen, and Kyoto
- All meals and guided experiences
- First-class train travel between destinations
- Expert local guides and 24/7 support
- Private brand visits and exclusive access experiences
- Global Rescue emergency services
- Carbon offset for entire journey
Reserve Your Spot
If you’ve ever dreamed of truly understanding Japanese beauty culture—not as a tourist, but as an honoured guest—this is your invitation.
For full itinerary details and booking information, visit Indagare’s journey page or reach out to me directly to discuss how this journey might be perfect for you.
I believe that the most beautiful things we bring home from travel aren’t products—they’re practices, perspectives, and a deeper understanding of how other cultures see the world. This journey to Japan offers exactly that: not just an introduction to Japanese beauty, but an invitation to see beauty itself through Japanese eyes.
I hope you’ll join me.
Questions? Want to learn more? Drop a comment below or send me a message. I’m happy to share more details about specific experiences, answer questions about the itinerary, or discuss what makes this journey so special.
✨ Limited spots available for June 2026
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