A Behind-the-Scenes Look at our Scouting Trip, with Surprises and Reflections from Japan
- Tara Busch
- Nov 6
- 8 min read
On behalf of Conscious Travel Collective, I recently traveled on a scouting to Japan. It was my first time there, and with the awe and naivety of a beginner I journey with an open mind, open heart, strong sense of curiosity, and the most wonderful hosts who lead me to places in their country most travelers don't see! Here are some of the highlights and reflections, plus our future plans - which turned out to be the most expected element of all!
“Somewhere between buzzing and Zen”
Prior to arriving in Japan, I anticipated, and hoped for just a handful of experiences I might encounter. I arrived ready to be awed by the scale and speed of Tokyo. As a New Yorker, I love the buzz and energy of a pulsing city. I was also eager to spend time on the complete opposite end of the feeling spectrum, the calm of sitting in quiet stillness at a Buddhist temple. I saw myself walking the sacred halls, sharing space with those who’ve given themselves over to monastic life. I could easily imagine my trip would include at least one memorable meal. I was curious if there could be a chance to see my favorite form of art, woodcut prints. As an unrelenting history nerd, I was on the lookout for opportunities to fill in the wide gaps in my knowledge on Japanese history and culture.
Spoiler – I had each of these moments, but something else I was not expecting too.
As a seasoned traveler I really should have known better. since I often have an eerily similar experience just about everywhere I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Each of those things I’m expecting to enjoy the most; the meals, the stunning landscapes, the cultural encounters, the elegant hotels, the novel scenery- they all play a part in creating a special experience. However, as I traveled to different cities whose names I didn’t know before arriving there, went through each day and rested each night, my favorite reflections were none of those things I had anticipated. It was persistently, steadily, always the people. To be honest, as I travel from place to place, it is always the people.
"As I travel from place to place,
it is always the people."
I knew none of those I spent time with prior to my visit, but as the days went on, we shared more than meals, and cultural anecdotes. Each person I met offered such kindness, and genuine care we quickly formed a bond, as so often happens when traveling together. I found their hospitality abundant in its generosity. Funny enough, I was delighted at how much I enjoyed the ease of their laughter and smiles. The ability to giggle and welcome a laugh is a quality that endears us to each other in a way I had never noticed until then.
The kindness, hospitality, shared smiles and laughter, all formed a new vision of what time well spent in Japan could, or rather would, be. I left with all the meals, art, and history exposure I hoped for, and more. Now, when I return – which I hope to do soon – it will be with a new vision for my time, one that includes reuniting with friends, and trusting the rest will fall into place.
My Community of Travelers
I'm truly blessed to enjoy a great circle of colleagues and friends in the travel industry. The vast majority live far from me, in a different corner of the world, yet we are united by our shared love for travel. A love that - thanks to luck and hard work - has turned into a career. They work in journalism, marketing, hotel management, retreat leadership, guiding tours, or some other form of work that brings them in touch with the world of travel each and every day.
From the handful of posts I shared on social media I received a flood of excited messages from my community about my time in Japan. Not only had this stunning, and complex country left a strong impression on them personally, they were noticeably thrilled that I was having my first experience there.
This shared appreciation, and confidence that I would take away a similar reverence from the experience speaks volumes on the depth of impact their experience had. Hidden in their enthusiasm I felt a sense of surety; they had no doubt I would be moved by my experience. Their total confidence that a curious, open-hearted traveler would not find the stark cultural differences uncomfortable, or the masses of people - locals and tourists - off putting. Nope! There was a uniform cry of, “you’ll love it!”
Well, of course, they were right. But also, how beautiful to have a supportive cheering section of friends rooting for you to see and connect with a new place.
I hear from travelers who must wrestle their own travel daydreams with fears from the trusted people in their lives. These voices are not wrong to have concerns; travel should be ventured into from an informed place, and ideally with expertise and support (sorry ChatGPT). Yet here is an example of an intangible we also need... our cheering section! Our team of folks who’ll celebrate with us.
Travel is always a little daunting, a little scary, anything unknown and unfamiliar will always be. Travelers need their community to say, “of course you're nervous, but aren’t you excited too?” If you are a traveler, and don't have this in your life, I suggest you go find it!
Travel is one of the most meaningful communities I’ve been a part of, and I never stop being grateful for this community.
Ritual and Rest - has the West got it all wrong?
In my day-to-day in Japan, I did very little to determine my own schedule. I was in the very capable hands of my hosts and gave myself over to their expertise and hospitality. What I found in the time with them as well as the little spaces when I was alone, was an appreciation of ritual.
Sidenote; if you think of Japan, and think only of fast paced Tokyo, there are worlds within the countryside that invite you to come for a visit. I’ll be saying more in the months ahead but for now, just trust me, the cities whose names you already know are only part of the story when visiting Japan!
Ritual, as I observed it, existed in everything: from the exquisite breakfast served in a dozen, tiny uniquely beautiful dishes, to the orchestrated bowing before entering a shrine, and the deliberate removal of shoes - each time done with elegance, and a perfectly flow. At night, returning to my hotel room, a beautiful jinbei (casual loungewear, or pajamas) awaited me, as the closing ritual of the day.
Some of my experiences in Japan may not be a ritual in its own right, but within them lie many highly respected steps that require both ritual and reverence.
I walked forest paths built in the 16th century, still climbed today by Yamabushi, practitioners of Shugendō, and mountain worshipers in Yamagata.
Witnessed a Buddhist prayer ceremony in a 10th century temple.
Joined a woodworker in kanna, using a razor-sharp hand plane to smooth the surface of a beam, to reveal a texture as soft as silk.
Observed handmade silk kimonos as they were painted by hand
Watched the forging process of Echizen knives, where the master metalworker hammers two pieces of red-hot steel together, creating the thin, strong blades.
I drank ceremonial matcha prepared in an ancient tea house.
I learned the process of making washi paper from an 82-year-old master.
What I noticed in each of these modern-day craftsman, even with the long history of their craft, their work is nearly perfectly intact today, as it was in its ancient form. For our western world that seems not just intent but excited to discard the old and replace slow and steady with fast and discardable - Japan was the antidote.
Here was a place that not only appreciated the mindful and methodical, but in many things I observed, insisted on it.
I came home and found myself being pulled to rest, to go slowly. In my morning walk through my neighborhood my pace had slowed. Not intentionally, but rather as a sort of ripple effect, my time in Japan lingered in my body. My movement less hurried, the natural motions as I ate, or walked, or sipped my coffee took on greater care.
I ran out of time and didn’t buy the pajamas. I imagine when I return, I’ll grab a set to bring home, thus starting a nighttime ritual of slowly buttoning up for bed, slowing my movements along with my mind, inviting rest to do its good work. Knowing this pause doesn’t require that I endeavor to deserve it, but rather just be open to receiving.
“To rest is not self-indulgent, to rest is to prepare to give the best of ourselves, and to perhaps, most importantly, arrive at a given place where we are able to understand what we have already been given.”
From the book Consolations, by David Whyte
Designing YOUR trip to Japan
As you may have guessed - We are offering Japan as a new destination, in a slightly modified way!
You may know from working with us that we pride ourselves on the personal experience and firsthand knowledge we've acquired in each destination we offer. These are places where we've spent weeks, months, or collectively years building relationships and establishing the best connections for our community of travelers. We maintain direct contact with expert guides and passionate local creators, work with exceptional hotels and drivers, and understand the logistics intimately—so you can travel with ease.
We're taking the philosophy that sets us apart and expanding in an exciting new way.
Japan—with its incredible diversity of landscapes, cultural treasures, and nature-based experiences—represents exactly the kind of destination we want to offer you. We've partnered with a small, locally-based team in Japan who share our commitment to slow, intentional travel. They bring the same personal experience and depth of expertise to Japan while working seamlessly with our team to craft journeys that combine their intimate local knowledge with the thoughtful design you know from us.
Here's what doesn't change: the careful attention, thoughtful design, and dedicated support you've come to expect. What's enhanced is our ability to offer you an entirely new destination—one as complex and varied as Japan—with the same depth of knowledge and connections from day one. As we plan your trip, you'll connect directly with our partners in Japan, benefiting from their local expertise woven together with our distinctive design sensibility.
Working alongside partners who share our values means we can bring you to more incredible places without compromising what matters most: that personal touch and deep local knowledge you count on.
To get started on your very own, immersive, connected and conscious Japan itinerary completely personalized for YOU! Get in touch with our design team for a complimentary planning call!
The author of this blog is the Founder of Conscious Travel Collective, Tara Busch.
Hey there! I’m Tara, the founder of Conscious Travel Collective. After years in the travel industry and loving the opportunity to connect travelers with the world, I was struggling. Part of what troubled me was the absence of a critical element, one that makes travel so special - which is genuine, reciprocal, authentic connection! Connection with places, through the people that live there. So, with much intention, I started Conscious Travel Collective to offer folks travel that connects. We design luxury experiences at a reasonable price, with sustainable, ethical travel practices leading the way. If you're asking us, this is exactly what travel should be!
For more on our approach to private travel head over to our homepage. We are so happy to welcome you!
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