A traditional Japanese Zen garden with rocks, raked gravel, and a wooden building with shoji screens.

THE AUTUMN JOURNEY

For women seeking creativity, culture and connection.

OVERVIEW

2026

Duration: 9 Days / 10 Nights

October 15 - October 25, 2026 - BOOKINGS CLOSED

October 29 - November 8, 2026 - 2 Places remain‍ ‍

Price: AUD $7000 AUD (Twin Share) ‍

Group Size: 8 participants, 2 guides

Starts/Ends: Osaka/Kyoto, Japan

2027

Duration: 9 Days / 10 Nights

October 21 - October 31, 2027 - BOOK NOW

Price: Early Bird AUD $6500 (Twin Share)

Regular Price AUD $7000 (Twin Share)

*Single Supplement + AUD $1500 ‍

Group Size: 6 participants, 2 guides

Starts/Ends: Osaka/Kyoto, Japan

*Single Supplement

Guests selecting the single supplement will enjoy their own private room for 7 of the 10 nights.

As part of the experience, our stays in Koyasan and Naoshima are shared accommodation for all guests. These unique properties are an integral part of the journey and, due to their traditional layout, single occupancy is not available during these stays.

Five people walking along a concrete wall with sharp angles, with grass in the foreground.

HIGHLIGHTS

Koyasan: Stay in a mountaintop temple and join morning meditation.

Kyoto: Explore historic districts and participate in a traditional roketsu dyeing workshop.
Kinosaki Onsen: Relax in renowned hot springs and stay in a traditional ryokan.
Naoshima & Teshima: Discover contemporary art museums and installations.
Daily Drawing Sessions: Guided by professional artist Honor Bradbeer, suitable for all skill levels.

Two people dressed in traditional Japanese attire walking down a quiet street at dusk, with warm lantern lights illuminating the buildings.

ITINERARY SNAPSHOT

Night 1: Meet at Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
Day 1: Koyasan – Temple stay and meditation.
Day 2-3: Kyoto – Cultural exploration and roketsu workshop.
Day 4-5: Naoshima & Teshima – Art islands.
Day 6: Okayama – City stopover and local exploration.
Day 7-8: Kinosaki Onsen – Hot springs and relaxation.
Day 9: Return to Osaka/Kyoto.

A top-down view of a traditional Japanese meal setting with multiple small dishes, bowls, and plates containing various foods, including sashimi, tempura, tofu, sauces, and bread, arranged on a black table.

Accommodation*: Traditional ryokan, temple stay, western style hotels and self contained beach cabin (2 cabins for the entire group).
Meals Included: Daily breakfast and 3 group meals.
*Please Note: Experience includes authentic Japanese lodging with seating and futon bedding on tatami floors.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

Black fabric curtains with white embroidered insects and nature motifs hanging on a rack at a market.

10 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast and 3 group meals
Japan Rail Pass and local transportation
Entrance fees and workshop fees
Daily guided drawing sessions with materials provided
Luggage transfers where required

WHAT’S INCLUDED

A Japanese Zen garden with a large stone featuring inscriptions in front of a raked gravel pattern and leafless trees casting shadows.

International flights
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses and beverages
Airport transfers

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Two women smiling and standing close together outside, seen through a glass window with Japanese writing, with a green tree and cloudy sky in the background.

MEET YOUR GUIDES

Angie Wilton: Having grown up in a bilingual Japanese–English household, Angie and has a deep personal connection to Japan. With a background in ecotourism and a passion for mindful, sustainable travel, she brings warmth, cultural insight, and years of experience to each Draw Closer journey—encouraging guests to slow down and truly connect with their surroundings.

Honor Bradbeer: A professional artist and educator with over 25 years of experience, Honor brings a thoughtful, nurturing approach to her teaching. Her drawing sessions encourage presence, exploration, and personal growth—welcoming beginners and seasoned artists alike to connect deeply with what they see and feel.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

"We laughed, we cried, we explored and we laughed some more. The gratitude for the experience of Draw Closer has filled my cup for years to come"

Abelia
"Thank you for helping me to step out of the regular shape of motherhood toward new adventure. How much our synchronised leap of faith has gifted me and in turn my parenting"

Ellie
"I loved reconnecting back to who I am and letting go of the responsibility of being a mother. All of a sudden I could just laugh and have fun".

Claire
"I could breathe. I was so trusting in the process. There was a real gift in not having to know everything, which allowed me to be really present. Everything just flowed in the space it meant to"

Penny