Japan Cultural and Culinary CME Adventure

Discover the Heart of Japan

Length of trip: 10 days | Group Size: 12 | Activity Level: 2

Accommodations: 4- & 5- Star Hotels | Price: $8,845

This Trip is For: Solos/Couples/Friends

Continuing Medical Education: 10 CME/CE with Global Health & Travel Medicine Certification

    This Japan CME Trip is a 10-day cultural and culinary journey through Tokyo, Hakone, Katsuura, Kyoto, and Osaka. The itinerary blends food, history, temples, markets, light hiking, and hands-on cultural experiences, with CME/CE available for healthcare professionals who want it.

    You’ll explore Tokyo’s markets and neighborhoods, travel to Hakone for views of Mt. Fuji, walk a section of the historic Kumanokodō pilgrimage trail, take part in a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, and experience Osaka’s street food culture.

    As with all MedTreks trips, the experience is designed as a travel experience first, with CME/CE woven in naturally. MedTreks keeps the group small and works closely with trusted local partners so the trip feels personal, well-supported, and thoughtfully paced from start to finish.

    MedTreks is a high-touch adventure travel and medical education company built by medical professionals. We design carefully curated trips with trusted local partners, strong attention to safety and comfort, and a team that’s involved before, during, and after you travel.

    Dates:
    November 2nd – 11th, 2026 
    November 6th – 15th, 2027

    Kumanokodō Pilgrimage Hike

    Walk the historic Daimon Slope pilgrimage trail through forested hills to the ancient Nachi Taisha Shrine and Japan’s tallest waterfall, Nachi-no-Otaki, soaking in centuries of culture.
    Japan Cultural and Culinary CME Adventure

    Osaka & Kyoto Culinary Experiences

    This journey offers a delicious deep-dive into Japan’s culinary heart—where every meal is a celebration of seasonality, tradition, and artful presentation.
    MedTreks Japan CME Cultural & Hiking Tour

    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Monkey Park

    Stroll through the towering bamboo stalks of Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove, cross the Togetsukyo Bridge, and hike up to Iwatayama Monkey Park for panoramic views of Kyoto.
    Japan Cultural and Culinary CME Adventure

    Lake Ashi Cruise & Mt. Fuji Views

    Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi in Hakone, with postcard views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Follow with a ropeway ride over volcanic valleys and hot springs.

    Itinerary at a Glance

    Experience Japan’s timeless traditions, culinary artistry, and the quiet beauty woven into everyday life

     

    Day 1-3: Tokyo & Mt. Fuji

    First up in our Japan Cultural and Culinary CME Adventure: Arrive in Tokyo and settle into the vibrant Shibuya district. Explore iconic spots like Tsukiji Outer Market, Meiji Shrine, and the immersive TeamLab Borderless exhibit. Experience a traditional Taiko drumming workshop and sample authentic Japanese cuisine.

    Travel to Hakone for a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji, ride the volcanic ropeway, and visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum before a restful lakeside stay.

    Japan Cultural and Culinary CME Adventure
    Day 4-7: Kumanokodo trail & sacred shrines

    Next, take the bullet train and travel to Katsuura on Japan’s Pacific coast. Hike the UNESCO-listed Kumanokodō pilgrimage trail to sacred shrines and waterfalls. Then journey to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, to explore peaceful temples, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, and stroll through historic districts. Optional CME workshop available as part of our Japan Cultural and Culinary CME Adventure.

    Day 8-10: Kyoto & Osaka

    Visit Minoo Park and ancient Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine near Osaka. Explore the vibrant Dotonbori area with its famed street food. Wander through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit Nijo Castle, and shop local flavors at Nishiki Market. Depart from Kyoto on Day 10 with a final transfer to the airport.

    MedTreks Japan CME Cultural & Hiking Tour
    Download Complete Detailed Itinerary

    Itinerary - Japan

    MedTreks Japan CME Cultural & Hiking Tour
    Why MedTreks

    When you travel with MedTreks, the details are thoughtfully handled so you can stay present in the experience. Our trips are designed by medical professionals and run in collaboration with trusted local partners, with attention to safety, comfort, pacing, and support throughout the journey.

    This Japan CME Trip is designed for travelers who want a well-supported cultural and culinary experience, with time for temples, food, markets, light hiking, and local guides. CME/CE is available for healthcare professionals who want it, but the travel experience comes first.

    Why MedTreks
    MedTreks Japan CME Cultural & Hiking Tour
    Japan Cultural and Culinary CME Adventure
    Traditional Tea Ceremony, Kyoto

    A cornerstone of your journey: experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto, where centuries-old rituals and refined grace come together in a serene setting. This intimate cultural practice invites you to slow down and appreciate the art of tea preparation, the delicate movements, and the mindful atmosphere that embody Japan’s spirit of hospitality. Held in a traditional tea house, this ceremony offers a rare chance to connect deeply with Japanese culture and its philosophy of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

    Location

    Adventure Activities

    This trip blends cultural immersion with natural beauty. Explore bustling markets and cutting-edge digital art in Tokyo, cruise scenic Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji, and hike ancient pilgrimage trails in Katsuura. In Kyoto, participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, visit iconic temples like Kinkaku-ji, and stroll through bamboo groves and historic markets. Enjoy hands-on experiences like cooking classes, Taiko drumming, and sampling authentic street food in Osaka.

    You’ll also have free time to relax by the sea, soak in hot springs, or explore charming neighborhoods at your own pace, making this journey a balanced blend of adventure and reflection.

    CME Course Info

    Global Health & Travel Medicine CME Course 

    Discover the fascinating landscapes, cultures and cuisine of Japan while earning CME in Global Health & Travel Medicine!

    This a hands-on skills course designed to equip medical professionals with up to date research and techniques in the field of Global Health & Humanitarian Medicine.

    This course is accredited for 10 hrs of Category 1 CME for physicians, NPs/PAs and 10 CEUs for Nurses. 

    To learn more about our courses, please click the button below. 

    The course is designed for healthcare professionals interested in travel medicine, global health, international healthcare, and caring for patients before, during, and after travel. CME/CE is available for those who want it, but the trip is designed first as a cultural and culinary travel experience through Japan.

    Partners, friends, and non-medical guests are welcome. Non-medical guests can join the travel experience and either attend select sessions if appropriate or use that time to relax, explore, or enjoy the hotel.

    Included in Your Adventure
    • 9 nights of deluxe accommodations
    • All meals and activities as per the itinerary
    • Private transportation with a professional driver/guide
    • Tasting/Meals as noted in the Itinerary
    • Mineral water, tea and coffee in the vehicle
    • Guided Day Activities (Private)
    • Private chartered MedTreks Van
    • Private Boat Charter and Ferry Tickets
    • MedTreks Faculty guide
    • MedTreks Wilderness Medicine lectures/workshops
    • Flexible interest free payment plans, no booking fees!
    • Travel itinerary app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
    • 24 hr in-country concierge support
    • MedTreks Gift Bag
    • Access to MedTreks Alumni Group

    Extras: International air fares, entry visa fees, domestic and international departure tax, beverages other than mineral water in the vehicle, and other than the drinks included at each lodge under their policy, all expenses of a personal nature, tips and gratuities to your driver/guide hotel/camp staff etc.

     

    FAQ

    You will fly into Haneda International Airport (HND) in Tokyo to begin your journey and fly out of Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka at the end of the trip.

    Your airport transfers are on your own, however we are happy to help provide contact information for local transport companies

    Yes! As long as the trip is booked before the final payment is due (90 days before trip start). A non-refundable deposit secures your spot on the trip.

    Our CME trips are all accredited for physicians, NPs, PAs and also provide CEUs for Nurses. We provide course information for all the courses that you can submit to your employer. After the trip/course is complete, we provide you with a CME certificate within 2-4 weeks

    For our Japan Cultural and Culinary CME Adventure we provide you with a comprehensive Welcome Package that includes a packing list, resources, course materials, and helpful travel tips for your upcoming adventure.

    Yes! We welcome loved ones and non-medical guests. They are welcome to attend all of our workshops and lectures while on the trip at no further cost. Children under 18 are not allowed at this specific retreat venue. Please send us an email to inquire about any specific requests and we are happy to help!

    This trip includes 9 nights at deluxe, 4-star accommodations throughout Japan. Rooms are booked double occupancy, with two people sharing a room (twin or double beds based on preference and availability). Single supplements (private rooms) may be available for an additional cost. We recommend booking early to increase the likelihood of securing your preferred room arrangement.

    Send us an email! We are happy to set up a call and answer any questions that you might have!

    Join us in Japan

     

    “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

    – Gustave Flaubert

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