Meditation sessions with Zen Monks, Karate and aikido sessions with a black belt master, Traditional shiatsu massage, Sumo stable visit, Coaching and analysis of fitness and techniques, Conquering Mt Fuji, Sea kayaking Japan's beautiful coastline, Tokyo Bay dinner cruise.

This Fitness Vacation focuses on the many and varied martial arts of Japan along with running, riding and kayaking some of her most scenic routes.

During our week-long physical and mental journey, we will have close contact with local people as we travel out into the countryside, visit temples and shrines, learn ancient traditions, sample incredible cuisine, stay in local-style guesthouses and immerse ourselves in everything Japanese.

We climb Mt Fuji, mediate with Zen monks, learn and practice karate and aikido, bike and hike some amazing paths, white water raft and sea kayak, and learn fitness techniques from expert practitioners. 

Get ready for action!

Days 1-3 Tokyo
After a welcome meeting at noon on day one we start our fitness vacation with a stretch on the lawn of the Imperial Detached Palace to warm up muscles after international flights. We then jog around the Imperial Palace and learn about the history of this area. When Tokyo (or Edo as it was then called) was established as the Shogun's capital in 1603 he built his fortress here. The original castle has been destroyed but the area has been the Imperial Palace since the Emperor moved his residence from Kyoto after the restoration of Imperial power in 1868.

Each participant will each have an assessment by an expert trainer who will evaluate your performance on a number of fitness tests and talk about your fitness goals for the week ahead, before it's time to take a break and experience a traditional Japanese shiatsu massage. This ancient art uses only light pressure of the fingers and hands to stimulate and rebalance internal energy lines. The evening takes us to Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's largest nightlife centres where we will explore the infamous Kabukicho before having a drink at the Park Hyatt bar (where Lost in Translation was filmed) and looking over the sea of Tokyo's lights stretching into the distance. After a day of focus on our bodies we open our minds to other skills and disciplines and start to learn about writing Japanese script. We practice writing our names in an ancient form of calligraphy and learn how this writing system began over 2,000 years ago.

Waking refreshed on day 2 we go to the first of our zazen sessions to learn more about the spirituality and discipline of meditation as well as learn more about the Zen monks, their lifestyle and diet. To meditate we sit with crossed legs (or full lotus position if you can manage it!) with our backs straight and hands in our lap. It takes a bit of practice but once you have learnt to control your breathing, to clear your mind of thoughts and to totally relax, you have a skill you can use to cope with the pressures of everyday life.

Next up is a martial arts workshop where we will learn more about karate and aikido from our expert instructor. Both martial arts developed without weapons (the word Karate in Japanese literally means 'empty hand') and they are concerned not only with the practical application but also the spiritual training that is required. Aikido uses the force and the power of your opponent against them and so is more about skill than pure strength.

We do another running workshop and then late afternoon is spent riding one of the many traffic free cycle paths to explore the city's various scenic and historically significant parks, gardens, shrines and temples. We also use our stops to practice some energizing circuit skills involving pulling, throwing, pushing, and lunging using your own body weight or that of a partner.

On day 3 we visit a sumo stable to watch the big guys train. There's a lot more to sumo that pure size and we learn about the diet, training, faith, work ethic, lifestyle and rituals of this little understood sport. The lifestyle of the wrestlers is strictly regimented and the rituals of the Shinto religion influence many aspects of the sport.

For lunch we will cook a traditional meal and learn about the influence food has had on the physical characteristics of the average Japanese person. Our teacher is a successful writer and cooking school owner who will also give you some simple recipes and discuss their introduction into your weekly training and lifestyle at home.

In the afternoon we take another cycling and running tour of the city to learn more about the history, culture and people of Japan. During the shogun’s era the area we pass through was home to many samurais and we learn more about the lifestyle of these enigmatic warriors who placed as much focus on their mastery of tea ceremony as on their sword skills. Their philosophy was one of both mental and physical discipline to become a complete warrior. We end the day at one of the city’s surprisingly pleasant beaches and enjoy the challenge of some circuits in the sand, again working in pairs or challenging ourselves.

Days 4-5 Mt Fuji
We leave the capital city for our ascent of Mt Fuji. Before starting the climb we learn more about the best ways to maintain energy and get the most out of your days, not only on this trip but in life in general be it as a parent, a worker or an athlete.

We travel to the Fuji-Hakone National Park (2 hours), home to Japan's tallest and most sacred mountain, Mt Fuji. Long considered the abode of the gods of the native Shinto religion, Mt Fuji has been a pilgrimage route for centuries (the first recoded ascent was by a monk in the 7th century) and we follow the oldest pilgrimage route all the way from the shrine at the bottom. Sengenjinja Shrine is where monks and pilgrims over the centuries have prayed for their safe return, long before our comfortable hiking trail was completed and we make an offering asking for protection. As we walk through the cedar forests on the lower reaches of the mountain we will learn about some of the flora and fauna of the area. Today we climb from 500 meters (1640 feet) above sea level to our mountain hut accommodation at around 3,000 meters (9842 feet).

After spending our night in a mountain hut we rise around 3am to get to the summit for sunrise. Joining us are other hikers who are all as excited as we are to have the chance to see the sun rise above a sea of clouds from Japan’s highest point. After a descent to the fifth station on the other side of the mountain we pick up special mountain bikes to cut our way through some forest 4WD tracks on the lower reaches of the mountain. Dropping off the bikes we pick up boats and raft the Fuji River's white waters with the 3,776m (12388 f) mountain we just conquered as a backdrop.

We transfer to our lodging on the Izu Peninsula for a good night's sleep. With its wasabi farms and natural spring fed onsen towns Izu has long been a favourite for locals and international travellers in the know. Onsens are an important part of Japanese culture and we learn more about their properties and importance to the Japanese long life expectancy through the ages before having a pre dinner soak to soothe sore muscles.

Day 6 Izu
After a solid night's sleep we have a morning stretch on the beach before eating a healthy breakfast which uses the many fresh fruits and vegetables of the area to make a delicious traditional Japanese meal. After a short break we take a swim in the sea to assess skills and give extra swimming tips for those who want it as part of ongoing training or stroke improvement.

We transfer up to the peninsula's highest point for more stretching and a bush walk along a ridge with stunning views of the sea and along the rugged coastline that Izu is famous for. To get the blood pumping again we pick up our mountain bikes for a twisting ride down to sea level through the area's lovely fertile farmland and get a feel for the agricultural life that generations of farmers have enjoyed. Rice is very important in Japan as it traditionally provided around 80% of the calorie intake of the average person. Highly respected (the Japanese attach an honorific prefix when talking about it), rice is considered important to the Shinto religion and sake (made from rice), rice and rice cakes are common offerings at shrines.

Off the bikes and on to sea kayaks we do a skills and safety session in a protected bay before heading out along the coast. Our resident expert will explain about the different varieties of deep sea fish the Pacific currents bring here and the different properties of each. With 20% of the world's seafood eaten on the main island of Japan, the styles and methods of cooking, steaming, boiling, and of course, eating raw, are worth learning direct from a local and back at the ryokan we indulge in a fantastic seafood buffet.
After dinner we have a talk from an expert working on different sources of alternative energy that Japanese companies like Sony and Mitsubishi are researching in an effort to address the world's energy issues.

Day 7 Tokyo
There are lots of options for activities before breakfast today: jump back on the bike for a forest or coastal ride, trek up to a great view spot, stretch your limbs with some yoga, go for a walk along the beach or head out for an ocean swim.

We return to Tokyo where our adventure began. We spend our final night dinner together on a boat cruising Tokyo Bay as we cook up our own dinner of Monjayaki. Though similar to okonomiyaki, or Japanese pancake, Monjayaki is a Tokyo specialty which has long been popular in the Shitamachi (down town) areas. The lights of the city reflect off the water as we reminisce about the fantastic achievements of the past week.

Day 8 Depart Tokyo
Time to head home after a hard but rewarding week.
With lots to digest and take on board, there is time to chat with our fitness coach about your progress, new ideas to take back home and Japanese influences you can use everyday in your training and routines.

Welcome to the dynamic and ever changing land of the rising sun. Make sure you pack a good dose of adventure along with your exercise gear as we make the most of our energised week to combine physical activity with learning more about Japan. Absorb the history and culture of this fascinating country as you cycle and run through the capital, meet our resident experts who will teach you about the physical and mental discipline required to master karate, aikido, zazen meditation and sumo. Learn more about Shiatsu massage as our masseuse loosens your muscles and enjoy an amazing sea kayak off the picturesque coast. And of course let’s not forget the ascent of Mt Fuji, Japan’s highest and most holy peak and a morning spent watching the sun rise after walking all the way from the bottom along the oldest pilgrimage route up the mountain.

Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed, subject to 2 people travelling

Group Size:
Minimum 2, Maximum 12
Departure is guaranteed, subject to 2 people travelling
If you are a group of 4 or more, please ask us about special customized departures.

Price:
Prices from NZD $2290

Meals included:
5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Transport:
Local train, local bus, subway, trekking, running, mountain biking, sea kayaking, rafting

Accommodation:
Comfortable Tokyo Ryokan guesthouse (4 nts), Simple mountain hut (1 nt), Izu local guesthouse (2 nts).
Our Tokyo accommodation is in a local style ryokan - 3.5/4 star. The Mt Fuji hut accommodation is simple - there are no showers but plenty of warm bedding and good hearty food. In Izu we stay in a lovely family run guesthouse located in a forest near the beach.

Budget:
Allow USD $200 for meals not included.

Departs:
20 July 2010 ...only 1 departure !
For  groups of 4 or more - choose your own departure
   

Important Notes
Local Dress:
While Japan is known for its 'out there' fashions it is important to remember that we spend time at temples, working monasteries, holy shrines, recreated villages and castles, cooking schools and ancient gardens where it is important to be respectful to the staff and other visitors by covering shoulders with t-shirts (no singlets) and wearing at least long shorts (knee length). As we are often travelling in sports clothes, carry a sarong or light-weight cotton pants in your day pack to change into as needed.

Activities Included
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

Guided Zazen meditation session
Karate lesson and practice
Aikido lesson and practice
Visit Sumo wrestler stable
Shiatsu massage x 2
Guided Climb of Mt Fuji
Mountain bike lower reaches of Mt Fuji
Cycling the coastal road - Izu
White water rafting
Sea kayaking
Seafood barbeque
Tokyo Bay cruise with Monjayaki dinner



Optional Activities
Free time is available in Tokyo. Below are some suggested optional activities you may like to consider (prices are estimates only)

Kabuki Theatre performance - US$10.00 - US$20.00
Ikebana (flower arrangement) lesson - US$20.00
Tea ceremony experience - US$20.00
Tokyo Sword museum - US$10.00
Tokyo Edo Museum - US$10.00
Tokyo National Museum - US$10.00
Soba Noodle cooking school - US$50.00 - US$60.00