Reignite your ikigai: purposeful travel tips for women over 50

For many women entering their 50s, this new phase of life brings a desire to frame the next chapter with purpose and fulfilment.

As I look back on some of the most transformative phases of my life, several of them are rooted in the time I’ve spent in Japan, immersing myself in the culture, learning the language and building lifelong friendships. My first visit was when I swapped out my Australian green uniform and brown lace-up shoes for a Japanese schoolgirl’s navy sailor suit and short pleated skirt during a seven-week homestay with a family in Nagasaki.

My lifelong love of the Japanese culture, arts and people has brought me back to Japan again and again for ongoing personal, professional, and spiritual growth.

Over the years, many women in the Full Time Lives community have expressed their desire to join me on one of my trips to Japan. My jibun sagashi no tabi ‘self-discovery journeys’ are filled with cerebral experiences, shaped by the unique combination of Japanese design, culture and connection with well-being through nature in the spectacular mountains outside the cities.

Part of my joy in experiencing the cultural soul of Japan has been with other Japanophiles, including my friend Kathryn Hunyor , Japanese arts curator and Director of ArtsPeople. Throughout our Japanese studies together in high school and university, we’ve shared a passion for Japanese arts and design.

We’re keen to share a life-changing creative experience with other vibrant and curious women to inspire them as well. We're co-hosting a cultural, arts & design tour for 10 women in midlife in late 2025.

Here are five tips on purposeful travel to Japan, blending insights from my own adventures and the treasures awaiting us in this magical country.

Midlife Magic in Japan: Rekindle Your Ikigai

Japan ignites powerful wanderlust, offering women at midlife a chance to reflect on what’s next, rekindle their creativity, and reconnect with ikigai – the Japanese concept of "a reason for being." This cultural tapestry provides the perfect backdrop for what the Japanese call ‘jibun sagashi no tabi’: a transformative journey of self-discovery.

1. Cleanse Your Mind with Shinrin-yoku in Kanagawa

Escape the daily grind by immersing yourself in the serene beauty of a forest through shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Guided by a certified Forest Therapist, you'll learn to reconnect with nature and gain measurable mental and physical health benefits.

2. Unleash Your Creativity in Kurashiki

Kurashiki, a picturesque canal city and the denim capital of Japan, offers more than beautiful waterways. Engage in workshops ranging from traditional Japanese woodblock printing to indigo dyeing, and let the city's creative energy inspire you.

3. Visit Bizen Ceramic Workshops for Multi-Generational Inspiration

Step into the legacy of Imbe, the renowned Bizen ceramic town. Learn from artisans who have dedicated their lives to this craft, and connect with the creative spirit passed down through generations.

4. Experience Mingei: The Beauty of Folk Crafts in Daily Life Discover mingei, the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in everyday objects. From hand-crafted ceramics to the simplicity of a wooden stool, these everyday items elevate the mundane into an art form and inspire a more intentional lifestyle.

5. Rejuvenate and Connect in Rotenburo Open-Air Bathing in Hakone

Experience the centuries-old ritual of communal soaking in mineral-rich hot springs. Join women of all ages in this social and relaxing practice, shedding self-consciousness and embracing meaningful connections.

Join us on a unique culture, arts & design tour to Japan

Japan offers endless opportunities to reignite your ikigai and creative passion through purposeful travel experiences. Make unforgettable memories while exploring a unique culture with like-minded women seeking to redefine their next chapter.

Whether you’ve longed to return to Japan or have it on your bucket list, our 7-day Japanese culture, arts and design tour for women provides the perfect chance to discover Japan through an art and culture lens that will also inspire you with new ideas on how to age well. Embrace this opportunity to awaken your midlife magic!

Click here to learn more about our 2025 Japan cultural tour and join us on this transformative journey.

I’d love to hear about any transformational cultural experiences you’ve had in Japan in the comments below

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