Ancient Japan

This isn't your usual Japan. It's a deep dive into a culture, nature, and rhythm that'll pull you away from the everyday and send you back a little bit changed.

Ancient Japan

This isn't your usual Japan. It's a deep dive into a culture, nature, and rhythm that'll pull you away from the everyday and send you back a little bit changed.

WhyAncient Japan?

This is the Japan you never even knew you were yearning for.

We are proud of the journeys we create because we believe they are genuinely different. Not just because of the energy and attitude with which we travel as a team, but because of the SPOTS we choose and the stories that weave them into a complete experience. Anyone who has already been with us to Japan knows how intense two weeks there can be – how many SPOTS, people, views, and emotions layer upon each other, sometimes making you lose track of whether you're awake or dreaming as you follow your guide from one SPOT to the next.

Now it’s time to elevate that feeling to a whole new level – for those ready to return to the land of the rising sun.

This time, we delve deeply beyond the familiar: along the sacred paths of Kumano Kodo, through a two-day cycling adventure between islands, with flights and ferries to some of the most remote SPOTS we've visited, by Shinkansen through Kyushu to Nagasaki and finally – back to the vibrant, bustling chaos of Osaka.

This is the Japan you didn’t even know you were yearning for.

Is this journey meant for you?

Challenge

Comfort

Nature

Culture

Japan is perfect for travellers seeking more than just photos and a checklist of landmarks.

On this journey, we'll combine ancient pilgrimage routes, islands, cycling, forests, and cities that never sleep. You'll see Japan beyond the clichés – quiet, raw, beautiful, and real.

Perfect for people with curious minds, open senses, and a desire to move.

Upcoming Journeys

November 2026

This journey is INVITE ONLY. If you register without an invitation, you will be added to the waitlist.

Sign up now, and we'll write to you as soon as we have confirmed dates for the plane tickets.

ANCIENT PATHWAYS

In the Footsteps of Pilgrims

We will walk the Kumano Kodo – an ancient pilgrimage route where emperors, monks, and travellers sought purification and meaning. This is not just a journey but a moving ritual – through forests, mountains, and small shrines where silence speaks louder than words.
There will be fatigue, there will be mud, and long hours of walking, but it is there that Japan reveals its most authentic self.

ISLANDS AND MOVEMENT

Japan on Two Wheels

We will traverse islands connected by sea bridges on a route that the Japanese call a sanctuary for cyclists. We ride at a leisurely pace, with time for views, photos, and small breaks in roadside cafes. This is Japan without the rush – salty air, open horizons, and the sense that the journey is more important than the destination.

MYSTICAL NATURE

The unforgiving forest

Yakushima is a SPOT where nature sets the rules. Rain is a frequent guest, the forest is dense and ancient, and time seems to flow differently. Here lies Jomon Sugi – a tree over 2000 years old, reachable only with effort and patience. This is not a walk in the park, but an encounter with wild Japan – raw, beautiful and unforgettable.

CITIES AND CONTRASTS

Between Neon and Silence

We'll get lost in vibrant neighbourhoods, taste street food, and feel the chaos of Osaka and the rhythm of the big city. But just a few hours later, we'll find ourselves in small villages, temples, and seaside towns where life is slow and orderly. Japan lives in contrast – and that’s exactly where its magic lies.

Day 1

Arrival in Osaka

Our journey begins in Osaka – a city brimming with energy, humour, and life; one of the brightest faces of modern Japan.

Day 2

Osaka and Kobe

Today, we explore the contrast between two cities standing side by side. Early in the morning, we head to Kobe – elegant and cosmopolitan, with a European vibe nestled among the hills. After a stroll through the city and along its waterfront, we return to Osaka to immerse ourselves in the lights and chaos of Dotonbori and to gather strength – because the real adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 3

The Beginning of the Pilgrimage

Today officially marks the start of our journey along the Kumano Kodo. If we were to describe it briefly: 'Camino de Santiago', but steeped in Japanese mythology. An ancient network of pilgrimage routes traversing the Kii Peninsula and connecting historic shrines. Our goal for the day is Hongu – an onsen village reachable by a gentle hike. 

Day 4

Lost Among the Mountain Villages

A day to gear up – both physically and mentally – for the most intense hike. Our destination is the small mountain town of Koguchi, and the path to it spans 13 kilometres of dense, green mountains, silence, and a rhythm that gradually begins to feel like meditation.

Day 5

Nachi Taisha and the tallest waterfall in Japan

The most anticipated and challenging day. About 9 hours of walking, no compromises. But the reward is exceptional – the highest waterfall in Japan, hidden deep in the mountains, behind the bright red Nachi Taisha shrine. A day that challenges but also leaves a lasting impression.

Day 6

Escape to Osaka

After three days traversing forests and mountains, we suddenly return to the urban rhythm of Osaka – time to rest, eat, and recharge before the next adventure.

Day 7

The Beginning of the Cycling Journey

After the sacred mountains, the sea awaits. We begin our two-day journey along the Shimanami Kaido – 70 kilometres of bridges and islands, known as the 'sacred land of cyclists' and one of the most beautiful routes in the world. This time, we’re not climbing – we’re moving forward, towards the sunset.

Day 8

The Road to the Sunset

After spending the night on Omishima Island, today we cross the remaining islands to Imabari and from there take a train to Matsuyama. Tonight, we anticipate a visit to one of the oldest onsens in Japan – Dogo. It's an incredible rarity that this onsen allows entry with tattoos and is also the SPOT that inspired Miyazaki to create 'Spirited Away'.

Day 9

Temples, wax towns, and castles

We've got an evening flight, but that doesn't mean we're resting. Before that, there's a temple, a hidden wax village in the valleys, and a castle waiting for us to explore. We take off at 20:00, just like always, right to the last minute. All's well.

Day 10

To the Lands of Princess Mononoke

Early in the morning, the ferry takes us to Yakushima – the island that inspired 'Princess Mononoke'. One of the rainiest and greenest regions in Japan, it is covered in moss, ancient forests, and an otherworldly feel.

Day 11

The Oldest Tree in Japan

A long but legendary day. Our goal is Jomon Sugi – a 7,000-year-old tree, the oldest in Japan. The journey to it takes us through ancient cedar forests, abandoned railway tracks, and requires about nine hours of pure movement and focus. 

Day 12

Waterfalls, Beaches, and Farewell to the Island

Our ferry is in the afternoon, giving us time to explore the island – from beaches to waterfalls. In the evening, we spend time in Kagoshima, trying to make sense of everything experienced over the past few days.

Day 13

Nagasaki – Inside and Out

With an early Shinkansen, we cross Kyushu to Nagasaki – a city with incredible food, coastal parks, and an atmosphere rich with history. Our final dinner together, last conversations, and a sense of a completed circle.

Day 14

Osaka

Another Shinkansen back to Osaka and a few final hours before we say 'sayonara' to this beautiful, mystical, and no longer quite so hidden land.

* Panic Frame & Travel reserves the right to adapt and change the program according to changes in accommodation conditions, climate, and other factors that require it.

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WHO WILL BE YOUR GUIDE?

Martin Grahovski

Martin's love for travelling began in two pivotal moments during his student years – hitchhiking thousands of kilometers across Europe and his first trip to Japan at the age of 22, where he spent a month conducting interviews with former Yakuza members, undercover detectives, and journalists for his thesis.

These utterly diverse experiences have taken him to over 50 countries around the globe in the past decade and shaped his interest in human stories of survival and beauty, told through documentary filmmaking. Although he has travelled everywhere, Asia remains closest to his heart, and the tours he leads for Panic are a blend of the history of SPOTS, his personal adventures, and the art of getting lost in the best possible way.

mgrahovski

Day 1

Arrival in Osaka

Our journey begins in Osaka – a city brimming with energy, humour, and life; one of the brightest faces of modern Japan.

Day 2

Osaka and Kobe

Today, we explore the contrast between two cities standing side by side. Early in the morning, we head to Kobe – elegant and cosmopolitan, with a European vibe nestled among the hills. After a stroll through the city and along its waterfront, we return to Osaka to immerse ourselves in the lights and chaos of Dotonbori and to gather strength – because the real adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 3

The Beginning of the Pilgrimage

Today officially marks the start of our journey along the Kumano Kodo. If we were to describe it briefly: 'Camino de Santiago', but steeped in Japanese mythology. An ancient network of pilgrimage routes traversing the Kii Peninsula and connecting historic shrines. Our goal for the day is Hongu – an onsen village reachable by a gentle hike. 

Day 4

Lost Among the Mountain Villages

A day to gear up – both physically and mentally – for the most intense hike. Our destination is the small mountain town of Koguchi, and the path to it spans 13 kilometres of dense, green mountains, silence, and a rhythm that gradually begins to feel like meditation.

Day 5

Nachi Taisha and the tallest waterfall in Japan

The most anticipated and challenging day. About 9 hours of walking, no compromises. But the reward is exceptional – the highest waterfall in Japan, hidden deep in the mountains, behind the bright red Nachi Taisha shrine. A day that challenges but also leaves a lasting impression.

Day 6

Escape to Osaka

After three days traversing forests and mountains, we suddenly return to the urban rhythm of Osaka – time to rest, eat, and recharge before the next adventure.

Day 7

The Beginning of the Cycling Journey

After the sacred mountains, the sea awaits. We begin our two-day journey along the Shimanami Kaido – 70 kilometres of bridges and islands, known as the 'sacred land of cyclists' and one of the most beautiful routes in the world. This time, we’re not climbing – we’re moving forward, towards the sunset.

Day 8

The Road to the Sunset

After spending the night on Omishima Island, today we cross the remaining islands to Imabari and from there take a train to Matsuyama. Tonight, we anticipate a visit to one of the oldest onsens in Japan – Dogo. It's an incredible rarity that this onsen allows entry with tattoos and is also the SPOT that inspired Miyazaki to create 'Spirited Away'.

Day 9

Temples, wax towns, and castles

We've got an evening flight, but that doesn't mean we're resting. Before that, there's a temple, a hidden wax village in the valleys, and a castle waiting for us to explore. We take off at 20:00, just like always, right to the last minute. All's well.

Day 10

To the Lands of Princess Mononoke

Early in the morning, the ferry takes us to Yakushima – the island that inspired 'Princess Mononoke'. One of the rainiest and greenest regions in Japan, it is covered in moss, ancient forests, and an otherworldly feel.

Day 11

The Oldest Tree in Japan

A long but legendary day. Our goal is Jomon Sugi – a 7,000-year-old tree, the oldest in Japan. The journey to it takes us through ancient cedar forests, abandoned railway tracks, and requires about nine hours of pure movement and focus. 

Day 12

Waterfalls, Beaches, and Farewell to the Island

Our ferry is in the afternoon, giving us time to explore the island – from beaches to waterfalls. In the evening, we spend time in Kagoshima, trying to make sense of everything experienced over the past few days.

Day 13

Nagasaki – Inside and Out

With an early Shinkansen, we cross Kyushu to Nagasaki – a city with incredible food, coastal parks, and an atmosphere rich with history. Our final dinner together, last conversations, and a sense of a completed circle.

Day 14

Osaka

Another Shinkansen back to Osaka and a few final hours before we say 'sayonara' to this beautiful, mystical, and no longer quite so hidden land.

* Panic Frame & Travel reserves the right to adapt and change the program according to changes in accommodation conditions, climate, and other factors that require it.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

WHO WILL BE YOUR GUIDE?

Martin Grahovski

Martin's love for travelling began in two pivotal moments during his student years – hitchhiking thousands of kilometers across Europe and his first trip to Japan at the age of 22, where he spent a month conducting interviews with former Yakuza members, undercover detectives, and journalists for his thesis.

These utterly diverse experiences have taken him to over 50 countries around the globe in the past decade and shaped his interest in human stories of survival and beauty, told through documentary filmmaking. Although he has travelled everywhere, Asia remains closest to his heart, and the tours he leads for Panic are a blend of the history of SPOTS, his personal adventures, and the art of getting lost in the best possible way.

mgrahovski

Day 1
Arrival in Osaka
Day 2
Osaka and Kobe
Day 3
The Beginning of the Pilgrimage
Day 4
Lost Among the Mountain Villages
Day 5
Nachi Taisha and the tallest waterfall in Japan
Day 6
Escape to Osaka
Day 7
The Beginning of the Cycling Journey
Day 8
The Road to the Sunset
Day 9
Temples, wax towns, and castles
Day 10
To the Lands of Princess Mononoke
Day 11
The Oldest Tree in Japan
Day 12
Waterfalls, Beaches, and Farewell to the Island
Day 13
Nagasaki – Inside and Out
Day 14
Osaka

* Panic Frame & Travel reserves the right to adapt and change the program according to changes in accommodation conditions, climate, and other factors that require it.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

WHO WILL BE YOUR GUIDE?

Martin Grahovski

Martin's love for travelling began in two pivotal moments during his student years – hitchhiking thousands of kilometers across Europe and his first trip to Japan at the age of 22, where he spent a month conducting interviews with former Yakuza members, undercover detectives, and journalists for his thesis.

These utterly diverse experiences have taken him to over 50 countries around the globe in the past decade and shaped his interest in human stories of survival and beauty, told through documentary filmmaking. Although he has travelled everywhere, Asia remains closest to his heart, and the tours he leads for Panic are a blend of the history of SPOTS, his personal adventures, and the art of getting lost in the best possible way.

mgrahovski

Let's head to Ancient Japan!

Upcoming journeys

November 2026

This journey is INVITE ONLY. If you register without an invitation, you will be added to the waitlist.

Sign up now, and we'll write to you as soon as we have confirmed dates for the plane tickets.

SIGN UP

By clicking the "Sign Up" button, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WHAT'S THE JOURNEY LIKE?

1

Complete the registration form. We'll give you a call to get acquainted and will be awaiting the necessary details for the contract and insurance.

2

You'll receive a contract, insurance, and invoice – pay a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance expected 45 days before departure.

3

A month before the expedition, we'll remind you about the journey with a detailed email filled with insights about the destination, flights, and more.

Included in the price:

What's not included:

Let's head to Ancient Japan!

Upcoming journeys

November 2026

This journey is INVITE ONLY. If you register without an invitation, you will be added to the waitlist.

Sign up now, and we'll write to you as soon as we have confirmed dates for the plane tickets.

SIGN UP

By clicking the "Sign Up" button, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WHAT'S THE JOURNEY LIKE?

1

Complete the registration form. We'll give you a call to get acquainted and will be awaiting the necessary details for the contract and insurance.

2

You'll receive a contract, insurance, and invoice – pay a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance expected 45 days before departure.

3

A month before the expedition, we'll remind you about the journey with a detailed email filled with insights about the destination, flights, and more.

Included in the price:

What's not included:

DESTINATIONS

CALENDAR

STORIES

GALLERY

BLOG

ABOUT US

CONTACTS

DESTINATIONS

CALENDAR

STORIES

GALLERY

BLOG

ABOUT US

CONTACTS

Destinations

Calendar

Stories

Gallery

Blog

About Us

Contact

This journey requires an invitation.

You can join the waitlist.

Discover More

This journey requires an invitation.

You can join the waitlist.

Discover More

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Who are we?

Panic Frame & Travel is not a commercial travel agency. We don't offer you tranquility, tickets, or accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel with white tablecloths. We see ourselves as Tarzan tourists, organizing journeys to hard-to-reach places, encountering wild nature, and traveling by campers, catamarans, off-road jeeps, and even helicopters.

Discover more about us

Forbes logo

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Who are we?

Panic Frame & Travel is not a commercial travel agency. We don't offer you tranquility, tickets, or accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel with white tablecloths. We see ourselves as Tarzan tourists, organizing journeys to hard-to-reach places, encountering wild nature, and traveling by campers, catamarans, off-road jeeps, and even helicopters.

Discover more about us

Forbes logo

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Who are we?

Panic Frame & Travel is not a commercial travel agency. We don't offer you tranquility, tickets, or accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel with white tablecloths. We see ourselves as Tarzan tourists, organizing journeys to hard-to-reach places, encountering wild nature, and traveling by campers, catamarans, off-road jeeps, and even helicopters.

Discover more about us

Forbes logo