Correction: Extra! Extra!
A note for my free subscribers (with correct links)! 🙏
My mission has always been to help people live joyfully (and joyfully vegan at that!), and that’s why about 90% of the content I produce here—the recipes, the inspiration, the resources—remains completely free for everyone.
At the same time, this work takes an immense amount of time and resources to create. Some of you have chosen to support that work with a paid subscription, and this special Japan travel series is my way of saying “thank you” to those who make this platform possible.
If you’d like to join us for these behind-the-scenes stories and deep-dive resources—and support what I do here—you can still grab a subscription at a 20% discount today. If not, don’t worry; there is still plenty of FREE content headed your way soon.
Joyful Vegan Travel Series
The travel series we launched last year was a huge success, so we’re repeating it this year, as I head back to Japan. In exclusive posts, notes, and private chats, I’ll be sharing an abundance of practical travel tips, restaurant recommendations, cultural insights, and reflections on compassionate travel, including:
My favorite restaurants and plant-based dishes from each destination
Hidden gems and meaningful local experiences
Tips for avoiding animal cruelty while traveling
Behind-the-scenes stories, sneak peeks, and real-time updates
Early access to upcoming trips and itinerary reveals
While Japan is the focus this round, this travel series will continue! I would love to know what countries and cities you’d like more resources for!
Join Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s subscriber chat
Available in the Substack app and on web
Japan: Our Itinerary
This will be the fifth time we’re running our Japan trip—one of many unforgettable journeys I’ve had the joy of co-hosting with my amazing partners at World Vegan Travel. (As 2026 is sold out, in 2027, we’ll be running another Japan trip, so pre-register today!)
Since you’ll be following along virtually, I wanted to give you a sense of what a 10-day trip looks like for us so you can get excited about where we’re headed and what I’ll be sharing with you here in this exclusive space.
Kyoto
This is the heart of traditional Japan. With its winding alleyways, serene temples, and preserved wooden architecture, Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan’s cultural soul. We’ll be visiting iconic temples, shrines, and gardens, enjoy a fully plant-based kaiseki meal, and spend time in Gion, the historic geisha district—yes, I’ll take you behind the scenes of that experience too.
👉 Upgrade to paid to follow this journey in Japan—from Kyoto to Hiroshima, Kanazawa to Miyajima to Tokyo, and everything in between. Upgrade now for 20% off.
Hiroshima
A powerful and emotional part of the journey, it was incredibly moving to see how people and nature can heal. We’ll be visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, honoring the memory of those lost in 1945 and reflecting on peace, resilience, and hope. It’s sobering, moving, and something I’m deeply grateful to share each time we visit.
Miyajima Island
Famous for its iconic “floating” torii gate, Miyajima is one of the most photographed places in Japan—and for good reason. We take a scenic ferry from Hiroshima, and for me, it’s always one of the most memorable parts of the trip—not just because there are deer roaming all around (more on that later) but because of its stunning shrine, a fabulous private lunch at a vegan restaurant tucked inside a traditional tea house, and the thousands of stone Buddhas adorned with red crocheted caps.
But you’ll see all of that soon...
Kanazawa
A hidden gem on Japan’s western coast, Kanazawa is full of history, art, tea ceremonies, and beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts. It’s home to the stunning Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most famous landscape gardens, as well as a beautifully restored feudal castle. In Kanazawa itself, we roll our own sushi, pound our own mochi, and soak up the calm pace of this often-overlooked city.
Tokyo
And finally, we arrive in Tokyo—Japan’s bustling, brilliant capital city. From the iconic Shibuya Crossing to the loyal Hachikō dog statue just nearby, Tokyo pulses with energy and contrast at every turn. We visit famous temples and shrines tucked between skyscrapers, indulge in incredible ramen, connect with local animal advocates, enjoy a lively night out at a vegan izakaya, and of course—karaoke!
Food! Food! Food!
Japan is a true foodie country. Is it a vegan-friendly country / cuisine? Yes...and no, as you’ll read in upcoming articles! I can’t wait to dig into all manner of amazing foods such as: sushi, tempura, tofu, yuba, miso, soba, udon, ramen, okonomiyaki, gyoza, onigiri, mochi, daifuku, yatsuhashi, roasted sweet potatoes, candied strawberries, rice crackers, shojin ryori, tamari, and matcha. AND SO MUCH MORE!
If you’re interested in going deeper on the plant-based aspects of Japanese cuisine, you might want to check out these two podcast episodes:
Vegan Japanese Cuisine (Part One): History, Regional Traditions, and Religious Roots
Vegan Japanese Cuisine (Part Two): Plant-Based Roots in Traditional Dishes
Over the course of 3 weeks in April 2026, I’ll be sharing with you—paid subscribers—behind-the-scenes, sneak peeks, and early access to content I’ll be able to share much more fully once I’m not hosting a trip! 😊 20% off when you upgrade today:
📣 To get the most out of this experience, subscribe today, and be sure to JOIN OUR PRIVATE CHAT where I’ll be sharing quick updates, real-time snapshots, and inviting your questions as we go.
Love, Colleen
P.S. All of the articles in this series can be found here: Joyful Vegan Travel: Japan