The Ultimate Adventure Through Japan
Hike to Japan's iconic sites and wild spots via neon cities, ancient temples, sacred mountains and pilgrimage trails
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
7 nights in comfortable hotels, 3 nights in traditional 'ryokans' and 1 night staying in a templeMeals
All breakfasts and 7 dinnersTransfers
All transport from the start point in central Tokyo, plus luggage transfer between destinationsEquipment
All your kayaking and cycling equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Trek part of the remote Kumano Kodo, one of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrim routes in the world, to reach Nachi – Japan's tallest waterfall
Kayak and cycle around Lake Yamanakako, then kick back in a steaming onsen with astonishing views of iconic Mount Fuji
Roam zen gardens and splendid shrines in Kyoto and explore the bright lights of Tokyo and Osaka, where cutting edge modernity and ancient traditions co-exist
Spend a night at a temple with the Buddhist monks of Koyasan, and immerse yourself in Japanese culture as you bed down in cosy ryokans serving tasty traditional food
Key Information
Day 1
Touch down in bustling Tokyo
Konnichiwa – welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Haneda or Narita Airport, make your own way to your hotel (see FAQ for info on the shuttle service) which is located in the buzzing central district of Shinjuku, bursting with contemporary urban culture, towering skyscrapers and countless shops and restaurants. As this trip includes very little time in Tokyo, we strongly recommend that you arrive at least a couple of days earlier to adjust to the jet lag and to experience all the amazing attractions the world's largest metropolis has to offer. Meet up with your guide and fellow adventurers at 16:00 in the hotel lobby to go through your itinerary together, then head out to explore the narrow, winding alleys of Shinjuku's nightlife district, filled with cosy eateries and bars. Tuck into your first Japanese meal in a local izakaya (a Japanese style pub), then get some rest in preparation for the adventure ahead.
Day 2
Iconic Fuji views and Oshino Hakkai village
Hiking
Train Ride
Escape bustling Tokyo after breakfast, and enjoy a comfortable 2.5-hour train ride towards the incredible Fuji Five Lakes area, journeying through lush mountain and forest scenery. Upon arrival in Kawaguchiko, travel by public transport to what is arguably Japan's most iconic viewpoint – Chureito Pagoda. Climb 400 steps up Mount Arakura to be rewarded (weather permitting!) with a sweeping panorama of the city below, with a backdrop of magnificent Mount Fuji. Take some time to enjoy the surrounding walking trails and viewing decks before you continue travelling to your next stop – the charming historic village of Oshino Hakkai, where traditional farmhouses sit among clear springs and ponds of meltwater from Mount Fuji. After a busy day of travelling and exploration, check in to your accommodation by Lake Yamanakako, the biggest of the Fuji five lakes.
Day 3
Kayak, cycle and soak in a traditional onsen
Kayaking
Cycling
Enjoy a laid-back day exploring beautiful Lake Yamanakako, the third-highest lake in Japan, offering majestic views of the Mount Fuji cone from multiple angles when the weather is clear. Set off on an easy bike ride along the easy trails that circle its shores, then hit the water for a bit of kayaking. At the end of the day, get ready for a rejuvenating experience as you'll visit a local onsen, (hot spring). Onsens are an integral part of Japanese culture which have been enjoyed for centuries for their therapeutic and relaxing properties. Soak in a variety of indoor and outdoor communal baths surrounded by a beautiful courtyard, with an incredible view over Japan's iconic mountain – bliss!
Day 4
Hike to Kyoto's Fujimi Inari Shrine
Hiking
Train Ride
Get ready for an early start today as you'll be travelling on to Kyoto – once Japan's ancient capital – which retains much of its historic charm with atmospheric temples, sublime zen gardens, traditional teahouses and geisha roaming the alleys. Your journey there (taking approximately five hours) will involve a mix of public transport including the famous high-speed Shinkansen train, a must-do for a full immersion into Japanese culture. You might want to get yourself a bento-style lunch on the way to eat on the train – just like the locals do. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, start your exploration of the city with one of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines, Fushimi Inari, famous for its thousands of reddish-orange torii gates. Your guide will lead you on a hike through the amazing network of trails winding up into the hills, and you can snap a few artistic shots. Time allowing, walk through the Fushimi District, stopping for some (optional) tastings in traditional sake breweries before returning to your hotel for a good night's sleep.
Day 5
Zen gardens, city temples and high views
Hiking
Cycling
Spend today exploring some of Kyoto's iconic sights as well as its lesser-known spots, while enjoying an introduction to Buddhism and Shintoism in Japanese culture – particularly relevant, given the places and trails you'll be hiking over the next few days. Start with a bike ride along the Kamogawa River up to the renowned Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion. Built over 500 years ago, this quintessential Zen temple is nestled in Kyoto's eastern mountains and is surrounded by sublime Japanese gardens dotted with ponds and moss. Next, take a short but steep hike up Mount Daimonji-yama, from where you’ll enjoy a great panoramic view of the city. On your way back to the hotel, walk along Philosopher’s Path, particularly scenic during the cherry blossom season. Back in town, the afternoon is yours for you to choose your own adventure – however active or relaxing you want it to be. Later on, don't miss a visit to the historic Gion area of town, where you might spot a geisha or two.
Day 6
Hike the river valley of Mount Takao
Hiking
Escape the city today to hike the scenic natural area in the northwestern mountains of Kyoto. The trail starts from the charming mountain hamlet of Takao, following a river downstream through the mountains and valleys to Hozukyo, passing by two superb thousand-year-old temples, a crystal-clear water course and a magical waterfall. The area is stunning year-round, but becomes particularly picturesque in autumn with mind-blowing colours. After the hike, you may decide to catch a train and bus back to the city for some rest or you can hop off in the popular district of Arashiyama to spend the afternoon exploring the famous bamboo grove, relaxing in a few of the dozens of zen gardens, or mingling with hundreds of friendly, semi-wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys).
Day 7
The sacred trails of Koyasan
Hiking
Train Ride
Today, you’ll be swapping the fast rhythm of city life for the serene beauty of Koyasan’s forested mountains – one of Japan's most sacred sites and the most important centre of Shingon Buddhism. Leave your hotel after breakfast and take a local train towards Mount Koya (on a journey of around 2.5 hours), where you'll alight to trek part of the Koya-san Choishi Michi trail, passing by the stone signposts (choishi) which stand every few hundred metres, which were placed to help the original pilgrims find their way. Reach the monastery complex and stroll around the serene grounds of Okunoin Cemetery, the final resting place of many of the nation’s most important historical and religious figures. Tonight you'll experience an overnight stay at a simple temple lodging (shukubo) where you can get a taste of a Buddhist monk's lifestyle: eating vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) and experiencing back-to-basics living, surrounded by peace and nature.
Day 8
Morning prayers and ancient hot springs in Yunomine Onsen
Hiking
Awake early to join the monks for morning prayers, if you wish. Then, set off on a scenic journey (of approximately 4.5 hours) to Yunomine Onsen, weaving through the mountains. Tucked away in the Kii mountains of Wakayama, this remote mountain village hosts what is thought to be the oldest onsen in Japan. UNESCO-listed, it has a history dating back over 1,800 years. Hostels and inns here have long provided respite for trekkers walking the ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, which you'll be following for the next two days. You’ll also get the chance to soak in these special medicinal waters after a walk around the village and a visit to Kumano Hongu Taisha – one of the three grand Shinto shrines on this unique pilgrimage trail.
Day 9
The Kumano Kodo trail to Koguchi
Hiking
Get up early this morning to hike part of the historic Kumano Kodo – one of only two World Heritage-listed pilgrimage routes on the planet. You'll be hiking the Nakahechi section, which traverses east into the mountains towards the Kumano grand shrines. From the 10th century, this route was extensively used by the Imperial Family on pilgrimage from Kyoto. After a short ride by public bus, begin a gradual ascent followed by a continuously undulating trail to the Sakura-toge Pass. You'll be surrounded by pristine, natural forest filled with beautiful cedar and cypress trees. Upon reaching the Hyakken-gura Peak, you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the mountainous terrain of Wakayama. After that, the trail descends rapidly into the valley below to the small mountain village of Koguchi, nestled by the Akagi-gawa River, where you'll bed down for the night in a local inn.
Day 10
Kumano Kodo trail to Nachi Taisha
Hiking
Rise early and get ready for an epic full-day hike along the sacred Kumano Kodo trail. Today's hike will be a challenging one! (If you are not feeling up to it, there's always the option to take a local bus to the hike end point and explore the area by yourself, while you wait for the rest of your group.) The ascent from Koguchi has a fierce reputation, and for good reason: expect over two hours of steep ascent at a steady pace. The paths are uneven at times with roots, loose rocks and lots of stone steps. However, you'll be rewarded with some beautiful ups and downs, surrounded by forest and birdsong, until you reach the Funami-toge Pass and the remains of the old Funami-jaya teahouse, offering a brilliant view of the Pacific Ocean and the fishing village of Katsuura on a clear day. Continue mostly downhill for the rest of the trek to Nachi Kogen Park, then down to the Nachisan Sanctuary, where you'll finally reach the stunning Seiganto-ji Pagoda and Japan's tallest waterfall, with an uninterrupted drop of 133 metres surrounded by primaeval forest. Enjoy the sublime evergreen scenery – and a sense of accomplishment! – before heading to Kii Katsuura by bus in the late afternoon.
Day 11
Osaka city lights
Train Ride
In the morning, visit the local tuna market, where fish from the cool waters of the Pacific is traded daily. Then hop on a train and rest your legs on the long journey to Osaka (approximately five hours). Check in to your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to relax and freshen up, before heading out for a walking tour with your guide around the famous Dotombori – the city’s most popular shopping, food and entertainment district. It is at night that this area really comes to life, with hundreds of neon lights and signs glowing in the streets. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a downtown restaurant and gaze out across the city as you toast the end of your unforgettable Japanese adventure!
Day 12
Sayonara Japan!
It’s time to bid farewell to your guide and your group after breakfast; you are free to depart any time. If you have later onward connections, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception during the day. If you have the time, we thoroughly recommend staying on for a few extra days to explore more of this unique country. You can choose to fly back home from Kansai Airport near Osaka, or alternatively, hop on the 2.5-hour bullet train back to Tokyo and depart from there.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Your hotel in Tokyo
16:00 on Day 1
Ends
Osaka city centre
Depart any time on Day 12
Transfers
The hotel where you'll begin your trip in Tokyo (the Shinjuku Washington Hotel) is conveniently located just an eight-minute walk from Shinjuku Station and is serviced by frequent and reliable airport shuttles from both Narita and Haneda airports, which stop right opposite the hotel. Arrival transfers are not included in the trip, but it's easy to pre-book your airport shuttle via the official website. The cost is approximately 1400 JPY, payable on the website, and the journey time is around one hour. A general taxi fare will cost around JPY 6,000-10,000. On Day 1 you'll meet your guide at the hotel's lobby at 16:00 for a welcome briefing, so we strongly recommend booking a flight that lands in the morning to give yourself ample time to reach the city and check in.
On Day 12 you are free to depart Osaka at any time, and although the hotel's check-out is usually at 10:00 you can store your luggage for free at the hotel if you have a flight departing later in the day. You can choose to fly out from Kansai Airport (KIX), which you can reach by train (from Namba or Tennōji stations) in approximately one hour for about 1600 JPY. A taxi to Kansai Airport costs around 15,000 to 18,000 JPY. Your guide will of course be to hand to provide detailed instructions on the best way to reach the airport if you need them. Alternatively, you may choose to hop on the 2.5-hour bullet train back to Tokyo and book your return flight from there.
Travel options
There are daily direct and indirect flights to Tokyo from major airports across the UK, Europe and North America. Haneda Airport is located closer to the city than Narita Airport, so it should be your preferred option where available. Returning from Kansai International Airport, you may find either direct flights or connections via Tokyo.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8 – Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 11
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 12
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Japanese cuisine will be without doubt a highlight of your trip, with deliciously fresh and varied dishes and a bowl of steamed rice included in most typical meals. Side dishes are called okazu and are served with miso soup. Meals tend to be fish- or seafood-heavy and are often served with sake. Street food is easily found in the cities, whereas traditional set meals are more prevalent in rural locations and while staying in ryokans. The dinners that are included on this trip are taken at traditional guesthouses which serve a kaiseki-style dinner: a multi-course meal including dozens of tiny dishes prepared with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. When food is not included, your leader will always recommend the best local eateries and arrange group meals for full immersion in the varied and excellent local cuisine. While travelling on trails or trekking, bento lunches can be sourced from stores in the towns or stations before setting out each day.
Please note: in Japan, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets (e.g. gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan) may be limited, so we highly recommend that vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs do their own online research about some of the options that might be available to them before travelling. While your guide will assist you whenever they can, there may be some included meals in remote areas that are fixed in advance and not easily adapted to specific diets (such as the meals included at ryokans). For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. There are an increasing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the big cities.
What is the accommodation like?
Tokyo
In Tokyo, you'll usually stay at the comfortable Shinjuku Washington Hotel. Conveniently located in the centre of Shinjuku, one of the city's most popular districts, it's next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and close to shopping and entertainment venues. Looking out to amazing views of towering skyscrapers, the hotel includes three restaurants and bars. Accommodation will be in twin-shared rooms, furnished with a TV, telephone, high-speed internet access, air conditioning, hairdryer, refrigerator, bath, shower and toilet.
Yamanakako
In Yamanakako you'll usually stay at the comfortable Fujisan Garden Hotel. You'll bed down in en suite rooms on a twin-share basis, with free WiFi throughout. The property provides easy access to the stunning Yamanakako Hiking Course and is within walking distance of the lake and local onsens. Occasionally, subject to availability, the group may be accommodated in a different hotel of a similar standard.
Kyoto
While in Kyoto you'll bed down at the stylish and comfortable Agora Kyoto Karasuma Hotel. You'll stay in air-conditioned rooms with minimalistic design on a twin-share basis. The hotel also has a restaurant and free WiFi.
Koyasan
In Koyasan you'll experience a night in a traditional temple lodging at Shukubo Temple. Offering an excellent chance to get a taste of the traditional lifestyle of Buddhist monks, the lodge will offer simple Japanese twin-share rooms, sliding doors (fusuma) and shared toilets and sinks. Bedding is provided in the form of futons that are spread on the tatami floor during the night. Dinner is usually served around 17:30 or 18:00 and will feature vegetarian monks' cuisine (shojin ryori). You'll also be invited to participate in morning prayers which typically start around 06:00 and are followed by breakfast.
Kumano Kodo
While trekking along the Kumano Kodo trail, you'll spend three nights in ryokans (traditional local inns). Staying in a ryokan is a quintessential Japanese experience; you will sleep in twin-shared rooms, on futons on top of tatami mats on the floor. Most ryokans provide robes and slippers, which are often worn to dinner, and will also have a communal onsen (bath) on-site instead of individual showers and bathrooms for each rooms. Onsens at the ryokans are usually shared hot springs that are either fed from a natural source or kept warm via mains heating. There are separate male and female times for the baths and there is strictly no mixing – you will need to wash before you get into them and clothing or swimwear is not allowed. Your guide will assist with the full etiquette when you are there.
The exact ryokans you will stay in will depend on group size and availability but some examples are:
- Yunomine So in Yunomine Onsen
- Shizen No Le in Koguchi
- Minshuku Wakatake in Katsuura
Osaka
Spend your last night of the adventure in Osaka at the central Bridge Hotel, situated in Shinsaibashi District with easy access to plenty of local attractions and sights. The 3-star property features air-conditioned, ensuite rooms with a TV, kettle and a safety deposit box, where you'll stay on a twin-share basis. You'll also find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer in your room.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be requested for Days 1, 4, 5, 6 and 10 of this trip (while in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka; subject to availability). A private room is not available on the other nights. Please see Optional Extras for the price and add this as a request at the time of booking.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
The active and fast-paced nature of this trip means that the fitter you are, the more you will be able to enjoy it. Previous hiking and cycling experience is preferable, although not essential. The first part of the trip (up to Day 6) will include more leisurely days of exploration and easy hikes or rides manageable by anyone in good health. However, you'll find the treks in Koyasan and Kumano Kodo to be of moderate to challenging difficulty (depending on your personal fitness), with an elevation gain of more than 1000m on one hike and some trails along uneven terrain. You'll have the option to skip the more challenging hike on Day 10, should you not feel up to it. On a couple of the hikes, you will need to be able to carry your own pack of overnight essentials while on the trail, because your main luggage will be forwarded to the next destination.
In some destinations you will be staying in traditional ryokans – Japanese-style inns with shared facilities. It’s a great taste of traditional life, but not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami mat floor as comfortable as beds in Western-style hotels, so a sense of adventure and adaptability is crucial to enjoy the experience!
What will I need to carry?
Your trip will include a conveinent luggage transfer between destinations, so that you don't need to bring your heavy luggage with you to the most remote areas nor while trekking. This means that for a few nights during the trip, you will be without your main luggage, instead carring only a smaller rucksack packed with essentials for an overnight stay and one or two days of activities.
Overall, it is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan, because there are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversized luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all.
Please note that only one piece of luggage is included in the luggage forwarding service. If you have extra luggage you'd like to be forwarded, the cost will be about 1800-2300 JPY extra (per transfer) depending on the size. Your leader will be able to advise of the exact cost whilst on your trip.
The arrangements will be as follows:
- On Day 2 your main luggage will be sent to your hotel in Kyoto, as you will use a lot of public transportation to reach the lake town of Yamanakako. Please prepare a light overnight bag for the two-night stay in Yamanakako.
- On Day 7 your main luggage will be sent to Yunomine Onsen, so you'll need to prepare a light overnight bag for the trek and the one-night temple stay on Mount Koya.
- On Day 9 your luggage will be transferred to the accommodation in Katsuura, so you'll only need to carry a day pack with you for the hike on this day and the following day, with things for your overnight stay between the two sections of the trail.
There are four very distinct seasons in Japan, each offering unique sceneries and experiences to enjoy. As this trip includes several days of hiking, it will not run during winter when snow and ice may affect a lot of the more remote trails.
Spring is generally from March to May with sakura (cherry blossoms) being without doubt the main attraction for visitors. This means larger crowds are to be expected at the main sites and in the cities; however, your guide will try to manage the schedule in the most efficient way. Temperatures are usually mild, ranging from 10-15ºC in March to 15-23ºC in May.
Summer in Japan lasts from June to mid-September and is usually very hot, with high humidity levels and daytime temperatures often above 30℃ – especially in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Up on the trails and by the lake, temperatures will be more pleasant and there may be the opportunity to cool down in shaded forests or at natural water sources you find along the way.
Autumn lasts from about mid-September to mid-November and is widely considered to be a very pleasant time to visit, with temperatures ranging from approximately 10 to 21°C and generally clear weather. The vibrancy of the changing foliage (koyo) is the main attraction at this time of year.
AMAZING TRIP THROUGH JAPAN
An amazing trip through central Japan! The itinerary was very well thought-out and gave a great mix: from major cities to tiny villages and stunning nature in between. The intensity of activities ramps up with time, it starts out pretty relaxed and ending with challenging hikes.
It was also a trip through many of the Japan foods. You get a chance to try traditional foods but also favourites like curries, okononiyaki and ramen, and spectacular teppanyaki to end a great trip.
So much thanks and appreciation to our guide Ken who looked after us ensuring we were on time and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. There's plenty of down-time in the afternoons, so it never felt like we were rushed or crammed with activities.
If you want to try something different than the normal Japan intinery this is the trip for you! Don't think about, just book it!
The trip of a lifetime
Very well thought out tour of central Japan, visiting the main cities but also highlighting the beauty that the countryside has to offer, from remote mountain temples, to the forests and rivers of the Komodo trail, and a seaside fishing town. It was also a trip through all the Japan foods. Lots of fish and rice but also curries, hotpots, ramen, and spectacular teppaniaki to end with a bang! Special shout-out to our guide Ken, who went out of his way to make sure things went smoothly from start to finish. I've never had such a stress free trip and Ken deserves all the praise for this!
Fantastic first trip to Japan
From beginning to end this was a brilliant trip. Our guide, Ken, was very kind and looked after us really well, ensuring a great time. A super mix of key sights, activities and hiking. If you’re thinking about it, just book it.
Wonderful adventure in Japan
This was my second MBA trip and it surpassed all expectations. Our guide, Dai, was amazing and a big part of what made the trip so special. He always provided us with loads of information, made sure everyone felt comfortable at all times, and led us effortlessly with a smile. Even when the weather potentially changed our activity plans, Dai was flexible and always offered the group multiple options to choose from.
This itinerary was very well thought-out and gave us an excellent mix: from major cities to tiny villages and stunning nature in between. The intensity of activities ramps up with time, starting out pretty relaxed and ending with properly challenging hikes. There's plenty of down-time in the afternoons, so it never felt like we were rushed or crammed with activities.
Some of the highlights for me: Beautiful Lake Yamanakako, blissfully soaking in outdoor onsens, Okunoin cemetery in Kyosan, great banter among the group as we hiked, the awe-inspiring views on the trails, and of course, karaoke!
This was a fantastic trip, particularly for a first time in Japan, and made even better by a wonderful group of fellow adventurers and flawless organisation. Don't hesitate, just book it!
Cities + Nature + Food + Culture
This was my second MBA trip, and I really enjoyed the variety of places we got to experience on this ultimate trip through Japan (big cities, quaint small towns, and remote villages). Our guide, Ken, made sure every detail was taken care of for us, and he really went above and beyond to make the trip fun, educational, and memorable. I learned a lot about Japanese culture and history through my chats with Ken and really appreciated his openness to share! Also to note, there was a good balance of scheduled and free time, so we were able to explore on our own.
The initial days were filled with more leisurely activities—enjoying strolls through the cities, biking around serene lakes, kayaking, and relaxing in an onsen. As the trip progressed the intensity of the hiking increased, which was great to burn off the calories from all the delicious meals we had! Really enjoyed the sections of the Kumano Kodo we got to hike, but unfortunately, we couldn't do the last leg because of rainy conditions.
We took a variety of transportation throughout the trip including buses, subways, trains, bullet train (so cool), trolleys, and private transport.
Some of the highlights for me, included the visit to Koyasan, the spiritual center for Shingon Buddhism, where we stayed in a monastery, participated in the morning prayer ceremony, and ate a special dinner and breakfast prepared in their traditional methods. Ken also took us on an evening walk through the nearby cemetery, which was stunning, serene, and peaceful.
I also loved the nightlife of Kyoto and Osaka, where we had free time to explore on our own, get lost in the elegance of the Gion district (our fellow group members saw two geishas!), and find little hole-in-the-wall spots for udon and other delights!
I've been back home now for about a week, I've already hit up the local Asian market to increase the amount of Japanese food I'm making at home. I certainly will be back to Japan on future trips. This was an awesome first time way to see and understand the country, and I'd highly recommend this trip to anyone thinking about Japan.