Others

Entrance fees: Included to all sights listed on this itinerary Comprehensive Printed Travel Information Pack Customised Oomi Travel Mobile App: With all your details/documents on your phone and instant messaging tools, keep in touch with our team in Japan locally at all times. Local Emergency Contact in Japan All Taxes & Accommodation Surcharges Fixed Price Policy Full financial protection

Meals

Welcome Dinner at local izakaya on Day 1, Breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 5 evening meals

Transport

Transfers throughout: Arrival & departing airport transfers direct from the airport to your hotel Reserved Seats on Express & Bullet Trains Local buses/subways, or taxis (depending on group size) or; Private vehicles, when required Cable cars (usually in the mountains)

Accommodation

Total: 13 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels, Minshuku guesthouses, and ryokans. Western Hotels : 7 nights Japanese Style: 6 nights

Guide

When 6 or more people are in the group, you will be escorted by our English-speaking tour leader. If your group is less than 6 people, you will be doing the tour on a semi-escorted basis (Met in each area by our local assistants and guides). Private guides will meet you along the way in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kumano Kodo region.

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included.

Others

Meals other than those specified in the itinerary. Generally, you can expect to pay around 1,000-1,500 yen for lunches and anything from 2,500yen for your evening meals. Beverages consumed at any meal (Water served freely) Baggage Handling (You are requested to carry your own bags so be careful when packing! Your tour leader will help you arrange luggage forwarding on some journeys by the reliable ‘Takkyubin Service’) Tour Leader Or Driver Gratuity – can be arranged among your group (Optional)

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Tokyo (1St Of 2 Nights)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Tokyo (1St Of 2 Nights)

Arrive in one of Tokyo’s International Airports (Haneda or Narita) where you will be transferred to your Tokyo hotel. You will have free time in Tokyo until tour orientation in the evening where you will meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. Meeting time is usually 6pm. Enjoy a welcome dinner at local izakaya (Japanese style casual restaurant).

Accommodation: Shibuya Tokyu Excel Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights.

Meals: Breakfast daily & Welcome Dinner included.
Day 2 Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Breakfast at your hotel

✪ TOKYO CITY SIGHTSEEING ✪

WITH LOCAL GUIDE 09.00 – 17:00

• Tsukiji Outer Wholesale Market

• Hamarikyu Garden

• Tokyo River Cruise to Asakusa area

• Asakusa Kannon Temple & Shopping Street

• Edo Museum or Skytree (if museum is closed)

Evening free time / Your tour leader will give you guidance on where to go after dark!

Accommodation: Shibuya Tokyu Excel Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights.

Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Day 3: Mt Fuji / Lake Kawaguchiko (1 Night)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Mt Fuji / Lake Kawaguchiko (1 Night)

Today we will move to Kawaguchiko to marvel at one of the most iconic sights in Japan, Mt Fuji. Those of us who who wish to climb this sleeping giant (July & August only) will meet our experienced Mt Fuji climbing guide at Kawaguchiko 5th station to begin our ascent. We will make our way up to the 8th station and stop off in a mountain hut for dinner and some rest. We’ll wake in the early hours and continue your hike all the way to the summit to await Mt Fuji’s spectacular sunrise.

Many people prefer the views of Mt Fuji from its surrounding lakes. Visitors outside of climbing season and those who would rather not tackle the hike will enjoy lunch at a local Kawaguchiko restaurant before visiting nearby Oishi Park, famous for its stunning views of Mt Fuji over Lake Kawaguchi and the surrounding natural landscape. Voyage out across Lake Kawaguchi on the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat before settling in for dinner at your hotel.

Accommodation: Kasuitei Oya (or similar) (1 nights – Japanese Ryokan]

(Mountain hut for Climbers in July & August tour)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4 Day 4: Kyoto (3 Nights)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Kyoto (3 Nights)

After breakfast we’ll move on to the ancient capital of Kyoto.

Flowing with tradition, Kyoto is the ultimate destination for anybody who wants to soak up time-honoured Japanese culture. Home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, this ancient city showcases the heart and soul of traditional Japan. Kyoto boasts an array of world-class gardens, majestic festivals and delicate cuisine, all of which make much of the rhythms of nature and the changing of the seasons.

On first glance however, visitors will see that like any large Japanese city, grid-like Kyoto has its fair share of neon and concrete. But the discerning eye will soon pick out Kyoto’s treasures: sacred shrines tucked in among shopping arcades, timeless teahouses nestling among modern businesses and mysterious geisha rustling down backstreets among the tourists and souvenirs. Kyoto’s charm lies in these details and whether you’re here for three days or three years, the closer you look, the more you’ll discover.

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Grande Kyoto (or similar) for 3 nights

Meals: Breakfast daily
Day 5 Day 5: Kyoto Sightseeing Day With Local Guide
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Kyoto Sightseeing Day With Local Guide

Today you will receive the best possible introduction to Kyoto as our expert local guide leads you around the city’s most spectacular sights.

✪ KYOTO City Sightseeing ✪

WITH LOCAL GUIDE 09.00 – 17:00

Visit:

• Nijo Castle

• Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

• Lunch at local restaurant

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• Fushimi Inari Shrine

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Grande Kyoto (or similar) for 3 nights

Meals: Breakfast daily

You will have the rare chance to sit and have tea with one of Kyoto’s beautiful young Maiko in their mama-san’s teahouse. ‘Maiko’ are better known as a young ‘Geisha’. Training to become Geisha usually starts at a young age (some start at 13/14). Trained in various Japanese traditional arts such as Kimono wearing, flower arranging, traditional dance, shamisen (string instrument), and so on, they spend many years perfecting how to walk, talk, and breath like a Geisha. If successful in their progression, they then move to be a Geisha, usually by the age of twenty or so. Such an interesting experience that you will only find in Kyoto. This experience is not sold on the high street. This really is a special occasion on our tour that we have been proud to offer for many years. So be sure to bring your camera and be prepared to ask questions. Our Maiko are very open and love sharing and listening to your stories too.
Day 6 Day 6: Free Day In Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Free Day In Kyoto

Today will be a well deserved day off to spend as you choose in Kyoto. Suggested itinerary and access maps will be provided for you in your travel pack. If you are very tired you can take it easy today! Many of our clients have specific places in mind that they would like to see in Kyoto. So, why not let us know in advance, and we can be prepared to give you the correct information on how to get to the places you would like.

OPTIONAL TOURS

1. Ancient Nara & Modern Osaka (Self-Guided / No booking needed)

2. Hiroshima & Miyajima Island (Self-Guided / No booking needed)

3. Kyoto Cultural Experiences* e.g. Kimono Wearing, Ikebana Workshop, Cookery Class, etc.

*Pre-Booking Essential before departure

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Grande Kyoto (or similar) for 3 nights

Meals: Breakfast daily
Day 7 Day 7: Kii Peninsula - Kumano Kodo (Kawayu Onsen 2 Nights)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kii Peninsula - Kumano Kodo (Kawayu Onsen 2 Nights)

This morning we leave Kyoto and head south to begin our adventure in the Kii Peninsula!

The entry point to the World Heritage Nakahechi Route lies at Kii Tanabe, where we will start off with a nice easy walk through the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain range’. Upon arrival to Kii-Tanabe station, one of our local experts will greet the group and share the plan for what lies ahead. After lunch, you will have the option to do a short walk before transferring to your accommodation in Kawayu Onsen.

✪ KUMANO KODO Sightseeing ✪

WITH LOCAL GUIDE FOR 3 DAYS

Lunch at local restaurant (Pay locally)

Enjoy a 2 Hour Walk today with your guide (If you are not able to walk, your guide will advise you on what to do in the local area)

Transfer to Kawayu Onsen with your guide

Dinner & onsen (hot springs) at your minshuku

Seasonal Highlights:

• April : Stunning Cherry Blossom walks & photographic opportunities around Kawayu Onsen area

• July & August : Magical clean and fresh water for swimming in from the banks of Kawayu River (outside your minshiku)

• November & December: Soak in the naturally hot river onsen (walking distance from your minshiku)

Accommodation: Kawayu Onsen Minishiku (for 2 nights / Japanese style)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner on both nights
Day 8 Day 8: Kumano Kodo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Kumano Kodo

Breakfast at your minshuku

Enjoy a leisurely 13km hiking trail around Kumano Hongu Taisha with your guide

[Picnic Lunch Provided]

• Dinner & onsen at your minshiku
Day 9 Day 9: Kii Katsuura
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Kii Katsuura

Breakfast at your minshuku

Continue on the Ancient Kumano Trail with your guide. Travel will be using chartered vehicle or public transfer (depending on group size).

Move from Kawayu Onsen towards Kii Katsuura stopping off at:

Shingu, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine (Continue to Kii Katsuura to visit)

Kumano Nachi Taisha & Seiganto-ji

Nachi Waterfall

Hill walk required to reach Pagoda for best view of waterfall

Return to the local village

This evening we will relax at another lovely ryokan. We will eat dinner at a local resturant (please pay locally).

December Seasonal Highlight:

Japanese people usually celebrate the end of the year at their local temple. You will experience this first-hand by wishing your new year in at Kumano Hayatama Shrine and Nachi Taisha. A very special and unique experience found only in Japan.

Accommodation: Katsuura Gyoen Ryokan (1 night / Japanese style)

Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Day 10: Nagoya (1 Night)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Nagoya (1 Night)

Today we’ll travel by train from the Kii Peninsula to Nagoya for a one-night stop in Japan’s third-largest city. Here we’ll enjoy more local izakaya fare, with the opportunity to sample tebasaki marinated chicken wings, and get a taste of the city’s night life at some popular hot spots.

Accommodation: The Royal Park Canvas Nagoya (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Day 11: Tsumago And Magome (2 Nights)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Tsumago And Magome (2 Nights)

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a leisurely 8km walk along the Samurai postal road that once linked Tsumago and Magome. Look out for plenty of bear bells around -be sure to ringthem! This area is known for having wild bears.

Accommodation: Hotel Hanasarasa (2 nights / Japanese style)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12 Day 12: Tsumago And Magome Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Tsumago And Magome Free Day

Breakfast at your ryokan

Today you have a free day. If feeling energetic, why not try the Nakasendo trail in the opposite direction. Or, just relax at your ryokan and enjoy country life in this magnificent Kiso valley.

Farewell Dinner & Onsen at your ryokan.

Accommodation: Hotel Hanasarasa (2 nights / Japanese style)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13 Day 13: Tokyo (1 Night)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Tokyo (1 Night)

After breakfast, we will make our way back to the capital for some last minute shopping and excitement. Our final night we will spend on the town sampling some Tokyo night life with your tour leader. Or, if you prefer to relax, you can opt out of this. We will arrange a farewell dinner for those who wish to join which again will be optional. (Onward journeys from Osaka or Nagoya Airports can also be arranged.)

Accommodation: Tokyo Shinjuku or Shibuya District Hotel
Day 14 Day 14: Tour Ends
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Tour Ends

Ancient Trails of Japan comes to an end after breakfast today and you will be provided with an airport transfer service from your hotel. If you would like to stay longer in Tokyo, discuss some post-tour options with your travel consultant.

+11

14 days tour

Ancient Trails Of Japan

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Ancient Trails Of Japan

Day 1: Tokyo (1St Of 2 Nights)

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Day 3: Mt Fuji / Lake Kawaguchiko (1 Night)

Day 4: Kyoto (3 Nights)

Day 5: Kyoto Sightseeing Day With Local Guide

Day 6: Free Day In Kyoto

Day 7: Kii Peninsula - Kumano Kodo (Kawayu Onsen 2 Nights)

Day 8: Kumano Kodo

Day 9: Kii Katsuura

Day 10: Nagoya (1 Night)

Day 11: Tsumago And Magome (2 Nights)

Day 12: Tsumago And Magome Free Day

Day 13: Tokyo (1 Night)

Day 14: Tour Ends

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