Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. Due to Japan’s popularity it has been necessary to go outside our traditional sources for employing tour leaders. As a result, our passionate, professional and trained tour leaders may either be Japanese or long term foreign residents in Japan.

Transport

Boat , Public Bus , Metro , Bullet Train , Train , Taxi , Walking , Bike , Kayak

Others

Nakasendo Trail - Magome to Tsumago hiking Toson Memorial Museum Onomichi - Shimanami Kaido cycling Ikuchijima Island- Sea Kayaking Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha Kyoto - Gion District walk Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) Kyoto - Mt. Daimonji-yama hike Kyoto - Kyoto Cycling Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple Shingu - Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine Kumano Kudo - Hiking Kumano Kodo - Kumano Nachi Taisha Toba - Mikimoto Pearl Island Museum Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour

Meals

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. RYOKANS : & MINSHUKUS: Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning. AVAILABILITY: The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes. ONSENS: We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese ’onsens’ while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/ Hotel/Ryokan (11 nights)

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Others

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Tokyo

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – bursting with contemporary urban culture, this colourful city is home to many museums, world-class shopping strips, neighbourhoods full of restaurants and countless karaoke bars. As this trip spends very little time in Tokyo, it’s recommended that you arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience its best. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, but if you arrive early you might like to check out the mania of Shibuya Crossing or stroll around the hip Harajuku neighbourhood. After the meeting, why not get some of your group together for an optional dinner at a local restaurant – your group leader will know the best spots.
Day 2 Day 2: Nakasendo (Hiking)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Nakasendo (Hiking)

Say goodbye to Tokyo this morning and hop on a train towards the Nakasendo Way – a historic network that connected shukuba (post stations) between Tokyo and Kyoto in the Edo period. When you arrive, you’ll head out to walk a section of the Way between Tsumago and Magome. Take a well-maintained and marked trail through forested countryside past traditional houses reminiscent of the time. Both Tsumago and Magome were towns where weary travellers would rest during their journey along the Nakasendo Way, and tonight you’ll stay in a local guesthouse in town, replicating their experience. Before checking into the guesthouse, visit the Toson Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to the life and works of writer Shimazaki Tōson.
Day 3 Day 3: Nakasendo / Onomichi (Hiking)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Nakasendo / Onomichi (Hiking)

An early morning start today takes you on a short hike along another section of the Nakasendo trail to Nagiso station. After, take a regional train and then a shinkansen (bullet train) to Furukawa, connecting to a local train bound for Onomichi. Onomichi marks the beginning of the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling track and the town is associated with a great number of Japanese literary figures. There are various temples, pagodas and parks you can explore while you’re here – the most popular walk being Temple Way. You could also head to Senkoji Park for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the Inland Sea. If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan in the springtime, cherry blossoms bloom in the parks here! Tonight, why not head into town and grab a ramen dinner in one of the laneway restaurants – these delicious soupy noodles are what Onomichi is known for.
Day 4 Day 4: Shimanami Kaido / Onomichi (Cycling & Kayaking)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Shimanami Kaido / Onomichi (Cycling & Kayaking)

Wake up this morning ready take on a section of the Shimanami Kaido. This 60 km cycle path connects six small islands on the Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. Today, you’ll ride across three of the connecting islands, arriving on Ikuchijima around midday. The cycling paths are well established, and you’ll pass by cafes, shrines, small beaches and gorgeous vistas of the dotted islands and tiny fishing villages along the Setouchi Inland Sea. In the afternoon, swap your bike for a kayak and start paddling from the Sunshine Beach area of the island. Later, catch a ferry back through to Onomichi Port before a free evening.
Day 5 Day 5: Kyoto (Hiking)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Kyoto (Hiking)

This morning, take a local train and shinkansen to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (translating to the tranquillity and peace capital) in AD794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years before the emperor and government relocated to Tokyo. Because of this, Kyoto is rich in history, with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens. After dropping your bags off at the accommodation, head out with your group to Fushimi Inari Shrine – one of the quintessential images of Japan. Famous for its thousands of reddish coloured torii gates, get lost in one of the networks of trails, and be sure to snap a few shots of this iconic spot. Your leader will take you ona hike up the hill, away from most of the crowds, so you can get the best views and most peaceful feel of the place. Later, visit to the historic Gion area, where you might spot a geisha.
Day 6 Day 6: Kyoto (Hiking)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Kyoto (Hiking)

Head with your group to Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion. Built more than 500 years ago, this structure is surrounded by intricate Japanese landscape architecture and was modelled off the Golden Pavilion, Kinakuji. From Ginkakuji, you’ll hike up Mt Daimonji-yama – one of the best short hikes in Kyoto. From the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the city and on a clear day, all the way over to Yoshida-yama Hill. When you’re back in town, the afternoon is yours to choose your own adventure. Maybe check out Kyoto’s Kitchen at Nishiki food markets, visit Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace, or get lost in the zigzagging lanes of the traditional Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka districts. If you prefer a bit of relaxation, rest up in one of the sentos (traditional bath houses) in the city – a must-do experience at least once in Japan!
Day 7 Day 7: Kyoto (Cycling)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kyoto (Cycling)

Today it’s time to jump back on two wheels. Pick up your rental bikes and start exploring Kyoto. Cycle along the beautiful Kamogawa River to Demachiyanangi, stopping at Daitokuji Temple. Learn about Zen Buddhism and find a dose of peace before hopping back on the saddle and continuing to the Kinkakuji Temple – also known as the Golden Pavilion. Heading back along Kamogawa River, finish your cycling adventure and head back to the bike shop. Tonight you’re free to find the best feed – your leader always has the best recommendations!
Day 8 Day 8: Shingu/Koguchi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Shingu/Koguchi

This morning, hop on the train to Shingu. Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine – one of the three main shrines part of the Kumano Kodo network. After you’ve had a look around, visit Kamikura Shrine – one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Shingu. This shrine has a stunning view over Shingu city out to the Pacific Ocean. Change to a local public bus to Koguchi, where you’ll rest for the night and get ready for tomorrow’s hike.
Day 9 Day 9: Koguchi/Kii Katsuura (Hiking)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Koguchi/Kii Katsuura (Hiking)

Today is an early start as you head out to hike part of the famous Kumano Kodo – one of the only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrim routes in the world. The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient routes that connect three major religious sites – known collectively as the Kumano Sanzan. Throughout the centuries, the pilgrim route has been used by imperial families, nobility, warriors and common folk alike as part of their spiritual practice. For the first couple of hours it’s an uphill climb that rises over 800 m. After reaching the Echizen-toge Pass, follow the forest ridge for another couple of kilometres until you reach the highest point – Funami-jaya teahouse at 868 m. From here, head mostly downhill to Nachi Taisha – another of the three Kumano shrines. See the Nachi Falls along the way, too, then take a bus down to Kii Katsuura for the night.
Day 10 Day 10: Toba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Toba

Take the train to Toba today. Toba is the perfect place to wind down after a few days of hiking, cycling and kayaking. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk in the old town of Toba and give you the option to have a fresh seafood barbecue for lunch – oysters, anyone? In the afternoon, visit the famous Mikimoto Pearl Island Museum. Toba’s claim to fame is it’s the birthplace of the cultured pearl industry and here, you’ll be able to witness how Ama divers (female pearl divers) collect pearls in the traditional way. In the evening, maybe check out the onsen in your hotel – there’s no better way to relax tense muscles than soaking yourself in the hot springs with an amazing view over the bay area ahead.
Day 11 Day 11: Osaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Osaka

In the morning, hop back on the train and return to Osaka. Arrive at around lunch time and go on a walking tour with your leader to the famous Dotombori district, which is popular for its shopping, food and entertainment. At night, this place is lit by hundreds of neon lights and signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign. If the mood strikes, why not join your group for a final dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants and toast to a trip well travelled!
Day 12 Day 12: Osaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Osaka

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

12 days tour

Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Day 1: Tokyo

Day 2: Nakasendo (Hiking)

Day 3: Nakasendo / Onomichi (Hiking)

Day 4: Shimanami Kaido / Onomichi (Cycling & Kayaking)

Day 5: Kyoto (Hiking)

Day 6: Kyoto (Hiking)

Day 7: Kyoto (Cycling)

Day 8: Shingu/Koguchi

Day 9: Koguchi/Kii Katsuura (Hiking)

Day 10: Toba

Day 11: Osaka

Day 12: Osaka

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