We follow the trails of the Shogun along the ancient walking routes through this contrasting country. We follow the ancient trail of the pilgrims to the cultural landscapes of Kii Katsuura. This is followed by walking a segment of the famous Nakasendo highway – an ancient route used by warriors and royalty in Eighth Century Japan. If that isn’t enough we tackle the Japanese Alps hiking and summiting the Matterhorn of Japan - Mt. Yarigatake and the iconic Mt.Fuji before travelling to the neon splendour of Tokyo.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Arrive in Kyoto. |
| Day 2 |
Morning sightseeing tour of Kyoto. Afternoon short hike up Daimonjiyama Mountain for great views over Kyoto. |
| Day 3 |
Free day. Evening walking tour of Gion geisha district. |
| Day 4 |
Travel to Kii peninsula. Walk part of Daimonzaka ancient Kumano Kodo World Heritage pilgrimage trail. Visit Nachi shrine and waterfall. Beneath our hotel soak in natural hot spring caves overlooking the Pacific Ocean. |
| Day 5 |
Visit morning Tuna market. Cruise through pine clad islets. Travel by train to Tsumago. |
| Day 6 |
Half day hike along ancient Nakasendo Highway from Magome back to Tsumago. |
| Day 7 |
Travel to Matsumoto and begin hiking up spear-shaped Mount Yarigatake. |
| Day 8 |
Continue hiking to summit of Mount Yarigatake. |
| Day 9 |
Descend to Kamikochi highlands then on to Matsumoto. Explore Matsumoto including its impressive Black Crow Castle. There is also the option of hot springs. |
| Day 10 |
Travel by the Fuji Express to Lake Kawaguchi near Mount Fuji. Explore lake area. |
| Day 11 |
We ascend by bus to the fifth station of Mount Fuji where we begin hiking to the eighth station. |
| Day 12 |
Witness sunrise from the summit of Fuji. Descend from summit back to Kawaguchiko. Afternoon free.
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| Days 13-14 |
Transfer to Tokyo. Full day walking tour of Tokyo with river cruise and Kabuki theatre performance. |
| Day 15 |
Trip ends in Tokyo this morning. |