Ancient Trails of Japan

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.

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

Meals: Breakfast

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

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

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.

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

Meals: Breakfast daily

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

Breakfast at your minshuku

Continue on the Ancient Kumano Trail with your guide. Today is suitable for both walkers & non-walkers. 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

Breakfast at your hotel

Walkers: 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.

Non-Walkers: Take local bus along the Samurai postal road.

Meet group for tea before making your way to your ryokan.

Dinner and onsen at your ryokan

Accommodation: Hotel Hanasarasa (2 nights / Japanese style)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

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

After breakfast, we will make our way back to the capital for some last minute shopping and excitement. We will spend our final night on the town sampling some Tokyo night life together. 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 can also be arranged.)

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.

Three Nights

Located in the heart of where everything young, funky, and social happens in Tokyo. Known for its vibrant and energetic location, the three-star Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu is above the fashionable Mark City shopping mall, and surrounded by other countless malls, restaurants and bars. This 408-room hotel likes to focus on the individual needs of the guests.

One Night

Peacefully situated on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi in the scenic Mount Fuji area, Japanese-style hot spring hotel Kasuitei Oya features rooms with a terrace and stunning lake views, some boasting a private open-air hot spring bath. The hotel features a hot tub, massage treatments and karaoke rooms. Guests can relax in indoor or outdoor public baths with lake views, unwind in the sauna, or browse the large hotel shop. Free WiFi is available, and a free shuttle to/from the station is provided. Authentic Japanese cuisine with local ingredients can be enjoyed at the dining room, which presents a Japanese breakfast and a traditional multi-course dinner.

Three Nights

Newly opened in August 2016, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae offers accommodations with free WiFi. The hotel is directly connected to JR Kyoto Station and a 4-minute walk away. The hotel is ideally located for convenient access to many of the major sights inside this World Heritage City. Rooms are available in different categories from standard to deluxe.

Four Nights

You will move from village to village staying in local guesthouses run by the friendliest of hosts. You won’t get better hospitality than this! Generally there won’t be beds available so expect to sleep on the futons on all four nights. Dining in the restaurant each evening too to the local/seasonal cuisine. Your luggage will be moved by car so don’t worry about this too. Bring a light day bag for your hikes.

Two Nights

If what you’re looking for is a conveniently located property in Nakatsugawa, look no further than Hotel Hanasarasa. From here, guests can make the most of all that the lively city has to offer. With its convenient location, the property offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations such as Magome or Tsumago. The property features 40 beautifully appointed guestrooms, many of which include linens, slippers, sofa, towels, air conditioning. The ryokans host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay incluing a swimming pool and various onsen choices.