Iconic Japan Active Adventure (Nakasendo Walk, Shimanami Kaido Cycling & Kayaking) 12D11N, Fully Guided

Make your own way to Tokyo. Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan. Your exclusive journey begins in Tokyo, a vibrant metropolis brimming with contemporary urban culture. This captivating city is a treasure trove of acclaimed museums, world-class shopping promenades, and distinctive neighbourhoods, each offering a wealth of culinary delights. As your itinerary offers a brief glimpse of Tokyo, we recommend arriving a few days early to fully immerse yourself in its wonders. A welcome meeting awaits you at 6 pm this evening. Should you arrive with time to spare, you might explore the iconic Shibuya Crossing or take a leisurely stroll through the fashionable Harajuku district.

Optional activities (at an additional cost):
Tokyo After 5 Urban Adventure
Kanpai Tokyo: Shinjuku Drinks and Neon Nights Urban Adventure
A Tour Through Tokyo's Kitchen (with World's Largest Fish Market) Urban Adventure
Made In Japan Shopping Tour: Cultural Curiosities Urban Adventure

You’ll stay at Oriental Express Tokyo Kamata, conveniently located near Kamata Station for easy access to Tokyo's top attractions and Haneda Airport. Relax in the art-inspired lobby, enjoy the cozy café, and rest in thoughtfully designed rooms that combine comfort and functionality for travelers.

As evening falls, perhaps gather with your fellow travellers for an optional dinner at an exquisite local restaurant, handpicked by your esteemed group leader.

Approx. 8km (5 miles), 3 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 200m (656 ft)

This morning, bid farewell to the vibrant energy of Tokyo and embark on a scenic train journey toward the fabled Nakasendo Way. This ancient highway, a network of post stations (shukuba) that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the illustrious Edo period, invites you to step back in time. Upon arrival, you will trace the footsteps of samurai and merchants as you traverse a beautifully preserved section of the trail between the historic towns of Tsumago and Magome. Wander along a well-marked path that meanders through enchanting forested landscapes and past traditional wooden houses, their timeless architecture whispering tales of a bygone era.

Both Tsumago and Magome once served as sanctuaries where weary travellers found respite. Tonight, you will share in this storied tradition, resting within the warm embrace of a local guesthouse. Before settling in for the evening, immerse yourself in the region's literary heritage with a visit to the Toson Memorial Museum, a poignant tribute to the life and works of the celebrated writer Shimazaki Tōson. This evening, enjoy a delicate dinner celebrating the flavour and art of Japanese cuisine.

You’ll stay at Ryokan Hanaya, an enchanting inn steeped in history and nestled in the perfectly preserved post town of Tsumago on the ancient Nakasendo trail. Surrender to the authentic charm of traditional Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and embrace the communal spirit with shared bathroom facilities, a custom that enhances this exclusive heritage experience. Here, you are not merely a guest but a participant in a living story, invited to discover the timeless hospitality that has graced this storied path for centuries.

Note: Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Onomichi for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your stay in Tsumago/Magome as you will not have access to your luggage again until Day 3. Today’s accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.

Approx. 4km (2.5 miles), 1.5 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 380m (1250 ft)

Start your day with a short hike along another stretch of the Nakasendo trail, leading you to Nagiso station. From there, board a regional train followed by a shinkansen (bullet train) to Furukawa, and finally connect to a local train heading to Onomichi. This charming town is the gateway to the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route and has strong ties to many Japanese literary figures. While in Onomichi, you can explore its temples, pagodas, and parks, with the Temple Way being a particularly popular stroll. For stunning views of the city and the Inland Sea, head up to Senkoji Park. If you’re visiting in spring, you’ll be treated to beautiful cherry blossoms in the parks.

In the evening, why not enjoy a bowl of Onomichi’s famous ramen at one of the cozy laneway restaurants. It’s the perfect way to end the day!

You’ll stay at the modern elegance at Sakura Shimanami Hotel Onomichi-ekimae, exquisitely positioned as the majestic gateway to the glistening waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Merely moments from the station, this bespoke haven invites you to awaken to breathtaking harbour vistas.

Approx. 35km (22 miles), 2-3 hours biking

Awaken to the gentle rhythms of the coast, ready to embark on a journey across the legendary Shimanami Kaido. This exquisite cycle path serves as a ribbon of adventure, weaving together six verdant islands across the shimmering Inland Sea. Your morning unfolds as you glide gracefully across three emerald gems of the archipelago, eventually arriving at the artistic shores of Ikuchijima. Along the way, lose yourself in a landscape of sun-drenched vistas where tiny fishing villages nestle against turquoise waters and hidden shrines whisper secrets of the past. As the afternoon sun dances upon the waves, trade your bicycle for a kayak to embrace the sea's tranquil embrace. Paddle from the golden sands of Sunshine Beach, feeling the cool salt spray as you navigate the gentle currents.

As twilight nears, a ferry will carry you back across the glistening waters to Onomichi Port, leaving you to spend a leisurely evening amidst the town's glowing lanterns and historic charm.

Approx. 4km (2.5 miles), 2-3 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 200m (656 ft)

In the morning, embark on a serene journey aboard a local train and the swift shinkansen, whisking you away to the timeless city of Kyoto. Once known as Heian-kyo, the capital of tranquillity and peace, Kyoto cradled the heart of Japan for over a millennium before the emperor's court moved to Tokyo. This imperial legacy has blessed the city with an unparalleled richness of history, where over two thousand temples, shrines, and meticulously sculpted gardens whisper tales of ages past.

After settling into your elegant accommodations, you will be guided to the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic image of Japan itself. Here, you are invited to wander through a mesmerising labyrinth of thousands of vermilion torii gates that trail up the sacred mountain. Your guide will lead you on an enchanting hike away from the well-trodden paths, ascending through the tranquil forest to reveal secluded spots with sweeping views and an atmosphere of profound peace. Later, as dusk begins to settle, immerse yourself in the historic Gion district, an ethereal world of wooden machiya houses and lantern-lit lanes, where you may be graced with the rare and fleeting beauty of a geisha gliding through the twilight.

You'll stay at Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya, perfectly located for exploring Kyoto’s rich history and culture. Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel offers easy access to popular landmarks and historic streets for your exploring convenience.

Approx. 4km (2.5 miles), 2.5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 350m (1150 ft)

Begin your morning by journeying to the ethereal Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, a masterpiece of Zen elegance that has stood for over five centuries. Wander through its meticulously sculpted gardens, where every stone and shrub is a testament to the art of Japanese landscape architecture, designed as a sophisticated homage to the Golden Pavilion. From here, the spirit of adventure beckons as you ascend the verdant slopes of Mt. Daimonji-yama. Upon reaching the summit, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic tapestry of Kyoto unfolding beneath you, stretching as far as the shimmering horizon of Yoshida-yama Hill.

As you return to the city’s heart, the afternoon becomes a canvas for your own wanderlust. You might choose to awaken your palate in the sensory labyrinth of Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, or step back into an era of Shogunate power at the formidable Nijo Castle. Perhaps you will find yourself lost in the timeless allure of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, where zigzagging lanes whisper secrets of old Japan. For those seeking a moment of profound serenity, we invite you to surrender to the warm, restorative embrace of a traditional sento bath house—a quintessential Japanese ritual that promises to soothe the soul and rejuvenate the spirit.

Approx. 29km (18 miles), 8 hours biking

Embark on a two-wheeled journey through the heart of Kyoto. With your rental bicycle awaiting, you’ll glide along the serene banks of the Kamogawa River until you arrive at the spiritual haven of Daitokuji Temple. Here, immerse yourself in the profound tranquillity of Zen Buddhism, finding a moment of inner peace before continuing your elegant passage to the magnificent Kinkakuji Temple, the famed Golden Pavilion. As your cycling odyssey concludes with a gentle ride back along the Kamogawa, the evening unfurls with the promise of culinary discovery.

Feel free to seek out an exquisite local feast—your leader, a connoisseur of Kyoto’s finest dining, will be delighted to guide your palate toward an unforgettable meal.

Start your morning with a train ride to Shingu and explore the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, one of the three key shrines in the Kumano Kodo network. Next, head to Kamikura Shrine, one of Shingu's oldest and most sacred sites, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. From there, take a local bus to Koguchi, where you’ll enjoy dinner and rest for the night, preparing for tomorrow’s hike.

You’ll stay at an exclusive sanctuary at Takada Greenland in the tranquil village of Koguchi, a cherished waypoint that has long offered respite to discerning travellers journeying along the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Embrace the elegance of authentic Japanese living in bespoke tatami rooms, where refined facilities foster a serene, intimate spirit. Nestled amidst verdant mountains and the gentle murmur of the Akagi River.

Note: Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Kii Katsura for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your stay in Koguchi as you will not have access to your luggage again until Day 9. Today’s accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.

Approx. 16km (10 miles), 8 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 540m (1770 ft)

Start your day early with a hike along the renowned Kumano Kodo, one of only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage routes in the world. This ancient trail links the sacred Kumano Sanzan, three significant religious sites. For centuries, it has been walked by emperors, warriors, and everyday people seeking spiritual fulfilment.

The hike begins with a challenging uphill climb of over 800 meters to reach the Echizen-toge Pass. From there, follow the forest ridge for a few more kilometers to the highest point, Funami-jaya teahouse at 868 meters. Afterward, descend toward Nachi Taisha, one of the three Kumano shrines, passing the stunning Nachi Falls on the way. End the day by taking a bus to Kii Katsuura, where you’ll spend the night.

You'll stay at the charm of Kosakaya, a family-run inn located in the scenic coastal town of Kiikatsuura. This tranquil retreat offers private onsen baths, allowing you to relax in Japan’s soothing, mineral-rich waters. Stay in traditional tatami-matted rooms that combine authentic Japanese design with a welcoming atmosphere. Shared facilities are well-maintained to provide comfort while preserving the inn’s intimate and local feel.

After days of invigorating exploration, the coastal town of Toba awaits, offering a serene interlude. Board a train and journey to this tranquil haven, the perfect setting to unwind after your adventures in hiking, cycling, and kayaking. Upon arrival, allow your leader to guide you through the charming old town on a brief orientation walk, culminating in an invitation to indulge in a fresh seafood barbecue for lunch—imagine succulent, freshly-harvested oysters sizzling just for you.

This afternoon, immerse yourself in the luminous history of the Mikimoto Pearl Island Museum. Toba is renowned as the birthplace of the cultured pearl, and here you will witness the timeless tradition of the Ama divers—the legendary female pearl divers—as they gracefully retrieve these ocean gems. As evening descends, perhaps you'll be drawn to the onsen within your hotel.

You’ll stay at Yumoto Amanoshima, an exquisite inn cradled on the serene shores of Toba. Here, you are invited to immerse yourself in the healing waters of Arashima-Onsen, sourced from the property’s own private spring—a rare distinction in this celebrated locale. From your sanctuary of peace, gaze upon the superb, panoramic vistas of Toba Bay, where the gentle rhythm of the waves composes a symphony exclusively for your soul.

In the morning, catch the train back to Osaka, arriving around lunchtime. Join your leader for a walking tour of the vibrant Dotombori district, known for its incredible shopping, delicious food, and lively entertainment. At night, the area comes alive with glowing neon lights, including the iconic Glico Running Man and Kani Doraku crab signs. If you’re up for it, gather with your group for a final dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants to celebrate an unforgettable journey!

You’ll stay at Kuretake Inn Osaka Sakaisuji Honmachi. Nestled near the Sakaisuji-Honmachi Station, this sanctuary offers effortless passage to Osaka's vibrant business district and its most enchanting attractions. As your day of exploration concludes, find solace in the hotel's public baths, where you can unwind and rejuvenate amidst serene tranquillity.

Your journey concludes this morning after breakfast where you make your onwards journey on your own. Feel free to depart at any time following check-out. If you'd like to stay longer, contact your booking agent in advance to arrange extra accommodations.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.