Original
Multi-active
Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
12 Days | Hike sacred trails, bike through historic districts and kayak on the Inland Sea
4.8
Excellent
44 reviews
12 days
Start
Tokyo, Japan
Finish
Osaka, Japan
Trip Code
CJXH
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - null
Physical Rating
Meals
4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
Boat, Public Bus, Metro, Bullet Train, Train, Taxi, Walking, Bike, Kayak
Accommodation
Hotel/Ryokan (11 nights)
From £4,247(12 days)
Trip Informations
Embark on a cultural (and physical) workout with this 12-day active adventure across Japan. You’ll soak up some ancient history, see religious sites and explore the best of Japan’s nature on foot, boat and bike. Beginning in Tokyo, hike through post towns dotted along the Nakasendo Way, cycle and kayak on the Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaido and stop by historic Kyoto for an optional soak in a traditional bathhouse. Then, tackle the mother of all pilgrimages on a section of the historic Kumano Kodo. With the opportunity to explore diverse neighbourhoods, eat as much ramen as you can stomach and experience local hospitality along the way, this active adventure makes for a great taste of diverse Japan.
Why you’ll love this trip
Hike between the preserved post towns of the Nakasendo Way and reconnect with the Edo history on this ancient trail connecting Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto.
Discover one of Japan's best cycling routes – the Shimanami Kaido, which links Honshu with Shikoku across the scenic Inland Sea – and enjoy a cycling and kayaking experience through lush seaside landscapes.
Temple-hop through the historic city of Kyoto with a guided bike ride past some of the major religious sites in the city – on two wheels is the perfect way to explore this ancient capital.
Hike a section of the Kumano Kodo – one of only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage trails in the world. Along the ancient route, you’ll see the spectacular Nachi Falls and Nachi Taisha Shrine.
Relax your muscles in Toba’s hot spring onsens and maybe even one of Kyoto’s sentos (traditional bath houses) - a must-do experience while in Japan!
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Is this trip right for you?
The active nature of this trip means that the fitter you are, the more you’ll be able to enjoy. It’s expected that travellers joining this trip will have had some experience hiking and cycling before and are able to swim. On some hikes, you’ll need to be able to carry your overnight pack on the trail because we will forward your luggage to the next destination. Hiking distances vary from 3 to 15km per day with no more elevation change than 60 to 900 m. The cycling distances are around 30 km each.
The hikes on the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Way include sections rather than the whole trail, which gives you an experience of the trails without needing to commit to multiple days of strenuous trekking.
When we aren't hiking or cycling on this trip, we primarily use public transport, which is efficient and convenient in Japan. Please pack light and compact as you will be expected to transport your luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas.
In some destinations, you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn. It's a great taste of tradition; however, not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more Western-style hotels. Read more about ryokans here:
Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Meals
4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Transport
Boat, Public Bus, Metro, Bullet Train, Train, Taxi, Walking, Bike, Kayak
Accommodation
Hotel/Ryokan (11 nights)
Activities
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
Optional activities
Tokyo - Tokyo After 5 Urban Adventure - JPY17000
Tokyo - Kanpai Tokyo: Shinjuku Drinks and Neon Nights Urban Adventure - JPY17000
Tokyo - A Tour Through Tokyo's Kitchen (with World's Largest Fish Market) Urban Adventure - JPY11500
Tokyo - Made In Japan Shopping Tour: Cultural Curiosities Urban Adventure - JPY8850
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Important notes
1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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