Deal

Welcome to Japan! A shared shuttle bus will meet you at the airport and whisk you away to your accommodation in the city. You’ll be staying in Asakusa; home to Tokyo’s old temple Senso-ji and delicious restaurants and cafes, it’s the perfect place to ease you gently into your trip.

On your first full day in the city you will have the services of a professional English-speaking guide to show you the ropes. Whether you want to see all the top sights or get off the beaten track and discover some hidden gems, your guide can tailor the day to suit your interests, as well as showing you the ropes on Tokyo’s enormous but incredibly efficient transportation system.

Fancy a breather from the hectic pace of the capital? On your final full day in the city you can hop on a train and head west to get to Mount Takao, a small mountain with some excellent trails and sweeping views of the Kanto Plain – and Mt Fuji if you’re lucky! Although it’s not as known to foreign visitors, Mount Takao is well-loved by Tokyoites as an easy day trip, and the trails are clearly marked. Just before you reach the top, be sure to stop by the majestic Yakuo-in, a Buddhist temple founded almost 1400 years ago. And if you’re feeling like taking it easy, there’s always a cable car to take you most of the way to the top!

Bid farewell to Tokyo as you board a Limited Express train to take you north-west into the foothills of the Japan Alps to Matsumoto. This small city is home to its striking ‘Black Crow’ castle, considered to be one of the best in the country, delicious soba noodles, and the fascinating Ukiyo-e woodblock print museum on the outskirts of the city. Take in the sights at your leisure before resting up for the first of your multi-day walks on the following day.

From Matsumoto you will head deeper into the hills on another Limited Express train to Nakatsugawa – keep your eyes open en-route for some stunning views. A short bus ride will bring you to the charming postal town of Magome with its streets lined of beautifully preserved wooden buildings selling yummy snacks and drinks, perfect for a quick pit-stop before setting off on your hike on the historic Nakasendo Way. The walk from Magome to Tsumago is a leisurely three hours, and it takes you along clearly marked paths through forests and past tiny hamlets and rice fields, giving you a fascinating glimpse of rural Japanese life. Tonight you will be staying at a family run minshuku inn where a home-cooked dinner awaits.

Today you will be walking the second part of your two-day Nakasendo Way adventure. A gentle one hour walk followed by an hour’s train ride will bring you to Yabuhara, and from there you can set out on the 3 hour scenic hike northeast to Narai post town. The route is one of the highest sections of the Nakasendo Way as it takes you up and over Torii Pass at 1200 metres above sea level. Your accommodation tonight is another traditional inn with tatami mat flooring and dinner using local Kiso Valley ingredients.

After a three-train journey, which includes a stint on the shinkansen bullet train from Nagoya, you will arrive in the former Imperial capital, Kyoto. You’ll be staying in downtown Kyoto with easy access to restaurants, cafes, and shops, including Nishiki Market full of enticing shops and stalls.

The sheer number of incredible sightseeing spots can make it a challenge to know where to start, so your trip includeds a full day’s private guide with a knowledgeable local to help you get around and see everything you want. Whether you’ve always wanted that shot of the Golden Temple, or you’d love to wander the bamboo grove of Arashiyama, or you’re keen to get away from the crowds, your guide will be on hand to ensure you get the most out of your day.

On your second full day in the city you might be ready to see a different side of Kyoto. A top favourite half-day trip is the relatively unknown hike from the tiny village of Kibune to Kurama Onsen in the Kitayama Mountains. The two to three hour hike takes you along lantern-lined stone pathways past temples, and through the woods. We recommend treating yourself to a relaxing dip in the hot springs in Kurama to round off your hike.

After making the journey from Kyoto south to Kii-Tanabe, you’ll start off your Kumano Kodo journey with an orientation session followed by a bus ride to Yunomine Onsen where you can leave your luggage. Then you will have the afternoon at leisure to warm up your legs and hike the 1.5 hour route to Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine before hopping on the bus back to your accommodation.

Today’s portion of the Kumano Kodo should take around five to six hours, and it features a gentle but steady climb followed by a descent into the valley. The highlight is ‘hyakken-gura’, a lookout which offers incredible vistas of the Kumano Mountains – be sure to have a quick break here for photos and a spot to eat.

The 14 kilometre hike today will take around eight hours. It involves the largest elevation change of all five days’ hiking, but rewards you with some gorgeous scenery and views out over the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula. On arrival in Nachi you will be met with the majestic sight of Nachi-no-Otaki waterfall flowing from the mountain behind the vermillion pagoda. Your accommodation tonight is located a short way from the main shrine grounds and waterfall. A tasty homecooked meal and hot spring bath await you this evening. After checking out the next morning it’s time to bid farewell to the Kumano Kodo and head north again on the four-hour journey to Osaka.

Osaka has a reputation for being home to some of the best food in the country – from savoury okonomiyaki pancakes to piping hot takoyaki octopus dumplings, there is plenty for food lovers to sample during a stay in the city. Enjoy a private food tour with a local guide, so that you can try out the very best food on offer. Your centrally located hotel is right around the corner from vibrant Dotonbori, and the nearby Shinsaibashi and Nanba areas are great places for picking up some last-minute souvenirs.

Enjoy another full day in Osaka today at your leisure.