Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
12 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka
Visiting: Tokyo, Nakasendo (Hiking), Nakasendo / Onomichi (Hiking), Shimanami Kaido / Onomichi (Cycling & Kayaking), Kyoto (Hiking), Kyoto (Cycling), Shingu/Koguchi, Koguchi/Kii Katsuura (Hiking), Toba, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CJXH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – bursting with contemporary urban culture, this colourful city is home to many museums, world-class shopping strips, neighbourhoods full of restaurants and countless karaoke bars. As this trip spends very little time in Tokyo, it’s recommended that you arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience its best. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, but if you arrive early you might like to check out the mania of Shibuya Crossing or stroll around the hip Harajuku neighbourhood. After the meeting, why not get some of your group together for an optional dinner at a local restaurant – your group leader will know the best spots.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Nakasendo (Hiking)
Location: Nakasendo (Hiking)
Accommodation: ryokan
Meals Included: dinner
Say goodbye to Tokyo this morning and hop on a train towards the Nakasendo Way – a historic network that connected shukuba (post stations) between Tokyo and Kyoto in the Edo period. When you arrive, you’ll head out to walk a section of the Way between Tsumago and Magome. Take a well-maintained and marked trail through forested countryside past traditional houses reminiscent of the time. Both Tsumago and Magome were towns where weary travellers would rest during their journey along the Nakasendo Way, and tonight you’ll stay in a local guesthouse in town, replicating their experience. Before checking into the guesthouse, visit the Toson Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to the life and works of writer Shimazaki Tōson.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Nakasendo / Onomichi (Hiking)
Location: Nakasendo / Onomichi (Hiking)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
An early morning start today takes you on a short hike along another section of the Nakasendo trail to Nagiso station. After, take a regional train and then a shinkansen (bullet train) to Furukawa, connecting to a local train bound for Onomichi. Onomichi marks the beginning of the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling track and the town is associated with a great number of Japanese literary figures. There are various temples, pagodas and parks you can explore while you’re here – the most popular walk being Temple Way. You could also head to Senkoji Park for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the Inland Sea. If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan in the springtime, cherry blossoms bloom in the parks here! Tonight, why not head into town and grab a ramen dinner in one of the laneway restaurants – these delicious soupy noodles are what Onomichi is known for.
Day 4: Shimanami Kaido / Onomichi (Cycling & Kayaking)
Location: Shimanami Kaido / Onomichi (Cycling & Kayaking)
Accommodation: Hotel
Wake up this morning ready take on a section of the Shimanami Kaido. This 60 km cycle path connects six small islands on the Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. Today, you’ll ride across three of the connecting islands, arriving on Ikuchijima around midday. The cycling paths are well established, and you’ll pass by cafes, shrines, small beaches and gorgeous vistas of the dotted islands and tiny fishing villages along the Setouchi Inland Sea. In the afternoon, swap your bike for a kayak and start paddling from the Sunshine Beach area of the island. Later, catch a ferry back through to Onomichi Port before a free evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Kyoto (Hiking)
Location: Kyoto (Hiking)
Accommodation: Hotel/Ryokan
This morning, take a local train and shinkansen to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (translating to the tranquillity and peace capital) in AD794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years before the emperor and government relocated to Tokyo. Because of this, Kyoto is rich in history, with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens. After dropping your bags off at the accommodation, head out with your group to Fushimi Inari Shrine – one of the quintessential images of Japan. Famous for its thousands of reddish coloured torii gates, get lost in one of the networks of trails, and be sure to snap a few shots of this iconic spot. Your leader will take you ona hike up the hill, away from most of the crowds, so you can get the best views and most peaceful feel of the place. Later, visit to the historic Gion area, where you might spot a geisha.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Kyoto (Hiking)
Location: Kyoto (Hiking)
Accommodation: Hotel/Ryokan
Head with your group to Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion. Built more than 500 years ago, this structure is surrounded by intricate Japanese landscape architecture and was modelled off the Golden Pavilion, Kinakuji. From Ginkakuji, you’ll hike up Mt Daimonji-yama – one of the best short hikes in Kyoto. From the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the city and on a clear day, all the way over to Yoshida-yama Hill. When you’re back in town, the afternoon is yours to choose your own adventure. Maybe check out Kyoto’s Kitchen at Nishiki food markets, visit Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace, or get lost in the zigzagging lanes of the traditional Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka districts. If you prefer a bit of relaxation, rest up in one of the sentos (traditional bath houses) in the city – a must-do experience at least once in Japan!
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Kyoto (Cycling)
Location: Kyoto (Cycling)
Accommodation: Hotel/Ryokan
Today it’s time to jump back on two wheels. Pick up your rental bikes and start exploring Kyoto. Cycle along the beautiful Kamogawa River to Demachiyanangi, stopping at Daitokuji Temple. Learn about Zen Buddhism and find a dose of peace before hopping back on the saddle and continuing to the Kinkakuji Temple – also known as the Golden Pavilion. Heading back along Kamogawa River, finish your cycling adventure and head back to the bike shop. Tonight you’re free to find the best feed – your leader always has the best recommendations!
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Shingu/Koguchi
Location: Shingu/Koguchi
Accommodation: Guesthouse
This morning, hop on the train to Shingu. Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine – one of the three main shrines part of the Kumano Kodo network. After you've had a look around, visit Kamikura Shrine – one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Shingu. This shrine has a stunning view over Shingu city out to the Pacific Ocean. Change to a local public bus to Koguchi, where you’ll rest for the night and get ready for tomorrow's hike.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Koguchi/Kii Katsuura (Hiking)
Location: Koguchi/Kii Katsuura (Hiking)
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Today is an early start as you head out to hike part of the famous Kumano Kodo – one of the only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrim routes in the world. The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient routes that connect three major religious sites – known collectively as the Kumano Sanzan. Throughout the centuries, the pilgrim route has been used by imperial families, nobility, warriors and common folk alike as part of their spiritual practice. For the first couple of hours it's an uphill climb that rises over 800 m. After reaching the Echizen-toge Pass, follow the forest ridge for another couple of kilometres until you reach the highest point – Funami-jaya teahouse at 868 m. From here, head mostly downhill to Nachi Taisha – another of the three Kumano shrines. See the Nachi Falls along the way, too, then take a bus down to Kii Katsuura for the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Toba
Location: Toba
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Take the train to Toba today. Toba is the perfect place to wind down after a few days of hiking, cycling and kayaking. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk in the old town of Toba and give you the option to have a fresh seafood barbecue for lunch – oysters, anyone? In the afternoon, visit the famous Mikimoto Pearl Island Museum. Toba's claim to fame is it’s the birthplace of the cultured pearl industry and here, you'll be able to witness how Ama divers (female pearl divers) collect pearls in the traditional way. In the evening, maybe check out the onsen in your hotel – there's no better way to relax tense muscles than soaking yourself in the hot springs with an amazing view over the bay area ahead.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
In the morning, hop back on the train and return to Osaka. Arrive at around lunch time and go on a walking tour with your leader to the famous Dotombori district, which is popular for its shopping, food and entertainment. At night, this place is lit by hundreds of neon lights and signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign. If the mood strikes, why not join your group for a final dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants and toast to a trip well travelled!
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Osaka
Location: Osaka
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel/Ryokan (11 nights) -
Tsumago - Waki Honjin
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Nakasendo Trail - Magome to Tsumago hiking
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Onomichi - Shimanami Kaido cycling
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Ikuchijima Island- Sea Kayaking
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Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
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Kyoto - Gion District walk
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Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
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Kyoto - Mt. Daimonji-yama hike
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Kyoto - Kyoto Cycling
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Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Included Activities
- Tsumago - Waki Honjin
- Nakasendo Trail - Magome to Tsumago hiking
- 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
- Kii Katsuura - Tuna Market
- Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
Transport
- Boat , Public Bus , Metro , Bullet Train , Train , Taxi , Walking , Bike , Kayak
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
- Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning.
- AVAILABILITY
- The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
- ONSENS
- We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
Important Information
- 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.
Mode of Transport
- Boat , Public Bus , Metro , Bullet Train , Train , Taxi , Walking , Bike , Kayak
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on a different Intrepid trip than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- RYOKANS/MINSHUKUS
- Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many ryokans will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some ryokans may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in a ryokan. Hotels and ryokans will charge extra fees if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning.
- Read more about ryokans here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/
- AVAILABILITY
- The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
- ONSENS
- We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
Check out our Q&As
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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: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/
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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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