Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Walking
Day 1 Arrive in Kyoto
Welcome to Japan! Meet the group at the hotel in Kyoto and convene for a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the city center. With over 1,000 Buddhist temples, sublime gardens, and excellent cuisine, it's easy to see why Kyoto has been voted Travel+Leisure's Best Overall City two years in a row!
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
(D)
Day 2 Explore Kyoto’s Magnificent Temples & Gardens
This morning transfer to Arashiyama, a beautiful area in northwest Kyoto known for spring cherry blossoms, dramatic autumn foliage, forested mountains and Togetsu-kyo Bridge over the Katsura River. Visit the famous bamboo groves and Tenryu-ji Temple. We'll then have an early lunch before we continue on to Ryoanji to see its famous rock garden. Then, we head to the extraordinary 14th Century Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion - named for its top two stories covered in gold leaf. Explore the Zen Buddhist temple's magnificent Japanese strolling garden and mirror pond before we return to our hotel to freshen up before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
(B, D)
Day 3 Travel the Scenic Nankai Railway and Follow the Pilgrim’s Trail to Mount Koya
3-hour train ride
We travel by train along the scenic Nankai railway line to Mount Koya, a bowl-shaped valley filled with stands of cedar trees 2600 feet up in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. Since the 9th century, when the priest Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) founded the first temple and the shingon sect of Buddhism, Mount Koya has been a place of religious devotion and ceremony. Today there are more than 100 monasteries, many of which have shukubo (temple lodgings). We will visit Kongobu-ji temple and there will be a guided walk through the vast Okuno-in cemetery, with thousands of graves and memorials to feudal lords and other past luminaries before arriving at one of the elegant shukubo (pilgrims' lodgings), run by the monks, and dine on shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Your luggage will be transferred by courier this morning from Kyoto, so you will be without your luggage for two nights, and will need a bag or pack to carry your overnight items.
Accommodation: Mitsugon-in
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Ride the Train to Nara
2-hour train ride
2 hours/3 miles hiking
This morning you will have the opportunity to get up early to join in the Buddhist service at the temple. After breakfast travel onward by funicular and trains to Nara. On a much smaller scale than Kyoto, Nara was established in 710 AD as Japan's capital, and is home to the famous Nara park, where the semi-tame deer roam. We walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a Shinto shrine established in the 8th century. Stone lanterns line the path to the entrance, and inside hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the building. We continue to Mount Wakakusa for a walk that gives us a view of the city.
Accommodation: Piazza Hotel Nara
(B, L)
Day 5 Explore Nara and the Kiso Valley
5-hour train and bus transfer
This morning, we visit Todaiji temple - the world's largest wooden building - which houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha. We then travel by train to the Kiso Valley, part of the ancient 'Nakasendo' trail passes through the valley, linking Kyoto and Edo (medieval Tokyo). Meaning 'road through the mountains', the Nakasendo has villages known as 'post towns' located along its route. Many of these have been preserved through the effort of the local residents, and we will enjoy the hospitality of villagers who have converted their traditional 'machiya' houses into inns. We arrive at our Japanese style inn on time for dinner. Your luggage transferred from Kyoto will be waiting for you.
Accommodation: Hotel Hanasarasa
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Discover Magome & Hike a Forested Trail to Tsumago
3 hours/5.2 miles walking with 1,070’ elevation gain & 1,400’ elevation loss
Explore the small town of Magome before walking over Magome Pass (2,625') to the village of Tsumago-juku. The trail rises gently, passing through another small village before reaching Magome Pass and then descending on a mixed paved and dirt trail through forest to Tsumago-juku. This small village has many restored machiya houses lining the main street, and there are small shops selling local crafts as well as snacks such as gohei-mochi, rice paste covered in miso and nut-based sauce. After sightseeing Tsumago, we'll have a short ride to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Keigetsu
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Follow the Old Nakasendo from Tsumago to Nenoue Toge
30-minute or 45-minute train ride
5 hours/8 miles of hiking with 2129’ ascent and 750’ descent
Today you'll continue your journey through the Kiso Valley and along Nakasendo today, walking a forested route from Nagiso to Nenoue Touge. Enjoy the lovely trail along empty country lanes and paths that weave their way beside rice fields and the gardens of village houses. From Nenoue Toge (where the trail turns into paved road) travel by private vehicle to Kiso Fukushima. and stay at a ryokan with its own hot spring. There are more than three thousand named hot springs in Japan, fed by Japan's abundant volcanic activity. Soak your muscles after your hike with a quintessential Japanese onsen experience!
Accommodation: Komanoyu
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Climb to Torii Pass & Explore Narai-juku Village
45-minute train ride
3 hours/4 miles walking with 1,130’ elevation gain & 885’ elevation loss
After a short train ride to Yabuhara, climb to Torii Pass, with good views over the Kiso Valley. In early spring, snow may dust on the mountaintops, but from mid-April onward the scenery is lush, green forest. Come early afternoon arrive in the well-preserved village of Narai-juku. Your ryokan dates back over 200 years and is typical of the merchant houses that line the village's main street. Take time to explore the atmospheric village, and perhaps try one of the local specialties. Your luggage will be transferred by courier this morning to Tokyo, so you will be without your luggage for one night, and will need a bag or pack to carry your overnight items.
Accommodation: Iseya
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Walk the Nakasendo from Narai to Hirasawa, Transfer to Tokyo
3.5-hour train ride
1 hour/1.6 miles walking
After breakfast in Narai-juku, set out for a short walk to Hirasawa, renowned for its lacquer-ware artisans. Stop in at a workshop and meet local artisans before transferring to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, where you'll have free time to explore before dinner at your leisure. The luggage transferred from Day 8 will be waiting for you.
Accommodation: Celestine Tokyo Shiba
(B, L)
Day 10 Tour Tokyo’s Top Sights
Today's Tokyo tour includes walks around Nihonbashi, the elegant Ginza shopping district, and the Imperial Palace. The contrast of the Imperial Palace's large grounds, deep moat, and historic buildings with downtown Tokyo's modern office buildings reflects Japan's twin identities of modernity and tradition. Continue to Harajuku for lunch and to visit the Meiji Shrine, a beautiful place of quiet reflection located within an evergreen forest. Then walk along the fashionable, tree-lined Omotesando — the Champs-Elysees of Tokyo — to the bustling entertainment area of Shibuya. Return to the hotel before your farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Celestine Tokyo Shiba
(B, D)
Day 11 Depart from Tokyo
Your guide is on hand this morning to help you transfer to Narita Airport for homeward-bound flights.
(B)
