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Overview

Small group travel in Japan

With this small group travel in Japan, we follow the trails of the Shoguns along the ancient walking routes throughout a contrasting country. On the tracks of the pilgrims, we'll discover the cultural landscapes of Kii Katsuura, also famous for its hot springs. Walking a segment of the famous Nakasendo highway – an ancient path used by warriors and royalty in Eighth Century -Japan is one of the highlights of this journey.
Kyoto, former capital of Japan, homes countless remains of its Golden Age. Shrines, zen gardens, pagodas, the district of Gion where geishas are still roaming around the typical streets, and even the Nijo Castle and its fantastic architecture will dive you into a world where the past seems to take over the present. To deepen this immersion, this one of its kind tailor made trip offers the opportunity, in Tsumago, to enjoy nights at a ryokan, a traditional accommodation, and pay visits in highly respected sanctuaries reflecting the vivid spiritual life of Japan.
If that isn't enough we tackle the Japanese Alps hiking and summiting the Matterhorn of Japan - Mt. Yarigatake and the iconic Mt.Fuji. There you will be thrilled to make the same pilgrimage as every Japanese citizen must do at least once in his life to follow an old custom. Amazing sunrises and majestic sceneries are the fair reward of an unforgettable experience. To close this wonderful tailor made trip, you will be travelling to the neon splendour of Tokyo, one of the most vibrant metropolis in Asia and that will charm you with all its excesses. Imperial Palace, iconic shopping centers and sophisticated, quiet parks hiding remains of a glorious past are just a few of the many attractions of the capital of Japan.

Feel free to contact our Japan expert at Uniktour to get more information about this small group travel on the trails of the shogun!

Itinerary

Day 1| International flight

Day 2| Kyoto
The tour/adventure starts in Kyoto. In the evening you meet your tour leader and the other group members for an initial briefing followed (for those who wish) by a simple dinner at a nearby local restaurant. The hotel is close by to the grounds of the Emperor's Palace and also the famous Budokan, home to Sumo wrestlers and also once witness to Beatles' concerts.

Day 3| Kyoto
This morning an orientation tour takes us to some of Kyoto's more important sites, including: the imposing and opulent Nijo Castle – formerly home of the Tokugawa shoguns and, nestling at the foot of Kyoto's north-western hills, the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji temple, which was immortalised in Yukio Mishima's novel -The Golden Pavilion-. From here it is also possible to walk or drive the short distance to Ryoan-ji, perhaps Japan's most famous Zen garden. We finish off at Kyoto's handicraft centre noted for among things a fine selection of woodblock prints.
In the afternoon a great way to stretch the legs is a climb up the nearby Daimonji Yama. This escorted walk of 2 to 3 hours is mainly through wooded hills with a series of steps helping us ascend to a fine vantage point from where we are afforded excellent views over Kyoto. The hill is named after the giant Chinese character for ‘big' which is carved high up on the hillside and which is set alight each year in a ceremony to guide visiting spirits back out of the city. There are five other such symbols on hills dotted around the city some of which we will be able to see from our viewpoint.
For those who would rather have a gentler afternoon the rest of the day is free, for individual exploration. Recommended is a gentle stroll through the nearby eastern hills along the ‘Path of Philosophy' that links Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, with Nanzen-ji Temple. This walk, which begins at the same place as the climb up Daimonji Yama can be extended south through well-preserved ‘old town' areas to Kiyamizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) from where there is a justifiably famous view across a wooded gorge toward Kyoto. Also recommended, for those visiting in spring, is a visit to the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (the Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha). In the early evening, there will be an introductory briefing followed by dinner at one of the city's many delightful restaurants.

Day 4| Kyoto
Kyoto is a city that lends itself to walking, and there are numerous possibilities for exploration during this day at leisure in the city. Close to our hotel the architecturally impressive Higashi Honganji temple and the almost surreal Sanjusangendo, home to 1001 statues of Kannon, (the bodhisattva of compassion whose name, incidentally, was later taken up by the camera company Canon) – both make for an interesting visit. Also nearby is Japan's largest pagoda at Toji. Another recommendation is to take a hike in the wooded hills of Inari Mountain, famous for its Shinto ‘fox temple' and atmospheric tunnels of red torii gates. In the late afternoon we will meet up again for a short walking tour of Gion – the geisha district – with its many old teahouses, some of them mentioned in the widely acclaimed novel -Memoirs of a Geisha-. At the end of the tour a good idea is to take traditional dinner in one of the many restaurants that occupy this exciting area.

Day 5| Kii Katsuura
We rise in Kyoto and board our ‘Ocean Liner' train for the magnificent coastal ride to Kii Katsuro. The scenery along the way is often very dramatic with fine views looking out over the Pacific Ocean After a short bus ride we arrive in the semi-mystical area that surrounds Nachi Waterfall, considered to be Japan's highest. The area is the base of the ancient Kumano Shinto sect which is built around nature worship and which considers the waterfall itself to be a deity. We follow the beautiful cedar-lined Daimonzaka trail of the kumano pilgrims through to the ancient Saiganto-ji Shrine which overlooks the thundering wonder of Nachi Waterfall. This Shrine is highly revered by Shinto Buddhist this and as we enjoy the 2 hour walk our mind can wander back to the many pilgrims who have followed this path since the 10th Century. Even now this temple is visited by many pilgrims as an important sacred place. This ancient Kumano pilgrimage route is a true highlight of the area and has justifiably been deemed a World Heritage site. After a short boat journey we reach our hotel for the night. The hotel is famed throughout Japan for its dramatic coastal location and amazing hot springs situated in caves below the hotel and which look out onto the Pacific Ocean whose waves can be seen crashing on the rocks just a few feet away. An unforgettable experience in itself this is also a great way to soothe away any aching limbs from this afternoon's hike. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 6| Tsumago
Today we have a full day ahead of us beginning with a visit to Katsuura's fascinating Tuna Fish market. The fact that Japan has the biggest tuna-fishing industry in the world only underscores its importance – prize specimens can cost millions of yen and the morning auctions can consequently become quite exciting affairs. We follow this with a cruise to explore some of the pine-clad islets of the Kii Peninsula, part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park. We arrive in Tsumago in the early evening and settle down for the night in this picturesque town. We spend the next two nights in a ryokan, traditional Japanese accommodation which helps gives us a further insight into the rich history of this magical country. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 7| Tsumago
Today we catch a bus down to Magome to walk back to Tsumago along the famous Nakasendo highway. This highway in the heart of Japan had a lasting influence on the development of Japan as shoguns, royalty and peasants alike used it as the main form of transport through the central mountains. On this 8km hike we take in the beauty of 17th Century Edo Japan with preserved buildings and waterwheels. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 8| Mt.Yarigatake
We leave Tsumago and make our way to the Japanese Alps where we will summit Mt.Yari the following day. We travel by train and bus on our way will pass through Matsumoto and then the gateway town to the Japanese Alps - Kamikochi. In the afternoon we have a relatively easy walk of around 4 hours or so along the Yarisawa Valley and through mixed forest, home to Japanese serrow and also monkeys. Once we arrive at our mountain lodge we will rest and prepare for the following days 6 hour hike up the mighty Mt Yarigatake. This mountain was dubbed the Japanese Matterhorn by English priest and climber Walter Weston who climbed it first in 1891. On a clear day this summit has the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains in the distance. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 9| Mt.Yarigatake
We continue with a more strenuous hike today as we reach the summit of Mt.Yarigatake. This hike takes in some splendid alpine scenery as we make our way through meadows and alpine forest on our way to the summit. The trail gets gradually steeper for about four hours, and the push to the top is another 30 minutes from Yarigatake Sanso, where we will spend the night on our return. The final ascent involves a little scrambling assisted by a series of fixed ladders but there is nothing technical.. From the summit of Yarigatake on a clear day, you're in a sea of mountains as you sit atop the second highest mountain in the North Alps. We stay on the mountain in the warm and impressive Yarigatake Sanso Mountain hut were we can relax after the day's exertions and witness a glorious mountain sunset. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 10| Matsumoto
We have an easy hike of about 7-8 hours back down from Mt.Yari and make our way to the castle town of Matsumoto. This town was established in the 8th century and combines the architecture of a superb castle of which it is famous for and the 21st century architecture that Japan has made famous. We arrive in the early evening and get a chance to soak up the atmosphere of this laid back and cosmopolitan city.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 11| Kawaguchiko
In the morning in Matsumoto we visit the Matsumoto-jo which is one of Japan's few existant wooden castles, and founded in 1504. Most castles in Japan were destroyed after 1868 as the imperial forces sought to end the power of the Tokugawa shogunate and its samurai warrior class so this is an opportunity not to be missed. Later in the morning we board the train to Kawaguchiko and by mid-afternoon we arrive in this beautiful lake district. Here we can glimpse that most enduring of Japanese symbols, the serene and almost perfectly symmetrical Mount Fuji (3776m). On a clear day this now dormant volcano, that last erupted in 1707, is certainly a sight to behold but despite it beauty, just like Japanese women of old, Fuji is a shy mountain that, sometimes likes to hide its face. We will barely be able to curtail our excitement as we prepare tomorrow to climb and stay on this iconic mountain, which is fundamental to the Japanese sense of identity.

Day 12| Mount Fuji
This morning we travel by road to Fifth Station, the trekhead for our ascent of the mountain. From here we start climbing up to the Eighth Station on a walk of around 5 hours. Some of the trail is along volcanic matter and can occasionally be hard going underfoot. Once arriving at the Eighth Station we rest for the night and wake early and hope to see an amazing sunrise from the summit on Mt. Fuji. This sacred mountain was once closed to all but priests but now it is considered a glorious achievement for a Japanese person, and anyone else for that matter, to ascend the volcano once in their lifetime.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 13| Kawaguchiko
After reaching the summit of this highly symbolic mountain and having been witness to the amazing sunrise it can afford we descend back down and make our way back to Kawaguchiko. As we descend the mountain we are given a remarkable eagle's eye view of the surrounding volcanic landscape. The rest of the day will be free for rest or further exploration of this lovely area.

Days 14 & 15| Tokyo
Tokyo is well-known for its bustling energy and futuristic architecture. However, it also has a gentler side, and its citizens often reveal themselves – particularly outside of working hours – to be some of the friendliest of any capital city in the world. There are also many vestiges of the past, with historic temples and shrines still to be found in some of the most unexpected places, as well as an abundance of parks and gardens which are particularly exquisite in spring when the cherry trees and azaleas are in bloom. We arrive around mid-day and the rest of the day is yours to explore. The following day we have a varied, full-day walking tour of the city beginning in the lively Senso-ji temple district of Asakusa, with its many interesting craft and souvenir stalls. After lunch we are afforded an alternative view of Tokyo as we relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River. Our boat drops us off at the delightful Hama Rikyu gardens where we have time to stroll along paths that were once the sole preserve of the shogun. Later we make our way to the shopping district of Ginza where, depending on the theatre schedule, we may have the chance to see a short performance of Kabuki, one of Japan's more spectacular performing arts.
Meals included: 1 dinner

Day 16| Tokyo - International flight
The tour concludes in the morning. Transfer to the airport to catch your international flight.

Budget

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Other fees

Grade
Cultural adventure
With focus on local cultures and historic sites, this trip has the perfect mix of discovery, exploration, comfort and relaxation. Some trips may include a little walking or a night or two ‘roughing' it. Check the itinerary for details.

Moderate trek
A good level of fitness is required for this trip. This trekking adventure may involve walking for up to six hours per day and are likely to cover between six and 15 kilometres, over hilly terrain, on well-defined trails. The trips involve multi-day walking. (Maximum altitude: 3776 metres)

Overview

Japan is located in northern-east Asia, between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Its closest neighbours are China, and the Koreas. The country is composed of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and over 3000 smaller islands around. The Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, are a chain of islands south of Kyushu. The capital is Tokyo, and the total population of Japan roughly rises to 127.4 million people.

Geography

Japan is a volcanic archipelago with an important seismic activity. About 75% of the country is forested, mountainous, and inappropriate for agricultural, industrial, or human settlement. This is because of the generally abrupt rises, climate issues and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, instable ground and heavy rainfall. As a consequence, an extremely high population density is mainly concentrated in coastal areas. Since World War II, however, as Japanese society has become overwhelmingly urban, industrial, and internationalized, climatic and geographical effects have become much less significant. Honshu is composed of two main coastal plains; the Kanto plain in the north and the Kansai plain in the south, over which the 70 million megalopolis is spread, and within the middle of the island, the -Japanese Alps- are the 1800km long spine of the country. Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama and Osaka are the main cities, Kyoto and Nara being the historical centers. Hokkaido, the northern island, homes one of the oldest forests of Japan and is inhabited with an important wildlife such as bears or small mammals. With its intact nature, Hokkaido is a haven for green tourism aficionados.
On Kyushu, the lunar landscapes of Mount Aso and the surrounding hot water springs are reminiscent of the volcanic nature of the island. Nagasaki, atomic martyr of World War II, still has the charm of the past with its shrines hanging on the hills slopes. Shikoku is the most isolated and traditional island of the archipelago. Rice supplier of Japan, its terraced paddy fields are characteristic stunning landscapes, as well as the typical fishermen harbours and the steep overhangs in the southern part.

Culture

With an ageless-old culture, Japan is the ultimate cornu copia for art and traditions lovers. Between the elegant architecture of ancient castles, the immemorial stories of the shogun eras, the stylish home crafts, the beauty of a vivid and colourful nature and the vanguard fantasies of tomorrow, the Land of the Rising Sun has more to offer than any other country in the world. This vibrant nation is a dream come true whatever your interests are. As for traditional culture, one can spend weeks in cities such as Kyoto and Nara, gorging on temples, shrines, kabuki, ō (sophisticated dance-drama), tea ceremonies and museums packed with treasures from Japan's rich artistic heritage. But when it comes to modern culture and technology, Japan's cities are an absolute wonderland - an easy peek into the future of the human race, complete with trend-setting cafés, high-tech shopping centers and fabulous restaurants. Outside the cities, a magical nature coats the length and breadth of the archipelago; blossoming cherry trees, green bamboo forests, terraced paddy fields and imposing snow-capped mountains filled with legends pave every inch of Japan. From the coral reefs of Okinawa to the ski-resort of Niseko, Japan has more than enough amazing landmarks to compete with its cultural treasures. Then there's the food: whether it's impossibly fresh sushi in Tokyo, perfectly battered tempura in Kyoto, or a hearty bowl of rāmen in Osaka, eating is a proper art to fully enjoy in Japan.

Climate

There are a lot of climatic differences between the southern islands (Kyushu, Shikoku) and Hokkaido in the north. In southern Japan, a subtropical climate leads to a wet season happening between June and July. The summer is humid in the whole country with tropical storms and typhoons (sharp winds, torrential rain) occurring between August and October.
The temperatures are a bit cooler in Hokkaido, where winter is very cold and snowy in the north, as well as on the west coast of Honshu, due to the icy Siberian winds sweeping through the Sea of Japan. The east coasts and Kyushu benefit from a warm climate and bright sunny days during that season. Fall and spring are the best times to travel to Japan, as both are enjoyable with mild temperatures and rare rainfall.