Hiking in Japan
From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines, this trip provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional ryokan for the ultimate in Japanese luxury. The adventure culminates with a two-day ascent of sacred Mt Fuji – reaching the nation's tallest peak just in time for an unforgettable sunrise.
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Day 1 - Tokyo
Arrive before early evening for your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards.
Accommodation
Day 2 - Tokyo/Kanazawa
Take a short train ride to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest, and it became a thriving centre for culture and arts.
Bullet Train
Tokyo – Kanazawa2h30m-3h (400km)
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Switch trains in Nagoya, about half-way through the journey.
Step back in time with a visit to the Higashi Chaya geisha district of Kanazawa. Learn about the geisha culture, prevalent in Kanazawa since the 17th century. Visit the traditional two-story wooden houses decorated with lattice and discover the traditions behind this iconic Japanese way of life.
Accommodation
Day 3 - Kanazawa
Stroll through Keroku-en, ranked one of the nation's top three gardens before exploring the historic Nagamachi samurai district.
After strolling through the expansive gardens of Kenrokuen, opt to stop at the massive Kanazawa castle next door.
Kanazawa is also home to many interesting museums, opt to visit one or learn more about local crafts. Loving the food in the city? Take a trip to the local seafood market to see where some of the fresh, tasty ingredients come from.
Accommodation
Day 4 - Kanazawa/Takayama
Arrive in picturesque Takayama and relax in the traditional Japanese inn.
Arrive in the charming town of Takayama in the afternoon, enjoy free time this afternoon and begin taking in the beautiful scenery of this traditional city.
Bullet Train
Kanazawa – Takayama 2h
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Accommodation
Day 5 - Takayama
Explore the Hida No Sato traditional folk village, and walk the quaint streets of the old town – lined with sake breweries and craft shops. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area.
Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past in the thatched houses and rice fields. Opt to visit one of the markets or rent a bike and cycle out of the town centre and into the countryside.
Accommodation
Day 6 - Takayama/Hiroshima
Arrive in Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the tragic history of this city.
The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.
Bullet Train
Takayama – Hiroshima5h
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Accommodation
Day 7 - Hiroshima
Take a short ferry ride to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate and meet the friendly local deer.
Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating Torii Gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure.
Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
The famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer and monkeys, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Accommodation
Day 8 - Hiroshima/Kyoto
Travel to historic Kyoto. Explore the marvellous Fushimi Inari shrine and walk under thousands of torii gates.
Continue on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life.
Walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse.
Bullet Train
Hiroshima – Kyoto1h30m-2h
Accommodation
Day 9 - Kyoto
Wander the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens before visiting Kyoto's iconic Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion.
Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view.
Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.
Accommodation
Day 10 - Kyoto
Spend a full free day discovering the Zen gardens, huge wooden temples, pagodas and shrines of Kyoto. Opt to enjoy the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion, and take a leisurely stroll down the lovely Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji.
Want to feel like a real Samurai? Pre-book the Samurai Spirit Full Kembu Lesson on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Accommodation
Day 11 - Kyoto/Fujikawaguchiko
Visit Lake Kawaguchi and go for some optional walks. Enjoy an amazing multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinner and prepare for the next day's hike.
Leave Kyoto and travel to Kawaguchiko arriving mid afternoon. Take the rest of the afternoon to visit the Onsen Spa before dinner.
Please note that climbing season is subject to weather conditions but is typically July 1 to Sep 2nd each year. The itinerary can change at any time due to weather.
Bullet Train
Kyoto – Fujikawaguchiko5h30m
There are multiple train changes during this ride and a short taxi ride at the end.
Visit the natural hot springs in traditional style and soak in the waters and feel all your troubles float away.
Accommodation
Meals included
Day 12 - Fujikawaguchiko/Mount Fuji
Arrive at Station 5 and begin your ascent of this sacred mountain. To slow the pace and help with acclimatization, overnight at Station 8 and rest up before the final push to the summit in the morning.
The total hike to the summit is about 5-6 hours, broken up with an overnight stay at Station 8. Accommodation on the mountain is a basic dormitory-style hut with few facilities.
Luggage can be stored at the hotel during the climb. Bring only an overnight bag with items required for the climb.
A light dinner is included at the mountain hut. As resources are limited on the mountain, dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated – be sure to bring your own food if necessary.
Local Bus
Fujikawaguchiko – Mount Fuji1h
Accommodation
Mountain Refuge - Fuji Tomoekan (or similar)
Meals included:
Day 13 - Mount Fuji/Tokyo
Wake up early for the final stretch of the hike and reach Japan's tallest peak – 3,776m (12,388 ft) – in time for sunrise. Take in the views from the summit before hiking down. Later, travel by train to Tokyo for one final night in the city.
After the arduous push to the summit, enjoy sunrise before hiking back down. Pick up your bags and travel by van to Kawaguchiko before a train to Tokyo.
Today you can take in some more sights, visit the museums and gardens or do some shopping. Meet with the group later tonight for our last dinner together.
Mount Fuji2h30m
Start hiking towards the summit before dawn, there will be some rough patches that will only be visible with flashlights. Tread carefully, don't rush and drink plenty of water. Watch the sunrise atop the mountain and celebrate a successful climb. Hike back down to retrieve your bags.
It's about 2.5-3.5 hrs to summit. After watching the sunrise, slowly head back down about 3 more hrs.
Local Bus
Mount Fuji – Fujikawaguchiko1h
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Bullet Train
Fujikawaguchiko – Tokyo3h-4h
Use your free afternoon in Tokyo to visit any must-see sights you missed, tour a museum or shop for souvenirs for yourself or friends back home.
Accommodation
Meals included
Day 14 - Tokyo
Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
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