Highlights
- Overnight in a mountain hut on Mount Fuji, before climbing to the summit
- Cycle through the historic streets and beautiful countryside of Takayama
- Meet a troop of Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Iwatayama
- Cruise the Kumano River in a traditional boat on your Kumano Kodo Trail hike
- Hike along the Daimonzaka Trail to marvel at Japan's tallest waterfall
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore at Your Leisure | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Tokyo City Tour: Temples, Markets & Gardens | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Japanese Cooking Class, Tokyo Kayaking Tour | Tokyo |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Fujikawaguchiko, Begin Trek on Mount Fuji's Yoshida Trail | Fujikawaguchiko |
| Day 5 | Hike to Sunrise on Mount Fuji, Relax in Fujikawaguchiko Hot Springs | Fujikawaguchiko |
| Day 6 | Train to Takayama via Mishima & Nagoya, Takayama Museum & Street Tour | Takayama |
| Day 7 | Cycling in Takayama, Train to Kyoto | Kyoto |
| Day 8 | Tour of Kyoto's Temples, Castles & Shrines | Kyoto |
| Day 9 | Samurai & Tea in Kyoto, Cycling Through Bamboo Forest | Kyoto |
| Day 10 | Train to Osaka, Explore Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building & Shinsaibashi | Osaka |
| Day 11 | Train & Bus to Kawayu Onsen, Discover Otogawa River Hot Springs | Hongu |
| Day 12 | Hike Kumano Kodo's Nakahechi Route, Bus to Yunomine Onsen | Hongu |
| Day 13 | Kumano Kodo Water Pilgrimage Route, Train to Kii Katsuura | Kii Katsuura |
| Day 14 | Daimonzaka Hike & Kumano Nachi Taisha Tour | Kii Katsuura |
| Day 15 | Train to Osaka, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Explore at Your Leisure
Konnichiwa Japan! After you arrive at Tokyo International Airport, your driver will be waiting to whisk you to your hotel in the capital. Settle in, then explore glittering Tokyo, where modernity competes with centuries-old culture. Begin in Shibuya, an area known for its trendy boutiques. Take a stroll to Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the city's best gardens, to see cherry blossoms in the spring, and continue to one of Tokyo's oldest parks, Shiba, for iconic views of the Tokyo Tower. Head to the tower and take an elevator up to the main deck for expansive city views.
End your day by exploring the vibrant Akihabara, known as "Electric Town," Japan's pop culture capital. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of manga, animé, and gaming. Or, you might like to soak up the atmosphere of Tokyo's Old Town, Yanesen, on a private food tour. Stroll the streets, meet the locals, sample street food, visit traditional shops, and stop for a drink in a Japanese izakaya pub while learning about local culture and history from your guide.
Day 2: Tokyo City Tour: Temples, Markets & Gardens
Join your guide this morning for a full day exploring Tokyo's iconic landmarks, starting at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, built in 1920 CE. Step through the towering torii (gate) into the forested grounds and admire the ornate Japanese architecture. Continue your tour to the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, a bustling hub with stalls offering seafood from sushi to grilled scallops. After the market, head to the Imperial Palace. Walk through the picturesque grounds, stopping at tea houses or bridges, including the famous double-arched Nijubashi Bridge.
Finally, visit Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples, built in the seventh century. Inside, stroll along the buzzing Nakamise-dori, lined with shops, until you reach the second gate, Hozomon, which leads to the temple's main hall and a five-story pagoda where you can pick up an omikuji (a Japanese fortune slip). At the end of your tour, return to your hotel and unwind.
Day 3: Japanese Cooking Class, Tokyo Kayaking Tour
Today, you'll learn more about Japanese cuisine with a three-hour cooking lesson. Meet with a local chef and make some of the country's most famous dishes from scratch. Discover the secrets of the perfect sushi roll, make soba noodles or ramen, or try your hand at assembling delicious gyoza (pot stickers). Your instructors will share insights into the traditions and history associated with each dish as you enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.
This afternoon, head to the Chuoku District, where you'll begin a guided half-day kayaking tour through Tokyo along the Nihonbashi, Sumida, Onagi, and Oyoko Rivers. Highlights of the trip include cherry blossoms in the spring or colorful foliage in the autumn, gliding under Shigemoribashi, the lowest bridge in Tokyo, and passing through the famous Ogibashi Lock Gate, nicknamed the "mini Panama Canal."
Day 4: Transfer to Fujikawaguchiko, Begin Trek on Mount Fuji's Yoshida Trail
Today's journey takes you to Fujikawaguchiko, a resort town in Mount Fuji's northern foothills. Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san as the locals call it, is one of Japan's three sacred mountains and the country's highest peak, stretching into the sky at more than 12,000 feet (3,776 m). Pack overnight essentials and snacks for this trek to Japan's popular pilgrimage site, where people come from around the world to hike. Your driver will collect you from your Tokyo hotel (after checking out) for the 1.5-hour scenic drive.
When you arrive in Fujikawaguchiko, meet with your local guides for an overnight adventure on this iconic landmark. You'll be hiking the Yoshida Trail, the choice for many first-time climbers. This trail is around 8.9 miles (14 km), with an elevation gain of around 4,880 feet (1,400 m). Depending on your physical condition, you may take five to seven hours to finish the whole trail. After a briefing from your guides and getting outfitted with your trekking poles, you'll start today's part of the hike from Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station. As you ascend, take in the incredible views of mountains, lakes, and high clouds.
Refill your water and have something to eat at the mountain hut rest breaks along the way. After hiking for around four hours, you'll arrive at a cozy mountain hut where you'll stay for the night. Enjoy a simple dinner and recharge your energy with a night of sound sleep. Visitors should keep in mind that the huts on Mount Fuji are very simple, with bunk beds and minimal amenities. Only a few offer meals, so have extra snacks in your backpack!
Day 5: Hike to Sunrise on Mount Fuji, Relax in Fujikawaguchiko Hot Springs
Dress warm today and grab breakfast as your day starts very early (around 3 am) to continue your trek along the Yoshida Trail to Mount Fuji's summit. You'll hike for about three hours, with the reward being an incredible sunrise over the mountains. Walk along the rim of Fuji's gigantic Summit Crater, which spans more than 1,600 feet (500 m), and take in the panoramic views before beginning your descent along a different trail.
A private driver will be waiting to transport you to Fujikawaguchiko, where you can check into your onsen ryokan (accommodation with natural hot springs) and spend the rest of the day resting your aching muscles and warming up in the healing thermal waters. Have dinner at your lodgings tonight, or visit a local restaurant for some traditional Japanese cuisine.
Day 6: Train to Takayama via Mishima & Nagoya, Takayama Museum & Street Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
You're off to the mountainous city of Takayama, located in Japan's Gifu region and known for its Edo-period homes and rural beauty. After you leave your hotel this morning, head to the train station for the five-hour trip, including transfers. When you arrive, check into your hotel and have some lunch before meeting your local guides to begin your exploration of this picturesque town.
Start at Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan Museum, where you'll find exhibits of floats featured in the Takayama Matsuri festival, one of Japan's most beautiful events. Some of the floats are more than 22 feet (7 m) high and are exquisitely decorated with carvings, lanterns, and marionettes, showcasing the brilliant craftsmanship of Japan's artists. Then, walk down Sannomachi Street, located in the Old Town district. See the historic homes, take in the relaxing atmosphere, and stop in one of the saké breweries that line the narrow street.
Day 7: Cycling in Takayama, Train to Kyoto
Enjoy an in-depth exploration of Takayama this morning with a three-hour guided cycling tour. After an equipment and safety briefing, start your cruise along the city streets following your guides. Stop at Asaichi Market (Morning Market) for snacks and local crafts, and take a minute to observe residents as they go about their daily lives. You can purchase a few souvenirs here or grab a quick bite.
Continue riding to Kokubun-ji, a Shingon-sect Buddhist temple built during the Muromachi period (1336-1573 CE). Its Hondo (main hall) is the oldest structure in the city, and the temple grounds also house the only three-story pagoda in the region, as well as a ginkgo tree, said to be more than 1,250 years old.
After your temple tour, follow your cycling crew back to your hotel to check out and pick up your bags. Then, make your way to the train station and depart for Kyoto, a cultural powerhouse known for its historical traditions, temples, gardens, and palaces. After a three-hour trip traveling first class, check into your Kyoto hotel and rest up in anticipation of exploring the city tomorrow!
Day 8: Tour of Kyoto's Temples, Castles & Shrines
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring more of Kyoto's fantastic sights with your guide. Begin at the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. Stroll through the gardens and marvel at the gold-leaf-covered structure reflected in the surrounding ponds, then continue to another UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle, home to the Edo period's first shogun (military leader). As you explore the castle grounds, your guide will provide insights into the architectural grandeur and lavish decor of the Ninomaru Palace.
Then, in the afternoon, put on comfortable shoes and join a three-hour guided tour, starting with an enchanting hike at the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Walk through the 10,000 red torii gates and follow the torii-lined route up to the observation deck atop the mountain for far-reaching views of the gates and the surrounding forest. Hike back through the forest, discovering smaller shrines, moss-covered animal statues, and ancient stone tablets before reaching the historic Tofuku-ji Temple.
Inside, see the Hondo, with a beautiful seated Buddha statue and intricately carved wooden ceilings. Another highlight is the Tsutenkyo Bridge, a picturesque covered walkway that connects to the Kaizando Hall. Then, make your way to the many sub-temples within the complex, including the Reiun-In, featuring a traditional Japanese rock garden, and the Ryogin-an, known for its courtyard teahouse. Afterward, spend your evening relaxing at your hotel or venture out for dinner and some shopping.
Day 9: Samurai & Tea in Kyoto, Cycling Through Bamboo Forest
Dive into Kyoto's culture today, starting with a traditional tea ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya. When you arrive, change into a kimono and learn about the ceremony, called sado or chanoyu. Sit down on a tatami mat and join in the ritual of matcha led by a knowledgeable tea master. After the ceremony, follow your guide a short distance to the Samurai Ninja Museum to learn about these legendary warriors. Try on full samurai armor, pose with a replica sword, and browse the collection of authentic samurai artifacts to gain insight into the lives of the samurai and ninjas.
After lunch, head with your guide to the scenic district of Arashiyama, located on the outskirts of Kyoto, then strap on a helmet and hop on a bike to explore the area. Ride along trails through the serene greenery of towering stalks at Sagano Bamboo Grove, a natural bamboo forest encompassing more than 3,800 acres (1,537 ha). Discover hidden temples and cycle over the wooden Togetsukyo Bridge, the "moon crossing bridge," to Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to a troop of more than 100 Japanese macaques. Watch these curious creatures at play, and you may even be able to feed them.
Day 10: Train to Osaka, Explore Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building & Shinsaibashi
Say hello to Osaka, one of Japan's most vibrant cities, often described as Tokyo's younger sibling. After the 30-minute train trip from Kyoto, head to your hotel and check in. On today's full-day tour, your guide will help you tick off some of Osaka's famous sights, such as Osaka Castle and its blossom-filled grounds. Delve deep into Osaka's history at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, a detailed recreation of the townscape throughout history. As you journey through the exhibits, your guide will provide insights into the city's culture and lifestyle.
In the afternoon, take the elevator up to the Kuchu Teien Observatory on the rooftop of the Umeda Sky Building, a landmark duo of 40-story towers linked by an atrium-like walkway. After taking in the view, head to the vibrant Shinsaibashi Shopping District, a long arcade filled with shops selling everything from kimonos to jewelry. End your day in the lively Dotonbori, the city's go-to area for entertainment and hip restaurants, before returning to your hotel.
Day 11: Train & Bus to Kawayu Onsen, Discover Otogawa River Hot Springs
You're off to Kawayu Onsen today, a small, UNESCO-listed settlement located in the district of Hongu. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and take the train to Tanabe, where you'll transfer to a bus for the two-hour drive. Kawayu Onsen is unusual because the Otogawa River, which runs through the town, is a hot spring. Once you've settled in at your hotel here, you can walk along the riverbank and witness this geological thermal phenomenon in action, watching the hot water bubbling to the surface along its winding path.
In addition to its hot spring river, Kawayu Onsen is distinctive because you can dig your own open-air onsen (hot spring) bath here. The water of the Otogawa meets the constant natural hot spring gushing from the riverbed, creating the perfect temperature for a bath. Join in with the locals to dig your private bathing getaway, then end the afternoon with a stroll around town, soaking up the quaint atmosphere and the lush, forested mountains.
Day 12: Hike Kumano Kodo's Nakahechi Route, Bus to Yunomine Onsen
Lace up your walking shoes for a visit to Kumano Hongu Taisha, the head shrine of over 3,000 Kumano shrines across Japan. A quick bus ride takes you to Hosshinmon-oji, the outermost entrance, where you'll meet with your guides and begin a three-hour hike along the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo Trail, which takes you through villages, fields, and tea plantations.
Arrive at the shrine and marvel at the wooden facade and cypress bark roofs that blend perfectly with the surrounding forest. You'll have time to roam around the complex while you learn more about the religious traditions of this region, then make your way to the nearby Kumano Hongu Heritage Center for detailed information and exhibits about the area, and visit the largest torii gate in the world, which stands in the fields of Oyunohara.
Later today, take another quick bus ride to Yunomine Onsen, a quaint little collection of inns tucked into a small valley and one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. You might like to experience Tsuboyu, the world's only UNESCO-listed hot spring, where pilgrims once stopped off to purify themselves as they journeyed to holy sites. Soak in the mineral-rich pools before returning to your hotel.
Day 13: Kumano Kodo Water Pilgrimage Route, Train to Kii Katsuura
Retrace the paths of pilgrims in times gone by as you cruise along the historic Kumano Kodo Water Pilgrimage Route today. A 40-minute bus ride takes you to the Boat Tour Center, where you'll board a traditional, flat-bottom, wooden boat and head out on the Kumano River. Take in the sweeping view of Kumano's towering mountains and turquoise waters from the boat and enjoy the refreshing breeze.
After the boat cruise, visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, which is part of the Kumano Sanzan shrines. Explore the incredible Shinto architecture and enter the shrine's Treasure Hall to admire more than a dozen national treasures. Then, climb over 530 stone steps to Kamikura-jinja. One of the oldest sacred places in the whole Kumano region, the shrine is said to be where the Kumano deities first descended to Earth. Nowadays, the annual Oto Matsuri fire festival is held here.
Later, depart for Kii Katsuura and the fishing port of Katsuura Onsen, which is a 20-minute train ride away. Known for its sweeping Pacific coastlines, hot springs, and world-class seafood, this charming district offers peaceful ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere. After hotel check-in, take a leisurely walk along the quiet streets and admire the endless expanse of the ocean, or enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 14: Daimonzaka Hike & Kumano Nachi Taisha Tour
The last full day of your adventurous trip takes you to the historic shrine Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji temple, starting with a bus ride to the Daimonzaka Slope. From there, you'll hike for 1.5 hours along ancient stone paths that wind through towering trees before arriving at Kumano Nachi Taisha, with incredible views of Japan's tallest single-tiered waterfall, Nachi Falls.
Continue to the nearby Seiganto-ji temple, founded in the early fifth century and considered a sacred site and pilgrimage route. Climb to the top of the three-story pagoda for some truly astonishing views of the forest and waterfall. After savoring the serenity of this final scenic hike, head back to Kii Katsuura by bus, where you can spend your final evening at leisure.
Day 15: Train to Osaka, Depart
Begin your last day in Japan with an early morning start to catch a 4-hour train to Osaka from Kii-Katsuura Station. When you arrive, take a one-hour train from the city to Kansai International Airport in time for your flight. Have a safe journey home or to your next destination!
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