Tour style Walking and hiking in the Kii Peninsula. Accommodation in family-run minshuku, traditional ryokan, hotels, mountain huts, temples. |
Places visited: Mount Koya · Ryujin Onsen · Nakaheji Pilgrimage Route to the Three Great Kumano Shrines · Yoshino · Asuka · Nara · Kyoto |
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Slideshow (click on any picture)
HIGHLIGHTS
Exploring the Kii mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and walking part of the old pilgrimage route to the great Kumano shrines - Staying in Buddhist temples on Mount Koya and in Nachi - Accommodation in old hot spring villages - Staying in lovely old ryokan in the mountain top village of Yoshino and in Kyoto -Exploring the old capitals of Asuka and Nara - A walk through countryside along the Yamanobe-no-michi – Kyoto highlights - Meeting friends and locals along the way
INTRODUCTION
Although less dramatic than the Japan Alps, the forested mountains of the Kii Peninsula, south of Nara, have for centuries been regarded as sacred. After meeting up in Osaka, your second night in Japan is at an elegant temple situated on Mount Koya, the home of Shingon (Pure Word) Buddhism. The pilgrimage routes to the three great Kumano Shrines – Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Hayatama Taisha were popularised during and after the Heian Period (794-1185), when the imperial family and nobility began to seek salvation in sangaku shinko (a belief in the supernatural power of mountains), rather than through common religious practices. Emperor Gotoba (1180-1239) made no less than thirty pilgrimages to Kumano, recording his thoughts and feelings in the Kumano poems. These precious documents are now in the Yomei Storehouse archives in Kyoto. Hot springs are abundant, and some of the oldest onsen in Japan are located in the Kii Peninsula. You will follow the southernmost part of the old Nakaheji pilgrimage route for about 65 kilometres staying at family run inns and temples along the way. The path is often paved with flagstone steps and leads through forests of Japanese cedar. Walking in the quiet solitude it is easy to imagine the days, centuries ago, when nobles followed these paths through the mountains. After a four day trek along the Nakaheji Pilgrimage route, you will travel north, through the mountains, to the mountain-top village of Yoshino. There we stay in a ryokan centred around an old temple. The inn has a classic garden designed by the tea master Sen no Rikyu. The ryokan is conveniently located for exploring Yoshino, home to the Kinpusenji Temple and its great Zaodo Hall. Kinpusenji Temple is the head temple of the shugendo sect of mountain priests. We then travel out of the mountains, via the ancient capitals of Asuka and Nara, to Kyoto. From Nara we will walk through countryside along an historic route known as the Yamanobe no michi. In Nara and Kyoto you will experience a more cosmopolitan side of Japan. Sightseeing will include Nara Park and other sites in this pleasant city and, in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, an old merchant house near the Nijo Castle. From Kyoto you will visit the ultramodern Miho Museum in Shigaraki. There will be time for shopping in Kyoto. This is full immersion into Japanese culture and way of life. There is plenty of walking but no altitude problems and varied, attractive scenery. Loads of interaction with local people, lots of historical interest, but above all, a thoroughly Japanese experience.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1 Meet in Osaka
Meet Osaka and overnight at Osaka city centre hotel.
Day 2 Mount Koya
Drive to Mount Koya Monastery. It is a pleasant drive followed by the excitement upon reaching the monasteries lining the summit. Overnight in the peaceful Yochiin temple on Mount Koya.
Day 3 Ryujin Onsen
After leisurely walking around Mount Koya, transfer to a sumptuous old ryokan in Ryujin Onsen (hot spring)
Day 4 - 7 Walking the Nakaheji pilgrimage route
We will spend four days walking along the ancient Nakaheji pilgrimage route, staying at family-run inns and temples along the way
Day 8 Yoshino
Stay in the ridge-top village of Yoshino, seeing the Mikumari Shrine and Kinpusenji Temple.
Day 9 Yoshino and drive to Asuka
Walk Yoshino-yama, and then drive to Asuka.
Day 10 Asuka and Yamanobe-no-michi walk
We visit the vilage of Asuka with its imperial burial mounds then walk along the Yamanobe-no-michi path, to Tenri, and then by train to Nara.
Day 11 Nara
You will have a guided tour around Nara Park and Todai-ji temple.
Day 12 – 14 Kyoto
We will spend three days exploring Kyoto and its many temples, including a visit to the Miho Museum.
Day 15 Trip ends
The tour ends today. You may fly out of Kansai Airport or stay a few days longer.
 Download detailed itinerary |
ACCOMMODATION ON THIS TOUR
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Yochiin Temple
Kamigoten |
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Also
Koraku-kan (Yudanaka Hot Spring) - a lovely hot spring lodge not far from the famous snow monkeys. A nabe - hotpot - is served for dinner with fresh duck, enoki mushrooms, udon noodles and river trout. There is an outdoor hot spring bath.
Shiba Park Hotel (Tokyo) - a modern and comfortable 4-star hotel in the heart of Tokyo
ACCOMMODATION NOTES
We have chosen each accommodation carefully for their comfort, service and personal service. On several nights we use Japanese-style accommodation with shared bathrooms and toilets. These generally have seperate male and female bathing areas. Couples or those travelling together will have their own room, while single travellers may be asked to share with another member of the group (same sex only).
TOUR COMMENTS
"Thanks for looking after us so well and being so flexible with the itinerary it must be difficult to keep so many different people happy. For my part I felt like I was being shown Japan by a friend and really enjoyed myself."
E. Macartney, UK
"Finally getting around to checking on photos etc of the fabulous time we had with you on this trek – thank you very much and congratulations on organising such an enjoyable and diverse trip."
P. Goodman, UK
"We had a great time on the walk and I cannot imagine a better time. The children also are full of it and full of stories they tell anyone they meet. We all hope to organise another walk with you at some point."
L. Thorel, UK
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All domestic transport, accommodation, entrance fees, all meals are included.
Not Included are international Flights, drinks with meals.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
There is a single room supplement of £250 per person, which will guarantee you a single room in hotels. We will request but cannot guarantee a single room in traditional Japanese accommodations.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 8 Clients Minimum: 5 Clients
CONTACT US
1. Send us your phone number and we will call you
2. Fil in our contact form
3. Call us on SKYPE
4. Call +44 20 7099 6147 (ET + 5 hours)
2010 Tour Itinerary |
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Day 1 Meet in Osaka
Meet in Osaka and overnight at Osaka city centre hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 2 Drive to Mount Koya
Drive to Mount Koya Monastery. It is a pleasant drive followed by the excitement upon reaching the monasteries lining the summit. Overnight in the peaceful Yochiin temple on Mount Koya.
Accommodation: Shukubo (Temple lodging)
Day 3 Ryujin Onsen
During the morning you will have a leisurely guided walk to the most interesting sites on Mount Koya, including Okunoin, where Kukai (later named Kobo Daishi) is enshrined. The walk, through tall cypress trees, passes several hundred thousand tombstones, monuments to emperors, shoguns and samurai, landlords and poets. In the afternoon you will drive south from Mount Koya , along the Koya-Ryujin Skyline, to a sumptuous old ryokan in Ryujin onsen. The Kamigoten ryokan was declared a ‘Tangible cultural property' (similar to a Grade 1 listed building) in 1999. Dark polished wooden floors, large white cedar baths, and delicious seasonal delicacies will be served for dinner. Overnight ryokan.
Accommodation: Hot Spring Ryokan (travellers' inn)
Day 4 Walk to Chikatsuyu
Today you will start your 4-day walk along the old Nakaheji pilgrimage path to Kumano. From the start at Takijiri Oji, the path climbs steeply up to the ridge-top village of Takahara. The Nakaheji has been established as one of Japan’s National Historic Roads. The paths are clearly defined, and flagstones have been laid in someplaces to make the climbs easier. You will average about 10 miles a day. Although rarely seen these days, there are small bears in the Kumano mountains and, more commonly, deer and wild boar. Wayside shrines encourage regular rest stops. The small shrine at Chikatsuyu marks the end of the first day of the walk. The night is spent in a familyrun ryokan in Chikatsuyu.
Walking: 10 miles, 7 hours
Accommodation: Minshuku (guesthouse)
Day 5 Walk to Grand Shrine at Kumano
You pick up the path in the hills above the Kumano Hongu Shrine and walk via Hongu to Yunomine, one of the oldest natural hot spring onsen villages in Japan. There is an increasing sense of solitude and purpose as you progress towards the three great shrines of Kumano, passing small jizo statues on the way. Nobles would rest at points called ōji, to refresh themselves and compose poems. You can stamp a booklet as a souvenir of your walk at each ōji. Their poetry is engraved on stone monuments sited along the path. At the heart of these sacred mountains, Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the ‘other world’ to where spirits travelled in Japanese mythology. The classic style of architecture of the Kumano Hongu Shrine blends perfectly with the surrounding mountains and forests. The shrine uses a mythological three-legged raven symbol, representing the Hongu, Nachi, and Hayatama shrines – the same motif as the one used by the Japan Football Association. The ryokan at Yunomine is comfortable, with an outdoor hot tub fed by local hot springs. Evening soaks under the stars are recommended for tired limbs, as are morning dips before breakfast. Your breakfast eggs might well be boiled in the boiling, sulphurous waters at the
Walking: 6 miles, 4 hours
Accommodation:Hot Spring Ryokan (travellers' inn)
Day 6 Walk to Noguchi
Today there is a long, gentle climb over the Kogumotori Pass (470m) to Koguchi. Overnight at accommodation in hot spring town.
Walking: 9 miles, 6 hours
Accommodation: Minshuku (guesthouse)
Day 7 Walk to Grand Shrine at Nachi
The final 10 miles of your walk along the Nakaheji footpath is a long morning climb over the Ogumotori Echizen Pass (870m), followed by a descent to the Nachi Shrine. The shrine and temple complex overlooks the Nachi-no-taki waterfall, the highest in Japan (133 meters). You will stay at the Sonshoin temple, an appropriate resting place after your long walk. The lodging has a pretty Japanese garden, and a beautiful view of the waterfall and surrounding forest. If you can get up at 5.30 a.m. you can even take part in morning meditation! Overnight Buddhist temple
Walking: 10 miles, 6 hours
Accommodation: Buddhist temple
Day 8 Drive to Yoshino
This morning, after a look at Nachi Falls , we will drive via Kumano City , through the Omine Mountains to the ridge-top village of Yoshino . The ryokan you will stay in has a lovely garden designed by the great tea master Sen no Rikyu. A relaxing evening in a comfortable inn. Overnight ryokan
Accommodation: Ryokan (travellers' inn)
Day 9 Walk to Yoshinoyama & transfer to Asuka
The Zaodo Hall lies at the heart of Yoshino in Kimpusenji, the head temple of the shugendo sect of mountain priests. Yoshino has played a very important role in Japanese history – it was the base for the Southern Court when it split from the Imperial Court in Kyoto. There will be time to explore the village and then have lunch on local arrowroot noodles before driving to Asuka in the afternoon. Overnight at a family-run bed & breakfast.
Accommodation: Minshuku (guesthouse)
Day 10 Asuka & Yamanobe-no-michi
Asuka was the first capital of a consolidated Japanese state known as Yamato. Not much remains – mostly large imperial tumuli (one chamber has been excavated but is in danger of deteriorating so is closed). You will be able to see a replica and foundations. Asuka is a pleasant area to cycle and walk around. We will have coffee at a craft workshop - the Asuka Aizome Senshokukan - run by an ex-NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) broadcaster who has an impressive collection of indigo-dyed fabrics and pottery bells (over 10,000!). The Yamanobe No Michi (literally ‘path beside the mountains’) is a designated historical route. A 4- hour, 13 km stroll through countryside with persimmon and mandarin groves, the path winding around imperial tombs. You will stop for a noodle lunch en route. At the end of the walk, drive for about one hour to Nara. Arrive Nara late afternoon. Overnight Hotel in Nara.
Walking: 8 miles, 4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 11 Nara sightseeing
Today you will have a guided walk around Nara Park . Many of Japan 's greatest cultural treasures are concentrated in and around Nara . Indeed, the city boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Todaiji temple, Nigastu-do and Sangatsu-do halls, Kasuga shrine, Shinyakushi-ji temple, Kofuku-ji temple, Shosoin treasure house, Isuien garden, as well as the Nara National Museum and the Nara City Museum of Photography are all in or near Nara Park . The parkland is also home to a thousand or more free-roaming deer. Todaiji's Daibutsu-den is the largest wooden building in the world, and houses a 16- metre tall bronze image of the cosmic Dainichi buddha, containing 437 tonnes of bronze and 130kg of gold. Prior to being rebuilt three hundred years ago, the awesome structure was even bigger than it is today. There will be free time to relax and look around Nara on your own in the afternoon. Overnight city centre hotel
Accommodation:Hotel (4*)
Day 12 Kyoto
After transferring to Kyoto, we will visit Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, before strolling down Philosopher's Walk towards the Nanzenji temple. In the evening, we will be served dinner in our ryokan by gracious staff dressed in traditional kimono. Overnight ryokan.
Accommodation: Ryokan (travellers' inn)
Day 13 Kyoto & Miho Museum in Shigaraki
In the morning you will visit the ultra-modern Miho Museum in Shigaraki. Designed by I.M.Pei, the museum has been sculptured into the mountains, giving you a sense that you have entered a serene world where time stands still. The museum is almost as spectacular as the Guggenheim in Bilbao . In the afternoon we return to Kyoto when there will be some time to look around the shops. Overnight hotel.
Accommodation:Hotel (4*)
Day 14 Kyoto
Kyoto is a so special it would take years to see a fraction of its wonders. In the morning you In the morning you will visit the grand Nijo Castle . In the afternoon, after a noodle lunch, there will be free more time to sightsee or shop. Nishikikoji market is a great place to get an idea of the incredible diversity of food in Japan , and to see related businesses, such as the Aritsugu knife shop where they sell a wide range of top quality Japanese kitchen knives and other utensils. Shopping culture in Japan has, like everything else they do, been taken to extraordinary heights. In the early evening we will look at the Gion area – one of the traditional geisha quarters. A lively night spot. Farewell dinner and the traditional haiku poetry! Overnight hotel.
Accommodation:Hotel (4*)
Day 15 Tour ends
Our tour ends today, flying out of Kansai International Airport or perhaps staying a few to explore on your own.
| Download detailed itinerary |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All domestic transport, accommodation, entrance fees, all meals are included.
Not Included are international Flights, drinks with meals.
CONTACT US
1. Send us your phone number and we will call you
2. Fil in our contact form
3. Call us on SKYPE
4. Call +44 20 7099 6147 (ET + 5 hours)
2010 Dates & Prices |
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DATES & PRICES 2010
| Tour dates | Availability | Price | |
| 02 - 16 May 2010 | Full | £2,875 / $4,140 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 17 - 31 October 2010 | Spaces | £2,875 / $4,140 / €3,365 | BOOK |
To book, please select 'Book' from the link above. |
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Tour starts in Osaka and ends Kyoto . The first day of the tour is the arrival day, and you will depart one day earlier from most international destinations.
| Download detailed itinerary |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All domestic transport, accommodation, entrance fees, all meals are included.
Not Included are international Flights, drinks with meals.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
There is a single room supplement of £250 per person, which will guarantee you a single room in hotels. We will request but cannot guarantee a single room in traditional Japanese accommodations.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 8 Clients Minimum: 5 Clients
CONTACT US
1. Send us your phone number and we will call you
2. Fil in our contact form
3. Call us on SKYPE
4. Call +44 20 7099 6147 (GMT)
Accommodation on this tour |
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Also
Asuka Minshuku - a family-run minshuku guest house in the ancient capital of Asuka-mura
Granvia Hotel (Kyoto) - a modern and comfortable 4-star hotel in the heart of Kyoto
ACCOMMODATION NOTES
We have chosen each accommodation carefully for their comfort, service and personal service. On several nights we use Japanese-style accommodation with shared bathrooms and toilets. These generally have seperate male and female bathing areas. Couples or those travelling together will have their own room, while single travellers may be asked to share with another member of the group (same sex only).
| Download detailed itinerary |
CONTACT US
1. Send us your phone number and we will call you
2. Fil in our contact form
3. Call us on SKYPE
4. Call +44 20 7099 6147 (ET + 5 hours)
Tour Reviews |
|
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|
"Thanks for looking after us so well and being so flexible with the itinerary it must be difficult to keep so many different people happy. For my part I felt like I was being shown Japan by a friend and really enjoyed myself."
E. Macartney, UK
"Finally getting around to checking on photos etc of the fabulous time we had with you on this trek – thank you very much and congratulations on organising such an enjoyable and diverse trip."
P. Goodman, UK
"We had a great time on the walk and I cannot imagine a better time. The children also are full of it and full of stories they tell anyone they meet. We all hope to organise another walk with you at some point."
L. Thorel, UK
| Download detailed itinerary |
CONTACT US
1. Send us your phone number and we will call you
2. Fil in our contact form
3. Call us on SKYPE
4. Call +44 20 7099 6147 (ET + 5 hours)
