Tour style Moderate - 5 days of walking and hiking from 2 to 6 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some significant climbs |
Places visited: Kyoto • Kuju highlands • Mount Aso • Takachiho gorge • Obi • Hot sand baths • Yakushima Island |
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Slideshow (click on any picture)
HIGHLIGHTS
Imperial Kyoto and Nara – Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes – Samurai houses and castle at Obi – Traditional Yokagura dances at Takachiho – Hot sand baths on the beach – Accommodation in traditional ryokan – natural hot spring baths – UNESCO World Heritage site fo Yakushima Island – Hiroshima
INTRODUCTION
We will start our journey in Kyoto, seeing the former imperial capital and repositories of much of Japan's cultural heritage. Visits to grand temples and shrines will be balanced with walking in the Nara plain south of Kyoto, before continuing to Japan’s southern island of Kyushu for some hiking in the national parks. It is considered the cradle of Japanese civilization, and several locations connected with the Japanese creation myths feature on our journey. Kyushu is also known for its numerous active volcanoes, and we will explore the Kuju and Kirishima ranges, as well as the spectacular island of Yakushima to the south, a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. A natural by-product of the volcanoes are 'onsen', or hot springs, and we will enjoy many relaxing dips in their soothing waters, as well as the unforgettable hot sand baths at Yamakawa where you will be buried in sand heated by the naturally-occurring hot spring water. In the Kuju Highlands we hike to our remote natural hot spring lodge. Mount Aso, the world’s largest volcanic caldera, with some lovely walking, comes next. At Takachiho, the Yokagura dances performed at the shrine enact the Japanese creation myth. After some gentle cycling in the countryside, and a visit to the stunning gorge, we will travel to the samurai houses of Obi and try fresh lobster at a family-run inn. At Kagoshima we will visit the nearby town of Ibusuki to enjoy a hot sand bath on the beach – one of the highlights of this journey. From Kagoshima we take a ferry to the island of Yakushima. A national park and UNESCO World Heritage site, this island is home to giant Yakusugi cedars, some of them thousands of years old. The island is home to the endemic yakushika deer, and yakuzaru macaque, and we may catch of glimpse of them as well as the breathtaking scenery of Yakushima through a lovely hike in the interior of the island. After eating our fill of locally caught fish and enjoying the local hospitality, we head back to the mainland and ride the bullet train to Hiroshima. Now a vibrant city, Hiroshima has almost no trace of its dark past, except the Peace Park and the ‘A-Bomb dome’, a building which survived the explosion. Finally, we head to Osaka, and with your guide we celebrate a wonderful trip with a farewell dinner.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1 Meet in Kyoto
Arrive at Kansai International Airport, meet your tour leader, and transfer to Kyoto. There will be a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the centre of the city.
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kyoto
A full day to discover the ancient capital of Kyoto. We begin with a walk along the Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji Temple and then continue to Nijo Castle, originally the Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa Shoguns in the 17th century. Built in the ‘momoyama’ style, the wooden floors creak when walked on, apparently a security measure against intruders. After lunch, we will visit Nishiki market, to see the fish, crab, pickles, tea, sweets and other foodstuffs on display.
Day 3 ‘Yamanobe-no-michi’ path
We take a short train ride from Kyoto to Miwa shrine near Nara, and then walk along the ‘Yamanobe-no-michi’, literally the ‘path beside the mountain’. This leads between small villages and farming land along the edge of the Yamato Plain where it meets low hills. The path is mostly level with a few slopes. Afterwards, we will transfer to Osaka’s ferry port, and board our ferry for the overnight journey to Kyushu, through the Seto Inland Sea. On board, we have single or twin-bedded cabins.
Day 4 Beppu & Kuju
Arriving in Beppu by sea is a dramatic and memorable experience. The city is surrounded by mountains, and steam from the abundant hot springs rises skyward to give it an otherworldly feel. After disembarking, we have breakfast at a local restaurant. We then board a bus for the 90 minute journey to the Kuju area, a beautiful range of volcanoes where we will stay at a remote hot spring lodge. From the trailhead we hike through the volcanic landscape to the remote Hokkein Onsen, where a lodge has tapped the nearby hot spring to offer hikers a relaxing soak after walking. Dinner and overnight at lodge
Day 5 Mount Aso & Takachiho
Leaving the mountain lodge, we will hike out by a different path, passing nearby Kuju-dake peak and Naka-dake peak and arriving back at the trailhead. We will then continue by bus to the Aso area. Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan, and one of the largest in the world. The caldera, which was formed around 300,000 years ago in a cataclysmic eruption, is around 25km in diameter. The peaks of Taka-dake and Naka-dake punctuate this massive highland area and dominate the skyline. We take a short bus ride to Takachiho, where we will stay for two nights. Dinner and overnight at ryokan.
Day 6 Takachiho gorge, cycling and Yokagura dances
After breakfast at the ryokan, we will rent bicycles, and take a leisurely ride along small lanes in the nearby countryside, to the shrine of Amanoiwado shrine, literally the ‘Shrine of the Sun God. From there, we will visit Takachiho gorge, which the town of Takachiho sits astride. It features a number of strange rock formations created by volcanic activity, which have become part of local folklore and the Japanese national creation myth. You will take a short walk along the gorge, and have a lunch at a small teahouse of sansai (mountain vegetables), grilled rainbow trout and grilled chicken, accompanied by shochu, a spirit made from sweet potato heated inside bamboo.
You will have dinner at the ryokan, and then visit Takachiho shrine to see the Yokagura, sacred dances which tell the mythical story of Japan’s creation.
Day 7 Obi
Today we will travel by bus to Nobeoka, and board the train to travel along the Miyazaki coast to the lovely town of Obi, south of Miyazaki city. Along the way you will see the spectacular Nichinan coast. Obi, once home to a formidable castle built by the Ito clan, is now a well-preserved town with several whitewashed samurai houses lining its main street, and colourful carp swimming in culverts beside the small streets. You will visit the former residence of the Ito clan and wander the backstreets stopping in a small teashop to enjoy green tea and sweets. Dinner and overnight in ryokan.
Day 8 Kagoshima
Leaving Obi, we will travel to the city of Kagoshima, dramatically situated on Kagoshima Bay opposite Sakurajima, an active volcano. Kagoshima used to be the home of the Shimazu clan, southern Kyushu’s most powerful feudal family, and we will visit Sangen-en, their lovely villa and gardens which has Sakurajima across the bay as an impressive backdrop.
The city has a culture and cuisine distinct from other parts of Japan, a result of the sub-tropical climate and long distance from Tokyo. Shochu, a spirit usually made from sweet potato is favoured over sake, and slow-baked ‘kurobuta’ (a breed of Berkshire pig) as well as grilled bonito (skipjack tuna) are two of the typical local dishes.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 9 Ibusuki and Hot Sand Baths
You will travel south this morning, by train along Kagoshima Bay, to the seaside town of Ibusuki, where thermally-heated mineral water bubbles up through the black volcanic sand on the beach. Locals mix the sand to ensure a steady temperature, and you will be able to wear a cotton yukata robe to sit in the warm sand and be covered. Very relaxing! Kagoshima Bay is a beautiful natural harbour, crowned at one end by Kaimondake, the ‘little-Fuji’ of Satsuma. We will then return to Kagoshima for dinner.
Day 10 Travel to Yakushima Island
From Kagoshima we travel by ferry to Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The small population lives around the coast of this mountainous island, while the interior is almost totally undeveloped. Giant cedar – yakusugi – stand tall in the moss-laden forest, some of them thousands of years old. Two other endemic species are found here; the yakushika deer, and yakuzaru macaque. Around the coast are stunning beaches, and hot springs. We will stay at a local guesthouse to enjoy the local hospitality and evening meals prepared from the day’s catch.
Day 11 Yakushima Island
We have a full day on Yakushima. We will hike into the interior, walking amongst the giant yakusugi trees, and if we are lucky spot some of the macaques. The oldest tree on Yakushima has been dated as 3,000 years old, and many of the trees have huge trunks, wider than a car. The centre of the island is a temperate rain-forest, and the highest peak on Yakushima is the tallest mountain in the south of Japan. It’s a unique ecosystem and has escaped any significant development. The stunning Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine is a beautiful world of moss-covered boulders and majestic yakusugi trees. We will return by bus to our guesthouse in the evening.
Day 12 Yakushima Island
Our second day on Yakushima will be spent visiting some of the lovely beaches and one of the most spectacular hot springs in Japan. The Hirauchi Kaichu hot spring is a natural hot spring bath built into the rocks lapped by the waves.
Day 13 Hiroshima
Leaving Yakushima by ferry, we board the shinkansen in Kagoshima and travel to Hiroshima. Famous throughout the world as the site of the first use of atomic weapons, Hiroshima is today a vibrant, modern city. The city never forgets its passed, however, and there are important memorials to that day including the A-bomb dome and the Peace Memorial and museum. We check-in to our hotel and there will be free time before dinner.
Day 14 Osaka
We will take a leisurely sightseeing walk in the morning around central Hiroshima, and after lunch we board the bullet train for our short journey to Osaka. There will be free time to relax and perhaps shop for souvenirs, and in the evening there will be a farewell dinner.
Day 15 Tour ends
On our final day we say farewell. Your guide will help you transfer to the airport for your flight home, or you may like to stay a few days longer.
WALKING LEVEL
Moderate - 5 days of walking and hiking from 2 to 6 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some significant climbs This tour is suitable for those who are in good shape and can walk over rough ground for up to 6 hours with ascent and descent. Whilst on the trail you will need to carry a small to medium daypack.
 Download detailed itinerary |
 See this tour in Google Earth |
ACCOMMODATION ON THIS TOUR
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Hokkein |
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 Yoshimizu ryokan (Kyoto - a quiet ryokan in the eastern hills of Kyoto |
Also
ANA Crowne Plaza (Hiroshima) - a 4 star hotel in the centre of Hiroshima.
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
"Jon and I want to thank you for organising such a fantastic tour. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment and are so impressed with all aspects of the trip ... it was everything you promised and more than we expected ... and we want to thank you for your fantastic service, patience and prompt response to all of our questions leading up to the trip.
We especially want to say how much we enjoyed the 2 weeks with Aria. She is an absolute treasure and a real asset to your business. From meeting us at check-in at the hotel to seeing us off on the bus, she provided a level of service that was exemplary. She put us at ease on our first day in Tokyo, and was a delight throughout the entire trip."
Mark S, Australia
"Aria was fantastic. She herded us around and handled everything beautifully. We were a "needy" group, not prone to wanting free-time, but desiring to be lead around and told what was what. She hung in there with patience and smiles and guided us with skill. I loved the trip immensely, thank you."
Don H, USA
"Thank you for such a good package you put together...your oxalis tour was head and shoulders above the [name removed] in all respects - there was no comparison. The tour leader (Aria is such a special person), the quality of the travel arrangements, the accomodation, the food, the level of knowledge and engagement of the leader; all excelled. I would have no hesitation in joining another of your groups, and hope to do so in the future. Japan is an extraordinary country - I'm eager to return."
P MacDougall, Canada
"Aria is a golden asset. When I first met her I was surprised that such a relatively young person would shoulder so much responsibilty. But she is well up to the task. She accommodated a wide variety of requests and requirements with the most practical aplomb I could imagine. And even when taxed beyond what I would have thought reasonable, she remained chipper and upbeat.
The trip lived up to my expectations or exceeded them on many levels. Thanks for the great memories."
R Patterson, USA
"Tour and guide exceeded expectations! We would gladly recommend the tour and Andy to friends wishing to explore Japan."
B & D Judy, USA
"I just wanted to thank you for all your help with my questions before the tour. The tour itself was unforgettable, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt like I got to experience the best of Japan: exciting cities, peaceful countrysides, adventurous mountain climbs, relaxing hot springs, ancient culture, modern shopping, and superb food.
I also want to commend Mari. She put tremendous effort into the tour itself while still taking time to point out items of individual interest. She was more than willing to give advice and directions for our free time. She also kept us organized and informed during travel, adapting quickly to changing schedules. On the few instances when the group wanted to separate she was very accommodating and left detailed directions.
If I decide to return to Japan I will definitely consider another Oxalis tour first. I also have no hesitation recommending Oxalis to my friends."
B Larson, USA
"Well we are back home now and wish to tell you that we had a terrific time in Japan. Mari was a great guide and we saw some amazing parts of her country and did some amazing things! Unfortunately the weather wasn't kind on Yakushima and I heard someone say of the 8 metre annual rainfall, we had 4 metres the afternoon we were scheduled to climb into the steep interior!! To say we were wet was a slight understatement! Hiroshima was fantastic - very humbling and we could have spent much more time there. The food was superb - lobster in Obi and toppy (flying fish) on Yakushima just two of the highlights. We said we almost covered every form of transport available - just a horse ride seemed to be the only thing left! We all have hundreds of photos and indeed John made a video for us all to relive the 14 days. Thank you very much for your organisation of our adventure and it was great to meet Matt in Osaka."
J & G Nolan, Australia
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All domestic transport, accommodation, entrance fees, breakfasts & 9 evening meals are included.
Not Included are international Flights, drinks with meals, lunches and 5 evening meals.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
There is a single room supplement of £350 per person, which will guarantee you a single room in Kyoto (2 nights), Kagoshima (2 nights), Hiroshima and Osaka (1 night each). We will request but cannot guarantee a single room in traditional Japanese accommodations.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12 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)
Tour Itinerary |
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Day 1 Meet in Kyoto
Arrive at Kansai International Airport, meet your tour leader, and transfer to Kyoto. There will be a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the centre of the city.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kyoto
A full day to discover the ancient capital of Kyoto. We begin with a walk along the Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji Temple and then continue to Nijo Castle, originally the Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa Shoguns in the 17th century. Built in the ‘momoyama’ style, the wooden floors creak when walked on, apparently a security measure against intruders. After lunch, we will visit Nishiki market, to see the fish, crab, pickles, tea, sweets and other foodstuffs on display.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 3 ‘Yamanobe-no-michi’ path
We take a short train ride from Kyoto to Miwa shrine near Nara, and then walk along the ‘Yamanobe-no-michi’, literally the ‘path beside the mountain’. This leads between small villages and farming land along the edge of the Yamato Plain where it meets low hills. The path is mostly level with a few slopes. Afterwards, we will transfer to Osaka’s ferry port, and board our ferry for the overnight journey to Kyushu, through the Seto Inland Sea. On board, we have single or twin-bedded cabins.
Walking: 10 miles/ 16 km, 4.5 hours, negligible ascent and descent
Accommodation: Ferry cabin
Day 4 Beppu & Kuju
Arriving in Beppu by sea is a dramatic and memorable experience. The city is surrounded by mountains, and steam from the abundant hot springs rises skyward to give it an otherworldly feel. After disembarking, we have breakfast at a local restaurant. We then board a bus for the 90 minute journey to the Kuju area, a beautiful range of volcanoes where we will stay at a remote hot spring lodge. From the trailhead we hike through the volcanic landscape to the remote Hokkein Onsen, where a lodge has tapped the nearby hot spring to offer hikers a relaxing soak after walking. Dinner and overnight at lodge
Walking: 4 miles/ 6.5 km, 3 hours, 300 metres ascent, 110 metres descent
Accommodation: ‘Yamagoya’ hot spring mountain lodge
Day 5 Mount Aso
Leaving the mountain lodge, we will hike out by a different path, passing nearby Kuju-dake peak and Naka-dake peak and arriving back at the trailhead. We will then continue by bus to the Aso area. Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan, and one of the largest in the world. The caldera, which was formed around 300,000 years ago in a cataclysmic eruption, is around 25km in diameter. The peaks of Taka-dake and Naka-dake punctuate this massive highland area and dominate the skyline. We then take a short bus ride to Takachiho, where we will stay for two nights. Dinner and overnight at ryokan.
Walking: 4 miles/ 6.5 km, 3 hours, 110 metres ascent, 300 metres descent
Accommodation: Traditional ryokan
Day 6 Takachiho gorge, cycling and Yokagura dances
After breakfast at the ryokan, we will rent bicycles, and take a leisurely ride along small lanes in the nearby countryside, to the shrine of Amanoiwado shrine, literally the ‘Shrine of the Sun God. From there, we will visit Takachiho gorge, which the town of Takachiho sits astride. It features a number of strange rock formations created by volcanic activity, which have become part of local folklore and the Japanese national creation myth. You will take a short walk along the gorge, and have a lunch at a small teahouse of sansai (mountain vegetables), grilled rainbow trout and grilled chicken, accompanied by shochu, a spirit made from sweet potato heated inside bamboo.
You will have dinner at the ryokan, and then visit Takachiho shrine to see the Yokagura, sacred dances which tell the mythical story of Japan’s creation.
Accommodation: Traditional ryokan
Day 7 Obi
Today we will travel by bus to Nobeoka, and board the train to travel along the Miyazaki coast to the lovely town of Obi, south of Miyazaki city. Along the way you will see the spectacular Nichinan coast.
Obi, once home to a formidable castle built by the Ito clan, is now a well-preserved town with several whitewashed samurai houses lining its main street, and colourful carp swimming in culverts beside the small streets. You will visit the former residence of the Ito clan and wander the backstreets stopping in a small teashop to enjoy green tea and sweets.
Accommodation: Traditional ryokan
Day 8 Kagoshima
Leaving Obi, we will travel to the city of Kagoshima, dramatically situated on Kagoshima Bay opposite Sakurajima, an active volcano. Kagoshima used to be the home of the Shimazu clan, southern Kyushu’s most powerful feudal family, and we will visit Sangen-en, their lovely villa and gardens which has Sakurajima across the bay as an impressive backdrop.
The city has a culture and cuisine distinct from other parts of Japan, a result of the sub-tropical climate and long distance from Tokyo. Shochu, a spirit usually made from sweet potato is favoured over sake, and slow-baked ‘kurobuta’ (a breed of Berkshire pig) as well as grilled bonito (skipjack tuna) are two of the typical local dishes.
Overnight in hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 9 Ibusuki and Hot Sand Baths
You will travel south this morning, by train along Kagoshima Bay, to the seaside town of Ibusuki, where thermally-heated mineral water bubbles up through the black volcanic sand on the beach. Locals mix the sand to ensure a steady temperature, and you will be able to wear a cotton yukata robe to sit in the warm sand and be covered. Very relaxing! Kagoshima Bay is a beautiful natural harbour, crowned at one end by Kaimondake, the ‘little-Fuji’ of Satsuma. We will then return to Kagoshima for dinner.
Walking: 6 miles/ 10 km, 3 hours, negligible ascent and descent
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 10 Travel to Yakushima Island
From Kagoshima we travel by ferry to Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The small population lives around the coast of this mountainous island, while the interior is almost totally undeveloped. Giant cedar – yakusugi – stand tall in the moss-laden forest, some of them thousands of years old. Two other endemic species are found here; the yakushika deer, and yakuzaru macaque. Around the coast are stunning beaches, and hot springs. We will stay at a local guesthouse to enjoy the local hospitality and evening meals prepared from the day’s catch.
Accommodation: Tradtional minshuku (guest house)
Day 11 Yakushima Island
We have a full day on Yakushima. We will hike into the interior, walking amongst the giant yakusugi trees, and if we are lucky spot some of the macaques. The oldest tree on Yakushima has been dated as 3,000 years old, and many of the trees have huge trunks, wider than a car. The centre of the island is a temperate rain-forest, and the highest peak on Yakushima is the tallest mountain in the south of Japan. It’s a unique ecosystem and has escaped any significant development. The stunning Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine is a beautiful world of moss-covered boulders and majestic yakusugi trees. We will return by bus to our guesthouse in the evening.
Walking: 12 miles/ 19 km, 5 hours, 350 metres ascent, 250 metres descent
Accommodation: Tradtional minshuku (guest house)
Day 12 Yakushima Island
Our second day on Yakushima will be spent visiting some of the lovely beaches and one of the most spectacular hot springs in Japan. The Hirauchi Kaichu hot spring is a natural hot spring bath built into the rocks lapped by the waves.
Accommodation: Tradtional minshuku (guest house)
Day 13 Hiroshima
Leaving Yakushima by ferry, we board the shinkansen in Kagoshima and travel to Hiroshima. Famous throughout the world as the site of the first use of atomic weapons, Hiroshima is today a vibrant, modern city. The city never forgets its passed, however, and there are important memorials to that day including the A-bomb dome and the Peace Memorial and museum. We check-in to our hotel and there will be free time before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 14 Osaka
We will take a leisurely sightseeing walk in the morning around central Hiroshima, and after lunch we board the bullet train for our short journey to Osaka. There will be free time to relax and perhaps shop for souvenirs, and in the evening there will be a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 15 Tour ends
On our final day we say farewell. Your guide will help you transfer to the airport for your flight home, or you may like to stay a few days longer.
WALKING LEVEL
Moderate - 5 days of walking and hiking from 3 to 5 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some significant climbs This tour is suitable for those who are in good shape and can walk over rough ground for up to 6 hours with ascent and descent. Whilst on the trail you will need to carry a small to medium daypack.
| Download detailed itinerary |
See this tour in Google Earth |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All domestic transport, accommodation, entrance fees, breakfasts & 7 evening meals are included.
Not Included are international Flights, drinks with meals, lunches and 4 evening 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)
Dates & Prices |
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| Tour dates | Availability | Price | |
| 2012 | |||
| 12 - 26 May 2012 | £2,925 / $4,850 / AUD4,795 / €3,775 | BOOK | |
| 1 - 15 October 2012 | Spaces | £2,925 / $4,850 / AUD4,795 / €3,775 | BOOK |
| 2013 | |||
| 11 - 25 May 2013 | £2,925 / $4,850 / AUD4,795 / €3,775 | BOOK | |
| 30 September - 14 October 2013 | Spaces | £2,925 / $4,850 / AUD4,795 / €3,775 | BOOK |
| This special departure will not stay in Kyoto but includes a visit to Miyajima Island near Hiroshima and the beautiful town of Kurashiki. Download a brochure page in PDF format here. | |||
To book, please select 'Book' from the link above. |
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Tour starts in Kyoto and ends in Osaka. The first day of the tour is the arrival day, and you will depart one day earlier from most international destinations.
| Download detailed itinerary |
See this tour in Google Earth |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All domestic transport, accommodation, entrance fees, breakfasts & 9 evening meals are included.
Not Included are international Flights, drinks with meals, lunches and 5 evening meals.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
There is a single room supplement of £350 per person, which will guarantee you a single room in Kyoto (2 nights), Kagoshima (2 nights), Hiroshima and Osaka (1 night each). We will request but cannot guarantee a single room in traditional Japanese accommodations.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12 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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Yoshimizu ryokan (Kyoto - a quiet ryokan in the eastern hills of Kyoto |
Also
ANA Crowne Plaza (Hiroshima) - a 4 star hotel in the centre of Hiroshima.
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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"Jon and I want to thank you for organising such a fantastic tour. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment and are so impressed with all aspects of the trip ... it was everything you promised and more than we expected ... and we want to thank you for your fantastic service, patience and prompt response to all of our questions leading up to the trip.
We especially want to say how much we enjoyed the 2 weeks with Aria. She is an absolute treasure and a real asset to your business. From meeting us at check-in at the hotel to seeing us off on the bus, she provided a level of service that was exemplary. She put us at ease on our first day in Tokyo, and was a delight throughout the entire trip."
Mark S, Australia
"Aria was fantastic. She herded us around and handled everything beautifully. We were a "needy" group, not prone to wanting free-time, but desiring to be lead around and told what was what. She hung in there with patience and smiles and guided us with skill. I loved the trip immensely, thank you."
Don H, USA
"Thank you for such a good package you put together...your oxalis tour was head and shoulders above the [name removed] in all respects - there was no comparison. The tour leader (Aria is such a special person), the quality of the travel arrangements, the accomodation, the food, the level of knowledge and engagement of the leader; all excelled. I would have no hesitation in joining another of your groups, and hope to do so in the future. Japan is an extraordinary country - I'm eager to return."
P MacDougall, Canada
"Aria is a golden asset. When I first met her I was surprised that such a relatively young person would shoulder so much responsibilty. But she is well up to the task. She accommodated a wide variety of requests and requirements with the most practical aplomb I could imagine. And even when taxed beyond what I would have thought reasonable, she remained chipper and upbeat.
The trip lived up to my expectations or exceeded them on many levels. Thanks for the great memories."
R Patterson, USA
"Tour and guide exceeded expectations! We would gladly recommend the tour and Andy to friends wishing to explore Japan."
B & D Judy, USA
| Download detailed itinerary |
See this tour in Google Earth |
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)
Trip level |
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Our Land of Fire tour includes five days of walking from two to six hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some moderate to strenuous ascents, along a mixture of paved village paths, and dirt trails. The trails are well-maintained however there are some steady climbs which require stamina, particularly the first hike on Day 4 which uses a path that while the hike is relatively short the trail is uneven and requires care.
You will need a day pack on the trail to carry overnight items such as rain gear, water bottle, etc. Your main suitcase will be sent ahead by overnight courier on two occasions to avoid the need for you to carry it when travelling by ferry to Beppu and Kuju, Takachiho and then to Kagoshima. At other times you will need to handle your own suitcase whilst travelling. Traditional Japanese ryokan and minshuku provide yukata (cotton robes) for wearing after checking-in, slippers, towels, soap, shampoo, etc. so it is possible (and much more pleasant) to travel lightly in Japan. It's worth noting that Japanese trains and buses rarely have a dedicated place to put large pieces of luggage. You won't need a second pair of shoes or evening wear, except possibly in the cities.
You will need sturdy boots which are water-repellant and have a firm sole and good ankle support. Break-in any new footwear before you come to avoid blisters. We recommend trekking poles, which will be useful in Kuju, Aso and on Yakushima Island. We provide a full packing list which will be sent to you after booking.
Those travelling for an extended period in Japan can have their luggage stored at the hotel or sent ahead by an efficient and economical courier system. This systems allows you to send suitcases and bags to almost any address in Japan for about 1,500 Yen (about £12, $19, AUD19, €13) and specify the exact date and time of delivery.
Who is this walk for?
- We recommend this walk for anyone who does regular walking or hiking, and is comfortable to walk for a full day with climbing and descending.
- If you do not excercise regularly, then you should undertake a program of walking to prepare and get the most out of your trip. We will be happy to give you tips, but it is best to prepare by doing walks of three to five hours starting about three to six months before your trip.
- We advise you to check with your doctor if you are unsure and especially if you have any medical conditions.
Walking or hiking?
This trip has a mixture of what might be be called hiking, trekking, rambling, tramping, randonee (French), wandern (German), senderismo (Spanish) or escursione (Italian); depending on what country you live in. For some, walking is what you do on level paths, whereas hiking is in the hills. Our trips involve a mixture of the two.
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