Tour style Easy/moderate - 4 days of walking and hiking from 2 to 5 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some short climbs |
Places visited: Tokyo • Nakasendo Trail • Nara • Yoshino • Mount Koya• Kyoto |
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Slideshow (click on any picture)
HIGHLIGHTS
Four days of village-to-village walking on the old Nakasendo trail – Imperial Nara and Kyoto – modern Tokyo - the mountaintop village of Yoshino - visit sacred Mount Koya and stay in a shukubo (temple lodging) – relax in the bath at a lovely hot spring ryokan – travel on the bullet train
INTRODUCTION
The Nakasendo trail linked Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period. It was the ‘road through the mountains’ (as opposed to the Tokaido route which travelled the Pacific coast) travelled by feudal lords and their retinues, samurai, merchants, and travelers. Along the route were 69 ‘post towns’, where weary travelers could rest before continuing on the next leg. Our journey will start in Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the Shoguns. We will then spend four days walking along the Nakasendo. By day we will walk along the ancient route as it passes through beautifully-preserved villages along an easy path, and by evening we will stay in traditional country inns enjoying exquisite regional cuisine prepared from the freshest ingredients, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy the warm hospitality of our hosts. Enjoy bathing in hot spring water after a day on the trails! We’ll then continue by bullet train to Osaka, enjoying this lively city by night and the nearby former imperial capital of Nara by day, wander the old town and see the famous Todaiji temple, Nara park. From Nara we will continue to Yoshino, a beautiful village famous for its cherry blossoms in springtime and also for its ‘warrior’ monks. We will walk in the hills and relax in the evening in a lovely ryokan. After Yoshino we visit Mount Koya, in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, a temple complex founded in the 9th century by the monk Kobo Daishi, where we will stay in a ‘shukubo’ (temple lodging), enjoying the vegetarian shojin-ryori cuisine. Finally, we travel by train to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, at the western end of the Nakasendo, with time to explore some of the most important temples and shrines, as well as the craft shops and food markets. Our tour ends here and we say farewell.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1 Meet in Tokyo
Meet at Narita International Airport and transfer by train to Tokyo.
Day 2 Tokyo
Our first full day in Japan will be spent on a walking tour of Tokyo, visiting Ueno and the Tokyo National Museum, as well as the grand Meiji shrine. In the evening your tour leader will be on hand to help you with ordering dinner. Overnight in city centre hotel.
Day 3 Nakasendo Trail walking day 1
Our journey through rural Japan begins with a journey from Tokyo to the remote Kiso valley. Over the next three days we will walk by day from village to village, staying by night in small, family-run country inns (ryokan). After a lunch of buckwheat noodles in the local town of Shiojiri, we will walk 2 miles to Narai from Hirasawa, one of 11 ‘post-towns’ along the Kiso valley section of the Nakasendo. Post-towns were resting places, where travelers could find accommodation and food as they walked between Kyoto and Edo (as Tokyo was then called). Hirasawa is known for its locally-produced lacquer ware, and there may be a chance to see the craftsmen at work. Stay in Narai, a beautifully-preserved post-town. Our lodgings will be an atmospheric traditional ryokan.
Day 4 Nakasendo Trail walking day 2
On our second day there will be a 5-mile walk from Narai to Yabuhara over Torii Pass and then we will continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima. There we will stay in a lovely traditional ryokan with its own natural hot spring. Soak in the indoor baths made of cypress wood or try the outdoor baths surrounded by trees.
Day 5 Nakasendo Trail walking day 3
We will transfer from Kiso-Fukushima to Nojiri by train, and then there is the option of walking either 2 or 12 miles along the Nakasendo Way to Tsumago, passing along the way through delightful small villages and rice fields. Another of the post-towns on the former Nakasendo trail, Tsumago has been preserved by strict self-imposed rules that prohibit the sale, rental or destruction of the handsome houses. It’s a living museum, but one which is still inhabited by the local residents. We will arrive in the afternoon, with a little time to wander the streets, tasting gohei-mochi, skewered balls of pounded sticky rice covered in a sweet paste of miso, sesame and walnuts.
Day 6 Nakasendo Trail walking day 4 & Osaka
From Tsumago we will walk the 4 miles to Magome, our last stop in the Kiso Valley. You will have lunch in Magome and time to explore the many small shops. We will transfer by train to Osaka and check in to our hotel.
Day 7 Nara
In the morning we will transfer by train and have a guided walk of Nara. Many of Japan’s greatest cultural treasures are concentrated in and around the city, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our visit concentrates on the area near Nara Park, where the Todaiji temple, Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do halls, Kasuga shrine, Shinyakushi-ji temple, Kofuku-ji temple, Shosoin treasure house, and Isuien garden are located. The park 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 Rushana buddha.. Prior to being rebuilt three hundred years ago, the awesome structure was even bigger than it is today. In the afternoon, there will be free time to relax or wander through the old town.We will return to Osaka in the evening.
Day 8 Yoshino
From Osaka our journey takes us to the ridge top village of Yoshino, and a comfortable ryokan. We will visit Yoshimizu Temple (connected to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Emperor Godaigo, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi), and explore the area.
Day 9 Mount Koya
From Yoshino we will take the scenic train to Mount Koya, situated in a bowl-shaped valley filled with stands of cedar trees 800 metres up in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. Since the 9th century, when the monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) founded the first temple and the Shingon sect of Buddhism, Mount Koya has been a place of religious devotion and ceremony. Today there are more than 100 monasteries, many of which have shukubo (temple lodgings). We will stay in one of the elegant temples, run by the monks, and dine on shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). There will be a guided walk through the vast Okuno-in cemetery, with thousands of graves and memorials to feudal lords and other past luminaries.
Day 10 Transfer to Kyoto
There will be the opportunity to get up early and join the Buddhist morning service if you wish. Afterwards, we will visit Kongobu-ji temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect. After lunch, we will travel by train to Kyoto. After checking in at the hotel, we can enjoy an evening walk in Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district and there is always the possibility of seeing a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) making their way through the narrow streets.
Day 11 Kyoto
There will be a half-day walking tour this morning. First of all we will visit the Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, the western end of the Nakasendo Trail. From there, we will visit Ryoan-ji, with its famous rock garden of raked gravel and 15 moss-covered boulders. It is not possible to see all 15 boulders at once from any place in the garden. It is said that if you can see all 15 you have achieved enlightenment. Afterwards, we will visit the famous Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, originally built by the Ashikaga Shogun in the 15th century as a place of contemplation and rest. There will be free time in the afternoon so you can explore the area further or shop for crafts. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner with your guide.
Day 12 Tour ends
On our final day we say farewell. If you wish to stay a few days longer we will be happy to help.
WALKING LEVEL
Easy/moderate - 4 days of walking and hiking from 2 to 5 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some short climbs. This tour is suitable for those who are in reasonable shape and can walk over rough ground for up to 5 hours. 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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Rengejoin |
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 Ryokan Kato (Yoshino) - a wonderful location in the small mountain-top village of Yoshino |
Also
Koma-no-yu (Kiso Fukushima) - a luxurious hot spring ryokan in the hills above the Kiso Valley.
Shiba Park Hotel (Tokyo) - a modern and comfortable 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
"Group size was perfect! ...We would like to thank Kazuyo for her helpfulness and willingness to accommodate everybodys wishes and needs. Her energy and passion for introducing is to Japanese culture, beliefs and way of life were a big asset for this trip." D Fischer, Germany
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Airport transfer from Tokyo-Narita Airport to Tokyo, travel by regular and bullet, local bus, accommodation, entrance fees, breakfasts & 7 evening meals are included.
Not Included are international flights, drinks with meals, lunches and 4 evening meals. The trip ends at the hotel in Kyoto.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
There is a single room supplement of £250 per person, which will guarantee you a single room in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto hotel. 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 Tokyo
Meet at Narita International Airport and transfer by train to Tokyo.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 2 Tokyo
Our first full day in Japan will be spent on a walking tour of Tokyo, visiting Ueno and the Tokyo National Museum, as well as the grand Meiji shrine. In the evening your tour leader will be on hand to help you with ordering dinner. Overnight in city centre hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 3 Nakasendo Trail walking day 1
Our journey through rural Japan begins with a journey from Tokyo to the remote Kiso valley. Over the next three days we will walk by day from village to village, staying by night in small, family-run country inns (ryokan). Our luggage will be taken by road allowing us to carry just a light daypack. After a lunch of buckwheat noodles in the local town of Shiojiri, we will walk 1 mile to Narai from Hirasawa, one of 11 ‘post-towns’ along the Kiso valley section of the Nakasendo. Post-towns were resting places, where travelers could find accommodation and food as they walked between Kyoto and Edo (as Tokyo was then called). Hirasawa is known for its locally-produced lacquer ware, and there may be a chance to see the craftsmen at work. Stay in Narai, a beautifully-preserved post-town. Our lodgings will be an atmospheric traditional ryokan.
Walking: 2 miles, 1 hour (negligible ascent or descent)
Accommodation: Minshuku (guesthouse)
Day 4 Nakasendo Trail walking day 2
On our second day there will be a 5-mile walk from Narai to Yabuhara over Torii Pass and then we will continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima. There we will stay in a lovely traditional ryokan with its own natural hot spring. Soak in the indoor baths made of cypress wood or try the outdoor baths surrounded by trees.
Walking: 5 miles, 3 hours (ascent and descent of 270 metres)
Accommodation: Hot spring Ryokan (travellers' inn)
Day 5 Nakasendo Trail walking day 3
We will transfer from Kiso-Fukushima to Nojiri by train, and then there is the option of walking either 2 or 12 miles along the Nakasendo Way to Tsumago, passing along the way through delightful small villages and rice fields. Another of the post-towns on the former Nakasendo trail, Tsumago has been preserved by strict self-imposed rules that prohibit the sale, rental or destruction of the handsome houses. It’s a living museum, but one which is still inhabited by the local residents. We will arrive in the afternoon, with a little time to wander the streets, tasting gohei-mochi, skewered balls of pounded sticky rice covered in a sweet paste of miso, sesame and walnuts.
Walking: Option of 2 or 12 miles, 1 or 6 hours (ascent 117 or 853 metres and descent 101 or 762 metres)
Accommodation: Minshuku (guesthouse)
Day 6 Nakasendo Trail walking day 4 & Osaka
From Tsumago we will walk the 4 miles to Magome, our last stop in the Kiso Valley. You will have lunch in Magome and time to explore the many small shops. We will transfer by train to Osaka and check in to our hotel.
Walking: 4 miles, 2.5 hours (ascent 415 metres and descent of 240 metres).
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 7 Nara
In the morning we will transfer by train and have a guided walk of Nara. Many of Japan’s greatest cultural treasures are concentrated in and around the city, with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Todaiji temple, Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do halls, Kasuga shrine, Shinyakushi-ji temple, Kofuku-ji temple, Shosoin treasure house, and Isuien garden are all in or near Nara Park. The park 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. In the afternoon, there will be free time to relax or wander through the old town.We will return to Osaka in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 8 Yoshino
From Osaka our journey takes us to the ridge top village of Yoshino, and a comfortable ryokan. We will visit Yoshimizu Temple (connected to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Emperor Godaigo, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi), and explore the area.
Accommodation: Ryokan (travellers' inn)
Day 9 Mount Koya
From Yoshino we will take the scenic train to Mount Koya, situated in a bowl-shaped valley filled with stands of cedar trees 800 metres up in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. Since the 9th century, when the monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) founded the first temple and the Shingon sect of Buddhism, Mount Koya has been a place of religious devotion and ceremony. Today there are more than 100 monasteries, many of which have shukubo (temple lodgings). We will stay in one of the elegant temples, run by the monks, and dine on shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). There will be a guided walk through the vast Okuno-in cemetery, with thousands of graves and memorials to feudal lords and other past luminaries.
Accommodation: Shukubo (pilgrim's lodging)
Day 10 Transfer to Kyoto
There will be the opportunity to get up early and join the Buddhist morning service if you wish. Afterwards, we will visit Kongobu-ji temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect. After lunch, we will travel by train to Kyoto. After checking in at the hotel, we can enjoy an evening walk in Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district and there is always the possibility of seeing a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) making their way through the narrow streets.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 11 Kyoto
There will be a half-day walking tour this morning. First of all we will visit the Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, the western end of the Nakasendo Trail. From there, we will visit Ryoan-ji, with its famous rock garden of raked gravel and 15 moss-covered boulders. It is not possible to see all 15 boulders at once from any place in the garden. It is said that if you can see all 15 you have achieved enlightenment. Afterwards, we will visit the famous Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, originally built by the Ashikaga Shogun in the 15th century as a place of contemplation and rest. There will be free time in the afternoon so you can explore the area further or shop for crafts. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner with your guide.
Accommodation: Hotel (4*)
Day 12 Tour ends
On our final day we say farewell. If you wish to stay a few days longer we will be happy to help.
WALKING LEVEL
Easy/moderate - 4 days of walking and hiking from 2 to 5 hours per day on flat paths and mountain trails with some short climbs. This tour is suitable for those who are in reasonable shape and can walk over rough ground for up to 5 hours. 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
Airport transfer from Tokyo-Narita Airport to Tokyo, travel by regular and bullet, local bus, accommodation, entrance fees, breakfasts & 7 evening meals are included.
Not Included are international flights, drinks with meals, lunches and 4 evening meals. The trip ends at the hotel in Kyoto.
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 | |||
| 17 - 28 July 2012 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 14 - 25 August 2012 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 9 - 20 October 2012 | 2 places left | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 23 October - 3 November 2012 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 2013 | |||
| 1 - 12 April 2013 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 8 - 19 April 2013 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 15 - 26 April 2013 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 6 - 17 May 2013 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 15 - 26 July 2013 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 12 - 23 August 2013 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 7 - 18 October 2013 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
| 21 October - 1 November 2013 | Spaces | £2,625 / $4,325 / AUD4,275 / €3,365 | BOOK |
To book, please select 'Book' from the link above. |
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Tour starts in Tokyo and ends in 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 |
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.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
There is a single room supplement of £250 per person, which will guarantee you a single room in the Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto hotels
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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Ryokan Kato (Yoshino) - a wonderful location in the small mountain-top village of Yoshino |
Also
Koma-no-yu (Kiso Fukushima) - a luxurious hot spring ryokan in the hills above the Kiso Valley.
Shiba Park Hotel (Tokyo) - a modern and comfortable 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).
| 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)
Tour Reviews |
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"The office support was very good from the people behind the scenes. I would have no hesitation in recommending Oxalis Holidays especially the Nakasendo Trail"
A Hill, England
"The tour has an excellent mix of walks and visits to places of interest. It's amazing what was included in only 12 days"
A Watkinson, England
"Couldn't have been better - [the guiding] made an excellent holiday very very special"
P Haynes, England
"We are very impressed with the relevant information supplied a few months before the trip. Most helpful. This has been a well-thought out and executed trip in order to give us an authentic Japanese experience. Well done! Thank you."
V Dart, Australia
"Group size was perfect! ...We would like to thank Kazuyo for her helpfulness and willingness to accommodate everybodys wishes and needs. Her energy and passion for introducing is to Japanese culture, beliefs and way of life were a big asset for this trip." D Fischer, Germany
| 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 Nakasendo Trail tour includes four days of walking in the Kiso Valley from two to five hours per day, along a mixture of paved village paths and dirt trails. The trail is well-maintained however there are some steady climbs over low passes which require some stamina. On the longest day (Day 5) it is possible to opt for a shorter one-hour section.
We also have guided walking in Nara, Yoshino and Kyoto as a part of the sightseeing there.
We recommend bringing 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 three occasions to avoid the need for you to carry it when travelling. Traditional Japanese accommodations 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. You won't need a second pair of shoes or evening wear, except possibly in the cities. It's worth noting that Japanese trains and buses rarely have a dedicated place to put large pieces of luggage.
You will need sturdy footwear, ideally 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. Trekking poles will be useful on some sections if you have them. 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 occasional walking or hiking, and is comfortable to walk for half a day with some climbing and descending.
- If you do not excercise regularly, then we highly recommend 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 two to three hours starting about three months before your trip.
- This walk can be completed by people of all ages, though we advise you to check with your doctor if you are unsure and especially if you have any medical conditions.
- Generally doing the route in the spring or autumn is less physically demanding as the summer is fairly hot and humid at lower altitudes.
Walking or hiking?
We use the term 'walking' to describe what might be also be called hiking, 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, but we use the term walking as the trips follow old trails used for travel and trade in medieval Japan and keep below the 'tree line', and to distinguish from many hiking trails in Japan which lead to mountain summits. For example, climbing Mount Fuji in the summer season when it is free of snow is more accurately called hiking!
| 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)
