Japan's Sacred Hiking Trails: Pilgrims and Samurai Paths

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Arrive in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, and meet your fellow travellers at the tour hotel. Celebrate the beginning of your adventure with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, getting to know your guide and group.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Spend the day exploring one of Kyoto’s most beautiful areas on foot. Start with a visit to the Kiyotaki area in northern Arashiyama, rich with temples and shrines. Walk through the serene Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, with its hundreds of Buddha statues. Continue your walk through scenic gorges, local craft shops, and Arashiyama’s renowned bamboo grove, ending at Tenryū-ji Temple, Arashiyama’s most significant Zen Buddhist temple, to explore its exquisite gardens and prayer halls.

In the afternoon, return to Kyoto for a unique experience – a special lunch with a maiko (apprentice geisha). Enjoy a dance performance and learn about the rigorous training and dedication required in this traditional Japanese art. After lunch, take a walking tour of the historic Gion district, famous for its wooden machiya houses and traditional teahouses where geisha and maiko entertain. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to discover more of Kyoto on your own, with your guide available for recommendations.

Walking distance: 6.6 km / 4.1 mi

Elevation gain: 130 m / 427 ft of ascent and 130 m / 427 ft of descent

Time required: 2.5 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)

Begin your journey south along the scenic coastline by train, then take a local bus inland to reach the trailhead of the Nakahechi, one of the most beautiful sections of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kumano Kodo has been a revered pilgrimage route since the 11th century, attracting emperors and nobles seeking spiritual solace.

Start your hike with a steady ascent, climbing for about two hours to reach the hilltop village of Takahara. Enjoy sweeping views over the valleys below, immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings. Spend your first night on the trail in this serene setting, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the village.

Walking distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 mi

Elevation gain: 370 m / 1,200 ft of ascent and 175 m / 575 ft of descent

Time required: About 2 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)

Today, continue your journey along the scenic Kumano Kodo trail, passing through ridge-top villages and ancient ōji shrines. These sub-shrines were rest stops for nobles who composed poems to refresh their spirits. Travel by local bus to Hosshinmon-ōji, then descend through lush forests to the sacred Hongu Grand Shrine, marked by the mythical three-legged crow symbol.

After exploring the shrine and the Hongu World Heritage Museum, transfer by local bus to the historic Yunomine Hot Spring, one of Japan’s oldest. Here, stay overnight in a comfortable ryokan featuring a rock-built outdoor hot spring bath (rotenburo). End your day by soaking in these soothing mineral waters, which have been cherished for their healing properties for centuries.

Walking distance: 7 km / 4 mi

Elevation gain: 120 m / 395 ft of ascent and 360 m / 1,180 ft of descent

Time required: 3 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn)

Start your day with a transfer by local bus to the Kumano River, where you will board a traditional wooden flat-bottomed boat. Enjoy a gentle, scenic one-and-a-half-hour ride along the river, following the path once taken by imperial pilgrims, to reach the Hayatama Grand Shrine.

After visiting the shrine, continue your journey by bus to the Daimonzaka approach to Nachi Shrine. This sacred approach leads to the towering Nachi Falls, the stunning pagoda of Seiganto-ji Temple, and the Nachi Grand Shrine, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano. End the day at a seaside inn, where you can relax and enjoy the serene coastal environment. Please note that your luggage will be sent ahead to meet you on Day 7.

Walking distance: 4.3 km / 2.7 mi

Elevation gain: 232 m / 760 ft of ascent and 202 m / 660 ft of descent

Time required: 2 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn)

This morning, journey along the coast by train before heading inland to the stunning Japanese Alps. Enjoy a delightful ekiben (train station bento box) for lunch, offering a taste of local specialties. Arrive at the starting point for the Nakasendo Trail, an ancient pathway through the Kiso Valley that was a major transport route during the Edo period.

In the mid-afternoon, stretch your legs with a hike in the post town of Nakatsugawa. Wander through the historic old town and walk along a paved portion with traditional ishidatami paving stones leading to Ochiai. Spend the evening in an inn in the Nakatsugawa area, soaking in the rich culture and history of this beautiful mountain village.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn)

Begin your day with a visit to the post town of Magome. As you walk through the town, admire the beautifully preserved inns, residences, and woodworkers’ shops lining the stone-paved streets. Magome is also known as the birthplace of Japanese author Shimazaki Tōson.

Depart from Magome and start your ascent through the hamlets and shrines, reaching the Magome-tōge Pass. Enjoy a gentle descent through the forest, passing rivers, waterfalls, and stands of bamboo before arriving in the post town of Tsumago. Here, you have free time to explore the town and perhaps sample gohei mochi, a local snack of pounded rice cake covered in a sweet and savoury nutty sauce. Walk a short distance to Nagiso, where you’ll be picked up by your inn and transported to Kiso-Fukushima or Agematsu, towns rich in history and culture.

Walking distance: 8.3 km / 5.2 mi

Elevation gain: 326 m / 1,069 ft of ascent and 430 m / 1,410 ft of descent

Time required: 3 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)

Start your day with a shuttle to Kiso-Fukushima, a regional hub with a rich history. Visit the historic checkpoint, a key control point during the Edo period where daimyō lords and their retinues were monitored. Learn about the powerful Yamamura family, local governors who ruled the area.

Travel by train from Kiso-Fukushima to Yabuhara, the starting point for your hike over the Torii-toge Pass. The pass is named after a local samurai who prayed for victory here and built a torii gate in gratitude. Hike through beautiful forests to reach Narai, one of the most prosperous post towns on the Nakasendo Trail. Experience the charm and history of Narai before settling in for the night at a family-run guesthouse.

Walking distance: 6.2 km / 3.9 mi

Elevation gain: 344 m / 1,128 ft of ascent and 270 m / 885 ft of descent

Time required: 3 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Leave behind the Edo period as you travel by train to Matsumoto. Visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, known as the “crow” castle for its dark, imposing structure. Explore the castle keep and learn about its historical significance in defending the region.

Next, visit a traditional miso maker. Discover the process of making small-batch artisanal miso, aged for three years for a smooth, mellow flavour. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring this traditional Japanese seasoning.

In the afternoon, board the train for Tokyo. Experience the dramatic transition from Japan’s historic past to its vibrant, modern present. The evening is free for you to explore Tokyo’s countless dining options, with your guide available for recommendations.

Walking distance: 8 km / 5 mi of city walking

Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent

Time required: 2 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Accommodation: Western-style hotel

Start your day with a visit to Hama-Rikyū Gardens, traditional gardens located on Tokyo Bay that were once the duck-hunting grounds for local lords. Then, head to Asakusa to explore Sensō-ji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Dōri shopping street, perfect for picking up last-minute souvenirs or snacks.

In the afternoon, shift gears to modern Tokyo with a visit to the trendy districts of Omotesando and Harajuku, famous for their cutting-edge fashion and architecture. Conclude your day with a walk to the vibrant Shibuya area, experiencing the famed Shibuya Scramble crossing. Celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner, reflecting on the highlights of your adventure.

Walking distance: 8 km / 5 mi of city walking

Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey through Japan concludes this morning in Tokyo. After breakfast, your guide will assist with transfer options to your departure airport or recommend nearby subway or rail stations for your onward travels. Reflect on the memorable experiences and friendships made during this remarkable adventure through Japan’s historical and cultural landscapes.