The mountains of Japan with their quaint rural towns, stunning vistas and ancient trackways are a walker’s paradise that provide a portrait of a diverse and unique society. This largely self-guided itinerary showcases the best of Japan’s villages, valleys and temple towns.
After three nights in Tokyo travel to the castle town of Matsumoto which is nestled in the Japanese Alps. Continue to the Kiso Valley and walk part of the cobbled Nakasendo trade route between Tsumago and Magome, both Edo-period post towns. From here visit the beautifully preserved Takayama which is home to century-old merchants’ homes and sake breweries and Kyoto which boasts 17 UNESCO sites. Spend time in spiritual Koyasan, the home of Shingon Buddhism, before finishing the tour in Osaka.
Tokyo – Matsumoto – Kiso Valley – Takayama – Kyoto – Koyasan – Osaka
Trip Highlights
- Explore Tokyo’s highlights such as Senso-ji, Shibuya Crossing and Tsukiji Outer Market
- Visit Matsumoto Castle, only one of twelve remaining original castles in Japan
- Hike the Nakasendo Trail in the Kiso Valley to experience the Edo-period post towns
- Nestled high in the Hida Alpine mountain range, stay in the beautiful town of Takayama
- In Kyoto visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of orange torii gates
- Known for its spirituality, explore the temples, gardens and mausoleums of Koyasan
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK and take the flight to Tokyo.
Day 2
Arrive Tokyo
You will be met by a representative on arrival and taken to an airport shuttle bus which will provide your transfer to your accommodation. Tokyo is a unique blend of ultramodern and tradition, mixing historic Buddhist temples and deep-rooted culture with soaring skyscrapers and 24-hour sushi bars. It has significantly grown from the small 16th century fishing village it once was to a sprawling metropolis with a futuristic skyline, dazzling neon advertisements and surging crowds. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.
Park Hotel Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 3
Tokyo
Today enjoy a day of sightseeing with your guide. This morning visit the Meiji Shrine, which is dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji and the city’s most iconic Shinto shrine which is steeped in spirituality and history. Pass through the decorated torii gates that lead to the shrine’s inner forest of over 100,00 trees. Continue to the tree-lined avenue of Omotesando before exploring Harajuku, a vibrant neighbourhood that offers a unique and eclectic atmosphere and is home to izakayas and boutiques. After lunch visit the Koishikawa Korakuen Garden before continuing to the district of Asakusa which is home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s crowning jewel.
- Breakfast
Park Hotel Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 4
Tokyo
Today is a self-guided day. You may wish to travel out of Tokyo using your Japan Rail Pass for a trip to Kamakura, one of Japan’s former capitals. This quaint seaside town is home to ancient shrines, temples and the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha that stands at 13 metres tall. If you would prefer to further explore Tokyo we can arrange a guide for the day or organise any tours that may be of interest including a sushi making class, sake tasting experience, Tokyo by bike or street food tour.
- Breakfast
Park Hotel Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 5
Tokyo to Matsumoto – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Enjoy a scenic train ride before arriving to the small castle town of Matsumoto which is surrounded by rice fields, vineyards, wasabi farms and the great Japanese Alps. Spend the afternoon to explore at leisure. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the only twelve remaining original castles in Japan, which is known for its black exterior, red arch bridge and views of the mountains in the background. Just outside the castle grounds lies Nakamachi-dori, a historical merchant district lined with well-preserved old buildings and storehouses.
- Breakfast
Hotel Buena Vista, Matsumoto
Day 6
Matsumoto – visit Kamikochi
Today is a self-guided day. We would recommend making an early start and travelling to Kamikochi, a beautiful place of unspoilt nature hidden in the northern Japanese Alps. Take a gentle hike through the popular nature trail and witness blue glacial waters gush through the valley and snow-capped mountains frame the dense forest. Points of interest during the four-hour trek (with short breaks) include the Taisho-ike Pond, Tashiro Marsh, Kappabashi Bridge and Hotaka-jinja Shrine. Return to Matsumoto in the afternoon.
- Breakfast
Hotel Buena Vista, Matsumoto
Day 7
Matsumoto to Kiso Valley – by train
Today is a self-guided day. This morning take a train to Nakatsugawa and later, a bus to Magome, one of the post towns that flourished in the Edo Period and the start of the Nakasendo Trail. Today’s walk will alternate between well preserved old villages, fields of local farmers and peaceful woodlands. Around 2 hours in, emerge to the well-preserved post town of Tsumago. Just like Magome, Tsumago was in its Golden Era during the time when merchants and other noble and prominent people frequently passed through for trade and other formal appointments. In the latter part of 1970, this small town was classified as a National Designated Architectural Preservation Site, thanks to the collective effort of its locals to preserve most of the remaining historical buildings. After concluding the trail, ride a bus to Nagiso and a train to the ryokan in Kiso-Fukushima. Upon arrival, enjoy a soak in the onsen before a traditional dinner.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Onyado Tsutaya
Urara Tsutaya
Day 8
Kiso Valley to Takayama – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Travel to charming town of Takayama which is nestled high in the Hida Alpine region of Gifu Prefecture. With its beautifully preserved old town, Takayama’s inaccessibility from the rest of Japan allowed it to develop its own unique culture. This afternoon you may wish to take a stroll through the shitamachi where the streets are lined with century-old merchants’ homes and sake breweries. Sample some of the region’s sake or the famous beef Hida sushi from a specialist food stall.
- Breakfast
Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan
Hidatei Hanaougi
Day 9
Takayama – visit Shirakawa-go
This morning you may wish to opt for a food and culture walk throughout Takayama. Your guide will teach you about the town’s colourful history as well as making stops at a sake brewery, tofu producer and a rakugan shop which sells traditional Japanese sweets. In the afternoon travel by bus to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. This unique architectural style was developed over many generations where the roofs were constructed without any nails and are intricately designed to withstand large amounts of snow. Despite being private houses, some are open to the public including the Wada House, a legacy left behind by the Wada family who were once the most affluent in the area.
- Breakfast
Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan
Hidatei Hanaougi
Day 10
Takayama to Kyoto – by train
Today is a self-guided day where you will travel to Kyoto. Home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sights, the city became capital of Japan in 794 AD and remained the centre of political power until 1868. A highlight of any visit to Japan, roughly one out of four of the country’s national treasures can be found in the city. Upon arrival you may wish to start exploring the city independently, participate in a traditional tea ceremony or cookery class or visit a sake brewery.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
Hotel the Mitsui
Day 11
Kyoto
Today explore Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites with a local guide. After breakfast visit one of the city’s most famous sites, the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, where thousands of orange torii gates stretch up the mountainside. Continue to Sanjusangendo, a less-visited temple where 1001 life-sized Buddhist statues stand in the world’s longest wooden building. After lunch at Nishiki Market travel to Nijo Castle, an ornamental palace built for the shogun in the early 1600s. Walk the halls, see the audience chambers and experience what it was like to visit the military ruler of Japan in the samurai era. The final stop of the day is at Nanzenji Zen Temple, a quiet retreat where monks have lived since 1291, which is also known for its excellent Zen rock garden.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
Hotel the Mitsui
Day 12
Kyoto - visit Nara
Today is a self-guided day. You may wish to continue exploring this beautiful city and visit other points of interest such as Arashiyama Bamboo Forest or Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s famous golden temple. Alternatively, we would recommend taking the short 45 minute trip by train to the city of Nara which was Japan’s capital for approximately eighty years during the 8th century. Many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain and are easy to explore. Highlights include the Todaiji temple complex – site the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha – and the Kofuku Temple which was moved to Nara from Kyoto in 710 AD. You will also have time to wander through Nara Park, home to herds of tame deer.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
Hotel the Mitsui
Day 13
Kyoto to Koyasan – by train
This morning take the train to Osaka where you will then connect to Koyasan on a scenic journey passing through the river valleys and forested slopes of the Wakayama Prefecture, once thought to be home to ancient gods of nature. Koyasan is home to a small community of over 100 temples of the secretive Shingon sect of esoteric Buddhism. This mountain enclave has endured for over 1,200 years and remains a fascinating relic of a time when religion governed the politics and daily life of historic Japan. Meet with your guide and visit Kongobuji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism which boasts beautifully decorated historic rooms as well as Japan’s largest rock garden. See the brightly painted Konpon Daito Pagoda which is home to an altar in the form of a three-dimensional mandala that maps out the Buddhist cosmos with towering statues. Continue to Okuno-in, the country’s largest and most important cemetery with more than 200,000 gravestones, and finish at the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and a pivotal figure in Japanese history. After this remarkable spiritual tour, be escorted to the shukubo (temple lodging) where you will enjoy a vegetarian Buddhist dinner.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Yochi-in
Soji-in
Day 14
Koyasan to Osaka – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Early this morning you may wish to experience the temple lodging’s morning prayer service which usually starts at 06:00. Continue with some self-guided sightseeing before returning to Osaka by train. On arrival you may wish to visit Dotonbori, the city’s famous food and entertainment district which is known for its bright neon lights and food stalls that sell local Osakan delights such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and fugu (puffer fish). We can also arrange a guided food tour in the evening.
- Breakfast
Osaka Marriot Miyako Hotel
W Osaka
Day 15
Osaka to the UK
This morning take the airport shuttle bus to the airport to catch your flight back to the UK.
Extending your stay...
Kanazawa is a major city located on Honshu Island’s west coast. Historically one of Japan’s most prosperous cities, evidence of this wealth can still be seen today, particularly with the beautifully maintained Kenroku-en horticultural gardens, some of the finest in the country.
Extend your stay in Osaka for an opportunity to fully experience this dynamic and fun-loving city. A highlight of any visit to Osaka is its cuisine with the city famous as the food capital of Japan. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki, miso beef, pickled fish yakitori skewers, hot pot and sake.
Fukuoka is the largest city on Kyushu Island and, similar to Osaka, is known for its food culture. A centre of trade with close links to neighbouring countries including Korea, Fukuoka is celebrated for its yatai food stalls which serve local delicacies including ramen and hotpot.
Discover Dazaifu which is located around an hour south of Fukuoka. A treasure trove of historical and cultural sites, highlights include the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to a revered scholar and deity of learning, and Komyozenji Temple which is famous for its gardens.
Guide to Price
15 days from £4690 - £7890 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Train travel as specified
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- English speaking guides where specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4690 - £7890
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways, Japan Airlines, ANA and Virgin Atlantic all offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo, the Japanese capital. Indirect flights are available from most major UK airports to Tokyo and other Japanese cities including Osaka and Nagoya with flights connecting in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Hong Kong and other main Asian cities.
Flying Times From UK
Flight times from the UK to Japan range from 12 to 14 hours for direct flights. Connecting flights with stopovers can take considerably longer.
Time Zone
Japan is +9 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
UK citizens do not require a visa before arrival in Japan as long as the visit lasts less than 90 days and does not include periods of paid work. Those wishing to stay longer will need to obtain a visa prior to travel.
Do’s & Don’ts
Japanese culture is complex and often confusing for foreign visitors to get to grips with However, it is well worth diving in to and the locals will appreciate any effort you make.
Remember to bow in almost any social situation, from saying hello to taking leave and saying thank you. Bow with hands at the sides and with a deep nod of the head. Japanese people are, on the whole, very polite so while they might not outright chastise tourists for forgetting to bow, you can be sure they will respect you more if you do!
Japanese matted flooring does not work well with muddy shoes – most people will expect you to take shoes off in their private housing, in traditional ryokan hotels and even in some public areas like restaurants and temples.
When drinking from a shared bottle, usually rice wine or sake, pour for others and wait for someone to pour for you as pouring for yourself is considered impolite.
The Japanese people value privacy and are generally reserved in public so noisy phone calls or shouting is frowned upon.
Money
The currency of Japan is the Yen. Yen comes in notes or coins, in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 denominations for coins and 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 notes. Japan has been making efforts to move away from cash as a system but in rural areas or traditional places they may not accept credit or debit cards. Currency exchange in Japan is easy and reliable ATM machines are found throughout the country.
Tipping
Tipping is not a custom in Japan and if you leave a tip do not be surprised to see someone run out after to return your money or refuse with a polite bow. A guideline for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Japanese cuisine has a long tradition and is renowned the world over – since 2001 Japan has had the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world. Japanese food usually centres on rice, noodles, fish and vegetables with many kinds of broths and soups. Japan is also famous for its excellent sushi bars which have since been exported in various forms around the world. The Japanese love to drink green tea which is consumed in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. A widely consumed alcoholic beverage is a rice wine called sake, beer is also common and Japanese whisky has become more popular, and respected, in recent years.
Accommodation
In all main Japanese cities the range of accommodation is extensive and there will always be a wide-range of different options. All major internationally recognised hotel companies are present in Japan and many of their flagship properties can be found in Tokyo. Further afield, in provincial towns and cities, accommodation is usually in smaller, independent, Japanese owned hotels. In nearly all cases hotels will be very modern in both style and design. To fully experience the culture and hospitality no visit to Japan is complete without a stay in a ryokan – a Japanese-style inn. Found throughout the country, ryokans vary greatly in quality and style but all will have a special Japanese atmosphere with tatami floors, futon beds, traditional cuisine and hot spring ‘onsen’ baths.
Shopping
Shopping in Japanese cities is a hectic and busy experience but one you will not forget. You will find crowded streets and a huge variation of shops from high end fashion stores to teenage manga comic book emporiums and everything in between – all splashed with bright neon lights. Tokyo is world renowned for its street-wear and style scene, so for the latest fashions head to the districts of Harajuku and Shibuya. In contrast for the latest technology, Ginza is the place to visit. Outside major cities, shopping is more traditional, with many markets and locally made goods.
Suggested Reading
A recommended book is ‘Gateway to Japan’, published by Kodansha, although there are many other detailed guides available, including ‘The Donald Richie Reader: 50 Years of Writing on Japan’, by a westerner who has lived in Tokyo for over 50 years. Good works of fiction about Japan include anything by Haruki Murakami, David Mitchell's ‘Number9dream’ and ‘Who is Mr Satoshi?’ by Jonathan Lee.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Japan the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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