Walking Tours

14 Day Short Walks Tour

For the traveller looking to include a bit more of Japan's great outdoors, this tour combines the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto with some great walks along historic routes and through picturesque scenery.

*inclusions shown in the bullet points - package does not include airfares

Day 01 - Arrive Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita International Airport clear customs with your luggage and make your way to the Arrivals Lobby.

Take the escalator downstairs to the train station and at the JR East Travel Service Centre (06:30 - 21:45) issue your Japan Rail Pass.

Board the Narita Express train from Narita Airport to Shinagawa Station. Your accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel is a two minute walk across the road from the Takanawa Exit of JR Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa is the ideal place to stay for its convenient access to wide range of restaurants and shops. Shinagawa Station is a major stop on the JR Yamanote Line loop system which circumnavigates Tokyo.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 1/3

Day 02 - Tokyo

This morning board a JR Yamanote Line train to Shinjuku Station. (21 mins) At Shinjuku Station, take the West Exit and walk to the Keio Plaza Hotel, which is the meeting place for your 1-Day Tokyo Tour. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour's departure time.

At 09:10, you will be collected from the JTB Sunrise Tours Sales Office on the 3rd Floor of Keio Plaza Hotel for your 1-Day Tokyo Tour operated by Sunrise Tour. You will be guided by an English-speaking Japanese local and transported by coach to the following sites:

Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge) - Once home to Edo Castle, the center of development of Edo-Tokyo, this is now where you can find the Imperial Palace

Tsukiji - Tsukiji, an area known as "Tokyo's Kitchen" for many years. Even after the market relocated, the Outer Market remains bustling with its many shops offering food and food-related items. Walk along the alleys throughout the Outer Market and enjoy shopping for goods and tasting local food.

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street - Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, offers plenty to see including the bright red Kaminarimon Gate, a statue of the god of thunder, and a five-story pagoda. The bustling street known as "Nakamise" stretches for about 250 m from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple and is filled with a plethora of shops.

(Lunch)

Tea Ceremony Experience - Watch a graceful tea ceremony, then experience preparing tea yourself

Tokyo Tower - Enjoy a panoramic view of the famous Tokyo skyline from the main observation platform

The tour disbands upon arrival near Shinjuku Station West Exit around 6pm.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 2/3

Day 03 - Tokyo

From Shinagawa Station board a JR Yamanote Line train to Shibuya Station. (12 mins)

At Shibuya Station, exit via Hachiko-Guchi Exit for the famous Shibuya crossing. Enjoy a light refreshment at the Starbucks across the road and sit and one of their window seats that overlook the bustling pedestrian crossing. Shibuya is an area popular among young people and rich in cinemas, cafes, restaurants, department stores, fashion-store buildings and boutiques.

From Shibuya Station it is only one stop north to Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line.

Exit via the Omotesando Exit for Yoyogi Park - where Tokyo's talented sub-culture meets and performs. Regular acts include Elvis impersonators, magicians, dancers and rock bands.

For lunch, explore the selection in the side alleys off Takeshita Dori - the lively street that leads out from Harajuku Station (Takeshita Exit) and which prides itself as the font of new teenage Tokyo street fashion. Bargain hunters will enjoy a visit to 'Daiso' to delight in what you can buy for only 100 yen!

Running almost parallel to Takeshita Dori is Omotesando, a long street lined with international boutique brands.

From Harajuku Station, board a JR Yamanote Line train two stops north to Shinjuku Station - the busiest train station in Japan! Take time to explore some of the great shopping that surrounds the station. A walk to Takashimaya Times Square and an exploration of a shop called Tokyu Hands which sells a range of unique gadgets is recommended.

From the West Exit of Shinjuku Station walk 10 minutes through the high-rise business district to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building to view the city skyline which is best seen at night. (9:30am-10:30pm / free entry)

Return to Shinagawa from Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line. (20 mins)

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 3/3

Day 04 - Tokyo - Matsumoto

Check-out of your accommodation and from Shinagawa Station, board a JR Yamanote Line train to Shinjuku Station. (20 mins) Change trains and board a Limited Express Azusa train to Matsumoto Station. (150 mins)

Your accommodation at the Hotel Buena Vista is an eight minute walk from the station. (Courtesy shuttle bus available)

After check-in, commence your exploration of Matsumoto. A city sightseeing loop bus called the Town Sneaker runs four courses around Matsumoto City. A single journey costs JPY200, or you can purchase an all-day pass for JPY500 which gives you discounts at a number of attractions. The all-day pass can be purchased at the Matsumoto Bus Terminal.

Places of interest include:

Matsumoto Castle - (08:30 - 16:30/JPY610) one of the oldest and most complete of Japan's original castles, it is one of the four castles designated as a National Treasure. With the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps, the grand, black and white castle is a popular symbol of Matsumoto city.

Matsumoto City Museum - (08:30 - 16:30/JPY610) located on the castle grounds, the museum provides a history of Matsumoto Castle and exhibits a collection of folk art from around the region.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art - (09:00 - 16:30/ JPY410) exhibits artwork from Japanese artists who either come from Matsumoto or have been inspired by it, including Yayoi Kusama, who is known for her use of psychedelic colours, repetition and pattern.

Nakamachi District - a former merchant district, this area has many old buildings which are nicely preserved and have been converted into small shops, restaurants and ryokans.

Former Kaichi School - (09:00 - 16:30/JPY300) built in 1876, this is one of the oldest elementary schools in Japan. The kanji in the name means 'opening people's intelligence', and it was one of the first schools of its kind, modelled after western education systems.

*Your stay at the Hotel Buena Vista includes breakfast daily

Stay: Hotel Buena Vista - 1/2

Day 05 - Matsumoto - Kamikochi - Matsumoto

Today make a day trip to Kamikochi.

From Matsumoto Station board the Alpico Line train at 08:41 which arrives at Shinshimashima Station at 09:12. (JPY700) Transfer to the bus terminal and board the Alpico bus at 09:30 which arrives at Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 10:35.

Upon arrival in Kamikochi, you should head straight to the Kamikochi Sightseeing Centre (next to the bus terminal) to obtain a boarding ticket (seiriken) for your return trip. Without this, you may not be able to return on the bus. You will need to ask for one at the ticket window and specify a bus to return on. Please hold on to your ticket while you explore Kamikochi.

Using your map, follow the walking trails to explore Kamikochi and enjoy its beautiful alpine scenery including the volcanic Mt Yakedake, virgin forests, and numerous ponds with crystal-clear reflections of the green foliage.

When returning from Kamikochi, please be sure to be ready at least 10 minutes prior to your bus's departure.

Stay: Hotel Buena Vista - 2/2

Day 06 - Matsumoto - Kiso Valley

Check-out of your accommodation and from Matsumoto Station board a Limited Epxress Wide View Shinano train to Kiso-Fukushima Station. (40 mins)

Upon your arrival in Kiso-Fukushima, leave your luggage at the Kiso Ontake Tourist Information Office which is located just across the road from the station. They can also provide you with maps, brochures and bus timetables.

Visit the old Fukushima check-point where travellers were once required to present their passes for travel along the Nakasendo route. The check-point served as a control on the movement of guns and women of feudal families who were not allowed to leave the capital. The attached museum displays original documents, weapons and travel passes, etc.

Cross the bridge to the other side of the river and visit Kozenji Temple, whose garden, designed by modern Japanese landscape architect, is the largest Karesansui-style (dry landscape) garden in the Orient.

Later, return to Kiso-Fukushima Station and take a taxi to your accommodation at the Komanoyu. (10 min) The Komanoyu has lovely hot spring baths for you to enjoy.

*Your stay at the Komanoyu includes dinner and breakfast daily

Stay: Komanoyu - 1/2

Day 07 - Kiso Valley

Today make the famous walk from Magome to Tsumago.

From Kiso-Fukushima Station board a Limited Express Shinano train to Nakatsugawa Station. From here, board a local bus to Magome.
Magome is the last of the eleven stations that make up the Kisoji portion of the Nakasendo route. The old Magome post town is well-known for its cobblestone streets and steep roads. Explore the teahouses and souvenir shops that line the streets of this quaint little town. Visit the town's iconic waterwheel which once was used to make rice flour, but now produces hydro-electricity for the town.

Walk the Magome-Tsumago Trail portion of the Nakasendo Route. Another of the post towns on the Nakasendo route, Tsumago is one of the best preserved, with the town going to great lengths to maintain the image of the Edo period. Cars are not permitted to drive down the main street during the day and telephone lines have been cleverly concealed to hide any signs of modern life.

From Tsumago bus stop, board a bus to Nagiso Station. From Nagiso Station board a train back to Kiso-Fukushima Station.

Stay: Komanoyu - 2/2

Day 08 - Kiso Valley - Kyoto

Check-out of the Komanoyu and board the courtesy shuttle bus back to the station. From Kiso-Fukushima Station board a Limited Express Shinano train to Nagoya Station. (100 mins) Change trains and board a Hikari bullet train to Kyoto Station. (35 mins)

Your accommodation at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is a 2 minute walk from the Hachijoguchi Exit of the station.

After check in, commence exploring the sights of Japan's old capital. Use your Pasmo Cards to board a Subway Karasuma Line train 2 stops to Shijo Station for the busiest shopping district in Kyoto. There are a number of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore. Next, walk down to the Nishiki Food Market. (10 mins from Shijo Station) Here you can try various Japanese foods from traditional sweets to fresh seafood.

In the late afternoon walk towards Gion, Kyoto's famous entertainment district which is open until late at night. Gion is the one place in Japan where you may see Maiko or Geisha scampering between appointments. As darkness falls, watch the traditional lanterns gradually come to life as you wander down tiny alleys housing a variety of restaurants offering tempting cuisine.

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 1/4

Day 09 - Kyoto

Commence your exploration of the ancient city of Kyoto. Please make your way to the Sunrise Tours Desk (B1F) within the Avanti shopping complex and arrive 10 minutes prior to the official pick up time. Refer to your tour voucher and you will see the Avanti shopping complex is directly opposite the Hachijo East Exit of Kyoto Station. At 08:30am, you will be collected to join your Kyoto Morning Tour operated by Sunrise Tours.

Your English-speaking local guide will take you by bus to Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The tour will disband at the Kyoto Station with a likely return being around 1:30pm.

In the afternoon, from Kyoto Station bus terminal board a local bus #100 or #206 and get off at the Gojozaka bus stop. From the bus stop take the 10 minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (6am - 6pm/ JPY 300).

Walk up this attractive winding road lined with colourful souvenir and craft shops. Kiyomizu-dera is famous for its giant wooden stage overlooking panoramic views of Kyoto and its main hall purely constructed of wood and sustained by huge columns and beams without the use of a single nail, screw or bolt.

Return to Kyoto Station in the late afternoon. Be sure to visit the Sky Plaza Observation Deck on top of Kyoto Station for a free panoramic view of the surrounding area of Kyoto. This modern station also contains a large shopping mall, including hotels, theatres, specialty shops, restaurants and event venues.

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 2/4

Day 10 - Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

Continue your exploration of Kyoto by boarding a JR Nara Line train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station. (5 mins)

From Inari Station visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine which was featured in the film Memoirs of a Geisha. It is one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Kyoto which is famous for its thousand red torii gates which lead up the mountain.

Return to Inari Station and board the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station. (2 mins) Tofukuji Temple is a 10 minute walk from the station and is home to the Hojo Gardens, one of the great Zen gardens of Japan. (08:30-16:00 - JPY400)

In the late morning, from Tofukuji Station board a JR Nara Line Rapid Service train to Nara Station. (50 min)

Upon your arrival at Nara Station, walk to the picturesque Nara Park where tame deer roam. At end of the park is the World Heritage listed Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden architecture housing the giant bronze Buddha that soars 16 metres in height. (JPY600/8:00am-4:30pm).

On the way back to Nara Station, stroll through the Nara Machi (town centre) an old precinct full of traditional houses, shops and tearooms.

Return to Kyoto in the late afternoon.

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 3/4

Day 11 - Kyoto

Today make a day trip to Kurama and Kibune in the north of Kyoto.

From Kyoto Station board a JR Nara Line train to Tofukuji Station. (2 mins) Change trains to the Keihan lines and board a Keihan Main Line train to Demachiyanagi Station. (15 mins) Change trains and board an Eizan Electric Railway Kurama line train to Kurama Station. (30 mins)

From here, make your way through the course over Mt Kurama to Kifune Shrine (good walking shoes are recommended). Points of interest along the way include:

Yuki Shrine - famous for its annual Fire Festival. The shrine's deity was once enshrined at the Imperial Palace.

Kurama Temple - since Kyoto's foundation as a capital, Kurama Temple has protected the city from evil from the north. On the temple grounds you will find an exhibition hall featuring flora and fauna of the area.

Kibune Shrine - home to the god of water, and thus many farmers, fishermen and sake brewers come here to pray.

To return board a local bus #33 to Kibune-guchi Station. (5 mins) From Kibune-guchi Station board an Eizan Electric Railway Kurama line train to Demachiyanagi Station. (28 mins) Change trains and board a Keihan Main Line train to Tofukuji Station (15 mins) and board a JR Nara line train back to Kyoto. (2 mins)

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 4/4

Day 12 - Kyoto - Hakone

Check-out of the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo and from Kyoto Station board a Hikari bullet train to Odawara Station. (120 mins)

At Odawara Station purchase a 3 Day Hakone Free Pass which entitles the holder to 3 days of unlimited travel on a variety of local transport including the unique mountain railway, bus, cable car, ropeway and cruise boat. Use your pass to gain entry and discounts at the region's many hot springs, museums, galleries, gardens, temples and shrines.

From Odawara Station East Exit, using your Hakone Free Pass, board the Hakone Tozan bus for Hakone-Machi and get off at Hakone Hotel-Mae. (55 min)

Hakone is wedged between Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, encircled by forested mountains and deep ravines, extraordinary views (weather permitting) of Mount Fuji and the Japan Alps can be seen.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring the many sights of this beautiful resort town.

*Your stay at the Hakone Hotel includes breakfast daily.

Stay: Hakone Hotel - 1/2

Day 13 - Hakone

Visit the Hakone Checkpoint and Exhibition Hall (09:00 - 16:30/500yen), a short walk from the Hakone Hotel. The Hakone Checkpoint is one of the 53 checkpoints placed on major roads by the Tokugawa shogun in 1619, with the purpose of controlling the movement of incoming guns and outgoing women.

Stroll through Ancient Cedar Avenue and continue to Motohakone to walk along the stone-paved road (Kyu-Tokaido) to Hatajuku, a 2 km section of the 400 year old passage that once connected Tokyo to Kyoto. Stop at the Amazake Chaya, a thatched teahouse which has served travellers on the road for more than 350 years.

Return along the path and dine in Motohakone Port before returning to your hotel. An early dinner is recommended.

Stay: Hakone Hotel - 2/2

Day 14 - Depart Tokyo

Today is the final day of your 14 Day Japan Rail Pass.

Check-out of the Hakone Hotel and leave your luggage in storage at the porter's desk for your later return.

Spend your last morning in Hakone completing any final sightseeing or shopping.

Later, return to collect your luggage and board the Hakone Tozan bus back to Odawara Station. (55 min) From Odawara Station board a Kodama or Hikari bullet train to Shinagawa Station. (30 min) Change trains and board the Narita Express Train to Narita International Airport. (70 min)

*Please note all airport trains must be reserved in advance.

Be sure to check in for your scheduled flight at least 2 hours prior to its departure.