Walking Tours

21 Day Japan including 2 Days Nakasendo (Walk) and 4 Days Kumano Kodo (Walk)

Most popular! Enjoy three weeks exploring Japan, including two gorgeous, low-impact walking trails - the Nakasendo Way and the Kumano Kodo.

*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 exit 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.

Return back up to the Arrivals Lobby, present your Limousine Bus Coupon at the Airport Limousine Bus counter and board the bus from the airport to your accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. (80 min)

Your accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel is a two minute walk from the Takanawa Exit of JR Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa is the ideal place to stay in Tokyo for its convenient location and access to a wide range of restaurants and shops.

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 - Kamakura - Tokyo

Take a day trip to the seaside town called Kamakura. Located just 45 minutes from Shinagawa Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, Kamakura is one of Japan's most popular sightseeing destinations, famous for a number of temples, shrines and beautiful Japanese gardens.

Surrounded by wooded mountains on three sides and Sagami Bay on the south, Kamakura was once the capital of Japan from 1192 to 1333.

Many of the wonderful sites in Kamakura are within walking distance of Kamakura Station, so one can easily spend the day exploring the many temples, shrines, parks and gardens. Some of the sites you might like to visit include:

The Great Buddha - this giant bronze statue of Buddha stands at 13.35m tall and is the second largest in Japan. The Buddha once was housed inside a temple, but late in the 15th century, a large tsunami washed away the wooden structure and the Buddha has remained outside ever since.

Komachi-dori St - leading out from Kamakura Station, this strip of shops has many great places to buy souvenirs and a number of good places to buy some snacks from nuts and crackers, to cute little cakes and sweets.

Hasedera Temple - situated high on a hill, the main temple has a fine view of the coastal city. The temple is home to a wooden statue of Kannon, the 11-headed goddess of mercy that stands at 9m high.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - This iconic Shinto shrine is Kamakura's geographical and cultural centre and attracts many visitors with its beautiful peony gardens and two museums, the Museum of Modern Art and the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures.

Hokoku-ji Temple - this Zen temple is a must-see attraction in Kamakura. Behind the temple is a magnificent bamboo garden which is tranquil escape. Towards the back of the bamboo garden is a small tea house where you can enjoy a special cup of green tea while taking in the beauty of the serene surroundings.

Return to Tokyo in the late afternoon.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 3/3

Day 04 - Tokyo - Kiso Valley

Check-out of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel and from Shinagawa Station board a Hikari bullet train to Nagoya Station. (100 min) Make your way to the bullet train lines and from Nagoya Station board a Limited Express Shinano train to Kiso-Fukushima Station. (85 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 05 - Kiso Valley (Nakasendo Walk)

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 06 - Kiso Valley - Matsumoto

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 Matsumoto Station. (40 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 07 - 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 08 - Matsumoto - Takayama

Check-out of your accommodation and board the Alpico Bus to Takayama. (3 hrs)

Takayama is a traditional medieval town located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. Most of the attractions are concentrated in the old part of town, within minutes of each other.

Your accommodation at the Hida Hotel Plaza 5 minute walk from the station. Make sure you try their rooftop and indoor Japanese-style onsen bath which is free for guests to use.

After check in, enjoy an afternoon stroll around this museum like town with a number of attractions including a variety of small museums devoted to traditional crafts embodying the town's long standing tradition of fine craftsmanship. Visit the old private houses that lie in the area between Miyagawa River and the famously lush and picturesque Shiroyama Park. This quiet, residential area has shops selling traditional wares, antique shops, Japanese-style inns, sake breweries and restaurants serving local specialties.

Stay: Hida Hotel Plaza - 1/2

Day 09 - Takayama - Shirakawago - Takayama

Make sure you visit the Jinya Mae and Miyagawa Morning Markets. Located on the banks of the Miyagawa River, these markets are open daily from 7am to 12 noon. Here you will find local farmers selling fresh produce and flowers. Local souvenirs, crafts and snacks are also available for purchase.

Return to Takayama Station and take a day trip to Shirakawago Village. Purchase a ticket from the Takayama Bus terminal in front of Takayama train station (JPY 4,300 return). Board the Nohi Bus to Shirakawago Village. (50 min one-way)

Shirakawago is a small historic village in Northern Gifu. This area is famous for its old farm houses which have been built with traditional thatched roofing. Ogimachi, within Shirakawago Village, has been registered as a Unesco World Heritage site, with over 100 gassho zukuri structures spread across a lovely mountain valley. Enjoy the atmosphere and scenery of this unique mountain village contained within in a beautiful mountain setting. Return to Takayama in the late afternoon.

For dinner tonight we recommend you walk in to town and try one of the many restaurants which specialise in the Japanese "hida beef" which is delicious in sukiyaki or grilled on a hotplate.

Stay: Hida Hotel Plaza - 2/2

Day 10 - Takayama - Kyoto

Check-out of the Hida Hotel Plaza and from Takayama Station board the Limited Express Hida (Wide View) train to Nagoya. (155 mins) Change trains to board a Kodama bullet train to Kyoto. (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 - 1/3

Day 11 - 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 - 2/3

Day 12 - 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 - 3/3

Day 13 - Kyoto - Kumano Kodo

Check-out of the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo and board a JR Special Rapid Service train to Shin-Osaka Station. (25 mins) Change trains and board the JR Limited Express Kuroshio train to Kii-Tanabe Station. (160 mins)

Upon your arrival at Kii-Tanabe Station walk next door to the Kumano Tourism Bureau for your orientation. Meet the staff from the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau for orientation where they will supply up-to-date maps and timetables.

After lunch board a bus from Kii-Tanabe Station to Takijiri. (43 mins)

Upon your arrival at Takijiri bus stop, make your way to Kumano Kodo Kaikan Pilgrimage Centre (located across the road). Commence your walking tour to Takahara. This 3.7km length walk will take approximately 2.5 hours.

*Your stay in Takahara includes dinner, breakfast and a lunchbox

Stay: Takahara - 1/1

Day 14 - Kumano Kodo

Check out of your accommodation, collect your lunch box, and leave your luggage to be transferred to the next accommodation. Continue on the Pilgrimage walk to Chikatsuyu. This 9km long walk will take approximately 5-6 hours.

*Your stay in Chikatsuyu includes dinner, breakfast and a lunchbox

Stay: Chikatsuyu - 1/1

Day 15 - Kumano Kodo

Check out of your accommodation. Leave your luggage to be transferred to the next accommodation, collect your lunch box and continue on the Pilgrimage walk to Hongu Taisha.

A number of options are possible if you do not want to walk the entire 21km route:

To get there:

Option 1

Full day walk the "Kumano Kodo" Chikatsuyu-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (24 km, approx. 9 ~ 10hrs)

Option 2

Take a public bus from Chikatsuyu-Oji bus stop to Kobiro-toge (10 mins)

Walk Kumano Kodo from Kumano Kobiro-toge to Kumano Hongu Taisha (17 km, 7~8 hrs)

Option 3

Board the bus from Nakahechi Art Museum to Hongu Taisha-mae stop (30 mins)

Visit Kumano Hongu Heritage Centre; it has detailed information and exhibits about the area in English.

Take a public bus from Hongu Taisha-mae bus stop to Hosshinmon-oji stop

Walk the "Kumano Kodo" Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (7 km / 3 hrs)

After lunch take a public bus from Hongu Taisha-mae to Yunomine Onsen one of Japan's oldest hot springs. (20 mins)

*Your stay in Yunomine Onsen includes dinner and breakfast daily

Stay: Yunomine Onsen - 1/1

Day 16 - Kumano Kodo

Check out of your accommodation and leave your luggage to be transferred to the next accommodation.

From Yunomine Onsen, board a bus at 08:50 which arrives at Hitari at 09:23.

At 10:00 you will take a traditional boat tour along the traditional route used by pilgrims between Hongu Taisha and Hayatama Taisha. The tour in the flat bottom wooden boats takes approximately 90 minutes.

Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha, the second of the grand three Kumano Shrines.

After lunch, board a bus from Shingu Station to Kii-Katsuura Station. (36 mins)

*Your stay in Kii-Katsuura includes dinner and breakfast daily

Stay: Kii-Katsuura - 1/1

Day 17 - Kumano Kodo - Hiroshima

Check-out of your accommodation and return to Kii-Katsuura Station. From here, board the Limited Express Kuroshio train to Shin-Osaka. (237 mins) Make your way to the bullet train lines and board a Sakura bullet train to Hiroshima Station. (96 mins)

Your accommodation at the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima is a two minute walk from JR Hiroshima Station.

Hiroshima was a city left in ashes after the atomic bomb was dropped. Hiroshima has made a remarkable recovery and has been rebuilt as a modern thriving city. The area which felt the full force of the bomb has been transformed into a Peace Memorial Park with gardens of great beauty and nearly forty memorials to the victims of the atomic explosion. Hiroshima is now known as the "International City of Peace" dedicated to a total ban on the use of Atomic weapons. A visit to the Peace Memorial Park should be included in every Hiroshima itinerary.

To visit the park, board a tram in front of Hiroshima Station and get off at Genbaku Domu-Mae (Atomic Bomb Dome) stop. (180yen/15 mins) Alternatively, use your Japan Rail Pass to board the city sightseeing loop bus, the Hiroshima Meipuru-pu, which stops in front of the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima.

Using your tour map, visit a number of exhibits including the Atomic Bomb Dome: Positioned below the epicentre, this skeleton of melted steel and concrete has been left as it was after the bomb was dropped. It stands as a stark reminder of the city's August 6, 1945 bombing.

The highlight of the park is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This state of the art museum focuses on Hiroshima both before and after the explosion. It also tells the story of Hiroshima's rapid rebuild into the beautiful city it is today.

On the way back to station, make sure you visit Hiroshima Castle. This castle was first built in 1589 until its destruction in 1945. Having been rebuilt in all its glory, it is now used to exhibit historic artefacts from Japan's feudal past.

If time permits, visit the Shukkeien Garden (09:00 - 17:00/JPY260). Constructed in 1620 for a feudal lord of Hiroshima, the name translates as 'shrunken scenery garden' which describes the miniature landscapes that represent forests, valleys and mountains.

Stay: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima - 1/2

Day 18 - Hiroshima / Miyajima Island

Enjoy a day of exploration upon the sacred earth of Miyajima Island.

From Hiroshima Station board the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. (26 min) Using your Japan Rail Pass board the JR ferryboat from Miyajimaguchi Pier to the island.

The entire 30 sq. km. island is designated by the Japanese government as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The must-see Itsukushima Shrine, built in the 6th century, is dedicated to the maritime guardian goddesses. The shrine buildings are connected by corridors which stretch out over the water giving it the appearance of floating on the sea at high tide. The giant red wooden O-Torii (Grand Gate) is the most noted symbol of Miyajima.

Be sure to take the 1.7km ropeway (JPY1,800 round trip) to Mount Misen's summit to enjoy one of the three most spectacular panoramic views in Japan. Keep your eye on the summit's mischievous monkeys before descending on a peaceful walk through the ancient forest.

Return to Hiroshima early evening to feast upon the city's popular delicacy, Okonomiyaki, a noodle-layered pancake cooked on an iron hotplate at your table.

Stay: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima - 2/2

Day 19 - Hiroshima - Hakone

Check-out of the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima and from Hiroshima Station board the Sakura bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station. (95 mins) Change trains and board a Hikari bullet train to Odawara Station. (140 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 20 - Hakone

Using your Hakone Free Pass and the provided tourist maps & brochures explore some of the many sites of the Hakone region, including:

Lake Ashi: The 400,000 year-old volcanic crater lake that never freezes! Lake Ashi (Ashiko) is a popular place for fishing, boating and water sports. Use your Hakone Pass to cruise the lake by pirate ship. On a clear day Mt. Fuji and its inverted reflection can be seen on the lake.

Owakudani (Greater Boiling Valley): Accessible by ropeway this entire gorge reeks of sulphurous fumes, spewing clouds of steam from crevasses among bubbling hot springs.

Ancient Cedar Avenue: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this superb 2km flora-lined winding passage; once the pathway to Tokyo.

Stay: Hakone Hotel - 2/2

Day 21 - Depart Tokyo

Today is the final day of your 21 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.