Imperial Trail: Mountains, Temples & Traditions

Follow in the footsteps of shoguns, samurai and merchants who once traveled on foot or horseback on a network of ancient "kaido," or trails, linking the Imperial capital, provincial towns, and small villages that dot Japan's Kiso Valley. From today's cultural capital of Kyoto, home of 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, we'll hike on rural paths to Mount Koya, home of more than 100 monasteries, and beautifully preserved post towns along the way, where you'll sample local specialties, meet artisans, and enjoy the hospitality of villagers. If you want to combine walking with an insight into the history, culture, and society of Japan, then this is the perfect trip for you!

Activities

6 days of easy to moderate hiking along country trails and village roads

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Japan on foot, with hikes to medieval towns, lush valleys, hot springs, and Shingon Buddhist monasteries
• Visit key cultural sites of the Imperial capital of Kyoto and tour bustling Tokyo
• Stay at traditional Japanese inns, including a night at a shukubo, a pilgrims' lodging where you'll dine on the renowned vegetarian cuisine of the Buddhist monks

Duration: 11 days Start Location: Kyoto End Location: Tokyo

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Kyoto

  Arrive in Kyoto.

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  Day 2 : Kyoto

  Explore Kyoto: walk to nearby Ryoan-ji to see its famous rock garden and stroll the Philosopher's Path along a canal lined with mature Sakura (flowering cherry trees).

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  Day 3 : Yamanobe-no-michi

  A short train ride brings us to Miwa near Nara. Here we'll hike along the Yamanobe-no-michi, which literally means 'the path besides the mountain.' Return to Kyoto in the afternoon.

• Day 4 : Mount Koya and Pilgrim’s Trail

  This morning we travel along the scenic Nankai railway, which brings us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mount Koya, home to more than 100 monasteries, many of which host travelers in shukubo, or temple lodgings.

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  Day 5 : Mount Koya and Kiso Valley

  Tour the vast Okuno-in cemetery, with thousands of graves and memorials to feudal lords, shoguns, samurai, politicians and other luminaries. We then head by train to the Kiso Valley, where we’ll enjoy the hospitality of villagers who have converted their traditional ‘machiya’ houses into inns.

• Day 6 : Kiso Valley and Nakasendo

  In the morning, take time to explore the small post-town of Magome before we walk to the village of Tsumago-juku over Magome Pass. This small village has many restored machiya houses lining the main street and there are small shops selling local crafts as well as snacks such as gohei-mochi (rice paste covered in a miso sauce).

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  Day 7 : Tsumago – Nojiri

  Continuing our journey along Nakasendo, we head to Nojiri via the route of your choice: a 13-mile hike or an abbreviated version (2.5-miles) with a train ride. Then a short train ride brings us to Kiso-Fukushima, where we'll stay at the Koma-no-yu Ryokan.

• Day 8 : Yabuhara – Narai

  A short train ride takes us to the post town of Yabuhara, where we climb to Torii Pass for a stunning view of the Kiso Valley. Mid-afternoon finds us in Narai-juku, one of the best-preserved villages on the route.

• Day 9 : Hirasawa – Tokyo

  A short morning hike to the town of Hirasawa, renowned for its lacquer-ware artisans. We'll stop in at one of their workshops before transferring to Tokyo.

• Day 10 : Tokyo

  Hit the highlights of Tokyo: Nihonbashi, the elegant Ginza shopping district, and the spacious park around the Imperial Palace as well as the Grand Meiji Shrine and the famous Shinjuku commercial area.

• Day 11 : Departure

  Depart Tokyo

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  Iseya Ryokan

  Welcome to Iseya Ryokan. This Ryokan Hotel has 55 Japanese style rooms, including 27 with private baths (not hot spring baths) and toilets and 28 with private toilets only. Recently, 5 rooms have been renovated and now include private outdoor hot spring baths. In addition, there are 2 indoor and 2 outdoor public hot spring baths (same gender only).

• Shiba Park Hotel

  Welcome to the best in Japanese hospitality, the Shiba Park Hotel. It’s been our tradition to serve the Japanese and overseas guests alike, with our well-trained, friendly and helpful staff.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Yumiko Arai

  Yumiko was born in Japan but spent several years living in the UK as a child, and returned to Japan to attend university. She has climbed many of highest peaks in Japan and had guided foreign visitors both on cultural and hiking trips. She has traveled to more than 80 countries, and is keen hiker, climber and cyclist. Yumiko's hobbies are also gardening, botany and architecture. She is member of the Japan Guide Association. Yumiko always looks forward to share her knowledge about her beautiful country

photo credits: ©MTS photo file