Japan Northern Honshu Lakes & Mountains Hiking Tour

After breakfast, head out for a full-day walking tour of Tokyo, beginning with Yanaka, an old quarter of the city that still retains charm from the Edo period, with its traditional wooden houses, narrow streets, and small temples. Continue on to Asakusa and Senso-ji, a large Buddhist temple with a five-story 7th-century pagoda that was rebuilt after World War II. Leading up to the main temple buildings is Nakamise-dori, a pedestrian street lined with craft and souvenir shops capped off by Kaminari-mon, the temple's famous entrance gate. Please see luggage FAQ for more details on this day.

Travel to historic Nikko, a town set against a stunning backdrop of wooded hills and national parklands. The extravagantly ornate buildings of Nikko's Toshogu Shrine are now on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. The shrine was created in commemoration of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a shogun venerated for uniting feuding lords to create the nation of Japan, and the intricate temple carvings are full of whimsy — including cats and monkeys. Finish your tour with Rinno-ji, with its lacquered pillars and gohonzon shrines, and Futarasan Shrine, dedicated to the Nikko Mountains' spirits.

This morning set out to explore Oku Nikko, the "hinterland of Nikko," an area of outstanding natural beauty in the mountainous north of Nikko and now a protected national park. Enjoy leisurely trekking in the Karikomi Lake area, famous for its natural sulfur hot springs. Monks have harnessed these waters for their healing properties since their discovery in 788 — and at your ryokan, in the Nikko Yumoto Onsen area, you can experience these waters for yourself! You'll also explore the surrounding marshlands and their wide array of bird life.

Travel to Yamagata and hike to Yamadera, the "mountain temple" known as Risshaku-ji. This Tendai sect of Mahayana Buddhism temple is perched atop the mountainside with 1,000 steps leading to it. The upper temple houses a sacred flame that has been burning since the temple was founded in 860! A viewing platform situated slightly farther up the mountain offers impressive views of the neighboring peaks and the valley below. Descend and board the train to scenic Ginzan Onsen, a small hot springs town known for traditional wooden onsen lining the riverfront. Please see luggage FAQ for more details on this day.

After breakfast and perhaps another quick soak in the hot spring, take a bus to the nearest railway station and catch the shinkansen (bullet train) north, following the Japan Sea's picturesque coastline to Dewa Sanzan-the three sacred peaks of Haguro-san, Gas-san, and Yudono-san. The lowest of these is Haguro-san (1,358'), the spiritual home of the Shugendo, which blends the native Shinto belief system with Buddhism and other forms of mountain worship. Hike to the summit of Haguro san and visit the mountaintop shrine with its massive thatched roof, then overnight at shukubo lodgings.

Transfer to the start of your challenging hike up Mount Gas-san, joining pilgrims in white coats as you head over uneven terrain to the summit (hiking poles with rubber caps recommended). The highest of the three sacred mountains, Gas-san (or "Moon Mountain," 6,509') is covered in deep snow-up to nearly 20 feet-for much of the year. The mountain is officially opened each year with a ceremony at the summit's Shinto shrine. Along your walk there are lovely small ponds formed by the melting snow and an abundance of alpine flowers.

Your bag heads to Tokyo while you journey north by train and bus this morning to Mount Hakkoda and the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, located in the far northeast of Honshu. Mount Hakkoda forms part of a plateau of dormant volcanoes situated between Lake Towada and Aomori, and is known for its high-altitude wetlands. In the town of Sukayu Onsen at the base of Mount Hakkoda's western slopes, check in to lodgings surrounded by virgin beech forests. This is one of the snowiest inhabited regions on earth, but thankfully the thermals caused by the dormant volcano, with their warm waters, provide an enjoyable counterbalance to the cold of the snow. While the volcanoes of Mount Hakkoda are dormant, they do make themselves known in the area's onsen and there will be a chance to enjoy these comforting hot spring baths before dinner at the hotel.

Travel by bus to Hakkoda ropeway station and ascend to the highlands of Mount Hakkoda by cable car for today's hike on the Kenashi Paradise line trail. Descend back to the base for lunch at a local restaurant and a bus transfer to Oirase Onsen, built on the shore of the Oirase Gorge and also part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Your onsen hotel has a spa and outdoor onsen that overlooks clear streams, mossy rocks, and green forest. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hot spring baths of the resort.

Your bag heads to Tokyo while you enjoy a half-day hike along the Oirase stream. This unspoiled area of Lake Towada is famous for its autumn foliage, but is spectacularly beautiful year-round. The stream follows the floor of the Oirase Gorge and is the only draining river from Lake Towada. During summer, waterfalls and fast-moving rapids punctuate the stream's lush greenery and virgin forests. The cedar, beech, and maple trees along its banks provide a beautiful canopy for your walk. The walk concludes with a scenic lake cruise to your accommodations.

This morning, you will enjoy a short and easy walk to Towada shrine. You'll then travel by bus to the train station, with time for a brief lunch before continuing by shinkansen back to Tokyo. There is time to pick up additional local delicacies to snack on as you relax on the train journey back to Tokyo. You'll arrive at the hotel in the early evening, where your larger suitcase awaits. The rest of the day is free and you can explore Tokyo in the evening on your own.

Spend today walking in Kamakura, scenically located between the ocean and the wooded hills just southwest of Tokyo. Famous for its temples, some of which you discover today, it also provides great walking along the Ten'en trail, situated in the northern regions of Kamakura. Follow a ridgeline to Kencho-ji Temple, passing tomb caves and jizo statues as you walk through birch, maple, ginkgo, and bamboo groves. This afternoon, return to the hotel and relax. There is time to explore the neighborhood on your own before a festive farewell dinner with the group.

This morning, bid each other farewell and transfer to the airport for your flight home.