Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Hiking Deep-Dive
Steph: Our MT Sobek Custom Trip Consultant, returned from our most popular Japan adventure: Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Hiking Tour. Here she shares with us her best moments, along with a gallery of spectacular images!
Trip in a Nutshell
Steph: The MT Sobek Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Hiking Tour is a beautiful balance of hiking and cultural discovery where one encounters both the natural and urban landscapes of this multifaceted and culturally rich country. The trip starts in the mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kyoto where we travel through centuries of Japanese temples. Next, we visit the spiritual center of Shingon Buddhism at Mount Koya. We journey onward from Nara to the lush, rural Kiso Valley to begin hiking on the Nakasendo Trail – an ancient Samurai transportation route that connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Finally, the adventure culminates amidst the florescent lights and boisterous bustle of Tokyo which poetically bridges the gap between the traditions of times past to modern Japan.
First Impressions of Japan
Steph: My first impression of Japan was the emphasis on aesthetic beauty. This cultural value touches everything in Japan from the clean public spaces to the intricate detailing of the shrines and temples.
Top Highlights from Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Hiking Trip
Steph: Japanese food was, without a doubt, the highlight of the trip. There is such exquisite culinary variety to indulge in – everything from the freshest sashimi to complex miso and soba broths to uniquely prepared tofus. Seasonal foods are also popular features on local menus which was evident in the abundance of chestnut treats during my September visit.
Culture in Japan
We ask her how life was like in the 11 days she was in Japan, with an emphasis on the ryokans, the meals, and the culture!
Steph: Each day of the Kyoto to Tokyo Walking Tour offers cultural immersion or time in nature, delicious Japanese food, and unique accommodations full of character and local charm. The accommodations are a perfect balance of Japanese-style inns called ryokans, quaint, cozy family-operated bed and breakfasts called minshukus complete with futon mattresses on tatami mat floors, buckwheat pillows, and yukatas (casual cotton kimono), and western hotels with all the usual comforts of home.
Unexpected Moment
Steph: The sheer enormity of the Todaiji temple – one of the world’s largest wooden structures housing one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha at 15 meters tall – was entirely unexpected and awe inspiring.
How Did Japan Come Up on Your List of Places to Visit?
Steph: By the end of the trip, Japan had climbed the ranks to become my favorite country out of the 36 I’ve visited. I fell in love with the landscapes, the food, the people, the culture, the art and architecture, and history. I rarely revisit countries because there are still so many unexplored places to visit but I am certain I will be returning to Japan for the rest of my life.
Favorite Food You Tried
Steph: It’s impossible to pick a single favorite Japanese dish when every meal was insanely delicious but my top two flavors were the fried chicken ramen and the kurifuku or chestnut pastry.
Favorite Day of Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Hiking Itinerary
Steph: Day 8 offers the most breathtaking views of the lush, green, mountainous landscape from atop the Torii Pass. On clear days, you can see all the way to Mount Ontake on the horizon – the second-highest volcano in Japan after Mount Fuji.
Most Unique or Exciting Activity
Steph: One of the most unique experiences of this itinerary is staying at a shukubo (or Shingon Buddhist temple lodging) in Koyasan and experiencing the simple yet elegant environment the monks reside in. Our guided walk through Koyasan’s Okuno-in Cemetery – home of the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi – was a trip highlight. There is an eerie, enchanted energy that hangs in the air as you solemnly roam through the ancient, misty cedar stands passing the tombstones of tens of thousands of samurai, monks, and feudal lords that shaped the history of Japan.
Photo Gallery
