MT Sobek Japan Adventure Travel Webinar

Hear from MT Sobek Japan expert Sharman Fox, who will guide you through four of our most popular Japan adventures: the soulful Shikoku Pilgrimage with its temples and traditions, the ancient Kumano Kodo trail through Japan’s spiritual heartlands, the historic Nakasendo Trail linking Edo-period post towns, and Northern Honshu, where wild landscapes and rich culture come together in an unforgettable exploration.

Japan Webinar Overview

Welcome everyone, and thank you for joining us for this look into MT Sobek’s adventures in Japan. I’m Sharman, the Program Director for Japan at Mountain Travel Sobek, and I’m delighted to share more about this fascinating destination.

I first visited Japan more than 25 years ago, and I’ve returned many times since. In my experience, once you go, you’re hooked—and many of our travelers feel the same way. Japan offers endless layers to discover, whether it’s the vibrant cities of Tokyo and Kyoto or the serene countryside filled with traditional farming villages, old samurai towns, castles, and exquisite gardens. Each region also offers its own local dishes and seasonal specialties, making every journey unique no matter the time of year—whether it’s cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens of summer, brilliant autumn foliage, or temples dusted with winter snow.

On my most recent trip in May, I accompanied one of our groups on the Kyoto to Tokyo Walking Adventure and also scouted our new Shikoku and Inland Sea Islands trip. Highlights included the iconic red Torii gate of Miyajima Island and small design details—like the art found on the walls of one of our Shikoku hotels—that reflect the Japanese commitment to beauty in every detail.

Why Travel to Japan with MT Sobek?

Japan is an archipelago of over 14,000 islands, with four main ones: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Though its landmass is about the size of Germany—or slightly smaller than California—it stretches far north to south, offering diverse climates and landscapes.

Mountains dominate much of the country (about 80% of the landmass), creating dramatic scenery, active volcanoes, and natural hot springs—an essential part of any trip. Add to that Japan’s world-class cuisine, shaped by rice, fish, vegetables, and a deep respect for seasonality, and it’s easy to understand why Japan is home to one of the world’s longest-living populations.

The country’s spiritual heritage also plays an important role. Buddhism and Shinto traditions coexist in daily life, with Shinto especially emphasizing reverence for the natural world. Mountains, trees, and rivers are seen as having their own spirit—a philosophy that resonates deeply when hiking in Japan’s landscapes.

What Makes MT Sobek Japan Tours Unique

At MT Sobek, we pride ourselves on unrivaled expertise in hiking and walking itineraries. Each Japan trip blends outdoor adventure with authentic cultural immersion—carefully chosen accommodations, thoughtfully prepared meals, and the efficient use of Japan’s world-renowned public transportation system.

Our small groups (typically 8–12 travelers) are led by expert Japanese guides. Many have lived abroad, giving them unique perspectives that enrich the experience. They manage every detail seamlessly—from navigating complex transportation logistics to helping guests understand etiquette at traditional inns and hot springs.

Accommodations are a mix of Western-style hotels and traditional lodgings such as ryokans (inns), minshukus (family-run guesthouses), and shukubos (temple stays). Guests often sleep on futons laid over tatami mats, enjoy meals of locally sourced seasonal dishes, and soak in communal baths or natural hot springs. For many travelers, these cultural details become trip highlights.

Dining is another key element. Guests savor authentic Japanese cuisine: rice and noodles at nearly every meal, fresh seafood (grilled, stewed, or as sashimi), savory soups, and beautifully presented seasonal vegetables. Japanese breakfasts, though different from the Western norm, often win travelers over with their nourishing flavors.

How to Get Around Japan

Rather than isolating our groups in private buses, MT Sobek uses Japan’s extraordinary network of bullet trains, local trains, subways, and buses. This keeps travelers immersed in everyday Japanese life while providing the fastest, most efficient way to travel. On days when luggage is shipped ahead via Japan’s convenient takubin courier system, guests carry only what they need for a night or two—just as the Japanese do.

MT Sobek Japan Itineraries

Kyoto to Tokyo Walking Adventure

Our most popular itinerary follows in the footsteps of history along Honshu Island, offered in both spring and fall. Starting in Kyoto, you’ll explore some of the city’s highlights—Tenryuji Temple with its serene garden, the Golden Pavilion, the Zen rock garden at Ryoanji, and the famous Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama.

From there, the journey leads to Koyasan, a spiritual center of Shingon Buddhism dating back to the 9th century. You’ll stay in temple lodgings, witness a morning prayer ceremony, and walk among centuries-old cedar trees at the atmospheric Okunoin cemetery.

Next is Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. You’ll visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, climb Mount Wakakusa for sweeping views, and see the Great Buddha inside Todaiji Temple.

From Nara, a series of trains brings you into the Kiso Valley, home to the best-preserved section of the historic Nakasendo route between Kyoto and Tokyo. Here, you’ll walk through beautifully preserved post towns such as Magome, Tsumago, and Narai—staying in welcoming ryokan and minshuku inns. One highlight is crossing the Torii Pass with views of snow-capped peaks before reaching Tokyo.

The trip concludes with a full day exploring Tokyo, including the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and the famous Shibuya Crossing, before ending with a farewell dinner.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

This journey explores the Kii Peninsula along the Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage route with deep spiritual significance. You’ll walk the Nakahechi route, once the imperial path, visiting the three grand shrines of Kumano. Completing this trail qualifies you for the Dual Pilgrim Certificate, linking it with Spain’s Camino de Santiago.

The walks here are more rugged than Kyoto to Tokyo, with uneven stone steps and longer ascents—but the rewards are extraordinary. Along the way, you’ll stay in traditional inns, soak in hot springs, and enjoy peaceful forests steeped in history. The trip ends back in Kyoto, where you’ll experience a traditional tea ceremony and visit the vibrant Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its corridor of vermilion torii gates.

Many hotels offer swimming pools and spa services for relaxation.

Northern Honshu Walking Adventure

For travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path Japan, this adventure covers more ground and offers more challenging hikes. Beginning in Tokyo, you’ll explore the historic Yanaka neighborhood and Sensoji Temple before heading to Nikko, famous for its ornate temples and forested surroundings.

From there, the trip ventures to the sacred peaks of Dewa Sanzan, where you’ll summit two of the three mountains and stay in temple lodgings. Continuing north, you’ll hike around Mount Hakkoda and the Kenashi Paradise Line Trail, known for its spring flowers.

The journey concludes at Lake Towada, with a hike along the Oirase Gorge, a lakeside ryokan stay, and a boat cruise before returning to Tokyo. This itinerary is ideal for hikers seeking cultural immersion in quieter, less-visited parts of Japan.

Shikoku & Inland Sea Islands

Our newest trip begins in Kyoto with a special welcome evening featuring a performance by a Geiko and Maiko (Geisha and apprentice). From there, you’ll walk part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, visiting 12 of the most scenic and historic temples. Many are mountaintop temples, requiring climbs but rewarding you with spectacular views.

The journey also includes time in the remote Iya Valley, with its vine bridges and traditional thatched-roof villages. You’ll then head to Naoshima Island, a world-renowned hub of contemporary art and architecture, where Tadao Ando’s designs frame extraordinary collections and installations.

The trip finishes with two nights on Miyajima Island, home to the iconic “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. A hike to Mount Misen’s summit provides sweeping views of the Inland Sea, before returning to Hiroshima and then Kyoto.

Choosing the Right Japan Trip for You

Each journey offers a unique perspective on Japan:

• Kyoto to Tokyo Walking Adventure (11 days): A wonderful introduction for first-time or repeat travelers. Includes Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara, the pilgrimage site of Mount Koya, and the historic Nakasendo Trail through the Kiso Valley.
• Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage (8 days): Focused on the sacred trails of the Kii Peninsula, this journey offers serene forests, mountain temples, and shrines, ending in Kyoto.
• Northern Honshu Walking Adventure (13 days): A deep dive into rural Japan, stretching from Tokyo northward with hikes among lakes, mountains, and remote villages.
• Shikoku & Inland Sea Islands (12 days): Our newest itinerary, featuring the Shikoku Pilgrimage, the lush Iya Valley, and visits to art-filled Naoshima and sacred Miyajima.

Each trip blends cultural exploration with hiking, ranging from easy to moderately challenging. While daily hikes are typically 3–6 hours, guests are active throughout the day—walking in cities, navigating stations, and exploring cultural sites.

Final Thoughts

Walking through Japan allows you to experience its traditions, landscapes, and hospitality in a deeply personal way. Whether you’re strolling through Kyoto’s bamboo groves, crossing the Torii Pass in the Kiso Valley, climbing sacred peaks in Northern Honshu, or visiting mountaintop temples on Shikoku, each journey promises an unforgettable blend of adventure and culture.

Spaces are limited, and some departures (such as the Shikoku Pilgrimage) sell out quickly—so if Japan is calling, now is the perfect time to plan your walking adventure.

We’re incredibly excited about this trip and hope you are too!

Thank you for joining us today. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any further questions via phone at 800-974-0300 or email info@mtsobek.com.

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