Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Walking Tour
Ancient Trails, Sacred Temples & Bamboo Forests
- Available: March, April, May, September, October, November
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Rustic Lodging
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Group Size:
5-12 Guests
Min Age: 12
Highlights
- Explore Kyoto's ancient temples, UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, and the bamboo forest of Arashiyama
- Journey to Nara's Todai-ji, scenic and sacred Mount Koya, and electric Tokyo
- Follow shoguns' shadows along ancient trade routes through medieval towns, lush valleys, and misty forests
Itinerary
Arrive in Kyoto
Day 1
Welcome to Japan! Meet the group at the hotel in Kyoto and convene for a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the city center. With over 1,000 Buddhist temples, sublime gardens, and excellent cuisine, it's easy to see why Kyoto has been voted Travel+Leisure's Best Overall City two years in a row!
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Meals: Dinner
Explore Kyoto's Magnificent Temples & Gardens
Day 2
This morning transfer to Arashiyama, a beautiful area in northwest Kyoto known for spring cherry blossoms, dramatic autumn foliage, forested mountains and Togetsu-kyo Bridge over the Katsura River. Visit the famous bamboo groves and Tenryu-ji Temple. We'll then have an early lunch before we continue on to Ryoanji to see its famous rock garden. Then, we head to the extraordinary 14th Century Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion - named for its top two stories covered in gold leaf. Explore the Zen Buddhist temple's magnificent Japanese strolling garden and mirror pond before we return to our hotel to freshen up before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel the Scenic Nankai Railway and Follow the Pilgrim's Trail to Mount Koya
Day 3
We travel by train along the scenic Nankai railway line to Mount Koya, a bowl-shaped valley filled with stands of cedar trees 2600 feet up in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. Since the 9th century, when the priest Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) founded the first temple and the shingon sect of Buddhism, Mount Koya has been a place of religious devotion and ceremony. Today there are more than 100 monasteries, many of which have shukubo (temple lodgings). We will visit Kongobu-ji temple and there will be a guided walk through the vast Okuno-in cemetery, with thousands of graves and memorials to feudal lords and other past luminaries before arriving at one of the elegant shukubo (pilgrims' lodgings), run by the monks, and dine on shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Your luggage will be transferred by courier this morning from Kyoto, so you will be without your luggage for two nights, and will need a bag or pack to carry your overnight items.
Accommodation: Shojoshin-in Shukubo-Koyasan
Transportation: 3-hour train ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride the Train to Nara
Day 4
This morning you will have the opportunity to get up early to join in the Buddhist service at the temple. After breakfast travel onward by funicular and trains to Nara. On a much smaller scale than Kyoto, Nara was established in 710 AD as Japan's capital, and is home to the famous Nara park, where the semi-tame deer roam. We walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a Shinto shrine established in the 8th century. Stone lanterns line the path to the entrance, and inside hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the building. We continue to Mount Wakakusa for a walk that gives us a view of the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Nara
Accommodation: Piazza Hotel NaraActivity: 2 hours/3 miles hiking
Transportation: 2-hour train ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore Nara and the Kiso Valley
Day 5
This morning, we visit Todaiji temple - the world's largest wooden building - which houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha. We then travel by train to the Kiso Valley, part of the ancient 'Nakasendo' trail passes through the valley, linking Kyoto and Edo (medieval Tokyo). Meaning 'road through the mountains', the Nakasendo has villages known as 'post towns' located along its route. Many of these have been preserved through the effort of the local residents, and we will enjoy the hospitality of villagers who have converted their traditional 'machiya' houses into inns. We arrive at our Japanese style inn on time for dinner. Your luggage transferred from Kyoto will be waiting for you.
Accommodation: Tajimaya Minshuku-Magome, Kiso Valley
Accommodation: Hanasarasa InnTransportation: 5-hour train and bus transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Magome & Hike a Forested Trail to Tsumago
Day 6
Explore the small town of Magome before walking over Magome Pass (2,625') to the village of Tsumago-juku. The trail rises gently, passing through another small village before reaching Magome Pass and then descending on a mixed paved and dirt trail through forest to Tsumago-juku. 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 miso and nut-based sauce. After sightseeing Tsumago, we'll have a short drive to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Daikichi Minshuku-Tsumago
Accommodation: Matsushiroya Minshuku-Tsumago
Accommodation: Hotel KisojiActivity: 3 hours/5.2 miles walking with 1,070' elevation gain & 1,400' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow the Old Nakasendo from Tsumago to Nojiri
Day 7
We continue our journey along the Kiso Valley and Nakasendo today, walking from Nagiso through the forest until just before Nojiri. The trail takes a lovely route along empty country lanes and paths that weave their way beside rice fields and the gardens of village houses. At Nojiri, we continue by a short train ride to Kiso-Fukushima, and stay at a ryokan with its own hot spring. There are more than three thousand named hot springs in Japan, fed by Japan's abundant volcanic activity. Enjoy a soak after your hike, to relax your muscles and enjoy a quintessential Japanese experience!
Accommodation: Komanoyu Ryokan-Kiso Fukushima
Activity: 4 hours/9 miles with 2,265' elevation gain & 2,112' elevation loss
Transportation: 30-minute or 45-minute train ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb to Torii Pass & Explore Narai-juku Village
Day 8
After a short train ride to Yabuhara, climb to Torii Pass, with good views over the Kiso Valley. In early spring, snow may dust on the mountaintops, but from mid-April onward the scenery is lush, green forest. Come early afternoon arrive in the well-preserved village of Narai-juku. Your ryokan dates back over 200 years and is typical of the merchant houses that line the village's main street. Take time to explore the atmospheric village, and perhaps try one of the local specialties. Your luggage will be transferred by courier this morning to Tokyo, so you will be without your luggage for one night, and will need a bag or pack to carry your overnight items.
Accommodation: Iseya Ryokan-Narai, Kiso Valley
Activity: 3 hours/4 miles walking with 1,130' elevation gain & 885' elevation loss
Transportation: 45-minute train ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk the Nakasendo from Narai to Hirasawa, Transfer to Tokyo
Day 9
After breakfast in Narai-juku, set out for a short walk to Hirasawa, renowned for its lacquer-ware artisans. Stop in at a workshop and meet local artisans before transferring to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, where you'll have free time to explore before dinner at your leisure. The luggage transferred from Day 8 will be waiting for you.
Accommodation: Park Hotel-Tokyo
Activity: 1 hour/1.6 miles walking
Transportation: 3.5-hour train ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour Tokyo's Top Sights
Day 10
Today's Tokyo tour includes walks around Nihonbashi, the elegant Ginza shopping district, and the Imperial Palace. The contrast of the Imperial Palace's large grounds, deep moat, and historic buildings with downtown Tokyo's modern office buildings reflects Japan's twin identities of modernity and tradition. Continue to Harajuku for lunch and to visit the Meiji Shrine, a beautiful place of quiet reflection located within an evergreen forest. Then walk along the fashionable, tree-lined Omotesando - the Champs-Elysees of Tokyo - to the bustling entertainment area of Shibuya. Return to the hotel before your farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Park Hotel-Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart from Tokyo
Day 11
Your guide is on hand this morning to help you transfer to Narita Airport for homeward-bound flights.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,400 single supplementWaitlistConfirmed
- $8,220 price per person dbl occ+$1,400 single supplementCheck for AvailabilityConfirmed
- $8,270 price per person dbl occ+$1,400 single supplementCheck for AvailabilityConfirmed
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,400 single supplementWaitlistConfirmed
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,400 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,400 single supplementAvailable
- $8,270 price per person dbl occ+$1,400 single supplementGoing FastConfirmed
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,400 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,400 single supplementAvailable
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$1,450 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
8 to 10 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
1 guests from $15,495 per person double occupancy
2 guests from $11,495 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $9,495 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $8,695 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
5 to 6 guests from $8,495 per person double occupancy
7 to 9 guests from $8,295 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Sep 24 - Oct 04, 2023
- Mar 24 - Apr 03, 2024
- Mar 31 - Apr 10, 2024
- Apr 07 - 17, 2024
- Apr 16 - 26, 2024
- May 12 - 22, 2024
- Sep 16 - 26, 2024
- Sep 29 - Oct 09, 2024
- Oct 13 - 23, 2024
- Oct 22 - Nov 01, 2024
- Nov 03 - 13, 2024
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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March, April, May, September, October, November
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Tomomi Shimazu
Tomomi was born and raised in Tokyo. After completing her degree in international relations, she studied in the UK and the US. Later she lived in Hawaii and Israel for years and traveled extensively in Europe, the US and Middle East. She now lives in Tokyo, close to its center and loves gardening, walking, cycling and yoga. Tomomi enjoys guiding and sharing her knowledge of both traditional and urban cultures of Japan. Meet Tomomi on MT Sobek's adventures in Japan.

Toshi Kida
Toshiyuki Kida was born in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and grew up in Sekiyama in Niigata Prefecture. His interest in travel became apparent from the very moment he played with a globe as a child and it turned into a life-long passion. After graduating from university in 1978, he moved to Canada and now divides his time between Canada and Japan. Toshiyuki Kida has guided the Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo trails since 2013. He has traveled to over 200 cities in 25 countries in America, Europe, and Asia.

Michiharu Namba
Michiharu lives in Nishinomiya city in Japan's Hyogo prefecture. He majored in English literature in university and later joined the travel industry, where he has worked as a tour leader for the last 10 years. Michiharu has traveled throughout Japan (as well as across Asia, Africa and Europe), and is interested in history, culture, art, and literature. He is also an avid hiker and enjoys leading MT Sobek's Japan adventures. He looks forward to sharing the wonders of Japan with you!
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. You will be walking 1-3 hours and 5-9 miles a day through the Japanese countryside, visiting idyllic villages, ancient temples, traditional inns, and renowned artisanal workshops. Elevations are between 500 and 3,500 feet. You need to be in good health and physical condition for this trip.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 4
2 hours/3 miles hiking
Day 6
3 hours/5.2 miles walking with 1,070' elevation gain & 1,400' elevation loss
Day 7
4 hours/9 miles with 2,265' elevation gain & 2,112' elevation loss
Day 8
3 hours/4 miles walking with 1,130' elevation gain & 885' elevation loss
Day 9
1 hour/1.6 miles walking
Accommodations
Enjoy stays in traditional ryokans (inns) - many with onsen (hot springs) - and comfortable hotels with modern amenities.
Weather
Spring and fall temperatures range from 50°F to the high 70°'s F. In springtime, there is a fair chance of rain.
Know Before You Book
Meals
Many of the inns visited will be smaller, family-run establishments that have limited resources so dining choices might be much simpler for gluten or fish allergies. The inns do offer a wide variety of dishes to enjoy, so you can ask to trade a dish with another companion or leave something you dislike off to the side.
Sitting on the floor for meals is a long standing tradition in Japan. You should be comfortable with sitting down and standing up from the floor to fully enjoy this experience.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
You will make your own way to the limousine bus desk to take a limousine bus to the hotel, where your guide will meet you in the evening for a trip briefing and dinner.
What days will I be without my luggage during this trip?
You will be without your luggage, carrying only your essentials in your daypack, on days 3, 4 and 8. Your luggage will be transported by courier to your accommodation on the following day.
Can I travel to Japan if I'm gluten-free?
Yes, you can, but please let us know as soon as possible so we can manage your request.
Can you manage food alleries like fish or shellfish?
Fish is a more challenging allergy to manage due to the ubiquitous nature of dashi (fish broth), but we can usually still manage it.
What is staying in a ryokan or minshuku like?
The ryokans vary significantly, but usually have tatami mats for flooring and futon beds that are laid out each night. Baths may be communal and divided by gender.