Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Walking Tour

Your Guides

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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!

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Kyoto 
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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!
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                    [Latitude] => 35.0116 N
                    [Longitude] => 135.7680 E
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                    [Headline] => Explore Kyoto\'s Magnificent Temples & Gardens
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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.
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                    [Longitude] => 135.7680 E
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                    [Headline] => Travel the Scenic Nankai Railway and Follow the Pilgrim\'s Trail to Mount Koya
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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.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3-hour train ride
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                    [Latitude] => 34.2167 N
                    [Longitude] => 135.5833 E
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                    [Headline] => Ride the Train to Nara
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/3 miles hiking
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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.
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                    [Latitude] => 34.41 N
                    [Longitude] => 135.38 E
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                    [Headline] => Explore Nara and the Kiso Valley
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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.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 5-hour train and bus transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 35.5260 N
                    [Longitude] => 137.5668 E
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                    [Headline] => Discover Magome & Hike a Forested Trail to Tsumago
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/5.2 miles walking with 1,070\' elevation gain & 1,400\' elevation loss
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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.
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                    [Latitude] => 35.5777 N
                    [Longitude] => 137.5954 E
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                    [Headline] => Follow the Old Nakasendo from Tsumago to Nojiri
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4 hours/9 miles with 2,265\' elevation gain & 2,112\' elevation loss
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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!
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                    [Latitude] => 35.8501 N
                    [Longitude] => 137.6973 E
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                    [Headline] => Climb to Torii Pass & Explore Narai-juku Village
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/4 miles walking with 1,130\' elevation gain & 885\' elevation loss
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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.
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                    [Latitude] => 35.9684 N
                    [Longitude] => 137.8146 E
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                    [Headline] => Walk the Nakasendo from Narai to Hirasawa, Transfer to Tokyo
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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.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3.5-hour train ride
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                    [Latitude] => 35.6895 N
                    [Longitude] => 139.6917 E
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                    [Headline] => Tour Tokyo\'s Top Sights
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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.
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                    [Latitude] => 35.6895 N
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                    [Headline] => Depart from Tokyo
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Your guide is on hand this morning to help you transfer to Narita Airport for homeward-bound flights.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => 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.
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Accommodations

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Enjoy stays in traditional ryokans (inns) - many with onsen (hot springs) - and comfortable hotels with modern amenities.

Park Hotel-Tokyo

Comfortable Hotel

Park Hotel is a luxury hotel ideally located in Shiodome, a bustling center of Tokyo's business and culture. The hotel's art theme is reflected in the 17 artist-designed guest rooms, the various art installations and exhibitions the hotel displays, and the creative cuisine served in its many restaurants. The Park Hotel Tokyo offers traditional Japanese hospitality in a modern setting.

Daikichi Minshuku-Tsumago

Rustic Lodging

We use two minshuku (guesthouse) in Tsumago: Daikichi and Matsushiroya. Daikichi is a traditional, family-run inn with five tatami-mat guest rooms. The family serves dinner consisting of many small dishes featuring locally grown ingredients. Guests lay out their own futons in the evening and take turns to use the bath privately — and soak in the bathtub made from Kiso cypress.

Matsushiroya Minshuku-Tsumago

Rustic Lodging

Matsushiroya is a traditional-style inn established in 1804, offering six tatami-mat guest rooms, several toilets and wash basins, plus two rooms for bathing. Usually one bathing room is used communally by men and one is used communally by women, but depending on occupancy levels, the inn may suggest that guests take turns bathing privately.

Iseya Ryokan-Narai, Kiso Valley

Rustic Lodging

Iseya is a traditional minshuku established in 1818. The friendly, family-run inn occupies the original wooden building and a newer annex. There are 10 tatami-mat guest rooms, several guest toilets and wash basins, plus two rooms with Kiso umbrella pine tubs for bathing. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms. Meals are Japanese-style set menus featuring local specialties.

Komanoyu Ryokan-Kiso Fukushima

Rustic Lodging

Komanoyu has lovely, big onsen baths with indoor and outdoor sections (separate baths for men and women). Just grab your traditional Japanese towel for modesty and pad down to the bathing space for complete relaxation. Sleep well atop futons in the spacious guest rooms, and enjoy traditional Japanese dishes. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby area.

Shojoshin-in Shukubo-Koyasan

Rustic Lodging

Shojoshin-in is a shukubo, or lodging, in a Buddhist temple. In fact Shojoshin-in is attached to one of Mount Koya's oldest Buddhist temples! Built as a thatched hut more than 1,150 years ago, today it boasts attractive 150-year-old buildings with 22 guest rooms and two large communal bathing areas — one for men and one for women — with beautiful Hinoki cypress wood bathtubs.

Tajimaya Minshuku-Magome, Kiso Valley

Rustic Lodging

Experience an authentic minshuku at charming Tajimaya. Located in Magome along the Old Nakasendo, Tajimaya offers traditional Japanese-style rooms where guests share all bathroom facilities. The Japanese irori (hearth) is over 100 years old and still in use. Tajimaya's owners serve fresh, local cuisine, and guests can relax in the wooden tubs after a long day's hike.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Luxury Hotel

The Hotel Granvia Kyoto is a four star property easily accessible within the JR Kyoto Station. Its sleek architectural decor is paired with modern amenities in each room, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, electric kettles and flat screen TVs. Guests can choose to relax in the hot tub, wander through the thousands of pieces of art work on the property or walk over to the Kyoto Tower.

Hotel Nikko Nara

Luxury Hotel

Situated in the center of Nara prefecture, Hotel Nikko Nara is a four-star relaxing retreat with a Japanese-style bath house, fitness center, spa and massage facilities. Each room offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffee/tea kettle and a flat-screen TV. Dine at one of the hotel's four restaurants featuring European, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine or take short stroll to any of the local restaurants nearby.

Piazza Hotel Nara

Luxury Hotel

A fusion of Japanese and European sleek design, the Piazza Hotel Nara is a short walk from Nara Park and offers many modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi. Watch as chefs cook authentic Teppanyaki-style dishes in front of your table at the live dining restaurant. Afterwards, head over to the hotel's jazz bar for live musical performances or relax with cocktails on the rooftop terrace.

Hotel Kisoji

Comfortable Hotel

Immerse yourself in nature in this European-style onsen resort surrounded by hot springs water. As one of Japan's largest bathing facilities, take a moment to relax in one of the open-air springs under a starry night to soothe away the miles from your hike. Hotel Kisoji offers spacious rooms in a minimalist style with flat screen TVs and internet access.

Hanasarasa Inn

Rustic Lodging

Hotel Hanasarasa is located in the Nakatsugawa Onsen area, sitting at the base of Mount Ena. It is close to Magome, gateway to our walk on the Nakasendo Trail. The hotel's baths are onsen baths (mineral hot springs) and the baths in this area are known for their beautifying properties! Adjoining the hotel is a larger onsen facility with a selection of indoor and outdoor hot springs baths and swimming pools. Meals at the facility showcase local cuisine, including river fish and the Hida beef of Gifu prefecture. Rooms are equipped with en suite toilets and other amenities.

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