Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Walking Tour

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Explore Kyoto's ancient temples, UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, and the bamboo forest of Arashiyama
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Journey to Nara's Todai-ji, scenic and sacred Mount Koya, and electric Tokyo
            [Description] => Journey to Nara's Todai-ji, scenic and sacred Mount Koya, and electric Tokyo
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Follow shoguns' shadows along the spectacular Nakasendo Way through medieval towns, lush valleys, and misty forests
            [Description] => Follow shoguns' shadows along the spectacular Nakasendo Way through medieval towns, lush valleys, and misty forests
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            [Description] => blossom temple
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            [Description] => tea service
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            [Description] => lanterns
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            [Description] => little gates
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            [Description] => golden temple
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            [Description] => night temple
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            [Description] => noodles
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            [Description] => autumn
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            [Description] => bamboo
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            [Description] => shrine stairs
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            [Description] => sand garden
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            [Description] => deer
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            [Description] => lanterns
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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 S.

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 K.

Toshiyuki 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 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.

Atsuko I.

Atsuko was born in Osaka, an old merchant city, and brought up in Kamakura, an ancient capital of samurais. Since childhood she has visited many temples and shrines, which might have fostered her love for Japanese culture. She majored in French at Sophia University in Tokyo and lived in Los Angeles, Bangkok, London and Paris for 11 years because of her husband's work. She loved to talk with locals in these places and enjoyed communication wherever she lived. After coming back to Japan, Atsuko was passionate about introducing Japanese culture to foreign visitors, and worked at Edo-Tokyo Museum as a volunteer guide for 7 years. Now she guides throughout Japan. On each trip, she enjoys communicating with her group members and always tries her best to show the real beauty of Japan and theJapanese way of thinking and living.

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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
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8 hours/5-6 miles city walking with negligible elevation gain or loss
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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. Enjoy time in the vicinity for an early lunch on your own, then gather and continue on to Ryoanji to see its famous rock garden. Then, 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 returning to our hotel to freshen up before dinner.
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                    [Latitude] => 35.0116 N
                    [Longitude] => 135.7680 E
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                    [Headline] => Travel the Scenic Nankai Railway and Follow the Pilgrim\'s Trail to Mount Koya
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours/4-5 miles walking between modes of transportation and at Okuno-in cemetery
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Travel by bus, cable car and train 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). Visit Kongobu-ji temple and enjoy 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 main suitcase will be transferred by courier this morning from Kyoto, and you will be without your luggage for two nights; you\'ll need a smaller duffel and/or daypack to carry your essentials for two nights.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 4 hours total by local bus, cable car, and train (broken into shorter segments)
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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 plus 1 hour additional walking between modes of transportation
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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. 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. Continue to Mount Wakakusa for a walk that provides a view of the city.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 4 hours total by local bus, cable car, and train (broken into shorter segments)
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                    [Latitude] => 34.41 N
                    [Longitude] => 135.38 E
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This morning visit Todaiji temple - the world\'s largest wooden building - which houses one of Japan\'s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Then travel by bus and 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 it\'s a treat to enjoy the hospitality of villagers who have converted their traditional \'machiya\' houses into inns. Arrive at your Japanese style inn on time for dinner. Your luggage transferred from Kyoto will be waiting for you.
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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
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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 in Tsumago, take a short ride to your 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 Nenoue Toge
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Today you\'ll continue your journey through the Kiso Valley and along the Nakasendo, walking a forested route from Nagiso to Nenoue Touge. Enjoy the lovely trail along empty country lanes and paths that weave their way beside rice fields and the gardens of village houses. From Nenoue Toge (where the trail turns into paved road) travel by private vehicle 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. Soak your muscles after your hike with a quintessential Japanese onsen experience! Your main suitcase will be transferred by courier to Tokyo, and you will be without your luggage for two nights; you\'ll need a smaller duffel and/or daypack to carry your essentials for two nights.
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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
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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. 
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                    [Travel_Type] => 45-minute train ride
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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 a 3.5-hour train journey to Tokyo (changing trains twice en route). Check in to your Tokyo hotel, where the luggage transferred from Day 7 will be waiting for you. Enjoy free time to explore, before dinner at your leisure.
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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 to enjoy free time for lunch on your own, then visit the Meiji Shrine, a beautiful place of quiet reflection located within an evergreen forest. 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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Transfer by pre-booked shared taxi to either Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, according to your homeward-bound flights.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Moderately paced hikes of up to nine miles a day through the Japanese countryside, visiting villages, temples, and artisan workshops. Plus two days of extensive city walking and cultural touring, linked by scenic train rides.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Onyado Tsutaya

Rustic Lodging

A 350-year-old traditional Japanese inn, Onyado Tsutaya welcomes guests with both open-air mineral and indoor herbal onsen (hot spring baths) with the sounds of the Kiso River nearby. Ideally located for those walking the Nakasendo Trail, the inn offers traditional rooms with sliding screens and tatami mats, which come with either futon or Western style bedding. Sample traditional cuisine with ingredients unique to Kiso with a multicourse dinner.

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.

Eko-in

Eko-in is a temple on Mt Koya with a 1,200-year history, and offers a rare opportunity to stay in a shukubo, authentic Buddhist temple lodging attended by young monks in training. Guests eat Buddhist vegetarian food and sleep on futons in traditional rooms with sliding screens and shared bathroom facilities, and have the opportunity to attend morning prayers with the monks.

Keigetsu

Comfortable Hotel

A traditional Japanese inn nestled between lush mountains and clear springs, Keigetsu's large onsen, or hot spring baths are fed by the Hirugami spring. Soak in mineral-rich waters said to smooth and hydrate the skin. Sleep in traditional style rooms with tatami mats and futons or Western bedding, all with ensuite toilet. Dine on multicourse kaiseki meals with seasonal ingredients including Murasawa beef, a rare delicacy.

Celestine Tokyo Shiba

Comfortable Hotel

Experience the Japanese aesthetic in the heart of Tokyo at the Celestine Tokyo Shiba. Stay in a historic district formerly occupied by the residences of feudal lords, today filled with embassies and luxury high-rise buildings. Touches of luxurious leather and marble complement the natural wood and large windows in the rooms. A leafy patio, restaurant, café, spa, and fitness center offer plenty of ways to relax.

Mitsugon-in

Rustic Lodging

Mitsugon-in is a rare opportunity to stay in a shukubo, authentic Buddhist temple lodging attended by young monks in training. It's housed within the Mikkyo-in temple, linked to the Shingi Shingon sect's founder Kokyo Daishi Kakubanjojin (or Kakuban) in the early 12th century. Daishi Kakuban lived, trained and worshiped on site, and later constructed a temple on Mount Negoro to the northwest that was the foundation for the Shingi Shingon Buddhism sect. The current building was rebuilt in 1931, then renovated in 1988, and preserves this historic site. Today it boasts 30 simple guest rooms and two large communal bathing areas — one for men and one for women - as well as a lovely traditional garden. Guests eat Buddhist vegetarian food and sleep on futons in traditional rooms with sliding screens and shared bathroom facilities, and have the opportunity to attend morning prayers with the monks.

Hotel Vischio Kyoto

The Hotel Vischio Kyoto is a four-star property and sister hotel of Hotel Granvia Kyoto, located just two minutes from the JR Kyoto Station, easily accessible via train and subway lines. Its sophisticated urban 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, work out in the fitness room, or walk over to the Kyoto Tower.

Renge-in

Renge-in is a rare opportunity to stay in a shukubo, an authentic Buddhist temple lodging attended by young monks in training. Renge-in is both a temple lodging and the family temple for the entire Tokugawa clan. The temple has a long history and was refurbished in 2015. Guests eat Buddhist vegetarian food and sleep on futons in traditional rooms with sliding screens and shared bathroom facilities, and have the opportunity to attend morning prayers with the monks.

Tsutaya Tokinoyado Kazari

A modern ryokan, Tsutaya Tokinoyado Kazari welcomes guests with both indoor and outdoor hot spring pools. Ideally located for those walking the Nakasendo Trail, the inn offers traditional rooms with sliding screens and tatami mats, which come with either futon or Western style bedding. Rooms are equipped with en suite toilets and other amenities; bathing facilities are shared. Sample a multi course dinner of traditional cuisine with ingredients unique to Kiso during your stay.

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