Traversing the Trails Of Japan: A Thrilling Hiking Adventure

Day 1: Kyoto Awaits Your Arrival

Welcome to the breathtaking city of Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan! Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the airport, where your private guide will greet you and escort you to your luxurious hotel. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famously depicted in the Oscar-winning film "Memoirs of a Geisha." This mesmerizing shrine boasts over 10,000 vibrant red torii gates, each donated by Japanese individuals and businesses as a symbol of gratitude to the god Inari for their blessings. After a day filled with wonder and history, retire to your hotel for a relaxing dinner and a peaceful night's sleep. Get ready for more exciting adventures tomorrow!

Day 2: A Day of Delightful Discoveries in Kyoto

Join your guide for a city tour of Kyoto and be treated to a traditional Japanese arts show. Meet skilled artists such as flower arrangers, puppeteers, koto players, and court musicians, and witness the elegance of a maiko (geisha in training) performance. In the evening, wander the bustling streets of Pontocho, where you'll enjoy a private dinner or tea ceremony with a geisha before retiring to your hotel.

Day 3: Nara - A Land of Serene Beauty

After breakfast,  take a day's trip to Nara (a thirty-five-minute private drive), renowned for its traditional landmarks and docile deer herds. Explore scenic gardens, temples, and shrines. Embark on a journey through time as you wander through the lush and serene Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest in Nara. Surrounded by towering trees, this picturesque hiking trail is a peaceful escape from bustling city life. But the day's real highlight awaits at the Todaiji Temple, where the magnificent Daibutsu Buddha statue resides. Standing tall at a staggering height of over 50 feet, this impressive bronze statue is a symbol of strength, peace, and serenity. Return to Kyoto in the evening for a restful night.

Day 4: The Walk from Magome to Tsumago

Travel to Nakatsugawa by bullet train, then take a private ride to Magome. Stroll along the Nakasendo Trail over the Magome Pass to the charming post town of Tsumago, where cars are not allowed on the main street and electrical wires are carefully concealed. Spend the night at a minshuku (family-run inn) for a delicious home-cooked meal and a walk around town in a yukata gown. 

Day 5: Hike From Tsumago to Nojiri

Embark on a beautiful hike from Tsumago to Nojiri, a journey through valleys, bamboo, and cedar forests. The 11.5-mile (18 km) trek should take about six hours. Then hop on the train to Kiso-Fukushima, where you'll stay at a traditional inn for the night, a Japanese-style ryokan, an inn where you will sleep on a traditional futon. The ryokan is set in a tranquil valley and features indoor and outdoor hot spring baths to relax in.

Day 6: Journey through the Torii Pass to Narai

Take a scenic hike of two to three hours to a serene local waterfall in Narai, explore the village, take in the sights and sounds, and relish a delicious lunch. You will check into a minshuku for a delicious home-cooked dinner and an overnight stay. This post station marks the center of the Nakasendo Trail.

Day 7: From Narai to Kiso-Hirasawa

After breakfast, hike to the nearby town of Kiso-Hirasawa, and wander in the streets renowned for their beautifully crafted lacquered furniture and tableware. Board the train to the historic Matsumoto Castle and continue to Karuizawa for the final night of your trip, where you'll stay in a traditional inn with Japanese baths. Enjoy a dinner prepared with locally grown ingredients.

Day 8: Trek to Yokokawa and return to Tokyo

As the journey nears its end, the trail leads you from the peaceful town of Karuizawa to the bustling city of Yokokawa. The trail climbs over the imposing Usui-toge Pass, taking you over high plateaus with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The path then winds its way down through one of the most picturesque sections of the trail, taking in panoramic views of the lush forests and rolling hills below. Reach Yokokawa, where you'll drive back to Tokyo, the end of an incredible journey.

Day 9: Discover the Magic of Tokyo

Head over to the world-renowned Tokyo Skytree, a towering marvel of engineering that stands at an awe-inspiring 2,080 feet. Soak in the breathtaking views of the cityscape and beyond, all the way to the majestic Mount Fuji from the tower's 360-degree observation deck. Next, immerse yourself in the rich history of Tokyo with a visit to Sensoji, the city's oldest temple, steeped in legends and folklore. It is said that the temple was founded after two brothers fished a statue of the goddess Kannon from the Sumida River. Stroll through the tranquil grounds, taking in the ancient architecture and serene atmosphere.

Just a stone's throw away, the Asakusa Shrine showcases the unique differences between Shinto and Buddhist belief systems. As the day draws to a close, make your way over to the lively neighborhood of Shibuya, the beating heart of Tokyo's nightlife. The famous Shibuya Crossing, teeming with people and energy, is a must-visit, while the surrounding area is packed with an array of dining options, bustling bars, and pulsating nightclubs. So whether you're in the mood for a quiet dinner or a wild night out, Shibuya has got you covered.

Day 10: Departure from Tokyo

Today marks the end of an unforgettable adventure as you prepare to depart from the city. Start the morning with a leisurely breakfast, savoring the flavors and aromas of traditional Japanese cuisine one last time. Then, take a stroll through the streets and take in the sights and sounds of the city, capturing memories to last a lifetime. After a farewell lunch, your private guide will transport you to the airport for a departure flight back home.