Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Overview
Highlights
- Hike between the preserved post towns of the Nakasendo Way and reconnect with the Edo history on this ancient trail connecting Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto.
- Discover one of Japan's best cycling routes – the Shimanami Kaido, which links Honshu with Shikoku across the scenic Inland Sea – and enjoy a cycling and kayaking experience through lush seaside landscapes.
- Temple-hop through the historic city of Kyoto with a guided bike ride past some of the major religious sites in the city – on two wheels is the perfect way to explore this ancient capital.
- Hike a section of the Kumano Kodo – one of only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage trails in the world. Along the ancient route, you’ll see the spectacular Nachi Falls and Nachi Taisha Shrine.
- Relax your muscles in Toba’s hot spring onsens and maybe even one of Kyoto’s sentos (traditional bath houses) - a must-do experience while in Japan!
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- Nakasendo Trail - Magome to Tsumago hiking
- Toson Memorial Museum
- Onomichi - Shimanami Kaido cycling
- Ikuchijima Island- Sea Kayaking
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
- Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Mt. Daimonji-yama hike
- Kyoto - Kyoto Cycling
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple
- Shingu - Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine
- Kumano Kudo - Hiking
- Kumano Kodo - Kumano Nachi Taisha
- Toba - Mikimoto Pearl Island Museum
- Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – bursting with contemporary urban culture, this colourful city is home to many museums, world-class shopping strips, neighbourhoods full of restaurants and countless karaoke bars. As this trip spends very l...
Say goodbye to Tokyo this morning and hop on a train towards the Nakasendo Way – a historic network that connected shukuba (post stations) between Tokyo and Kyoto in the Edo period. When you arrive, you’ll head out to walk a section of the Way between Tsumago and Mago...
An early morning start today takes you on a short hike along another section of the Nakasendo trail to Nagiso station. After, take a regional train and then a shinkansen (bullet train) to Furukawa, connecting to a local train bound for Onomichi. Onomichi marks the beg...
Wake up this morning ready take on a section of the Shimanami Kaido. This 60 km cycle path connects six small islands on the Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. Today, you’ll ride across three of the connecting islands, arriving on Ikuchijima around midday. The cyc...
This morning, take a local train and shinkansen to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (translating to the tranquillity and peace capital) in AD794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years before the emperor and government relocated to Tokyo. Because of ...
Head with your group to Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion. Built more than 500 years ago, this structure is surrounded by intricate Japanese landscape architecture and was modelled off the Golden Pavilion, Kinakuji. From Ginkakuji, you’ll hike up Mt Daimonj...
Today it’s time to jump back on two wheels. Pick up your rental bikes and start exploring Kyoto. Cycle along the beautiful Kamogawa River to Demachiyanangi, stopping at Daitokuji Temple. Learn about Zen Buddhism and find a dose of peace before hopping back on the sadd...
This morning, hop on the train to Shingu. Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine – one of the three main shrines part of the Kumano Kodo network. After you've had a look around, visit Kamikura Shrine – one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Shingu. This shrine has ...
Today is an early start as you head out to hike part of the famous Kumano Kodo – one of the only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrim routes in the world. The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient routes that connect three major religious sites – known collectively ...
Take the train to Toba today. Toba is the perfect place to wind down after a few days of hiking, cycling and kayaking. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk in the old town of Toba and give you the option to have a fresh seafood barbec...
In the morning, hop back on the train and return to Osaka. Arrive at around lunch time and go on a walking tour with your leader to the famous Dotombori district, which is popular for its shopping, food and entertainment. At night, this place is lit by hundreds of neo...
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.
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Finish point
- Comfort hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
- 〒542-0083 1-15-15 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi,
- Osaka
- JAPAN
Alternate Finish point
- For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
- 23 Mar 2025 (CJXH250323), 09 Apr 2025 (CJXH250409), 13 Apr 2025 (CJXH250413), 11 May 2025 (CJXH250511), 18 May 2025 (CJXH250518), 15 Jun 2025 (CJXH250615), 12 Oct 2025 (CJXH251012), 26 Oct 2025 (CJXH251026), 09 Nov 2025 (CJXH251109)
- Kuretake Inn Osaka Sakaisuji Honmachi
- 2-2-15 Minamihonmachi,Chuo-ku,
- Osaka
- JAPAN
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