Japan's Culture and Countryside
Kyoto, Japan
Hiking and Culture
Make It Your Adventure
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While Japan has long been known for its dynamic cities, only recently has the beauty and culture of the Japanese countryside begun to gain attention. On this trip we experience both, spending time in the beginning in Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, and at the end in Tokyo, a mixture of ancient and modern. In between we will hike some of the best parts of the Nakasendo Way, which linked the two cities during Japan's feudal period. It was the 'road through the mountains' travelled by feudal lords and their retinues, samurai, merchants, and travelers. Each day we will walk a different section of this ancient route, avoiding those parts that have become busy roads. Each evening we will stay in one of the small "post" towns where we'll enjoy the warm hospitality of a traditional country inn, feasting on freshly prepared dishes from the regional cuisine. If you have been wanting an in depth introduction to Japan's history, nature, and culture, please join us. Maximum group size: 14
Highlights
- Traveling the ancient Nakasendo Way
- Experiencing both modern and rural traditional Japan
- Staying in traditional inns with their reputation for hospitality
- Learning about Japanese history and culture
- Visiting two of the most dynamic modern cities in the world
Inclusions
- An English speaking female Japanese tour leader and an AGC group leader
- 9 nights double occupancy at western style hotels in the cities and traditional Japanese inns in the countryside
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary, including sightseeing tours in Kyoto and Tokyo
- All breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners (see itinerary)
- All transportation during the trip, including group airport transfer on Day 1 and Day 10.
- Baggage transfer on 3 occasions
What's not included: Travel to and from Japan, airport transfer outside referenced group transfers, beverages at meals, snacks,1 lunch, 2 dinners, guide gratuities, travel insurance.
Trip Info
This trip is designed for women who want to combine hiking off the beaten track in the Japanese countryside, visits to two of the main cities, and learning about Japanese history and culture while enjoying fresh regional cuisine. Women should be in good physical condition and able to hike for three to five hours a day with elevation gains between 550 - 1000 feet; and one longer day with elevation over 2,000 feet. Rating: 1 2[3] 4 5
This is a hiking and sightseeing trip, where our emphasis is more on experiencing Japan's history and culture than on covering miles. In several places on the Nakasendo Way we will avoid more built up parts by taking taxis or buses.
We will be staying in three different types of accommodation. In Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo, we will stay in modern Western-style hotels (6 nights). While rooms are generally smaller than in the US and Canada, all have en-suite facilities. In Kiso-Fukushima we will stay at a hot springs ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn, usually older wooden buildings with rooms in the Japanese style with tatami (straw) matting and futons laid out in the evening by the ryokan staff. Evening meals are served communally in the dining room, and are exquisitely prepared multi- course meals. Many ryokan have both en suite bathrooms (with the exception of some older buildings) and communal hot spring style baths (segregated by sex). In two towns we stay in Minshuku, which are smaller family-run inns. At these smaller family-run inns the bathrooms will be downstairs or down the hallway from the sleeping rooms. Both Ryokan and Minkushu are classic Japanese experiences. Please note: Vegetarian options are available, but limited. Strict vegetarian diets, vegan diets, or gluten free diets will be not be possible to accommodate due to the pervasiveness of the fish-based stock dashi and the use of soy sauce and miso in Japanese cuisine. There will not be much if any fresh fruits and/or vegetables. Most of the vegetables will be pickled, fried or cooked in soup.
Trip Resources
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
Plan to arrive at either Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM) in time for our first group meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Day 1 at the trip hotel. Most flights from the U.S. arrive in the afternoon or early evening, so you’ll likely need to depart the U.S. the day before the trip begins. Detailed instructions for getting to the hotel will be included in your pre-departure documents.
We’ll gather in the hotel lobby, where we’ll meet our local guide and get to know each other. After a warm welcome and introductions, we’ll take a short walk to a local restaurant for our first shared meal. Over dinner, our guide will give us a trip overview and orientation. With travel fatigue setting in, we’ll all be ready for an early bedtime tonight.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar Western-style hotel
Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the rich culture of Kyoto, beginning with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine in southeastern Kyoto. Known for its striking rows of vermilion torii gates, this sacred site winds its way up the mountainside, leading from the bustling street-level shrine to the serene upper sanctuary. Each gate is donated by devotees in gratitude or as a prayer for good fortune from the shrine’s Shinto spirit. After ascending through the gates, we’ll make our way down to nearby Tofukuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most significant Zen temples, offering us a glimpse into another facet of Japan’s spiritual traditions.
After a break for lunch, we’ll continue our exploration with a walk through Kyoto’s famous Gion district. This historic neighborhood is home to traditional teahouses and schools that support a vibrant community of geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha). If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of a beautifully dressed maiko on her way to a lesson or evening engagement. Tonight, dinner is on your own, giving you the freedom to choose a restaurant that suits your tastes, with recommendations from our guide.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar
Daily Activities: Walking (5-7 miles on dirt paths, steep steps, and city streets)
Travel: On foot and local transport
This morning, we’ll send our luggage ahead to be reunited with us tomorrow afternoon, so be sure to pack everything you’ll need for today, tonight, and tomorrow in your daypack. We’ll then travel by train to Asuka, a charming rural community on the Yamato Plain in Nara Prefecture. Before Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara rose as political centers of Japan, Asuka held that distinction and is closely associated with Prince Shotoku, the figure credited with introducing Buddhism to Japan.
Upon arrival, we’ll visit an organic farm, where we’ll hand-pick fresh vegetables and take part in preparing a delicious home-cooked meal. After lunch, a local bus will take us to the scenic Inabushi rice terraces, where we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the layered fields and surrounding mountains from a hillside observation deck. We’ll then continue by train to Nara, where we’ll check into our hotel before heading to a local restaurant for dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Piazza Nara or similar (Western-style hotel)
Daily Activities: Hiking (2 hours, 3 miles; elevation gain/loss: approximately 200 feet)
Travel: Train, local bus, walking
Our day begins with a short bus ride to Enjo-ji Temple, where we’ll start our hike. Today, we’ll follow in the footsteps of ancient warriors who once traveled this route from Nara to the renowned sword-making village of Yagyu. Our section of the trail covers approximately 7.3 miles, beginning at the historic Enjo-ji Temple and winding through scenic forests and mountain paths.
The hike concludes with a leisurely stroll through Nara Park, home to its famous free-roaming deer and a collection of beautiful temples. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the impressive Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant cultural and religious landmarks. This evening, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from Nara’s many excellent restaurants for dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Piazza Nara or similar (Western-style hotel)
Daily Activities: Hiking (7 hours, 7.3 miles, plus an additional 2 miles of sightseeing; ascent: 550 feet, descent: 1,500 feet)
Travel: Bus, walking
Today, we’ll once again send our luggage ahead to be reunited with us tomorrow evening. With just our essentials packed for the night, we’ll set out to walk a section of the legendary Nakasendo Way. Translating to "Middle Mountain Way," this historic route once connected Kyoto and Tokyo as an essential trade road and is now one of Japan’s most famous hiking trails.
Our journey begins in Magome and ends in Tsumago, taking us through breathtaking landscapes of waterfalls, bamboo groves, cedar forests, and stunning vistas over the Kiso Valley. To reach our starting point, we’ll travel via a combination of regional trains and the high-speed shinkansen to Nakatsugawa, where we’ll transfer to a local bus for a short ride to Magome. From there, we’ll hike approximately 4 miles along the Magome Pass to O-Tsumago, a small hamlet nestled along the Nakasendo Trail.
Upon arrival, we’ll walk through the charming town to our traditional lodging for check-in. After settling in, we’ll gather for another delicious Japanese dinner. If time and energy allow, an evening stroll through the quiet, lantern-lit streets of Tsumago is always an option. From here, you can choose to continue to Nagiso either on foot or by local bus. Once in Nagiso, the group will transfer by shuttle to our rural countryside minshuku, a traditional Japanese guesthouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Traditional Japanese hotel in O-Tsumago or similar
Daily Activities: Hiking (3.5 hours, 4 miles; ascent: 550 feet, descent: 1,100 feet)
Travel: Train, bullet train, local bus, shuttle, walking
Today, we continue our journey along the Nakasendo Way, walking from O-Tsumago to Tsumago, a pleasant 30-minute walk. Upon arriving in Tsumago, we’ll have a brief opportunity to explore the town before being shuttled to the start of today’s hike.
The trail takes us through serene valleys and lush forests of bamboo and Japanese cedar, offering some of the most untouched and beautiful scenery of the entire tour. After our hike, we’ll transfer by van to Kiso-Fukushima, where we’ll stay at a charming hot spring ryokan, nestled in a peaceful valley above the town.
After checking in, take time to unwind and soak in the ryokan’s beautiful indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, a perfect way to relax after a day of hiking. We’ll then gather for a delicious Japanese dinner, featuring fresh, locally sourced produce.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Japanese hot spring inn (Ryokan) or similar
Daily Activities: Hiking (4 hours, 6.5 miles; ascent: 2,275 feet, descent: 2,112 feet)
Travel: Van, walking
Once again, we’ll send our luggage ahead to be reunited with us tomorrow night in Tokyo. Today, we’ll take the train to Yabuhara to begin our hike. From there, we’ll hike over the scenic Torii Pass to Narai, which will take approximately 3.5 hours.
Upon arriving in Narai, we’ll enjoy a late lunch and then have some free time to explore this historic and well-preserved town, known for its traditional merchant houses and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Minshuku (traditional guesthouse)
Daily Activities: Hiking (3.5 hours, 4 miles; ascent/descent: 900 feet)
Travel: Train, walking
We’ll conclude our journey along the Nakasendo Way with a short walk to the charming town of Kiso-Hirasawa, renowned for its exquisite lacquerware. After exploring the town’s small shops, filled with beautifully crafted tableware and furniture, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch.
Following our time in Kiso-Hirasawa, we’ll board a train to Tokyo. We’ll arrive at Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest rail stations in the world, offering a striking contrast to the peaceful countryside we’ve just left behind. After checking into our hotel, you’ll have some free time to relax. For those interested, we’ll visit a nearby observation tower for panoramic views of the sprawling city.
Dinner is on your own, but your local guide will provide plenty of recommendations for nearby restaurants, allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Shiba Park Hotel or similar (Western-style hotel)
Daily Activities: Hiking (1 hour, 1.6 miles; negligible ascent and descent)
Travel: Train, walking
No visit to Japan would be complete without experiencing one of the world’s great cities—Tokyo! Our day begins in Asakusa, a historic district in Tokyo’s shitamachi (‘low city’), where you’ll find narrow streets that still evoke the charm of Edo-period Tokyo. The highlight of our visit is the magnificent Senso-ji Temple, originally built in the 7th century and rebuilt after its destruction in World War II. A five-story pagoda stands proudly within the temple grounds, offering a striking glimpse into Japan’s spiritual history.
Leading up to the main temple buildings is Nakamise-dori, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops offering a variety of Japanese arts, crafts, and souvenirs. At the end of the street stands the iconic Kaminari-mon gate, the famous entrance to the temple.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the trendy Harajuku district. Here, we’ll visit Meiji Jingu, a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played pivotal roles in modernizing Japan. Empress Shoken, known for her love of poetry, even inspired a unique tradition at the shrine—visitors can purchase a fortune in the form of a poetic verse.
We’ll continue with a stroll through Harajuku and Omotesando, two of Tokyo’s most fashionable districts. After some free time to explore at your leisure, we’ll reconvene for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. What a busy and exciting day it’s been!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Shiba Park Hotel or similar
Daily Activities: City tour
Travel: Walking
This morning, we bid farewell to Japan and our wonderful guide. She’ll assist us with our tickets to either Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) for our departure flights, which can be scheduled at your convenience. The ride to Narita Airport takes approximately 2 hours, and the bus is equipped with toilet facilities. You’ll be picked up 4 hours prior to your scheduled flight. For those departing from Haneda, the transfer is a short 30-minute ride.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel: Bus to Narita or Haneda Airport
4.6
(31 reviews)*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
Great American guide Brenda Porter.
Japan is so different from all the places I've been. I was worried if I would like the food and I loved it. By the end of the trip I quit asking "what is this?" and just tried it. And the presentation of each dish was stunning! I've traveled enough to know that people are nice all over the world, but the Japanese are so very kind. We have a lot to learn here. I always enjoy being in the woods and the trails we wandered were gorgeous. The architecture was also stunning, from the homes we passed by to the temples and shrines. And the bowing deer in Nara Park. I'll never forget those sweet animals. A fantastic trip and I haven't even mentioned yet the friends I made and our great guides.
The guides were wonderful
Being in totally different culture and seeing variety of country, especially the countryside
Basically everything was great: the guides, the hiking, the food, the hotels, everything. Standouts: the guides (both Anne & Naoko) were really excellent. The food was about 2 stars better than expected.
Bathing in the forests along the Nakasendo Way.
The culture of Japan. The amazing meals. The attention to detail that both guides, Anne and Naiko, included in every day. The diverse personalities of the group. The well planned hikes.
The food and cultural experiences! So special.
The women I travelled with. Emi and Anne, our guides were fantastic. I loved seeing not only the countryside but the cities of Kyoto and Tokyo.
I absolutely LOVED the itinerary because it exposed us to both Japanese city life and the countryside. It was a perfect mix of modern and traditional.
First time with AGC and one of the best trips I have ever been on. Our guide, Emi, was the highlight of the trip with her extensive knowledge of the culture and religions. Hiking different sections of the Nakasendo Way with colorful fall leaves; and staying at inns in small towns. Tasting a variety of traditional and modern Japanese dishes. I found the people we met along the way to be friendly and helpful. I definitely will return again for another trip.
The candor and cultural input provided by our Japanese guide elevated this hiking oriented trip. The time of year was perfect as autumn leaves were at their peak. The pace of experiences throughout the week was good, though I felt at times that too much time was spent commuting on multiple trains when a van could have been more time-efficient.
So many! The hiking and traditional inns were my favorite part.
Hiking with a smaller portion of the larger group through Torii Pass; the food (even though salty!), the mix of urban and rural experiences; the guides (Yuki and Ann) being able to adapt to the various interests among the group; using the baths both at the urban hotels and the rural inns.
Perfect weather, hiking in the mountains, the little mountain towns
A nice mix of the country and city. Good hikes planned. Very good and very knowledgeable guides.
The hikes were wonderful! Participants and guides were also wonderful! Experiencing the inns and the post towns along the trail was incredibly special. Shortcomings for me was (1) the need to pack so often and to not have our suitcases for much of the trip (which I understand may be a logistical hurdle that is difficult to overcome in Japan), (2) the food (while some of the food was wonderful, notably at the organic farm, I was disappointed that there was not more sashimi and/or sushi --- not sure if this was a price issue), and (3) too much time spent on crowded commuter trains (for me, ANY time spent on a crowded commuter train is too much!)
The highlight of the trip was learning about a totally new culture. Yuki is a good ambassador for Japan. She was clear and knowledgeable about what she knew and was clear about what she didn't know. The hiking was great. I trust your ratings and this was rated accurately. Gotta say the bathrooms were a highlight!!!
Experiencing the post towns along the Nakosendo Way; staying in ryokans where traditional Japanese culture is beautifully shared through the very special meals and the tatami mat/shojii screen/ futon/onsen aspects are unforgettable.
While it was a cultural and hiking trip rated 3, I experienced more culture due to an injury. I fell in love with Japan, and will definitely return. I missed out on the hiking and that is my only regret but I can return. An alternative itinerary was made daily for those that could not hike or choose not to and I am so grateful for the thoughtfulness and inclusiveness, the "go with the flow" and "roll with the punches" frame of mind. Japan is really interesting to me, a completely different culture with ancient crafts, skills, food and traditions. It is the cleanest country I have ever been too, overall so impressed with the attention to detail there.
Great mix of hiking and culture.
Would have preferred more hiking
Hiking was a highlight. Beautiful scenery, uncrowded trails. Fun group, great guides.
Great hiking through cypress forests. Japanese guide, Uki was fabulous as was Debra.
Would have liked more, or longer hikes because the forests were so beautiful. So glad I didn't try to go to Japan on my own. Not many English characters on signs. Everything is spotless. Train stations, airports, and streets surprisingly quiet. Appreciated the history I learned from Yuki. Liked all the quirky (to me) shoe rules, hot bath routines, learning how to used chopsticks, eating Italian food midweek, trying new foods, staying at the big Japanese tourist hotel and little ones too, having restaurants to ourselves, picking vegetables on the farm (cooking lesson a little lame but food good), seeing the Buddhist temple with zen gardens, pretty much liked everything!
Walking through the countryside was what I hoped for. The accommodations were great - from the well-situated Hearton in Kyoto to the variety of roykans in the small towns. The biggest disappointment was the ratio of hiking to time spent on mass transit. The trains
- Where do we eat?
Your breakfasts will be buffets at the hotels where you're staying. Dinner is in restaurants with typically a choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian entree. Lunches may either be picnics or in restaurants. - What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
Strict vegetarian diets, vegan diets, or gluten free diets will be impossible to accommodate due to the pervasiveness of the fish-based stock dashi and the use of soy sauce and miso in Japanese cuisine. If that is not a concern for you, non-meat dishes are readily available. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
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