Active Japan: Kyoto to Tokyo Island Hopping Tour with 4 Reviews by G Adventures

12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Kyoto, Japan

Ends

Tokyo, Japan

Highlights

Experience a traditional Sabani boat excursion on the crystal clear water and colorful reefs of Okiniawa.

Hike.

bike and kayak through different Okinawan islands.

Explore Tokyo on a tour with your CEO and with free time.

Itinerary

Japan is a country where futuristic cities meet timeless traditions, and this 12-day adventure showcases both sides perfectly. Start in the vibrant streets of Kyoto and Tokyo before diving deep into Okinawa’s lesser-known islands, where ancient customs are still alive and well. Pedal through the charming village houses of Taketomi Island, soak in the serenity of Yambaru National Park with some forest bathing, and hop aboard a traditional Sabani boat to sail the stunning Ishigaki coastline. This trip is the ultimate blend of city buzz and island adventure — so, what are you waiting for?

day 1 - Kyoto

Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome briefing and an optional dinner in Kyoto.

Accomodation:Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Kyoto

Start your Kyoto based explorations with one of the iconic hikes outside the Kyoto downtown area. Hike from Kurama village to Kibune-two villages that mark the start and endpoint of the hike. As you wind your way through the canopied forest, visit the Yuki shrine and Kurama-dera temple.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya (or similar)

Included Activity:CEO-Led Hiking Tour from Kurama to Kibune Duration : 2.5 hr

day 3 - Kyoto

The final Day in Kyoto begins with the iconic visit to Fushimi Inari shrine. Walk for around 2 hours under the vibrant torii gates as you make your way along the various trails. Although this is a popular activity, it's worth it for the expansive views across Southern Kyoto.
Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kyoto.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya (or similar)

Included Activity:Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Hike

Optional Activities:Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both., Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view., Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond.

day 4 - Kyoto to Yanbaru National Park

Let the island hopping begin. Board a domestic flight bound for Naha airport, in Okinawa. Naha is the main gateway for travelers in and out of Okinawa. Upon arrival, hop onto a private transport and make your way north towards Yanbaru National Park. This area is not popular on the tourist route due to its more remote location, and indeed feels a bit like a hidden gem.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Ada Garden Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Plane

day 5 - Yanbaru National Park

Embark on a guided walk through part of Yambaru Forest, spotting native flora and fauna on the Ibe-dake Forest Trail Trek. After a picnic lunch, head towards to the seaside and join your local guide on a guided sea kayaking excursion to Yasuda island. After a busy day, enjoy a dinner out together.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Ada Garden Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:Ibe-dake Forest Trail Trek, Yanbaru Sea Kayaking

day 6 - Kunigami/Ishigaki

Another day, another island. Today, head even further south to Ishigaki island. Still part of Okinawa, Ishigaki technically sits closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan. Join your CEO and fellow travelers for a delicious dinner sampling famous Okinawan ryōri (food).

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Hotel Abianpana Ishigaki (or similar)

Transport:Plane

day 7 - Ishigaki

In the Hirakubo Peninsula in northern Ishigaki, hop aboard a Sabani, the traditional Okinawan sailboat, and cruise along the shores of the peninsula. Hop into the water to snorkel if you choose, or just admire the stunning untouched environment. These boats are hand carved in the traditional way from hollowed logs, and only hold 6 persons per boat. Enjoy this rare opportunity to enjoy a piece of Okinawan cultural heritage. During the paddle, we'll jump out of the boat for a chance to snorkel out above the coral reef.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Abianpana Ishigaki (or similar)

Included Activities:Sabani Boat, Snorkeling from the Sabani Boat

day 8 - Taketomi Island

Just off the coast of the Ishigaki Port area is Taketomi Island, part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Surrounded by coral reef, the island is actually constructed of coral walls and structures, creating a unique architectural look within Japan. The central Ryukyu village is the most well known feature of the island, full of red tiled roof buildings and tropical flowers. There are plenty of ways to explore Taketomi, but in true G Adventures style we opt for a bicycle to be able to zip around and see as much as possible.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Abianpana Ishigaki (or similar)

Transport:Ferry

Included Activity:Taketomi Cycling

day 9 - Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park

The island hopping continues as you head west again towards Iriomote island. Spend the Day kayaking in a mangrove area, spotting birds and local flora you can only find in this area. After an epic Day exploring the island, choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner back in Ishigaki.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Abianpana Ishigaki (or similar)

Transport:Ferry

Included Activity:Iriomote Kayak

day 10 - Ishigaki/Tokyo

We bid farewell to the beautiful archipelago of Okinawa and return to Japan's mainland. After breakfast, we'll catch a flight to Tokyo. Arrive to the the hotel and enjoy a free evening in Tokyo.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Oriental Express Tokyo Kamata (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 3.0 hr

day 11 - Tokyo

Today you have the chance to see the biggest city in Japan on a tour with your CEO. See highlights of this amazing city like Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Asakusa neighbourhood, Nakamise shopping street and the historic Meiji Shrine. In the afternoon, spend your time in Tokyo how you'd like. Opt to visit cool neighborhoods like Akihabara or Harajuku. Or find some green space in the famous Ueno Park.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Oriental Express Tokyo Kamata (or similar)

Included Activities:Sensō-ji Temple Visit, Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit

Optional Activities:Akihabara Visit Tokyo's Akihabara district is a cultural centre and shopping district for video games, anime, manga, and electronics., Harajuku Visit The Harajuku district is known as the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Here, find dozens of shopping and dining options including independent boutiques and larger international luxury stores., Ueno Park Visit Park entrance is free, as are many of the shrines. However, some shrines and museums charge an entry fee of 500JPY.

day 12 - Tokyo

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast

Active Japan: Kyoto to Tokyo Island Hopping

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (11nts).

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Note: Allow USD420-550 for meals not included.

Transport

Plane, local train, walking, private vehicle, gondola, public bus, bicycle, local metro.

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout.

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupKurama to Kibune trek & shrine visitsFushimi Inari Taisha hikeOkinawa Rail Observation & Ibe-dake Forest Trail TrekYasuda Sea Kayaking tourSabani Boat experienceTaketomi cycling excursionMangrove kayak on Iriomote islandinternal flightsAsakusa Sensō-ji TempleNakamise shopping street visitMeiji Shrine visitFree time in TokyoAll transportation to/from included activities

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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