Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail Tour with 8 Reviews by G Adventures

11 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 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

Hike in the Kitayama mountains.

Kayak Lake Tazawa.

Sake Brewery Experience.

Onsen Hot Spring stay.

Hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail.

Jodogahama Beach.

Tokyo City Tour.

Jodogahama Beach.

Tokyo City Tour.

Itinerary

Japan’s magic lies in its balance of old and new, and this 11-day adventure tour brings both to life. Start in Kyoto’s tranquil villages, then kayak on Lake Tazawa, the country’s deepest. Walk the scenic Michinoku Coastal Trail, where every step reveals spectacular coastal vistas and echoes of ancient pilgrim routes. Evenings offer a chance to soak in hot springs and sample local sake, rewarding your day’s efforts. Designed for those who crave outdoor exploration and cultural discovery, this trip’s unique feature is the rare opportunity to blend hiking, kayaking, and heritage in a single, expertly guided journey.

day 1 - Kyoto

Once the capital city of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto now finds itself the cultural capital, if not the actual one. In its evolution, what Kyoto lost in title, it has more than made up for in culture, gastronomy, and charm. Your journey through Japan begins in this unforgettable former capital. Welcome to Kyoto, and to Japan, and we invite you to embrace your evolution. Like Kyoto, we only get better with age.
Arrive at any time and choose to join your CEO on a brief walk to stretch your legs after a long flight. Join your CEO for dinner at the hotel.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:The Hotel Higashiyama by Kyoto Tokyu (or similar)

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Kyoto Highlights CEO-led Tour Duration : 2.5 hr

day 2 - Kyoto

The Kitayama mountains border Kyoto on the north and juxtapose bustling Kyoto with their tranquil wooded pathways. The bright red Tengu, a physical statue of a supernatural spirit, is your starting point as you hike from village to village, exploring the forest and the cultural treasures within it.
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 Kifune shrine and Kurama-dera temple. Return to Kyoto for a CEO led walking tour and visit to Geisha district, Gion.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:The Hotel Higashiyama by Kyoto Tokyu (or similar)

Included Activities:CEO-Led Hiking Tour from Kurama to Kibune Duration : 2.5 hr, Kyoto Walking Tour Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr

day 3 - Lake Tazawa

Legend goes that Tatsuko, a girl known for her beauty, went to Lake Tazawa to search for the spring of eternal beauty. Upon taking gulp after gulp, she is turned into a dragon and is thrust into the lake. Her quest to find eternal beauty was left unfulfilled, but the beauty of Lake Tazawa remains, as stunning now as it was when Tatsuko drank from its shores.
Bullet train brings you from Kyoto northbound to the Akita prefecture. Both exceedingly deep (Japan's deepest) and with a unique blue color, Lake Tazawa can be explored by kayak or by cycle today upon arrival. Choose your adventure this afternoon. Fountain of youth not guaranteed.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner

Accomodation:Lake Tazawa Rose Park Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 5.0 hr - 5.25 hr Distance : 840 km

Included Activity:Lake Tazawako Cycling

day 4 - Lake Tazawa

Exploring this small part of Akita prefecture feels as though you have been let in on a very good secret. Cherry blossoms, sake and samurai may sound like familiar emblems of Japanese culture, but the day's explorations shed an entirely new light on what you thought you knew. Small samurai villages, friendly local people, and a stunning preservation of culture that invites you to slow down and take in what makes Japan truly unique.
Begin the morning with a local business run by the same family for generations. Their craft uses the bark of the cherry blossom to produce charming works of art. Build your own alongside the experts. Wander a samurai village at your own pace, making your own discoveries along the way. This early evening at the sake brewery begins with song and ends with a full stomach.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Lake Tazawa Rose Park Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:Cherry Bark Craft Experience Duration : 1.5 hr, CEO-Led Visit of Kakunodate Town Duration : 1.75 hr, Sake Brewery Visit Duration : 2.5 hr

day 5 - Nyuto Onsen

Just outside Lake Tazawa lies the village of Nyuto. Seven different Ryokan call Nyuto home, and one of these Ryokan is your resting place for the evening. This area is famous for its Onsen, Japanese natural spring baths. Take time to enjoy the peace and tranquility of being far from the rest of the world while the warm spring water refreshes you from the outside in.
Before you can hop into the rejuvenating spring water, explore Nyuto village by e-bike on a guided tour. Far from the rush of places like Kyoto and Tokyo, your experience in Nyuto invites you to explore rural Japanese life in a place not often visited by travellers coming to Japan.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Tae No Yu Onsen (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.5 hr Distance : 25 km

Included Activities:Nyuto Onsen sustainable community e-bike tour Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 5 km, Onsen Bath

day 6 - Iwate

The Tsunami that hit the coast of Japan in 2011 devastated communities along the northeastern coastline. One village, however, was spared. Fudai, in Iwate prefecture, is a place left untouched by western commercialism, and luckily, by the effects of the Tsunami. An incredibly bold, forward thinking mayor initiated the building of a seawall that proved ominously prescient. Thanks to the seawall, centuries of tradition, culture and history were preserved. Because of this, we have an extremely rare and unique opportunity to hike to an ancient shrine and witness a performance very few people on Earth have ever had the chance to see. Spend time in Fudai eating local Japanese delicacies, hearing from locals about their experiences after the Tsunami, and visit the seawall itself.
After your experience discovering the village of Fudai, hike up to the Unotori shrine. Witness a unique cultural performance that is closely connected to the traditional Japanese "nature worship". These performances are so rare that often many Japanese visitors are seeing it for the first time themselves. Conclude day with a five course meal at a French inspired restaurant with locally sourced and produced ingredients.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:The Park Hotel Jodogahama (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr - 3.5 hr Distance : 200 km

Included Activities:Fudai Village Walking Tour Duration : 2.0 hr Distance : 2 km, Hike to Unotori Mountain Shrine Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 1 km

day 7 - Iwate

The Michinoku Coastal Trail is a story of community tourism. It's a story of building back better after a devastating loss. The trail itself offers unparalleled views of the blue ocean crashing into rocky sea caves. The Day spent with local trekking guides and fishermen give a glimpse into local life here in Iwate.
The trail stretches over 1000-kilometers from Hachinohe to Soma City in Fukushima. Spend the day trekking one of the most picturesque portions of the trail-traversing just over 9kms. Rest your legs after a long day by boarding a small fishing boat. Cruise along the shoreline learning from the local fisherman as you take in the dramatic scenery.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:The Park Hotel Jodogahama (or similar)

Included Activities:Michinoku Coastal Trail Hike Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 9 km, Sappa Fisherman Boat Excursion - From Kitayamazaki Duration : 1.0 hr

day 8 - Tokyo

Jodogahama beach looks like something slightly out of a scene from Star Wars-rock formations jutting straight out of the clear blue water. A six minute walk brings you straight to the beach-with time for a swim or leisurely seaside walk. Bright and busy Tokyo is on the horizon so breathe in that salty air while you can.
After a leisurely morning at the beach, relax on a bullet train to Tokyo throughout the afternoon.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr, Bullet Train Duration : 2.25 hr Distance : 465 km

Included Activity:Jodogahama Beach Walk Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 2 km

day 9 - Tokyo

From its humble beginning as a fishing village, Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, is now Japan's most populous city. Get the most out of your time here with your local CEO. In the morning, explore old town Asakusa. Walk from Shibuya Crossing to Takeshita Street on an afternoon walking tour of Tokyo's can't miss spots.
After a busy morning walking the streets of Asakusa, the afternoon can be as busy or relaxing as you make it. Your CEO will lead a tour through some of Tokyo's most iconic areas, to Meiji Jingu Shrine, through Harajuku and the Shibuya Scramble.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (or similar)

Included Activities:Asakusa Walk, Modern Tokyo City Tour Duration : 2.5 hr

day 10 - Tokyo

Eat or walk, walk or eat? If you are an active foodie, you're familiar with this internal debate. Your OMG Day will be incredible no matter what you choose-but it's up to you to decide what the Day holds. Join your CEO for a full Day excursion to Mt. Fuji or meet a local guide and dive headfirst into all things Japanese cuisine, slurping and crunching your way through the day.
Your day will be epic no matter which way you spend it on your OMG Day. Fill in your fellow travellers on what the day held over a delicious farewell dinner in downtown Tokyo.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation:Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (or similar)

Included Activity:Mt Fuji Day Tour or Tokyo Food Tour

day 11 - Tokyo

Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.

Meal:Breakfast

Included Activity:Departure Day

Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (9nts), Ryokan (1nt).

Meals

10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Note: Allow USD210-275 for meals not included.

Transport

Bullet train, private vehicle, fishing boat, local train, subway, local bus taxi, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Wellness Moment: Onsen BathYour OMG Day: Mt Fuji Day Tour or Tokyo Food Tour, TokyoWelcome dinnerVillage hike in the Kitayama MountainsKyoto highlights walking tourKayak or Cycle Lake TazawaCherry Bark Hand-on Craft ExperienceHike the Michinoku Coastal TrailSake Brewery Tour and DinnerNyuto Onsen Hot Springs stayCEO led walk in Kakunodate Samurai StreetUnotori Shrine Hike with Kagura performanceJodogahama Beach visitSappa Boat Tour along the Iwate coastlineVisit Fudai Village with local food tastingTokyo Highlights walking tourFarewell dinner

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail

5.0

based on 8 reviews

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Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

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