Japan Kyoto to Tokyo Walking
Kyoto, Japan to Tokyo, Japan
This enchanting journey through Japan combines stunning vigorous walks with timeless tradition. Beginning in the old imperial city of Kyoto and ending in modern Tokyo, our itinerary follows the historic Nakasendo Way, a network of ancient trade routes once used to travel from Kyoto via the provincial towns of the Kiso Valley to Tokyo. By way of temples, shrines, and hamlets, you'll take in ethereal landscapes of lush gardens, misty forests and possibly the bloom of cherry blossoms. Along the way, enjoy generous Japanese hospitality in a shukubo (temple lodging) and family-run inns, and the contrasts between old and new in this magical land.
- Explore Kyoto's ancient temples, UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, and the bamboo forest of Arashiyama
- Journey to Nara's Todai-ji, scenic and sacred Mount Koya, and electric Tokyo
- Follow shoguns' shadows along the spectacular Nakasendo Way through medieval towns, lush valleys, and misty forests
Minimum Age: 12
- Adventure and Active
- Educational and Learning
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ID: 7965480
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ID: 7965481
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ID: 7965481
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ID: 7965482
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ID: 7965482
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Additional Offers |
ID: 7965474
|
ID: 7965473
|
ID: 7965475
|
ID: 7965476
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ID: 7965477
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ID: 7965478
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ID: 8025734
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ID: 7965480
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ID: 7965481
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ID: 7965482
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ID: 7965474
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ID: 7965473
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ID: 7965475
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ID: 7965476
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ID: 7965477
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ID: 7965478
|
ID: 8025734
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ID: 7965480
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ID: 7965481
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ID: 7965482
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Tomomi Shimazu
Tomomi was born and raised in Tokyo. After completing her degree in international relations, she studied in the UK and the US. Later she lived in Hawaii and Israel for years and traveled extensively in Europe, the US and Middle East. She now lives in Tokyo, close to its center and loves gardening, walking, cycling and yoga. Tomomi enjoys guiding and sharing her knowledge of both traditional and urban cultures of Japan. Meet Tomomi on MT Sobek's adventures in Japan.

Toshi Kida
Toshiyuki was born in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and grew up in Sekiyama in Niigata Prefecture. His interest in travel became apparent from the very moment he played with a globe as a child and it turned into a life-long passion. After graduating from university in 1978, he moved to Canada and now divides his time between Canada and Japan. Toshiyuki has guided the Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo trails since 2013. He has traveled to over 200 cities in 25 countries in America, Europe, and Asia.

Atsuko Iketsu
Atsuko was born in Osaka, an old merchant city, and brought up in Kamakura, an ancient capital of samurais. Since childhood she has visited many temples and shrines, which might have fostered her love for Japanese culture. She majored in French at Sophia University in Tokyo and lived in Los Angeles, Bangkok, London and Paris for 11 years because of her husband's work. She loved to talk with locals in these places and enjoyed communication wherever she lived. After coming back to Japan, Atsuko was passionate about introducing Japanese culture to foreign visitors, and worked at Edo-Tokyo Museum as a volunteer guide for 7 years. Now she guides throughout Japan. On each trip, she enjoys communicating with her group members and always tries her best to show the real beauty of Japan and theJapanese way of thinking and living.

Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage
Exclusions
International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
Reason #01
MT Sobek's immersive Walking Japan itinerary offers you the chance to explore idyllic landscapes on foot with expert local guides.
Reason #02Our itinerary has been crafted for personal achievement, allowing you to carry nothing but a daypack as we transport your belongings to each inn.
Reason #03Walking Japan is an MT Sobek classic that we've run for over 10 years. It is the perfect way to get to the heart of Japan.
ActivitiesModerately paced hikes up to 4-9 miles a day on paved and dirt trails, plus cultural touring and scenic train rides.
LodgingEnjoy stays in traditional ryokans (inns) — many with onsen (hot springs) — and comfortable hotels with modern amenities.
ClimateSpring and fall temperatures range from 50°F to the high 70°'s F. In springtime, there is a fair chance of rain.
Who will meet me on arrival?You will make your own way to the limousine bus desk to take a limousine bus to the hotel, where your guide will meet you in the evening for a trip briefing and dinner.
What days will I be without my luggage during this trip?You will be without your luggage, carrying only your essentials in your daypack, on days 3, 4 and 8. Your luggage will be transported by courier to your accommodation on the following day.
Can I travel to Japan if I’m gluten-free?Yes, you can, but please let us know as soon as possible so we can manage your request.
Can you manage food alleries like fish or shellfish?Fish is a more challenging allergy to manage due to the ubiquitous nature of dashi (fish broth), but we can usually still manage it.
What is staying in a ryokan or minshuku like?The ryokans vary significantly, but usually have tatami mats for flooring and futon beds that are laid out each night. Baths may be communal and divided by gender.
Tomomi Shimazu
Tomomi was born and raised in Tokyo. After completing her degree in international relations, she studied in the UK and the US. Later she lived in Hawaii and Israel for years and traveled extensively in Europe, the US and Middle East. She now lives in Tokyo, close to its center and loves gardening, walking, cycling and yoga. Tomomi enjoys guiding and sharing her knowledge of both traditional and urban cultures of Japan. Meet Tomomi on MT Sobek's adventures in Japan.

Toshi Kida
Toshiyuki was born in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, and grew up in Sekiyama in Niigata Prefecture. His interest in travel became apparent from the very moment he played with a globe as a child and it turned into a life-long passion. After graduating from university in 1978, he moved to Canada and now divides his time between Canada and Japan. Toshiyuki has guided the Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo trails since 2013. He has traveled to over 200 cities in 25 countries in America, Europe, and Asia.

Atsuko Iketsu
Atsuko was born in Osaka, an old merchant city, and brought up in Kamakura, an ancient capital of samurais. Since childhood she has visited many temples and shrines, which might have fostered her love for Japanese culture. She majored in French at Sophia University in Tokyo and lived in Los Angeles, Bangkok, London and Paris for 11 years because of her husband's work. She loved to talk with locals in these places and enjoyed communication wherever she lived. After coming back to Japan, Atsuko was passionate about introducing Japanese culture to foreign visitors, and worked at Edo-Tokyo Museum as a volunteer guide for 7 years. Now she guides throughout Japan. On each trip, she enjoys communicating with her group members and always tries her best to show the real beauty of Japan and theJapanese way of thinking and living.

Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage
Exclusions
International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
Reason #01
MT Sobek's immersive Walking Japan itinerary offers you the chance to explore idyllic landscapes on foot with expert local guides.
Reason #02Our itinerary has been crafted for personal achievement, allowing you to carry nothing but a daypack as we transport your belongings to each inn.
Reason #03Walking Japan is an MT Sobek classic that we've run for over 10 years. It is the perfect way to get to the heart of Japan.
ActivitiesModerately paced hikes up to 4-9 miles a day on paved and dirt trails, plus cultural touring and scenic train rides.
LodgingEnjoy stays in traditional ryokans (inns) — many with onsen (hot springs) — and comfortable hotels with modern amenities.
ClimateSpring and fall temperatures range from 50°F to the high 70°'s F. In springtime, there is a fair chance of rain.
Who will meet me on arrival?You will make your own way to the limousine bus desk to take a limousine bus to the hotel, where your guide will meet you in the evening for a trip briefing and dinner.
What days will I be without my luggage during this trip?You will be without your luggage, carrying only your essentials in your daypack, on days 3, 4 and 8. Your luggage will be transported by courier to your accommodation on the following day.
Can I travel to Japan if I’m gluten-free?Yes, you can, but please let us know as soon as possible so we can manage your request.
Can you manage food alleries like fish or shellfish?Fish is a more challenging allergy to manage due to the ubiquitous nature of dashi (fish broth), but we can usually still manage it.
What is staying in a ryokan or minshuku like?The ryokans vary significantly, but usually have tatami mats for flooring and futon beds that are laid out each night. Baths may be communal and divided by gender.
About MT Sobek

To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go.
Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.
We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.
About MT Sobek

To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go.
Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.
We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.