Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

12 Days | Hike sacred trails, bike through historic districts and kayak on the Inland Sea

4.8 out of 5 based on 49 reviews submitted.
Multi-active
From
USD $5,995

Embark on a cultural (and physical) workout with this 12-day active adventure across Japan. You’ll soak up some ancient history, see religious sites and explore the best of Japan’s nature on foot, boat and bike. Beginning in Tokyo, hike through post towns dotted along the Nakasendo Way, cycle and kayak on the Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaido and stop by historic Kyoto for an optional soak in a traditional bathhouse. Then, tackle the mother of all pilgrimages on a section of the historic Kumano Kodo. With the opportunity to explore diverse neighbourhoods, eat as much ramen as you can stomach and experience local hospitality along the way, this active adventure makes for a great taste of diverse Japan.

Trip overview

Map of Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Japan
Start
Tokyo, Japan
Finish
Osaka, Japan
Theme
Multi-active
Destinations
Japan
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CJXH
This trip generates 37 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The active nature of this trip means that the fitter you are, the more you’ll be able to enjoy. It’s expected that travellers joining this trip will have had some experience hiking and cycling before and are able to swim. On some hikes, you’ll need to be able to carry your overnight pack on the trail because we will forward your luggage to the next destination. Hiking distances vary from 3 to 15km per day with no more elevation change than 60 to 900 m. The cycling distances are around 30 km each.
  • The hikes on the Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Way include sections rather than the whole trail, which gives you an experience of the trails without needing to commit to multiple days of strenuous trekking.
  • When we aren't hiking or cycling on this trip, we primarily use public transport, which is efficient and convenient in Japan. Please pack light and compact as you will be expected to transport your luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas.
  • In some destinations, you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn. It's a great taste of tradition; however, not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more Western-style hotels. Read more about ryokans here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/
  • Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Japan

Inclusions

Meals

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Boat, Public Bus, Metro, Bullet Train, Train, Taxi, Walking, Bike, Kayak

Accommodation

Hotel/Ryokan (11 nights)

Activities
  • 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
Optional activities
  • Tokyo - Tokyo After 5 Urban Adventure - JPY17000
  • Tokyo - Kanpai Tokyo: Shinjuku Drinks and Neon Nights Urban Adventure - JPY17000
  • Tokyo - A Tour Through Tokyo's Kitchen (with World's Largest Fish Market) Urban Adventure - JPY11500
  • Tokyo - Made In Japan Shopping Tour: Cultural Curiosities Urban Adventure - JPY8850

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.

2. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.

3. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 49 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Tanya · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 20 Nov 2024

Matthew · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 21 Nov 2024

Lorraine · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 20 Nov 2024

Ian · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 30 Oct 2024

Rebecca · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 16 Oct 2024
Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
From
USD $5,995