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 37 reviews submitted.
Multi-active
From
EUR €4,478
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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 you’ll need to be 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.
  • In some destinations you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn with shared facilities. It’s a great taste of tradition, but not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami mat floor, small bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as Western-style hotels. Read more about ryokans in our ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

Itinerary

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

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
Add on 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. As this is an active, multi-activity trip you will need to have an excellent level of fitness. Please read the itinerary carefully to make sure that you'll be able to make the most of the activities on this trip and enjoy an active adventure in Japan.

2. A Single Supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at many of our properties.

3. At some destinations, larger luggage will be forwarded on ahead of you, so ensure you also have a smaller overnight/day pack with you for essentials and a small day pack for use during activities. Please check the itinerary for details.

4. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your Welcome Meeting if your luggage is from 160cm to 250cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.

5. We are currently unable to book pre or post trip accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through your booking agent.

6. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for Japan now. Japan has an extensive and efficient public transport system and the joining and finishing point instructions are listed in the Essential Trip Information.

7. Please note that there are generally less double rooms in Japanese hotels, even those in Western style. While every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests, this may not always be possible.

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 37 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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Devorah · Traveled September 2024
I just returned from the Hiking, Biking and Kayaking tour in Japan. It was excellent! The biking was perfect by the sea and rivers. The hiking was invigorating and gave us a chance to experience the countryside! Leo our guide was excellent and the group become quickly felt like family! This trip is so recommended.
Review submitted 17 Sep 2024

Cheryl · Traveled September 2024
The group size is perfect, the mix of ages is great, our guide fantastic and such an amazing way of exploring Japan in the time we had. Tino pai to mahi Intrepid.
Review submitted 15 Sep 2024

Mary · Traveled September 2024
My first , but definitely not my last, trip to Japan. It was a fabulous introduction to Japanese culture, food, customs, local transport. Loved the Nakasendo and Kumano Koda trails . Cycling over bridges between island was glorious ! This is a trip for people who like to eat and drink and exercise ! All about balance right?
Review submitted 14 Sep 2024

Kira · Traveled July 2024
We had such a lovely time with our guide Shizuka. From day one she was so welcoming and very funny. When I couldn’t sleep because of jet lag she offered to take me on a late night stroll around the block in Tokyo which was thoughtful. I really enjoyed our first hike as a group we stayed in the most remote area and it was amazing to discover. Our guide Shizuka was so funny, but also every informative and taught us all we know about Japan. We will really miss her she made this trip so so special. Cold noodles!😆
Review submitted 04 Aug 2024

Carla · Traveled July 2024
This is my 5th intrepid We were a small group so very much got to know guide. This trip was physically very demanding, grateful for guide encouragement and support.
Review submitted 01 Aug 2024
Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
From
EUR €4,478