After uncovering Kyoto’s most ancient shrines and pathways, we head off the beaten track to the Kumano Kodo region; one of Japan's most remote and rewarding pilgrimage routes. This moderate walking trip focuses on beautiful scenery and nature, rural life, and following in the footsteps of religious pilgrimages on some of the country’s most historic walks. Staying in traditional ryokans along the way, this journey invites full immersion into the authentic Japanese culture and way of life. Afterwards, we visit Toba to learn about the famous Ama Divers and embark on one last pilgrimage walk on the famous Nakasendo Way, before entering back into the modern civilisation of Tokyo!

We spend eight nights in traditional guesthouses
yokans in Japanese-style rooms (shared bathrooms) and five nights in comfortable hotels.



For eight nights, we stay in ryokans, comfortable traditional inns where we experience the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside. Ryokans, while comfortable and full of local character, do not run along the same lines as Western hotels and all have their own unique style. Some are more like Japanese B&Bs with a homestay feel and guests make their own Japanese-style beds up, while others are managed more like a standard hotel with bedding made up for guests.



Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is usually in the Japanese style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Rooms are always doubles or twin-share but bathrooms and showers are generally communal. Please be advised, while females and males have access to separate bathrooms, inside showering and bathing facilities can lack the level of privacy you would be used to in a Western-style shared bathroom. This is very common in Japan and by staying in mostly traditional ryokans, there is the chance to have a very authentic cultural experience throughout the tour.



On Day 5, we stay in Nonaka-Chikatsuyu. Please note, due to the smaller sizes of accommodation in this area, bigger groups may be accommodated across two minshuku inns in a neighbouring village (five-minute drive). However, the group still has meals together in one of the accommodations if bigger groups stay in two inns.



In Kyoto, Tanabe and Tokyo, we stay in comfortable Western-style hotels with rooms that have private bathrooms.



Single supplements are very limited and only available for five nights of the trip (three nights in Kyoto, one night in Katsuura and one night in Tokyo). Please advise at time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement (subject to availability). In Japan, often single supplements can be accommodated in either an actual single and/or double for sole use room in hotels.



Onsen (Japanese public bath)

For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is unfamiliar territory. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns frequently situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, that nudity is compulsory, and that the water temperature is often hotter than most hot tubs can cause some reluctance for first timers. However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that a dip in an onsen is a highlight of your visit to Japan. We can try onsens on a few occasions throughout the trip. Please note, you may be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos. Some accommodations may have private baths available for reservation.