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INTRODUCTION
Our journey combines the great cultural treasures of Kyoto, Japan?s capital for a thousand years and repository
of much of its cultural heritage, with a journey into the mystical Kii Peninsula.
This remote region has been a place of pilgrimage for more than a thousand years, with emperors, priests, and the devout making their way through
the deep forested valleys and mountain peaks to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano. Associated with Shugendo, a syncretism of Buddism from China and Korea and the native Shinto religion, these mountains are still sacred in Japan.
We will spend four days following the old Nakahechi-do, one of the pilgrimage routes collectively known as the
'Kumano kodo' (old road of Kumano) now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our route goes from
village to village, through forested mountains, along small forest trails and village paths. By night we stay in
family-run inns, some with their own hot spring baths, enjoying the delicious regional cuisine prepared by our hosts.
Our trek finishes at Nachi, where we visit Nachi shrine and see Japan's tallest waterfall. We stay overnight in a
shukubo, a pilgrim's lodging, and dine on vegetarian shojin-ryori cuisine served by the monks.
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From Nachi, we
travel by train along the coast and then inland to Akame, where we spend a night at a luxurious hot spring ryokan.
The following day we travel by train to Osaka, where we explore the City, with the option of excursions to Hiroshima
and the ancient City of Nara before our journey ends.
Our walking trails are well-maintained and not difficult,
however stamina is required for the longer days on the trail, although we can take rest breaks as we go.
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| Dates: |
24 March - 7 April 2011 |
| Price excl. flights: |
£3175.00 |
| Price incl. flights: |
£3775.00 |
| Single supplement: |
£250.00 |
| Grade: |
Moderate [M] More info |
| Availability: |
Places available |
| Book this holiday now |
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View in a larger window
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HIGHLIGHTS
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The following types of accommodation are used on this tour:
Hotel (Kyoto, Osaka)
Modern western-style hotels are used in Kyoto and Osaka. The rooms are generally smaller than equivalent hotels in
the West. All have en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, TV and fridges in rooms.
Ryokan (Yunomine Hot Spring, Akame Hot Spring)
Ryokan are traditional Japanese-style inns. They may be in modern concrete or older wooden buildings but the rooms
are always in the Japanese style with tatami (straw) matting and futons laid out in the evening by the ryokan staff.
Evening meals are served together usually in the dining room (except in Akame where they are served in your room),
and are exquisitely prepared multi-course meals. In Akame and Yunomine the guest rooms have private en suite toilets
and showers. They are the classic Japanese experience.
Minshuku (Chikatsuyu)
Minshuku are usually family-run traditional Japanese-style inns. They have tatami-mat floors, with futons laid out
in the evening for sleeping. The minshuku does not have en suite bathrooms, however there are communal bathrooms
located close to the guest rooms.
Shukubo (Mount Koya, Nachi)
These are lodgings in Buddhist temples originally meant for pilgrims, but now open to anyone. The rooms are similar to
ryokan or minshuku, though without ensuite facilities. The food is excellent vegetarian Buddhist 'shojin-ryori'
cuisine. It is a wonderful experience to stay in a shukubo and there is also the opportunity to join the early
morning religious service.
Single rooms
We offer the option of a single room in Kyoto, Osaka and Akame. Single rooms may not be available in ryokan,
minshuku or shukubo.
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Meals
Many meals will be Japanese cuisine, although in Osaka and Kyoto there are plenty of western-style options available.
Vegetarian options are also available, but limited.
Unusually for Langdale Holidays, lunches are not included in the tour cost. This is because we suspect that you will
want to choose your own meal from the many options available. The tour leader will always eat with the group,
and will help you choose and order. Payment will be made to each restaurant locally in cash.
Normally, we will visit one designated restaurant which has various types of meals at various prices. In some
cases guests will be able to choose from a number of restaurants, all in close proximity to one another.
On some days dinner is not included. There will be a designated restaurant where we can eat with the tour
leader; however some people may opt to eat alone, for example to splurge on a special meal, or to try the many varieties
of food available.
Please note that tips are not required in Japan.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore Kyoto and Osaka
- Experience traditional Japanese style accommodation
- Stay overnight at a Buddhist temple
- Walk the 'Old Kumano Road'
- Travel by Shinkansen or "Bullet" train
- Watch a traditional Sumo Wrestling tournament
- Take part in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Visit Hiroshima
- Take an optional trip to Nara
- Learn more of the history and culture of Japan
- Join a Japanese cookery lesson
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ITINERARY
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Day 1 - Thursday 24th March 2011 - Fly to Osaka
We leave Heathrow for the overnight flight to Osaka.
Day 2 - Friday 25th March 2011 - Kyoto
Our local guide will meet us at Osaka?s Kansai Airport. We transfer by train to Kyoto (about 2 hours), where we
check into the 4* Hearton Hotel, which is a comfortable ryokan in central Kyoto. In the evening we
take a walk through the Gion district, famous for its many ryotei (exclusive private restaurants). As this area is
also well known for its many geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha), there is a good chance that we will see them as we walk.
There will be a welcome reception and dinner at a nearby restaurant. D
Day 3 - Saturday 26th March 2011 - Sightseeing in Kyoto
In the morning we will have a guided walking tour to Kinkaku-ji,the Golden Pavilion,surrounded by a
Japanese garden,and originally built by the Ashikaga Shogun at the end of the 14th century. From there, we
walk to the nearby Ryoan-ji to see its famous Zen rock garden of raked gravel and 15 moss-covered
boulders. It is not possible to see all 15 boulders at once from any place in the garden. It is said that if you
can see all 15 you have achieved enlightenment.
After lunch, we will walk along the "Philosopher's path", a delightful walk beside a canal in eastern Kyoto,
lined with cherry trees. It was so-called as it was the favourite place of contemplation for one of Japan's
most famous philosophers, Nishida Kitaro. There will be free time afterwards so you can explore the area further
or shop for crafts. Our group will meet at the hotel in the evening, and walk to another local restaurant for
dinner. BD
Day 4 - Sunday 27th March 2011 - Tea Ceremony and Sumo wrestling
In the morning there will be an introduction to the Tea Ceremony. In the afternoon, we travel the short
distance by train to Osaka (Japan's second largest city) arriving about 3pm to take our seats for the final
day of the March Basho Sumo wrestling tournament. As it is the last day, the atmosphere should be electric,
as even if the tournament winner is already decided, the prospect of an undefeated champion may still
remain. Afterwards we return to Kyoto for dinner. BD
Day 5 - Monday 28th March 2011 - Mount Koya
This morning we check out of our hotel in Kyoto and travel by train to Mount Koya, deep in the mountains of Wakayama.
There are more than one hundred temples here, many of them with their own accommodations for pilgrims known as shukubo.
We check in to our own elegant shukubo, and then go on a walking tour of the main sites, including Okunoin,
where Mount Koya's founder, Kobo Daishi, is enshrined. There will be an opportunity if you wish to join in
the meditation, with guidance from the head monk who speaks English. In the evening we will dine at the temple
on shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine, prepared according to the Buddhist tradition. Walking: easy, 2 miles, 2 hours
(30m ascent, 30m descent).
Note: Your main baggage will be sent ahead from Kyoto to Chikatsuyu in the morning, so you need
a small daypack with enough space for your overnight items for one night. BD
Day 6 - Tuesday 29th March 2011 - Kumano Kudo Day 1
There will be the option to get up early, and experience morning prayer with the priest. Breakfast
follows and there will be free time before we continue south by private bus into the Kii Peninsula.
Also known as Kii-no-kuni (the land of trees), the mountainous Kii Peninsula is dotted with small villages and
deep valleys, as well as many remote hot springs. For the next 4 days we walk along the Nakahechi-do, part
of the system of pilgrimage routes known as the Kumano kodo (Old road of Kumano). They were
popularized during the Heian period (794-1185) when the Imperial family and nobility began to seek
salvation in sangaku shinko (a belief in the supernatural power of mountains), rather than through common
religious practices. Emperor Gotoba (1180-1239) made many pilgrimages to Kumano, recording his thoughts
and feelings in the Kumano poems. These precious documents are now in the Yomei Storehouse archives in
Kyoto.
We join the Nakahechi-do trail at Takijiri, and start with a brisk but short climb through the forest to the
small village of Takahara, and then through bamboo groves, past small shrines, kitchen gardens and more
forest to the village of Chikatsuyu. Our lodgings here are in an inn run by a local family, and there is a hot
spring for a pre or post-dinner bathe. Walking: 8 miles , 6 hours (1035m ascent, 845m descent).
Accommodation: Minshuku Chikatsuyu (minshuku). BD
Day 7 - Wednesday 30th March 2011 - Kumano kodo Day 2
The path continues through the mountains to Yunomine, one of the oldest natural hot spring onsen villages
in Japan. There is an increasing sense of solitude and purpose as we progress towards the three great
shrines of Kumano, passing small jizo statues on the way. Nobles would rest at points called oji, to refresh
themselves and compose poems. Their poetry is engraved on stone monuments sited along the path. The
walk ends at the very important Grand Kumano Shrine in Hongu. At the heart of these sacred mountains,
Kumano was said to be the entrance to the land of Yomi, the 'other world' which spirits travelled to in
Japanese mythology. The classic style of architecture of the Kumano Hongu Shrine blends perfectly with the
surrounding mountains and forests. The shrine uses a mythological three-legged raven symbol, representing
the Hongu, Nachi, and Hayatama shrines - the same motif as the one used by the Japan Football
Association. Tonight we will stay at a comfortable ryokan with an outdoor hot tub, fed by local hot springs, in
Yunomine. Evening soaks under the stars are recommended for tired limbs, as are morning dips before
breakfast. Your breakfast eggs might well be prepared in the boiling, sulphurous waters at the spring in the
centre of the village.
Walking: 20km , 8 hours (375m ascent, 120m descent). Accommodation: Yoshinoya Ryokan.
BD
Day 8 - Thursday 31st March 2011 - Kumano kodo Day 3
There will be a short journey by bus before the next 16km of our walk along the Nakahechi footpath. It
starts with a long morning climb over the Ogumotori Echizen Pass (870m), followed by a descent to the
Nachi Shrine. The shrine and temple complex overlooks the Nachi-no-taki waterfall, the highest in Japan
(133 meters). This evening we stay at the Sonshoin temple, an appropriate resting place after our long walk. The
lodging has a pretty Japanese garden, and a beautiful view of the waterfall and surrounding forest. If you
can get up at 5.30 a.m. you can even take part in morning meditation!
Note: Your main baggage will be sent ahead from Yu-no-mine onsen to Akame in the morning, so you need
a small daypack with enough space for your overnight items for one night. BD
Day 9 - Friday 1st April 2011 - Kumano kodo Day 4 and transfer to Akame
From Nachi there is a short walk to the Pacific Ocean and then we continue by bus to Akame. Our luxurious
ryokan is located in a forested valley, and there are both inside and outside hot spring baths. There will be
time to relax in the afternoon. A Japanese cooking class is offered at the ryokan for those who want to take
part, where you can learn how to make some common Japanese dishes. Walking: 4 miles, 2 hours (340 descent)
Accommodation: Akame San Sui En (ryokan). BD
Day 10 - Saturday 2nd April 2011 - Osaka
We travel by local train to Osaka, arriving in time for lunch. After checking in to our 4* hotel, there will be free
time to shop, sightsee as directed by our Guide or simply wander in this vibrant city. Osaka is known as the 'foodie
capital of Japan', and there are plenty of wonderful restaurants to try.
B
Day 11 - Sunday 3rd April 2011 - Hiroshima
We travel from Osaka to Hiroshima today, famous throughout the world as the site of the first use of atomic
weapons. The city never forgets its passed, and there are important memorials to that day including the Abomb
dome and the Peace Memorial and museum. We return by bullet train to Osaka in the evening. B
Day 12 - Monday 4th April 2011 - Nara
Nara preceded Kyoto as the capital of Japan in the 8th century, and is home to several UNESCO World
Heritage sites. After the short journey there by train, we will take a walking tour to Todai-ji temple, the largest
wooden building in the world. In its Great Buddha Hall is the giant bronze statue of Buddha, the largest in
Japan at 15 metres tall. We continue through Nara koen (park), with time to feed the famous semi-wild
deer. In the evening, on our return to Osaka we will eat at a local restaurant. B
Day 13 - Tuesday 5th April 2011 - Free Day
Today is a free day in Osaka. There are many sights to see in the city such as Osaka Aquarium, Osaka castle,
and also within easy reach is Horyuji temple (the oldest wooden building in the world), Kyoto or Mount
Koya. We will meet in the evening for our farewell dinner at a local restaurant. BD
Day 14 - Wednesday 6th April 2011 - Return to UK
After breakfast at the hotel we have free time until we leave the hotel for the journey to the airport and
our flight home. B
Day 15 - Thursday 7th April 2011 - Arrive back in the UK
Arrive back in the UK at either London Heathrow or Manchester Airport at approximately 11.30 hrs.
B = breakfast L = lunch D = dinner
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ACCOMODATION
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| Date |
Nights |
Hotel |
Location |
| 25/26/27th |
3 |
4-Star Hearton Hotel |
Kyoto |
| 28th |
1 |
Mount Koya (shukubo) |
Kumano kodo trail |
| 29th |
1 |
Chikatsuyu (minshuka) |
Kumano kodo trail |
| 30th |
1 |
Yunomine Onsen |
Kumano kodo trail |
| 31st |
1 |
Nachi (minshuka) |
Kumano kodo trail |
| 1st |
1 |
Akame (ryokan) |
Kumano kodo trail |
| 2/3/4/5th |
4 |
4-Star Hotel |
Osaka |
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FLIGHTS
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Please note that the following flight times, flight numbers and routings are the latest known and are subject to change and confirmation by the airlines. All times are local. Japan is 9 hours ahead of GMT and 8 hours ahead of British Summer Time.
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Outbound - Thursday 24th March 2011
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Depart Heathrow
Arrive Dubai
or
Depart Manchester
Arrive Dubai
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FN-1
FN-2
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1345
0025 (25th)
1330
0025 (25th)
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Friday 25th March 2011 - Osaka
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Depart Dubai
Arrive Kansai International, Osaka
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FN-3
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0330
1720
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Inbound - Wednesday 6thth April 2011
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Depart Kansai International, Osaka
Arrive Dubai
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FN-4
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2315
0445 (7th)
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Thursday 7thth April 2011 - UK
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Depart Dubai
Arrive Heathrow
or
Depart Dubai
Arrive Manchester
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FN-5
FN-6
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0745
1135
0755
1145
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PRICE
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| Price per person, sharing a twin or double room excluding flights |
£3175.00 |
| Price per person, sharing a twin or double room including flights |
£3775.00 |
| Supplement for a single person occupying a double room |
£250 |
Please note
Single rooms are available in Kyoto, Osaka and Akame.
For other destinations we will do our best. |
WHAT THE FULL PRICE INCLUDES
- Flights to and from Japan
- Accommodation in hotels, Japanese-style inns (ryokan, minshuku) and shukubo (temple lodgings).
Japanese-style accommodation will generally be in very comfortable tatami-mat rooms
- Meals are included as marked at the bottom of each day?s itinerary
- All transportation between tour locations is included. This will normally be by trains
(bullet trains and local), private and public bus.
- Full-time services of a tour leader and an English-speaking local guide
- Entrance to museums, temples, etc. indicated on the itinerary
- Baggage will be transferred each day, except on days 4 and 8 when the group will be without its main
luggage for one night. Please prepare an overnight bag or daypack to carry your overnight items.
Please note that one bag or suitcase per person is forwarded free; extra bags will incur a supplement
paid locally. We advise you to pack your belongings into regular size luggage rather than two smaller bags.
- Transfer from and to Kansai (Osaka) Airport
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Holiday/Travel Insurance
- Overseas airport departure taxes
- Beverages
- Gratuities, which are optional
- Any Government taxes or compulsory charges that may be introduced after the publication of this web page
Please Note:
For reasons of safety, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary to make changes to the programme without advance notice. Every effort will be made to avoid this if at all possible.
E&OE
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