Designed for those who enjoy walking, history, and cultural depth, this tour offers an immersive way to experience Japan’s spiritual and natural heritage. One footstep at a time.
This journey traces Japan’s ancient inland and coastal pilgrimage routes, from the Japanese Alps to the sacred forests of Kumano and the mountaintop temples of Koyasan.
Starting in Matsumoto, explore the black-walled castle before walking the Edo-period post towns of Narai, Tsumago, and Magome along the old Nakasendo Trail.
Take part in a hands-on traditional craft workshop, learning the techniques behind local woodcraft, papermaking, or lacquerware directly from the artisans who keep these traditions alive.
Continue south to the spiritual landscape of the Kumano Kodo. Hike mossy trails, visit shrines such as Ise Jingu, Hayatama Taisha, Nachi Taisha, and Hongu Taisha. Each steeped in centuries of devotion.
The final leg leads to Koyasan, where Buddhist temples, stone lanterns, and sacred cedar forests offer a serene close before ending the adventure in Osaka.
Arrive in Tokyo and meet your guide at the airport.
Transfer by private shuttle to your hotel in the city.
Depending on arrival time, begin exploring the capital with a visit to Meiji Jingu, a serene forested shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Continue to Asakusa, where the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, welcomes you with its large gates. See Kaminarimon, explore the lined shopping district of Nakamise Shopping Street and grab some delicious snacks.
In the evening, head to Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho, a lively alleyway of local bars and eateries, perfect for experiencing Tokyo’s nightlife atmosphere.
Depart Tokyo in the morning by private vehicle and travel to the castle town of Matsumoto. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles, admired for its striking black exterior and panoramic views of the Japanese Alps. After exploring the grounds, enjoy lunch in the city.
In the afternoon, continue by private transport to Narai-juku, a former post town on the Nakasendo Trail. Stroll through Edo-period streets lined with preserved wooden buildings and traditional lacquerware shops, offering a glimpse into Japan’s merchant history.
Check into your hotel and settle in for dinner.
Start the day with a private transfer to Nagiso for a relaxed morning of local sightseeing. Explore the town’s historical streets, then visit nearby artisan studios to see traditional woodcraft, lacquerware, and washi papermaking in action—crafts that have supported daily life in the Kiso Valley for centuries.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to Tsumago-juku, one of the most beautifully preserved post towns on the Nakasendo. Walk through its car-free streets, visit the remains of Tsumago Castle, and browse charming shops housed in original Edo-period buildings.
Transfer to your accommodation and settle in for the evening.
Begin with a morning hike along the well-preserved Nakasendo Trail from Tsumago to Magome-juku, covering about 8 km over approximately 3 hours. This path follows the footsteps of Edo-period travelers, winding through forest and traditional villages.
Pause for lunch in Magome, a lively post town known for its steep streets and charming atmosphere.
After lunch, explore the nearby Ishidatami trail, a historic stone-paved path. Later, transfer by private vehicle to Nakatsugawa where you will spend the night.
If the timing allows, start the day with a stroll through Nakatsugawa’s morning market, sampling local specialties like Gohei-mochi, a traditional grilled rice cake.
Travel by private car to the Naegi Castle ruins, perched on a hilltop overlooking the town. Hike the castle trail to experience panoramic views and appreciate the strategic importance of this site during the feudal era.
Return to town for lunch before visiting a local workshop specializing in traditional crafts such as chestnut processing, soba making, or wooden bowl crafting.
Return to your hotel to relax in the evening.
Depart by private vehicle or train for the journey to Ise, a spiritual heart of Japan. Arrive in time for lunch in the city.
Afterward, visit the Ise Jingu Naiku, the inner shrine of Japan’s most sacred Shinto site, nestled within an ancient forest. Explore the tranquil grounds and experience the deep cultural significance of this pilgrimage destination.
Later, wander through Okage Yokocho, a lively street filled with traditional food stalls and shops offering local snacks.
Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Begin with a private transfer to the Tsuzurato Pass trailhead. Hike a 12 km trail featuring moss-covered stones and sweeping sea views over approximately 4 hours.
Stop for lunch at Umi no Eki Kii-Kaikan, a seaside market offering fresh local seafood and regional specialties.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through Owase Shrine and the adjacent fishing town, soaking in coastal culture and history.
Continue by private car to Kumano City where you will check into your hotel and have dinner.
Travel by private car to a nearby trailhead to hike a section of the Iseji or Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, covering 4 to 6 km over 2 to 2.5 hours. These paths wind through sacred forest and rural villages.
Enjoy lunch locally before spending the afternoon resting or exploring Katsuura, known for its charming streets and hot springs.
Optional cave baths reservations can be arranged but are subject to availability.
Return to your hotel for dinner featuring onsen hotel cuisine.
Begin with a private transfer to Hayatama Taisha in Shingu, a significant shrine featuring the ancient sacred Nagi tree.
Drive to the Daimon-zaka trailhead and hike the iconic 600-meter cobbled slope flanked by cedar trees, leading to Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji Temple, overlooking Japan’s tallest waterfall.
Lunch is served near Nachi Falls, followed by time at the waterfall viewpoint to absorb the natural beauty.
Return to your hotel by private car for rest and dinner.
Depart to the Hosshinmon-oji trailhead for a 7 km hike along a sacred section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, finishing at Kumano Hongu Taisha, a spiritual centerpiece of the region.
Enjoy a boxed lunch before visiting the adjacent heritage center to deepen understanding of the area’s cultural importance.
Travel to Yunomine/Kawayu Onsen by private car for a relaxing soak in the UNESCO World Heritage hot springs, including the famous Tsuboyu river bath.
Dinner follows at your accommodation.
Take a private vehicle for a scenic drive to Koyasan, the heart of Shingon Buddhism. There will be opportunities to stop along the way to stretch your legs.
Lunch is enjoyed in the town at one of the many local restaurants or temple cafés of your choosing.
Visit the important temples Kongobu-ji and Danjo Garan Kongo Sanmaiin, exploring their spiritual architecture and gardens.
Check into temple lodging and experience a peaceful evening with Shojin-ryori dinner.
Conclude the day with an optional arrangement for a lantern-lit night walk through Okunoin Cemetery, one of Japan’s most sacred sites.
Morning temple activities offer insight into monastic life.
Travel by private vehicle or train to Osaka, approximately a 2-hour journey.
Lunch and hotel check-in follow, after which you may explore vibrant neighborhoods like Dotonbori or Shinsekai.
This marks the conclusion of the tour.
13 Nights
All domestic transport including:
Private Hired Cars for long journeys.
Bullet Train tickets included.
Express Train tickets included.
12 Breakfasts
13 Lunches
12 Dinners
Start to Finish Through-Guides
Admission Fees:
All admission fees are included.
Full travelers insurance from arrival until departure
(ANTA Inbound Travel Coverage)
Flights are not included.
The itinerary shown is a sample package itinerary.
It is flexible and we are happy to accommodate your requests and preferences.
The pricing indicated is listed as:
1 Adult in a group of 8.
Price is listed in off-season.
Adjustments to the number of participants may result in changes or modifications to the itinerary and/or estimates.
Please don’t hesitate to inquire further.
