Asia

Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak Tour

From €3,476pp
Depart From
Add flights from Ireland
Departure Date
Departures into 2027
Duration
12 days
Destination
Tokyo to Osaka, Japan
Price
From €3,476pp
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Hike sacred trails, cycle through historic districts and kayak on the Inland Sea with this fantastic 12-day tour of Japan.

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 by foot, boat and bike.

Beginning in Tokyo, hike through post towns dotted along the Nakasendo Way, cycle along the Shimanami Kaido, kayak around the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and stop by historic Kyoto for an optional soak in a traditional sento (bathhouse).

Then, tackle a section of the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. 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.

  • Hike between the preserved post towns of the Nakasendo Way and connect with 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 – 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 – the perfect way to explore this ancient capital is on two wheels!
  • Hike a section of the Kumano Kodo – one of just two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage trails in the world. Along this ancient route, you’ll see the spectacular Nachi Falls and Nachi Taisha Shrine.
  • Relax your muscles in Toba’s onsens (hot springs) and maybe even one of Kyoto’s sentos (traditional bathhouses) – a must-do experience while in Japan!

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 previous experience hiking and cycling 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 main luggage to the next destination. Hiking distances vary from 3 km to 15 km (2 mi to 9.5 mi) per day with no more elevation change than 60 m to 900m (200 ft to 2950 ft). The cycling distances are around 30 km (19 mi) 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. 

Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sq m). 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.

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 (provided on request) for more details.

4. Bike helmets and life jackets are provided. If you require any additional gear like hiking/trekking poles or bicycle gloves please bring your own.

  • Tokyo - Tokyo After 5 Urban Adventure - JPY17000
  • Tokyo - Kanpai Tokyo: Shinjuku Drinks and Neon Nights Urban Adventure - JPY18000
  • Tokyo - A Tour Through Tokyo's Kitchen (with World's Largest Fish Market) Urban Adventure - JPY12535
  • Tokyo - Made In Japan Shopping Tour: Cultural Curiosities Urban Adventure - JPY8850

Price per person is based on 2 adults sharing and includes:

  • 12 Day Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayaks Tour
  • Meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
  • Transport:Boat, Public Bus, Metro, Bullet Train, Train, Taxi, Walking, Bike, Kayak
  • Hotel/Ryokan (11 nights)

Included 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

Please ask us about:

  • Flights- we'll find the best rates for your chosen departure airport and travel dates
  • Travel Insurance
Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Prices are live and only guaranteed at time of booking. Itinerary may be subject to change.

For more information please call us on 021 4277094 or 01 6965135, email info@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button, or submit an enquiry through the form below.

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