Japan Hike, Bike & Kayak |Travel Nation

Tabbed Group

There's so much to discover in the Land of the Rising Sun. So we've taken our favourite must-see highlights and major cultural touchstones like Kyoto and Hiroshima, combined them with visits to lesser known areas, and packed everything into a 13-day itinerary. Hike along the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to visit spectacular shrines, visit the impressive site of Wakayama Castle, bike the famous Shimanami Kaido route, and kayak around the famed floating torii gate in the Bay of Miyajima. With a refreshing mix of approachable activities, beautiful landscapes, and delicious eats, this tour has something for every kind of traveller.

Itinerary

Day 1: Osaka

Arrive at any time.

We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation in Osaka to see more of this interesting city.

Day 2: Osaka/Chikatsuyu

Take the train from Osaka to Chikatsuyu to begin the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage hike.

Includes: Dinner

Day 3: Chikatsuyu/Katsuura

Enjoy a day hike along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, reach the Hongu Taisha Shrine with the largest torii gate in Japan. Afterwards, board a bus for coastal Katsuura.

Includes: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Katsuura/Wakayama

Hike to one of Japan's best-known waterfalls and the Kumano Nachi Taisha, an ancient site along this pilgrimage trail, before heading to Wakayama for the night.

Day 5: Wakayama/Kyoto

Visit the impressive site of Wakayama Castle before transferring by train to Kyoto.

Day 6: Kyoto

Take in the vibrant colours of Fushimi Inari shrine and explore the historic side of Kyoto.

Day 7: Kyoto/Onomichi

Explore more of Kyoto with free time before taking the train to Onomichi.

Day 8: Onomichi/Ikuchi Jima

Enjoy a day of cycling across bridges and islands to the south of Honshu, exploring small villages along the way. Spend the night in a ryokan inn on Ikuchi Jima and savour a traditional kaiseki meal.

Includes: Dinner

Day 9: Ikuchi Jima/Matsuyama

Cycle along the Shimanami Kaido towards Imabari City. Continue on to Matsuyama to rest for the night.

Includes: Breakfast

Day 10: Matsuyama/Hiroshima

Transfer by ferry to Hiroshima. This afternoon visit the Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the city's tragic history.

The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.

Includes: Breakfast

Day 11: Hiroshima

Travel to the island of Miyajima from Hiroshima. Hop into a kayak and paddle out to the iconic torii gate which floats in the bay.

Day 12: Hiroshima/Tokyo

Transfer to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo by train and explore with some free time in the afternoon.

Day 13: Tokyo

Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.

Japan Hike, Bike & Kayak