MT Sobek
Japan Kumano Kodo Walking & Hiking
This immersive journey contrasts Japan’s cityscapes with its spiritual countryside and ancient pilgrimage traditions on the Kii Peninsula. Start in Osaka, the bustling business hub of modern-day Japan, and end in Kyoto, Japan’s former ancient capital and the repository of its cultural heritage. Hike along the spectacular Nakahechi section of the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo, an age-old web of pilgrimage routes. Soak up stunning scenery, marvel at sacred shrines, rest in ryokan inns, dine on the freshest local ingredients, and end rewarding days of hiking by relaxing in natural hot springs.
Highlights:
- Hike the mystical Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail strewn with stunning sacred shrines
- Experience charming traditional onsen baths and ryokan inns along the trail
- Take in the historic landmarks and cultural highlights of Kyoto and Osaka
Important Trip Details:
Moderately paced hikes of up to seven miles a day on rustic trails with some steep and continuous ascents, plus a day of extensive city walking and cultural touring, linked by scenic train rides.
Minimum Age: 16
Day 1 |
Just south of Kyoto, Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and a cultural hub known for its spectacular culinary scene. Highlights of this sprawling and lively city include majestic Osaka Castle, whose tiers of white and green tower over Nishinomaru Garden’s blooming pink cherry trees, as well as the Shitennoji Buddhist temple, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and ever-popular Universal Studios Japan. Be sure to visit the Tsutenkaku Tower, illuminated by vivid neon, and take advantage of nearby souvenir shops, or venture into the Dōtonbori district for the city’s best restaurants! Kuromon Market is a must for an authentic taste of Osaka’s fresh seafood and gastronomic staples; sample anything from Takoyaki dumplings to the infamous fugu fish. Savor in the sights and sounds of vibrant Osaka on your next trip to Japan! |
Day 2 |
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Day 3 |
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Day 4 |
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Day 5 |
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Day 6 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
Day 7 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
Day 8 |
Japan consists of four large islands: Hokkaido, the northernmost; Honshu, the largest, called the mainland; Shikoku; and Kyushu, the southernmost; as well as the Ryukyu Islands, and more than 1000 lesser adjacent islands. The total area of Japan is 377,688 sq. km (145,826 sq. mi.). Tokyo is Japan's capital and largest city. Ancient China and modern Western influences are found in Japanese literature, art, and music, architecture, drama, language, and music.
Tokyo has a number of important libraries: the National Diet Library, an international book exchange and information center of Japan; The Cabinet Library in Tokyo containing about 530,000 volumes; The Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library containing more than 838,000 volumes; and Kobe City Library containing more than 240,000 volumes. Important university libraries are located throughout the country. The museums of Japan, with the exception of several modern galleries in the large cities, are usually found in temples and shrines, including the famous Myohoin Temple in Kyoto. Tokyo contains several important museums and art galleries, the largest being the Tokyo National Museum. Other museums in Tokyo are in the Calligraphy Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the Meiji Shrine Treasure Museum, and the Japanese Folk Art Museum. Important museum collections are found in almost every major city. |
Travel Dates | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|
05/14/25 - 05/21/25 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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09/24/25 - 10/01/25 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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10/22/25 - 10/29/25 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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11/12/25 - 11/19/25 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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11/26/25 - 12/03/25 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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03/11/26 - 03/18/26 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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03/21/26 - 03/28/26 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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04/16/26 - 04/23/26 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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05/13/26 - 05/20/26 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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05/22/26 - 05/29/26 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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09/26/26 - 10/03/26 |
Starting At $6,495 |
Get A Quote | |
10/21/26 - 10/28/26 |
Starting At $6,495 |
Get A Quote | |
11/11/26 - 11/18/26 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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11/24/26 - 12/01/26 |
Starting At $6,495 |
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Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.