+44 (0)20 8741 7390 Long steeped in the spirituality and traditions of its ancient past, Japan is a land that seems to have found a way of fusing its rich cultural heritage with the dynamic vision of its future. It is this ability to coalesce the old with the new that has come to define this extraordinary nation. Join us then on a journey into the very heart of this remarkable country. Beginning in the country s ancient capital you will have some time to discover the astonishing abundance of World Heritage Sites in and around Kyoto, before travelling on to the ancient religious centre at Koyasan. Set high amongst the mountain landscapes you will have an opportunity to join the monks in morning prayer, before exploring the ancient pilgrimage routes along Kumano Kodo. Here you will follow, on foot and by boat, trails that have been trodden by emperors and pilgrims for centuries. Enjoying the traditional comforts of ryokans and onsen baths, you ll journey to the shores of the Pacific Ocean and hike along the beautiful Nakasendo Trail, before ending amongst the towering edifices of modern Tokyo, a fittingly apt end to a journey spanning over 1000 years of Japanese culture. HIGHLIGHTS: Walk the ancient pilgrimage routes of the famed Koda Kamano Trail. Experience an early morning ceremony on Mount Koya. Trek the beautiful Nakasendo Trail. Spend two nights in a traditional Japanese ryokan. Enjoy a soak in a traditional onsen bath with views over the Pacific Ocean. TOUR INCLUDES: 8 nights in hotels 2 nights Ryokan 1 night Temple lodge 11 breakfasts and 3 dinners English meet and greet at the airport 7-Day Japan Rail Pass in ordinary class English-speaking guide for tour on 3 days *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: OSAKA - KYOTO After being met at the airport you will then be transferred on to your hotel in Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital. A rich repository of shrines, gardens and temples, Kyoto can boast no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites including the Kamo Shrines and Nijo Castle. After arriving at Kyoto's futuristic station, the rest of the day offers a chance to immerse yourself in the city's remarkable cultural splendour, with a walk from the Silver Temple along the Path of Philosophy to the 400-year-old Sanmon Gate. (B) DAY 2: KYOTO Your tour begins with a visit to the Momoyama-style architecture of Nijo Castle, originally built as the private villa of a powerful feudal lord. Moving on to Ryoan-ji Temple, you'll then visit its famous rock gardens before taking in the splendour of the Kinkaku-ji Temple, with its stunning golden pavilion. A visit to the Kiyomizudera Temple then provides a chance to take in the views from its 13-metre high tower, before ending the tour with a stroll along the busy streets of Higashiyama. (B) DAY 3: KYOTO Your final day in Kyoto provides an opportunity to visit nearby Nara, which for 74 years during the 8th century was Japan's capital. Many of the temples and shrines built during that period still remain and the town's park attracts a number of tame deer to its wooded landscapes. Here you can also find the celebrated shrine of Kasuga Taisha and the Todai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and the home of the largest Buddha in the country. (B) DAY 4: KYOTO - KOYASAN Koyasan has served as the centre of Shingon Buddhism for over 1,200 years. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it provides one of the highlights of the trip as you complete the final leg of the journey with a cable car ascent up into the mountains. Meeting your guide at Koyasan Station, you'll then spend the afternoon visiting a number of important sites including the Kongobu-ji Temple, Okuno-in Cemetery and the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, before enjoying some typical Buddhist cuisine at the shukubo (temple lodge). (B)
DAY 5: KOYASAN - KAWAYU ONSEN Experiencing the calming chants of early morning prayers provides a unique insight into the teachings of Japanese Buddhism, before you proceed to the dining room for a shojin ryori breakfast. Travelling onwards to the famous Kumano Kodo by local bus, you'll be spending this evening at a ryokan located along part of the ancient route that was once a popular place of pilgrimage for the Kyoto emperors. This evening you can enjoy the hot springs and a kaiseki style meal before turning in for the night. (B,D) DAY 6: KODO TRAIL Travel the short distance to Hosshinmon-oji by local bus this morning, to join the starting point of your walk on to Grand Hongu Taisha. The two and a half hour walk then takes you on to one of the three main shrines that lie along this World Heritage trail. Symbolised by the mythological three-legged raven, representing the Hongu, Nachi and Hayatama shrines, the raven is believed to have guided Emperor Jimmu on his journey from Kumano to the Yamato Plain. Return to the ryokan by bus. (B,D) DAY 7: KODO TRAIL - KATSUURA BAY Transferring by local bus to the Kumano River this morning, you will then board a traditional flat-bottomed boat and follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims of old, on a gentle one and a half hour journey on to the Hayatama Taisha Shrine. After the visit there will be some free time for lunch, after which you'll take the train on to Katsuura, to spend the evening enjoying the hot spring waters of Katsuura Bay and the views of the Pacific Ocean. (B) DAY 8: KATSUURA BAY - OSAKA Taking another local bus this morning, the next leg of this ancient journey is Daimonzaka, the traditional gateway towards the ascent up to the Nachi-taki (waterfall) and Nachi Taisha (shrine), another of the triumvirate of Kumano's Grand Shrines. Following the visit you'll then take a short bus ride on to the Kij Katsuura station, from where you will then board the afternoon train on to Osaka, arriving in the city later this evening. (B) DAY 9: OSAKA - MAGOME - TSUMAGO Today's journey starts at Nakasendo, in the Kiso Valley. One of the "Five Routes" once controlled by the Tokugawa Shogunate, from Nakasendo station you will catch a bus on to Magome, one of the post towns that flourished during the Edo period. From Magome you then follow the old trail on to the town of Tsumago, a walk of some three hours. Magome and Tsumago both thrived during the golden era of trade and in recent years the latter has seen itself classified as a nationally preserved architectural site. (B)
DAY 10: TSUMAGO - TOKYO After a morning's transfer to Tokyo, the afternoon is then free to explore the Japanese capital at your leisure, perhaps taking in the spiritual splendour of the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the late emperor. Beyond the tree-lined confines of the park lie the bustling streets of Harajuku and the shops and cafes of Takeshita Street, one of the area's most famous landmarks. Nearby you can also find Omotesando, Tokyo's very own Champs-Elysées, whose broad, leafy avenues feature a number internationally designed flagship stores. (B) DAY 11: TOKYO Meeting up with your guide at the hotel this morning's excursion begins with a visit to Hamarikyu, one of the most visited gardens in Tokyo. After a chance to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at its attractive Nakajima-no-Ochaya teahouse, you'll then embark on a scenic river cruise to Asakusa, part of the city's historic old Geisha district and home to the Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. The streets around Senso-ji also house a number of interesting and traditional shops. (B) DAY 12: TOKYO After breakfast transfer by train back to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION KODO TRAIL FUJIYA RYOKAN The Fujiya Ryokan is located on the east side of the impressive Kawayu Onsen within the beautiful green mountains. After an hour s drive from JR Shingu Station, the steam rising from the Kawaya Onsen, on the riverside, in front of the hotel signifies arrival. Enter the hotel on the ground floor to reach the front desk, wooden onsen, marble onsen, open air onsen, souvenir shop and tea room. The traditional Japanese style rooms are decorated with Ikebana, flower arrangement, and offer up views of the Oto river with the fresh mountain breeze. Western rooms have private balconies and incorporate modern western design based on earth, bamboo and wood. There is the option of reserving a private onsen. MOUNT KOYA SOJI-IN Soji-In is a luxurious temple lodging which offers an insight into the traditional life of local Buddhist monks. Located close to the main sites of Koyasan, this hotel is convenient for guests wishing to explore the area further. The building has retained an old-fashioned feel due to the timber it s built from and the luscious garden views. The rooms are traditional and Japanese in style and there is no difference between each. Equipped with a private bathroom, guests experience a cultural stay in the accommodation. Another big feature that guest enjoy is the shojin vegetarian cuisine, prepared using traditional Buddhist recipes that have continued for centuries. The chef s creative approach means that guests are often trying new recipes when staying at Soji-In. OSAKA VILLA FONTAINE In the heart of Osaka and a just a minute s walk from Shinsaibashi Station, Villa Fontaine provides guests with a great location when visiting the city. Nearby appealing destinations include Doutonbori Gokuraku Town, American Village, Universal Studios and Osaka Castle. For a calming walk, the Namba Park is just 10 minutes away. The hotel offers guests 3 differing rooms the Standard, Relaxation and Superior. Each is equipped with a spacious bathroom, TV, fridge and bathroom amenities. Choose to stay in the Relaxation room if you d like the luxury of a contour mattress and pillow and foot massage machine. Guests are welcomed with lovely staff and can start the day off with a complimentary breakfast featuring a Japanese and Western-styled buffet. TOKYO
PARK HOTEL Situated in the Ginza area of the city, the four star Park Hotel offers up an elegant blend of modern comforts and Japanese style. Each generously appointed room offers outward facing views across the Shiodome and Shimbashi districts and comes with a range of amenities and comforts, including en suite bathrooms, WiFi and TVs. Conveniently located close to the Hamarikyu Gardens it is ideally situated for exploring the modern and historic parts of the city, whilst the area directly surrounding the hotel is home to some of the city s finest restaurants and bars. The hotel itself can also boast a choice of fine dining options, with a Michelin star French restaurant and a more traditional Japanese menu on offer. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com