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Japan's Kumano Kodo Trail

0044 1606 720199

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  • Holiday code
    W13JA
  • Holiday type
    Guided walking
  • Duration
    13 nights
  • Accommodation
    hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • From $8679per person, tour only
  • Departures
    Selected Saturdays from 15 Oct '23 to 20 Oct '24
  • What's Included?
  • All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners
  • All accommodation 
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
  • Group arrival transfer (for group flight)
  • Free departure transfer by shuttle service (must be booked in advance before trip commences with Exodus and is subject to availability)
  • Key Information
  • This holiday is operated by our sister company, Exodus
  • 8 nights in traditional guesthouses/ryokans in Japanese style rooms (shared bathrooms) and 5 nights in comfortable hotels (en suite)
  • 8 days guided walking 
  • Low altitude throughout with some longer steep ascents/descents
  • Travel by train, local buses and metro
  • Luggage transfers between accommodations on some walk days as required

Japan:

Japan's Kumano Kodo Trail

  • Operated by our sister company, Exodus
  • Explore beautiful and fascinating Kyoto Enjoy historic pilgrimage walks along the Kumano Kodo Immerse in Japanese culture off the beaten track Walk the Nakasendo Way from Tsumago to Magome Learn about the pearl-collecting Ama Divers while staying in Toba Stay in charming Kiso Fukushima

After uncovering ancient shrines and pathways in Kyoto, we head off the beaten track to the Kumano Kodo region, one of the most remote and rewarding pilgrimage routes in Japan. This moderate walking trip focuses on beautiful scenery, nature and rural life, while following some of the most historic walks in the country. Staying in traditional ryokans along the way, we fully immerse in authentic Japanese culture and way of life. After, we visit Toba to learn about the pearl-collecting Ama Divers and embark on one last pilgrimage walk on the Nakasendo Way, before re-entering modern civilisation in Tokyo.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com

Typical holiday itinerary



We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 , or email sales@headwater.com

Day 1: Start Kyoto

With about 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japan’s cultural heritage and remains one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese cities, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. You are free to arrive at the start hotel anytime today. This evening, there is a briefing with your leader. Accommodation: Hotel Resol Kyoto Trinity Oike Fuyacho (or similar)

Day 2: Hike to the Kibune shrine; onto Kurama temple; return to Kyoto

This morning, we set out on our first hike, visiting the northern mountains and the Kibune shrine, followed by the Kurama temple. Our first stop, however, is the Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion). From here, we climb up to the Daimonji mountain for an excellent view of Kyoto, then take a short train ride north to Kibune-guchi, where the hike to Kibune and Kifune shrine begins. Kifune shrine was built upon the site where supposedly a goddess finished a long journey by boat. It’s dedicated to the deity of water and rain, so all those who seek protection and maritime safety come here to pray – especially seamen and fishermen. The charming town of Kibune is dotted with traditional restaurants and inns, with streams running beneath the restaurant platforms. It’s an excellent opportunity to relax, especially for those who wish to escape the Kyoto crowds. We then set out for Kurama town, renowned for its Kurama temple and special hot springs. The temple is deep in the woods and requires a fair bit of legwork to reach, but those who do venture there are rewarded with beautiful scenery along the path. We return to Kyoto for the evening, where you can choose to join an optional group dinner in the Gion district if you wish. Accommodation: Hotel Resol Kyoto Trinity Oike Fuyacho (or similar)

Day 3: Walk on the ancient Yamanobe-no-michi

Leaving the north of Kyoto, we enjoy a pleasant hike on the Yamanobe-no-michi. The path is believed to be the oldest still in existence connecting Edo (present day Tokyo) with the western parts of Japan with a history of more than 1,200 years. Starting in present-day Nara and spanning through what used to be Yamato – the cradle of Japanese civilisation – the trail takes us through more than 9mi (15km) of distance and two millennia of history. Along the way, we discover relics of a distant past, including the seventh-century BCE shrine of Omiwa, said to be the oldest still standing in Japan. There are also many temples and shrines dotting the trail and the trail itself runs through lush forests and comfortable paths. As we pass rural villages, we can experience true Japanese hospitality as fruit vendors often offer locally grown fresh produce to trail hikers as an energy booster. In the late afternoon, we return to Kyoto for an evening at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Resol Kyoto Trinity Oike Fuyacho (or similar)

Day 4: Morning walk to the Fushimi Inari shrine; free time in Kyoto before train to Tanabe

We have an early start to visit the most iconic sight in Kyoto: the Shinto shrine known as Fushimi Inari-taisha. Working folk have worshipped Inari, the deity of good harvest and business, since the seventh century. Even today, businessmen and entrepreneurs from all corners of Japan donate a torii arch to the shrine in hope of gaining the deity’s favour. Although this custom is fairly recent, the mountain path has thousands of torii arches, making for a wonderful morning stroll at the break of dawn. We start early to beat the crowds, otherwise we must compete with the thousands of visitors Fushimi Inari-taisha attracts daily. After the hike, we return to the hotel. The rest of the morning is free for visiting the sites of Kyoto, such as the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle or the Golden Pavilion. In the afternoon, we leave Kyoto by train and head to Kumano Kodo, a series of pilgrimage routes more than 1,000 years’ old, when the imperial ancestors of Japan made pilgrimage from Kyoto. In the Kii Peninsula, the largest in Japan, the trails along Kumano Kodo are incredible for hiking. Taking a train to the tip of the peninsula, we reach the rural coastal town of Tanabe, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Hanaya, Azikuno Garuten (or similar)

Day 5: Start walking the Kumano Kodo. Bus transfer to Takajiri-oji; hike to Nonaka passing Takahara village

After an early breakfast, we take a bus to Takijiri-oji, the start point of the pilgrimage, from where we walk to Takahara. This is the steepest part of the trail, leading to Takahara Shrine, a Shinto shrine surrounded by ancient camphor trees. From here, we walk towards Takahara village, also called kiri-no-sato (village in the fog), a small, quiet town with rice terraces and surrounded by forests. The trail continues upwards until we reach the Uwadawa-jaya teahouse, where the trail begins to descend, passing ruin shrines and the small villages of Osakamoto-oji and Chikatsuyu-oji, crossing Kitano-bashi bridge, and following the road to Nonaka-no-Shimizu, a source of potable water. Around the Nonaka-no-Shimizu area, the group stays in a minshuku, a traditional inn with Japanese-style rooms. Your dinner features specialties from the Kumano Kodo region. Please note, due to the smaller sizes of accommodation here, bigger groups may be accommodated across two minshukus this evening. However, the group still has meals together in one of the accommodations. As our hike tomorrow is a bit longer and more challenging, we highly recommend turning in early. Accommodation: Minshuku Chikatsuyu (or similar)

Day 6: Walk in the forest, crossing rivers and ancient shrines; transfer by local bus to Yunomine Onsen

Today we start with a 10-minute bus ride to the start of our hike. We first start walking uphill, and head towards the woods to see Tsugizakura-oji, a sub-shrine at the top of steep stairs leading into a thick forest of huge cedar trees believed. Next to the entrance of Tsugizakura-oji, we find Toganoki-jaya, a replica of a traditional Japanese teahouse. We then continue with a slow ascent to Kobiro-toge pass, followed by a relatively downward trail along a series of paved and unpaved paths, passing Jagata-jizo, which is believed to protect travellers from evil spirits, a couple of river crossings and passing by thick forests of cedar and cypress until we reach Kumano Hongu Taisha, the head shrine of more than 3,000 Shinto shrines in the Kumano area. After visiting the shrine, we transfer by local bus to Yunomine Onsen, one of the oldest and most revered hot spring resorts in Japan as it used to be the place where pilgrims cleansed themselves before praying at Kumano Hongu Taisha. Tonight, we stay at a ryokan, another traditional Japanese-style inn, where we sleep on a futon, have access to the public onsen, and enjoy a bento-style dinner. Accommodation: Iseya Ryokan (or similar)

Day 7: Follow the old spiritual path from Ukegawa to Koguchi; transfer to Kawayu Onsen; enjoy views of the Kumano mountains

After breakfast, we take a bus from Yunomine Onsen to Ukegawa where today’s hike (mainly along unpaved road) commences. We pass the remains of the Matsuhata-jaya teahouse and Hyakken-gura, one of the top spots in Wakayama to see the Kumano mountains, which consists of around 3,600 peaks. From here, we continue on a mainly level road towards the remains of the Sakura-jaya teahouse, before descending from the hills, along a path with cobblestones (which can be slippery, especially if wet or covered with moss). At the foot of the hill, we should find small prayer tablets left by other spiritual hikers as offerings. We continue onto Koguchi, the end of today’s walk, where we take a bus via Kanmaru to Kawayu onsen. This place is famous for the hot spring beside the river. Accommodation: Omuraya Ryokan (or similar)

Day 8: Walk past historic sites and enjoy wonderful views to Nachi Falls and Kumano Nachi Taisha

We rise very early and return to Koguchi to begin our hike. Today’s trail is one of the most challenging sections of Kumano Kodo, taking us through forested hills and along unpaved roads. However, a series of historic sites and wonderful views await as we pass Waroda-ishi rock (where the Kumano deities are believed to meet and chat over tea), through the woods of Irokawatsuji, and over Funami-toge Pass, where we glimpse the Pacific Ocean. After hiking for almost eight hours, we arrive in Nachi. Here, we see Nachi Falls, the highest waterfall in Japan, and pay a visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. Later in the afternoon, we take a local bus (approximately 30 minutes) to Katsuura, staying at a Japanese inn on the beautiful islet-dotted Katsuura Bay, where we can listen to the ocean waves and relax after completing our hikes along the memorable Kumano Kodo. Accommodation: Hotel Sunrise Katsuura (or similar)

Day 9: Travel by train to Toba in the rural Mie prefecture; learn about the Ama Divers on Mikimoto Pearl Island

After breakfast, we get ready for a short walk to return to Katsuura station on foot (with luggage), where we begin our journey by train to Toba in the neighbouring Mie prefecture. The rural Mie prefecture has forested landscapes and Mediterranean-looking coastlines. The area is also known for producing some of the freshest seafood in Japan and, in its waters, pearl cultivation has become an important activity. Upon arrival in Toba, we store our luggage safely at the station before having lunch and walking a short distance to Mikimoto Pearl Island, where we learn about pearl cultivation and the life of the Ama Divers. These female divers are famous for their centuries-long tradition of diving for pearls without oxygen masks and here we witness an Ama Diver demonstration. After, we continue to the Osatsu area in Toba where we spend the next two nights at a ryokan in Japanese-style rooms. Accommodation: Ryokan Otaya (or similar)

Day 10: Osatsu village followed by lunch at the Ama hut; visit Ise Shrine

This morning, we can relax in the ryokan or walk around the neighbourhood where there may be the chance to visit a local shrine and temple or, in warmer weather, enjoy a swim at the local sandy beach. Late morning, we take a short walk to visit the hut of an Ama Diver, who prepares us a grilled seafood meal. After lunch, we continue to the Ise Shrine by train, one of the most sacred areas for the Shinto religion and a favourite pilgrimage destination for Japanese people. Just a short walk away, the picturesque Okage-Yokocho district offers a great outlook on the traditional side of the area with quaint shops selling local arts and crafts and food before returning to our ryokan. Accommodation: Ryokan Otaya (or similar)

Day 11: Scenic train journey to Kiso Fukushima

A long and scenic train journey with one change takes us to Kiso Fukushima in about 4hr 30min. Upon arrival, we take a short orientation tour with our leader. Kiso Fukushima is a delightful town in the Nagano prefecture on the railway line between Nagoya and Matsumoto in central Japan, roughly half-way along the Nakasendo. Kiso Fukushima was an important checkpoint on the route, and its historic sekisho (barrier station) is one of only two on the Nakasendo. The Fukushima sekisho-ato (checkpoint) is where travellers on the Nakasendo were made to wait and present their passes to travel on the highway. The Tokugawa regime was on the lookout for guns and women travelling in disguise. Across the Kiso River from the Fukushima Sekisho-ato is Kozenji Temple with an attractive rock garden. Kozenji Temple is free to enter and lovely, especially in autumn. We spend the next two nights in Kiso Fukushima in Japanese-style rooms at a simple family-run ryokan. Accommodation: Ryokan Sarashinaya (or similar)

Day 12: Walk a section of the ancient Nakasendo Way from Tsumago to Magome

After an early breakfast, we travel by train to Nagiso in about 50 minutes. Upon arrival, we take a short ride on a local bus to Tsumago, a well-preserved post town. Tsumago had a golden era when merchants, nobles and other prominent people frequently passed through for trade and other formal appointments. From Tsumago, we start the journey to Magome, one of the post towns that flourished in the Edo period. The trail that runs from Tsumago to Magome is perhaps the most popular section of Nakasendo. This ancient trail can be completed in about three hours, including some quick breaks. After concluding the trail, we ride a bus to Nakatsugawa and then a train back to Kiso Fukushima in just over one hour. Accommodation: Ryokan Sarashinaya (or similar)

Day 13: Train to Tokyo; free time to explore

After breakfast, we embark on our last scenic train journey to Tokyo in a little over three hours with one change en route. We may catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on the way, if weather conditions permit. We recommend buying a bento on the way for lunch as the journey is about three hours –the leader can advise. After check-in at our hotel, you have a few hours to explore Tokyo before an optional farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Dormy Inn Kodenmacho (or similar)

Day 14: End Tokyo

The trip ends this morning after breakfast. For more information on returning home, see the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Alternatively, if you’d like to spend a little longer exploring, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Where you stay

During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com

Traditional Ryokans/Guesthouses and Hotels

During the trip you will spend 8 nights in traditional guesthouses/ryokans in Japanese style rooms (shared bathrooms) and 5 nights in comfortable hotels (en suite). 

For 8 nights during the trip we stay in ryokans; comfortable traditional inns where we are able to get a close feel for the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside. Ryokans, whilst comfortable and full of local character, do not run along the same lines as western hotels and do all have their own unique style; some are more like Japanese B&B's with a homestay feel and guests make their own Japanese style beds up, whilst others are managed more like a standard hotel with bedding made up for guests. Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is usually in the Japanese style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Rooms are always doubles or twin-share but bathrooms and showers are generally communal. Please be advised, whilst females and males will be have access to seperate gender specific bathrooms, inside showering and bathing facilities can lack the level of privacy you would be used to in a western style shared bathroom. This is very common in Japan and by staying in mostly traditional ryokans, there is the chance to have a very authentic cultural experience throughout the tour.

On day 5 of the tour, the groups will stay in Nonaka-Chikatsuyu. Please note, due to the smaller sizes of accommodation in this area, bigger groups may be accommodated across two minshuku inns in a neighbouring village (5 minute drive). However, the group will still have meals together in one of the accommodations if bigger groups stay in two inns.

In Kyoto, Tanabe and Tokyo, groups will be accommodated in comfortable hotels (Western style) with rooms that have private bathrooms. 

Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location of the day to day itinerary are the standard accommodations used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at different accommodations of a similar standard.

Please be advised single supplements are very limited and only available 5 nights of the trip- (3 nights Kyoto, 1 night Katsuura and 1 night Tokyo). Please advise at time of booking you would like to request a single supplement (subject to availability). In Japan, often single supplements can be accommodated in either an actual single and/or double for sole use room in hotels.

Onsen (Japanese public bath)

For many visitors to Japan the onsen is a somewhat unfamiliar territory. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns frequently situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, that nudity is involved and compulsory, and that the water temperature is often hotter than most Jacuzzis can cause some reluctance for first timers. However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that a dip in an onsen is likely to become one of the highlights of your visit to Japan. We will have the opportunity to try onsens on a few occasions throughout the trip. Please be aware you may be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos. Some accommodations may have private baths available for reservation.


Meals

All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners are included. 

Japanese cuisine is usually one of the main highlights of any trip to Japan. It is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes which are usually prepared with seasonal ingredients. Seafood is very common, and it usually comes grilled or deep fried. Sushi and sashimi aside, other staple dishes include Soba or Udon noodles, Sukiyaki (meat, fish and vegetables cooked in broth) and Yakiniku (grilled meat).

The included breakfasts at the traditional guesthouses/ryokans/inns are likely to be Japanese style.

The included lunches will mostly consist of bento boxes enjoyed during the walks or in some instances may be taken in small eateries where available.

The included dinners are usually taken at ryokans (traditional guesthouses) which may include a kaiseki style dinner, a multi-course meal including a dozen of tiny dishes prepared with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. When food is not included, your leader will always be on hand to recommend the best local eateries and arrange some group meals for a full immersion in Japan's varied and excellent cuisine. 

Please note that in Japan the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free, strict vegetarian (no fish/seafood) or vegan is minimal or non-existent. However in Kyoto and Tokyo a number of vegan restaurants are available.  It may also be a good idea to bring with you some foodstuffs that you normally consume, or to supplement meals with snacks purchased in the local convenience stores.

Please advise us at time of booking you have any specific dietary requirements.

Travel

Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.

To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com

Transfers

Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights who will be taking a private transfer from Kansai airport to Kyoto on arrival.

If you are travelling on a different flight, arriving before or at the same time as the group and you would like to join the group transfer, please request it at least 6 weeks prior departure. The cost of this transport is included in the trip price if you are able to meet the group and your leader on time. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. 

Kansai International Airport is situated on a man‐made island in Osaka Bay about 40 km from central Osaka. The easiest and fastest option when traveling between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto independently is the train. The Limited Express Haruka operated by JR West is the only rail service between Kyoto Station and Kansai International Airport. It covers the distance in about 75-80 minutes and it runs regularly approximately every 30 minutes. The normal fare is around 2850 JPY. For up‐to‐date info on prices and timetables and to book tickets, please ask the Travel Desk of Kansai Tourist Information Centre. This is located on the first floor of the Terminal 1 building. 

Private transfers are not available on this trip.

Further information will be provided in the final joining instructions which will be sent to you 2 to 3 weeks before departure.

Transportation

Transport will be by train, local buses and metro. It is worth mentioning that the trains in Japan are both highly efficient and very comfortable so punctuality on the part of Exodus passengers is requested throughout. Please note that you will be required to carry your own baggage on and off frequently used trains and buses and through stations.

There will be some days during the hiking days where luggage is transferred from one accommodation to the next so you do not have to carry your main luggage during any of the hikes.

As this trip stays in many smaller, rural locations, there will be short walks involved from stations/bus stops to accommodations where needed.

Joining Instructions

Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 Days

The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the itinerary.

Flights from London

We normally use the scheduled services of Cathay Pacific or Emirates Airlines (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.

Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Kyoto and ending in Tokyo

Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Kyoto in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.

Reviews

Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. As this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available from our customers, but here are the comments that have been received from previous Exodus travellers.

A Great two weeks in Japan. Great people friendly, very helpful and polite.

This was an excellent trip that we thoroughly enjoyed, giving an insight into contrasting landscapes/areas of Japan and to its culture and food. After initial exploration in and around Kyoto, the four days on the Kumano Kodo trail were quite demanding (particularly because it was so hot on our departure) but we got a fascinating insight into one of the more rural areas, staying in traditional Japanese hotels. A good proportion of the trail itself was in trees with occasional viewpoints and shrines, it also passed through villages and rural settings. The trails are well made and on some days the walking was long, as set out in the trip notes. The traditional Japanese food we ate every day was elaborate and carefully prepared – a bowl of sticky rice and an array of up to around 10 other small dishes of food for each person – at each meal, including breakfast; lunches were bento boxes. There was much fresh seafood by the sea. Travelling on the efficient Japanese public transport was interesting and enjoyable as it is indeed very punctual, but also uncrowded and generally very comfortable. The last couple of days in Tokyo were different again – a short time to get an impression, but as we are not really city people, this was fine.

Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.

This 13 night guided walking holiday includes:

All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners

All accommodation 

All transport and listed activities

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Group arrival transfer (for group flight)

Free departure transfer by shuttle service (must be booked in advance before trip commences with Exodus and is subject to availability)


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.

  • Oct 2023
  • Mar 2024
  • Sep 2024
  • Oct 2024
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
15th Oct 2023 WAS US$8979
US$8679
Save US$300
US$910 Tour only: Now US$8679 (was US$8979)
Single supp: US$910
Check availability
Check availability
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
17th Mar 2024 US$9249 US$917 Tour only: US$9249
Single supp: US$917
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31st Mar 2024 US$9249 US$917 Tour only: US$9249
Single supp: US$917
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
8th Sep 2024 US$9099 US$917 Tour only: US$9099
Single supp: US$917
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Check availability
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
13th Oct 2024 US$9249 US$917 Tour only: US$9249
Single supp: US$917
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Check availability
20th Oct 2024 US$9249 US$917 Tour only: US$9249
Single supp: US$917
Check availability
Check availability

The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.

Key information

This holiday is operated by our sister company, Exodus

8 nights in traditional guesthouses/ryokans in Japanese style rooms (shared bathrooms) and 5 nights in comfortable hotels (en suite)

8 days guided walking 

Low altitude throughout with some longer steep ascents/descents

Travel by train, local buses and metro

Luggage transfers between accommodations on some walk days as required

Transfers

Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights who will be taking a private transfer from Kansai airport to Kyoto on arrival.

If you are travelling on a different flight, arriving before or at the same time as the group and you would like to join the group transfer, please request it at least 6 weeks prior departure. The cost of this transport is included in the trip price if you are able to meet the group and your leader on time. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. 

Kansai International Airport is situated on a man‐made island in Osaka Bay about 40 km from central Osaka. The easiest and fastest option when traveling between Kansai International Airport and Kyoto independently is the train. The Limited Express Haruka operated by JR West is the only rail service between Kyoto Station and Kansai International Airport. It covers the distance in about 75-80 minutes and it runs regularly approximately every 30 minutes. The normal fare is around 2850 JPY. For up‐to‐date info on prices and timetables and to book tickets, please ask the Travel Desk of Kansai Tourist Information Centre. This is located on the first floor of the Terminal 1 building. 

Private transfers are not available on this trip.

Further information will be provided in the final joining instructions which will be sent to you 2 to 3 weeks before departure.

Transportation

Transport will be by train, local buses and metro. It is worth mentioning that the trains in Japan are both highly efficient and very comfortable so punctuality on the part of Exodus passengers is requested throughout. Please note that you will be required to carry your own baggage on and off frequently used trains and buses and through stations.

There will be some days during the hiking days where luggage is transferred from one accommodation to the next so you do not have to carry your main luggage during any of the hikes.

As this trip stays in many smaller, rural locations, there will be short walks involved from stations/bus stops to accommodations where needed.

Joining instructions

Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 Days

The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the itinerary.

Flights from London

We normally use the scheduled services of Cathay Pacific or Emirates Airlines (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.

Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Kyoto and ending in Tokyo

Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Kyoto in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.