Japan on Foot Tour

From Mountain Trails to Sacred Paths

Rural Japan × Walking × Local Life. Explore landscapes, everyday life and faith through walking, from roads of travel and trade to mountain paths and pilgrimage.

Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and enjoy a private Alphard transfer to the Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar. Settle in and relax after your journey, ready to begin your exploration of Japan’s rural landscapes, local traditions and historic walking trails.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Transport: Private Alphard transfer (approx. 2 hours)
Meals: As per hotel arrangement

Day 2 – Tokyo: The City at Walking Pace
Discover Tokyo with your private guide, visiting Meiji Jingu and exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods of Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya. Experience the city’s unique blend of tradition and modern life, from local shops to everyday rituals, travelling on foot and by local rail.
Guide: Private guide (10:00–16:00)
Transport: Walking and local rail (included during guided tour)
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Tokyo to Matsumoto: From the Metropolis to the Castle Town
Enjoy a private Alphard transfer from Tokyo to Matsumoto, with a comfort stop and lunch en route. Check in at Onyado Nono Matsumoto and unwind in the onsen before exploring this charming castle town at your leisure. Dinner is at your own expense.
Transport: Private Alphard (10:00–16:00)
Accommodation: Onyado Nono Matsumoto or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Matsumoto: Water, Work and the Castle Town
Explore Matsumoto with your private guide, visiting Matsumoto Castle and the historic streets of Nakamachi and Nawate. Discover the town’s spring-water culture, traditional crafts and local way of life before enjoying a private miso and fermentation experience with a local maker.
Activity: Private Miso & Fermentation Experience
Guide: Private local guide (10:00–16:00)
Transport: Walking
Accommodation: Onyado Nono Matsumoto or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Matsumoto to Magome / Tsumago: The Historic Nakasendo Trail
Travel by private Alphard to Magome and embark on a guided walk along the historic Nakasendo Trail towards Tsumago. Enjoy approximately three hours of walking through picturesque woodlands and traditional villages, with a packed lunch en route. In Tsumago, meet a local resident or artisan for an authentic insight into post-town life before settling into your traditional inn.
Activity: Nakasendo Specialist Walk & Post-Town Life Encounter
Guide: Private specialist guide (11:00–17:00)
Transport: Private Alphard (09:00–17:00)
Accommodation: Matsushiroya or similar
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 6 – Tsumago to Kyoto: From the Post Road to the Old Capital
Enjoy a private Alphard transfer from Tsumago to Kyoto, with comfort stops and a lunch break en route. Arrive at your hotel by late afternoon and, if time permits, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Higashiyama or Gion.
Transport: Private Alphard (09:00–17:00)
Accommodation: Hilton Kyoto or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Kyoto: Kurama to Kibune Spiritual Walk
Travel north of Kyoto with your private specialist guide for a scenic walk from Kurama to Kibune. Visit Kurama-dera Temple, follow wooded mountain trails and descend towards Kifune Shrine, discovering the connection between Buddhism, nature and Shinto traditions. Enjoy approximately three hours of walking, with time for cultural insights and lunch.
Activity: Guided Kurama to Kibune Spiritual Walk
Guide: Private specialist guide (09:00–16:00)
Transport: Private Alphard (09:00–17:00)
Accommodation: Hilton Kyoto or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Kyoto to Miyama: Satoyama Walk & Rural Life Experience
Discover the rural charm of Miyama with a guided walk through traditional villages, woodlands and farmland. Enjoy a private encounter with a local host, experiencing seasonal food preparation, traditional crafts or farm activities, followed by a hosted lunch. Return to Kyoto in the late afternoon.
Activity: Private Rural Life Experience & Satoyama Walk
Guide: Private local guide (10:00–16:00)
Transport: Private Alphard (08:00–18:00)
Accommodation: Hilton Kyoto or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 9 – Kyoto to Koyasan: The Choishi-michi Pilgrimage Walk
Travel from Kyoto to Koyasan and embark on a guided pilgrimage walk along a scenic 6 km section of the historic Choishi-michi trail. Discover ancient stone markers and mountain landscapes, with a packed lunch en route. Arrive at Ekoin Temple Lodging for an authentic temple stay and traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner.
Activity: Guided Choishi-michi Pilgrimage Walk
Guide: Private specialist guide (11:00–16:00)
Transport: Private Alphard (08:00–17:00)
Accommodation: Ekoin Temple Lodging or similar
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 10 – Koyasan to Osaka: A Private Sacred Encounter
Begin your day with a private Goma Fire Ritual at Koyasan, experiencing this sacred Buddhist ceremony with a temple host. If time permits, explore Okunoin before travelling by private Alphard to Osaka. Check in at The Ritz-Carlton and enjoy an evening at leisure exploring the vibrant Dotonbori district.
Activity: Private Goma Fire Ritual (subject to confirmation)
Guide: Temple host with language support for the ritual #
Transport: Private Alphard (13:00–17:00)
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 – Osaka: Food & Merchant City Walk
Discover Osaka’s vibrant food culture and merchant heritage with your private guide. Explore bustling markets, shopping arcades and local neighbourhoods, enjoying a selection of authentic food tastings along the way. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the city.
Activity: Guided Food & Merchant City Walk
Guide: Private local guide (10:00–15:00)
Transport: Walking and local rail (included)
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Osaka or similar
Meals: Breakfast and food tastings

Day 12 – Osaka to Tokyo: Return to the Capital
Enjoy a private transfer to Shin-Osaka Station before boarding the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo in Green Car comfort. On arrival, transfer privately to the Imperial Hotel Tokyo and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Ginza or Marunouchi.
Transport: Private Alphard transfers and Shinkansen Green Car (approx. 3 hours)
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 – Tokyo: The Journey Comes Full Circle
Enjoy your final day in Tokyo at leisure, exploring vibrant neighbourhoods, shopping and discovering the city’s contemporary culture at your own pace. Conclude your Japanese adventure with a special celebration dinner for two.
Activity: Celebration Dinner
Transport: Independent exploration
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 14 – Tokyo: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your private Alphard transfer to the airport for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable 14-day journey through Japan to a close.
Transport: Private Alphard airport transfer (approx. 2 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, subject to flight timing

Overall Tour Inclusions

Enjoy a 14-day private journey through Japan, combining cultural discovery, scenic walking trails, authentic local experiences and comfortable private transfers.

• Private Guided Tours: 7 days (41 hours), including Tokyo, Matsumoto, Nakasendo, Kurama–Kibune, Miyama, Koyasan and Osaka.
• Private Transportation: 7 days (53 hours) of chauffeured Alphard services, plus 4 airport and station transfers.
• Train Travel: Shinkansen Green Car tickets from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo for two guests.
• Exclusive Experiences: Private miso and fermentation workshop, traditional post-town encounter, rural life experience with hosted lunch, and a private Goma Fire Ritual (subject to confirmation).
• Accommodation: 13 nights in carefully selected hotels and traditional lodgings across Japan (quoted separately).
• Included Meals: Two packed lunches, a hosted rural lunch, Osaka food tastings and a celebration dinner in Tokyo.
• Additional Services: Daily concierge assistance, restaurant reservation support, luggage transportation during guided walks and trip management.

Important: The tour is priced for two guests. Accommodation, hotel breakfasts and accommodation-linked dinners are excluded from the land-only rate. All arrangements and costs are indicative and subject to confirmation.

Inclusions

• Private specialist guides on 7 days (41 hours) and private Alphard transportation, including airport and station transfers.
• Shinkansen Green Car tickets from Osaka to Tokyo for two guests, plus scheduled guided local transport.
• Four exclusive cultural experiences: miso and fermentation, post-town life, rural life and a private Goma Fire Ritual (subject to confirmation).
• Scheduled guided admissions, two packed lunches per guest, a hosted rural lunch, Osaka food tastings and a celebration dinner in Tokyo.
• Daily online concierge, restaurant reservation assistance and complete trip management.
• 13 nights in proposed luxury hotels and traditional Japanese accommodation, priced separately.

Exclusions

• Accommodation, hotel breakfasts and accommodation-linked dinners.
• International and domestic flights.
• Meals, drinks and activities not specifically included.
• Independent transportation, additional touring and personal expenses.
• Gratuities, travel insurance, visas and excess baggage.
• Early check-in, late check-out and hotel incidentals.
• Station platform escort and optional card-payment charges.

Important Notes

The itinerary is based on two guests, with indicative land-only pricing. Travel dates, accommodation and all arrangements remain subject to availability and confirmation.

Walking routes may be adjusted according to weather, trail conditions and guests' abilities. Private cultural experiences, including the Goma Fire Ritual, are subject to host and temple acceptance.

Breakfast and selected traditional dinners are assumed within the separately priced accommodation arrangements. Airport transfers are provisionally based on Narita Airport, with final timings confirmed once flights and train tickets are booked.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

• Booking becomes firm upon payment of a 20% non-refundable deposit.
• The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than one month prior to the tour departure date.
• 29–15 days before: 30% of total cost.
• 14–7 days before: 50% of total cost.
• 6 days before / no-shows: 100% non-refundable.