Japan Spring Walking Tour with Akemi san

Japan walking tour with Akemi san

Where?

Departing Tokyo, Japan

When?

Starts May 27, 2025

End June 6, 2025

Description

Experience Japan Like Never Before with Akemi's Expert Guidance

Embark on a captivating 11-day journey through Japan with TravelHosts, guided by the incredibly experienced Akemi, who brings over 10 years of expertise in leading tours across Japan. This meticulously designed tour offers an immersive and authentic experience, showcasing Japan's hidden gems from Tokyo to Kyoto. Begin your adventure with the neon lights of Shinjuku, indulge in the flavors of a traditional Miso Brewery, and marvel at the historic Matsumoto Castle. Enjoy serene hikes in picturesque landscapes, participate in cultural activities like soba making and Wagashi crafting, and explore charming towns recovering with resilience.

Experience the tranquility of Eiheiji's Zen meditation, the elegance of Kanazawa’s gardens, and the spiritual beauty of Kyoto’s temples. Akemi’s deep local knowledge ensures a unique, behind-the-scenes look at Japan’s culture and traditions. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and seamless logistics, this tour is designed for travelers seeking more than just sightseeing – it’s a journey into the heart of Japan, crafted by and hosted by a local expert. Book now to join this small group tour and create unforgettable memories under the guidance of Akemi.

Discover Japan’s Hidden Gems with Akemi san

Join Akemi, our expert local guide, on a meticulously curated 11-day walking tour across Japan. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Japan.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tuesday, 27 May - Tokyo

• Location: Tokyo

• Itinerary:

  • 6:00 PM Welcome Meeting

  • Welcome Dinner (Included)

  • Shinjuku Neon Light Tour

• Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar

• Meals: Dinner

• Note: Arrive earlier to explore more of Tokyo.

Day 2: Wednesday, 28 May - Matsumoto

• Location: Matsumoto

• Itinerary:

  • Train Tokyo to Matsumoto (2.5h)

  • Lunch at Miso Brewery (Included)

  • Optional town walking tour

    • Matsumoto Castle

    • Kusama Yayoi Art Spots

• Accommodation: Iroha Grand Hotel, Matsumoto

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Thursday, 29 May - Matsumoto

• Location: Matsumoto

• Itinerary:

  • Kirigamine hike or Azumino hike

  • Alternative: Kamikochi hike (flat 7k, 3h)

• Accommodation: Iroha Grand Hotel, Matsumoto

• Meals: Breakfast

• Note: Final hikes will be decided based on July and August research.

Day 4: Friday, 30 May - Matsumoto

• Location: Matsumoto

• Itinerary:

  • Narai Ancient Hiking Course (7.5k, 3h)

  • Soba Making Class (Included, early dinner)

• Accommodation: Iroha Grand Hotel, Matsumoto

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Saturday, 31 May - Toyama

• Location: Toyama

• Itinerary:

  • Luggage forwarding to Nanao

  • Train Matsumoto to Toyama (3h)

  • Takaoka town walk

• Accommodation: Hotel New Otani, Takaoka

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Sunday, 1 June - Nanao

• Location: Nanao

• Itinerary:

  • Train Toyama to Nanao (2h)

  • Nanao Castle Ruin Hiking (9k, 3h)

  • Cultural Experience:

    • Wagashi (Japanese sweets) Making Class

    • Kimono Fabric Curtain Museum

    • Nanao Town Walk

  • Alternative: Day trip to Anamizu or Wakura Onsen

• Accommodation: Hotel Alivio

• Meals: Breakfast

• Note: Nanao is recovering from a recent earthquake; your visit supports local tourism.

Day 7: Monday, 2 June - Nanao

• Location: Nanao

• Itinerary:

  • Free day to explore local activities or relax

• Accommodation: Hotel Alivio

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Tuesday, 3 June - Kanazawa

• Location: Kanazawa

• Itinerary:

  • Luggage forwarding to Kyoto

  • Train Nanao to Kanazawa (1.5h)

  • Explore:

    • Kenrokuen Garden

    • Samurai District

    • Higashi Chayamachi Geisha District

    • Omicho Food Market

• Accommodation: The square Hotel, Kanazawa

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Wednesday, 4 June - Fukui

• Location: Fukui

• Itinerary:

  • Train Kanazawa to Eiheiji (1.5h)

  • Eiheiji Mai Road Walk (6.7k, 2h)

  • Optional: Zazan (Zen meditation) if staying at Hakujukan

• Accommodation: Hakujukan (Zen cottages) or similar

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Thursday, 5 June - Kyoto

• Location: Kyoto

• Itinerary:

  • Morning show or ceremony

  • Train Fukui to Kyoto (1.5h)

  • Maiko/Geiko Tea Ceremony and Gion Walk

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine Visit

• Accommodation: Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Friday, 6 June - Kyoto

• Location: Kyoto

• Itinerary:

  • Tour ends after breakfast

  • Guide available to assist with post-trip planning

• Meals: Breakfast

• Note: Stay longer to explore more of Kyoto.

Tour Inclusions

• One Local Tour Leader

• 10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners

• All Accommodations (targeting spacious rooms)

• All Entrance Fees and Activities Listed

• All Transportation Costs

• Two Luggage Forwardings

Experience Investment (AUD):

• Per person: $6,350

• Single Supplement: $450

• Deposit: $500

Accommodation

Throughout the Late Spring Tour in Japan, guests will primarily stay in 3-4 star accommodations that provide comfort and convenience in each location. While Japanese rooms tend to be smaller compared to Western standards, these spaces are thoughtfully designed and often reflect Japan's efficient use of space. In several locations, guests will also have the opportunity to experience traditional shared onsen (hot spring) baths, which offer a chance to unwind and enjoy a deeply rooted aspect of Japanese culture. This shared onsen experience is not only a way to relax after a day of exploring but also a unique cultural opportunity to embrace the traditional Japanese way of rejuvenation.

Fitness and Health Requirements

The Late Spring Tour in Japan includes several activities that require a moderate level of fitness, particularly the hiking excursions and walking tours. Guests should be prepared to cover distances of up to 11 kilometers per day, with some elevation changes, especially during hikes in Kamikochi and the Nanao Castle Ruins. The terrain can vary, ranging from well-maintained paths to more rugged trails, and the weather in late spring can be unpredictable. Participants are expected to have prior hiking experience or at least be comfortable with extended periods of walking in varying conditions. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy being active and exploring the outdoors, but it is important to assess your own fitness level to ensure you can fully enjoy the experience.

Booking confirmation

You will receive confirmation within 24 hours of booking your tour.

Accessibility

Please contact us regarding accessibility for this Experience

CHILDREN For their safety, we kindly ask that children be accompanied by an adult.