Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail

Once the capital city of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto now finds itself the cultural capital, if not the actual one. In its evolution, what Kyoto lost in title, it has more than made up for in culture, gastronomy, and charm. Your journey through Japan begins in this unforgettable former capital. Welcome to Kyoto, and to Japan, and we invite you to embrace your evolution. Like Kyoto, we only get better with age. ...more ...less

Arrive at any time and choose to join your CEO on a brief walk to stretch your legs after a long flight. Join your CEO for dinner at the hotel.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to ask reception for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACTIVITY: Set off on foot around Kyoto with your CEO. Get your bearings with visits to a local shrine before walking back to the hotel in town. The walk is 1 hour and your CEO will discuss the historical and cultural significance of the sights you see along the way.

The Kitayama mountains border Kyoto on the north and juxtapose bustling Kyoto with their tranquil wooded pathways. The bright red Tengu, a physical statue of a supernatural spirit, is your starting point as you hike from village to village, exploring the forest and the cultural treasures within it.

Hike from Kurama village to Kibune-two villages that mark the start and endpoint of the hike. As you wind your way through the canopied forest, visit the Kifune shrine and Kurama-dera temple. Return to Kyoto for a CEO led walking tour and visit to Chion Temple.

ACTIVITY: Transfer by train and subway to Kurama Station and begin your CEO-led hike. Walk between these two picturesque, quaint villages in the Kitayama Mountains and follow the stone steps up into the verdant, mist-shrouded forests. Pass through the highland and visit smaller temples and search for spring water outlets flowing down the trail. Stop along the way at the Kurama-dera Temple—located atop the mountain with stunning views of the countryside, Yuki Shrine, Maoden, ending at Kibune Shrine. The total hike time will be 2.5 hours for a total of 3.9km and a total elevation gain of 584m.

ACTIVITY: Explore the ancient city of Kyoto on a walking tour led by your CEO. On the tour, visit the famous Chion-in Temple and the Hojo Gardens. This Buddhist temple, built in 1234, is one of Japan's national treasures. The walking tour to Chion-in Temple, nearby highlights and through the scenic paths of Kyoto will take 2 to 2.5 hours in total.

Legend goes that Tatsuko, a girl known for her beauty, went to Lake Tazawa to search for the spring of eternal beauty. Upon taking gulp after gulp, she is turned into a dragon and is thrust into the lake. Her quest to find eternal beauty was left unfulfilled, but the beauty of Lake Tazawa remains, as stunning now as it was when Tatsuko drank from its shores.

Bullet train brings you from Kyoto northbound to the Akita prefecture. Both exceedingly deep (Japan's deepest) and with a unique blue color, Lake Tazawa can be explored by kayak or by cycle today upon arrival. Choose your adventure this afternoon. Fountain of youth not guaranteed.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok, maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. First take the bullet train from Kyoto station to Tokyo station where there will be a transfer the next bullet train to Tazawako Station. Enjoy a Japanese bento lunch box on board, while you sit back and soak in the scenery whipping by.

ACTIVITY: Lake Tazawa is Japan's deepest and clearest lake due to its naturally occurring acidity. It serves as a picturesque hub for outdoor water activities. Depending on weather conditions, either paddle out onto the lake on a guided kayak tour. Feel the peaceful calm as you float on the mesmerizing, unique emerald blue of the lake. Or alternatively join your guide for a relaxing cycle around the lake with a view of Mt. Akita-Komagatake, a beautiful volcano and the highest mountain in Akita prefecture.

Exploring this small part of Akita prefecture feels as though you have been let in on a very good secret. Cherry blossoms, sake and samurai may sound like familiar emblems of Japanese culture, but the day's explorations shed an entirely new light on what you thought you knew. Small samurai villages, friendly local people, and a stunning preservation of culture that invites you to slow down and take in what makes Japan truly unique.

Begin the morning with a local business run by the same family for generations. Their craft uses the bark of the cherry blossom to produce charming works of art. Build your own alongside the experts. Wander a samurai village at your own pace, making your own discoveries along the way. This early evening at the sake brewery begins with song and ends with a full stomach.

ACTIVITY: The craft known as Kabazaiku has been passed down from generation to generation, and is the only craft in the world that uses bark from wild cherry blossoms. When the bark is peeled using this technique, the tree will be able to regenerate in a few years and doesn't need to die in order for the bark to be used. Visit this family-run craft business and spend time in the workshop at their home. A common thread in Akita is an unspoken pledge to work in harmony with. nature, sustainably using the local resources, and we invite you to join your local hosts and get your hands dirty on a cherry bark creation of your own.

ACTIVITY: After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant the group will set out on the Samurai Street walk led by your CEO. Pass through Kakunodate Town famous for its samurai tradition and its abundance of weeping cherry trees. The town remains remarkably unchanged since it was founded in 1620. It was built with two distinct areas, the merchant district and the samurai district. On the walk there will be an option to visit Samurai House or to do some tasting of locally produced miso, and other delicious treats.

ACTIVITY: Visit a sake brewery and take a tour learning from the Suzuki family who has been making great sake for the last 330 years. Sit down for dinner and sake pairing with some delicious locally produced foods, and listen to stories from the 19th generation of Suzukis on the 2nd floor of the brewery in a traditional room. The tour includes an in-depth look into the brewing process as you see the facilities. See the establishment’s collection of art, samurai armour, and pieces of jewelry dating back to the 17th century. For all this time the fields of Akita have remained bountiful, the water crisp, making it possible to continue making sake the same way for centuries. Taste the warm, fruity flavours and sip a drink that has become an age old tradition.

Just outside Lake Tazawa lies the village of Nyuto. Seven different Ryokan call Nyuto home, and one of these Ryokan is your resting place for the evening. This area is famous for its Onsen, Japanese natural spring baths. Take time to enjoy the peace and tranquility of being far from the rest of the world while the warm spring water refreshes you from the outside in.

Before you can hop into the rejuvenating spring water, explore Nyuto village by e-bike on a guided tour. Far from the rush of places like Kyoto and Tokyo, your experience in Nyuto invites you to explore rural Japanese life in a place not often visited by travellers coming to Japan.

FREE TIME: MORNING Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle from Lake Tazawa to the town of Nyuto Onsen.

ACTIVITY: Ride a bus to Nyuto Onsen village where you will set out on an orientation walk with locals and learn the traditions and history of the healing waters that flow here. Then, pedal on an e-bike through Nyuto touring the forests soaking in the views of other hidden rustic Ryokans nestled around the base of Mt Nyuto. Visit different Onsen in the village and learn about the history, culture and unique characteristics of each Onsen.

ACTIVITY: Spend time relaxing in the Onsens on the property of your accommodation. These Japanese natural spring baths provide peace and tranquility in one of the world's oldest rituals.

The Tsunami that hit the coast of Japan in 2011 devastated communities along the northeastern coastline. One village, however, was spared. Fudai, in Iwate prefecture, is a place left untouched by western commercialism, and luckily, by the effects of the Tsunami. An incredibly bold, forward thinking mayor initiated the building of a seawall that proved ominously prescient. Thanks to the seawall, centuries of tradition, culture and history were preserved. Because of this, we have an extremely rare and unique opportunity to hike to an ancient shrine and witness a performance very few people on Earth have ever had the chance to see. Spend time in Fudai eating local Japanese delicacies, hearing from locals about their experiences after the Tsunami, and visit the seawall itself.

After your experience discovering the village of Fudai, hike up to the Unotori shrine. Witness a unique cultural performance that is closely connected to the traditional Japanese "nature worship". These performances are so rare that often many Japanese visitors are seeing it for the first time themselves. Conclude day with a five course meal at a French inspired restaurant with locally sourced and produced ingredients.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Learn stories about the village and the locals experiences with the 2011 tsunami.

ACTIVITY: Hike up to Unotori Mountain Shrine and experience a Kagura demonstration. This Kagura is unique, in that the local community has gotten younger adults involved in the local traditions in an effort to keep their culture from disappearing in these remote areas. The total length of the hike is 1.6km and has an elevation gain of 424 m.

The Michinoku Coastal Trail is a story of community tourism. It's a story of building back better after a devastating loss. The trail itself offers unparalleled views of the blue ocean crashing into rocky sea caves. The day spent with local trekking guides and fishermen give a glimpse into local life here in Iwate.

The trail stretches over 1000-kilometers from Hachinohe to Soma City in Fukushima. Spend the day trekking one of the most picturesque portions of the trail-traversing just over 9kms. Rest your legs after a long day by boarding a small fishing boat. Cruise along the shoreline learning from the local fisherman as you take in the dramatic scenery.

ACTIVITY: The trek begins at Kurosakiso and finishes at the Kitayama Visitors Centre. You will be walking on part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Upon arrival to the end point you can opt to continue another 1.5km to the limestone tunnels, or if not, you can spend more time at the visitor centre before riding by bus to meet up with the group at the tunnels,

Total distance: 9km
Duration: 4 hours

ACTIVITY: Board a small fishing boat and cruise the shoreline while learning about daily life of the fisherman, which has been the experience of many locals living here for generations.

Jodogahama beach looks like something slightly out of a scene from Star Wars-rock formations jutting straight out of the clear blue water. A six minute walk brings you straight to the beach-with time for a swim or leisurely seaside walk. Bright and busy Tokyo is on the horizon so breathe in that salty air while you can.

After a leisurely morning at the beach, relax on a bullet train to Tokyo throughout the afternoon.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle from Jodogahama to Morioka station.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train from Morioka station to Tokyo.

ACTIVITY: Walk to Jodogahama Beach and enjoy the strange rock formations this morning. Relax in the soft sand or plunge in the cold water if you dare. Breathe in the last of the salty air before the group travels to the city.

From its humble beginning as a fishing village, Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, is now Japan's most populous city. Get the most out of your time here with your local CEO. In the morning, explore old town Asakusa. Walk from Shibuya Crossing to Takeshita Street on an afternoon walking tour of Tokyo's can't miss spots.

After a busy morning walking the streets of Asakusa, the afternoon can be as busy or relaxing as you make it. Your CEO will lead a tour through some of Tokyo's most iconic areas, to Meiji Jingu Shrine, through Harajuku and the Shibuya Scramble.

ACTIVITY: Discover this historic entertainment district on a guided orientation tour of the area with your CEO. Take in one of Tokyo's iconic sites with a stop at Sensoji temple.

ACTIVITY: Head into the metropolis and discover some of Tokyo's modern highlights on a CEO-guided tour. Visit places like Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, Harajuku, and with a combination of train rides and walking.

Eat or walk, walk or eat? If you are an active foodie, you're familiar with this internal debate. Your OMG Day will be incredible no matter what you choose-but it's up to you to decide what the day holds. Join your CEO for a full day excursion to Mt. Fuji or meet a local guide and dive headfirst into all things Japanese cuisine, slurping and crunching your way through the day.

Your day will be epic no matter which way you spend it on your OMG Day. Fill in your fellow travellers on what the day held over a delicious farewell dinner in downtown Tokyo.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Led by your CEO, hop on a train from Tokyo and ride for about 2 hours to visit the Kawaguchiko area where you can soak in the impressive views of Mount Fuji while walking along the lake with your CEO. The walk can take 1-2 hours depending on the pace of the group. Afterwards the group will transfer back to Tokyo.

Option 2: Embark on a food tour with a local guide from the hotel. Visit the local shopping street, Yanaka and sample street food there. This is one of the most unique areas in Tokyo and it transports visitors back in time. From specialty stores to the freshest local ingredients this street is chock full of delicious eats. Sample ramen and finish with a mochi for dessert. Conclude the walking tour in an area filled with Japanese temples and an old 100-year-old house turned into a cafe.

Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.