Embark on a journey that takes you from the innovations of modern Tokyo to the timeless charm of ancient Japan. Travel during the autumn season when the golden foliage is quite scenic along the way 🍁

This is NOT a typical itinerary in Japan:

This trip is designed for those who wish to escape the bustling city life and touristy places and immerse themselves in the authentic essence of Japan—its rich traditions, serene temples, and breathtaking natural landscapes. 

From quiet, picturesque villages to sacred mountain retreats, explore the beauty of Japan that blends history and nature in a truly unforgettable way.

EXPERIENCES:

🗻 Marvel at the Majesty of Mount Fuji
Capture breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic peak

👘 Step into Tradition in Kyoto
Dress in a beautiful kimono and wander through Kyoto’s historic zen temples, bamboo groves, and cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in the elegance of old Japan

🥾 Hike the Historic Nakasendo Way
Trek between charming post towns in the Central Alps, following one of Japan’s most scenic Edo-period trade routes, surrounded by autumn foliage

🏡 Stay in Authentic Ryokan Inns
Experience warm Japanese hospitality in traditional ryokan inns and family-run guesthouses, savoring homemade regional cuisine and unwinding in soothing onsen hot springs

⛩️ Spiritual Retreat of Koyasan
Spend the night in a monastery, where the whispers of 1,200 years of history invite you to slow down. Participate in morning prayers, enjoy a monk’s simple vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, and embrace the serenity of sacred mountain trails

🍣  Taste traditional Gastronomy
Indulge in Japan’s rich culinary heritage—taste the freshest sushi, learn to make your own sushi lunch, and savor the artistry of kaiseki dining

🎎 Enjoy an Exclusive Evening with a Geisha
Dine in the refined company of a Kyoto geisha, gaining a rare glimpse into this centuries-old cultural tradition

🦌 Encounter Japan’s Sacred Deer
Hand-feed the free-roaming deer of Nara, believed to be messengers of the gods, in an ancient setting of temples and shrines.

🚄 Master Japan’s Public Transportation with Ease
Travel seamlessly through Japan accompanied by a local guide—navigate the intricate train system stress-free, ride the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, and experience the joy of smooth, efficient travel

🎒 Travel Light, Explore Freely Enjoy the freedom of light-weight travel without the burden of heavy luggage. With luggage transfer services included, your bags will be safely delivered to your next destination, allowing you to move effortlessly through Japan’s scenic trails, historic streets, and bustling train stations

An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits! 🌟

✈️ Arrival to Tokyo, Departure from Osaka

💪🏽 Difficulty Level - MODERATE 

This trip is suitable for beginners with prior hiking experience. No risk of altitude sickness

The total hiking distance on this trip is ~50Km in 4 days
🍭 Kids welcome:  This trip is recommended for ages 14+, prior hiking experience is required

The weather conditions will be pleasantly mild in early November. 

In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the weather is typically cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it ideal for exploring the cities without the summer heat. These cities will be adorned with vibrant autumn colors by mid-November. 

For the Nakasendo Way, temperatures can be cooler, where the weather in late October to early November is crisp and fresh, ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This is ideal for hiking, as it offers a cool, invigorating atmosphere amidst the golden foliage. 

Koyasan, located in the mountains, experiences slightly cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F) during this time, but the mild autumn conditions make it a wonderful time to visit, with the chance to witness stunning fall colors without the chill of winter. 

Overall, the weather across these regions in early November is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with a beautiful balance of crispness and comfort.

Cancel anytime if plans change with a Protected Travel Insurance Plan.  

CFAR (Cancellation For Any Reason) - an add-on benefit to standard travel insurance that lets you cancel travel plans for reasons other than those listed as "covered reasons" on a policy. This type of policy is available only if purchased within 24 hours of the initial deposit being paid for the trip.

👉🏽 Registration deposit is NON-refundable

👉🏽 Cancellation earlier than 90 calendar days before departure – up to 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable 

👉🏽 Cancellation 89 to 0 days - Up to 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

Safarika Travel Inc. has successfully undergone a compliance review with the California Business & Professions Code conducted by the State of California in 2024

Safarika Travel Inc. is registered with the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) 

That means, that under specific circumstances, California residents may recover funds up to USD 5000 paid for travel services not provided by a registered travel seller.

California Seller of Travel Registration: 2112795-40 

Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) registration ID #709454 

November 2, Sunday:

Arrival in Tokyo.

Transfer to hotel by shared shuttles. Meet & Overnight stay at Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande.

November 3, Monday:

8:55 AM - Meet at hotel lobby with guide. Kick off your Tokyo adventure with a guided exploration led by an expert in Japanese culture. We will explore some of Tokyo’s most iconic highlights, blending tradition and modernity.

Vibrant shopping streets and futuristic cityscapes, you’ll experience the city's unique contrasts. Shibuya crossing, Harajuku & Takeshita Street.

~1:30PM - For lunch, we will make a stop at Toyosu fish market (lunch is not included)

5:00PM - Enjoy the immersive TeamLab museum, a mesmerizing digital art experience (tkts included)

Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande, Tokyo

Meals - not included on this day

7:55 AM - Meet at the hotel with our local guide and board a charter bus.

A day of breathtaking landscapes awaits as we journey to Mount Fuji and its stunning surroundings. Start with the serene Lake Kawaguchiko, where Fuji’s reflection shimmers on the water. Climb 398 steps to the Chureito Pagoda for one of Japan’s most iconic views. Then, enjoy a scenic drive along the Ashinoko Skyline to capture postcard-perfect panoramas of Fuji and the Five Lakes region.

Visit traditional village Iyashino-sato to see local crafts and architecture.

After that, we will soak in the Fuji Yurari hot springs (admission is not included, Y1400 per person)

We return to Tokyo in the late evening, around 8PM.

Transport: Private charter bus
Meals included: Lunch

Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande Tokyo

We set off on a three-day journey along the Nakasendo Trail, tracing the ancient route once traveled by samurai and merchants. 

We will walk between beautifully preserved rural post towns with wooden inns, cobbled streets, and rice paddies, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rural past.

Staying in traditional ryokans, we’ll experience warm hospitality and home-cooked meals. The trail is one of the most scenic hikes, called the Living Museum of Japan, and winds through forests, mountain passes, and quiet villages.

November 5 (Wednesday):

Hiking Nakasendo Traul (Narai - Yabuhara)

7:25 AM - meet with your guide at the hotel lobby and board a charter bus to Narai (4 hours drive). We board our suitecases on the bus too, they will be available for us at the first ryokan.

11:30AM-12:00PM - Arrival at the Narai . Hiking from Narai to Yabuhara (suitecases stay on the bus).

Nakasendo Narai ～ Torii pass ～ Yabuhara (6-7km / about 3.5-4h)

Packed lunch on the trail.

04:00PM - Drive to the ryokan in Suwa-city, Nagano prefecture by chartered bus (1hr).

05:00-05:30PM - Ryokan check-in Kamisuwa-Onsen NUNOHAN    

06:00 -06:30PM - Dinner at the Ryokan

(!) Your main suitcase will be transferred to Kyoto on the next morning - PACK essentials in your backpack for 2 following hiking days and 1 night on the Nakasendo Trail.

November 6 (Thursday):

Hiking Nakasendo Trail (Nojiri-Tsumago).

07:30-8:00AM　Breakfast at the ryokan

08:10AM - Your luggage is ready at the lobby. The main suitcase will be sent to the hotel in Kyoto. Ryokan check-out

08:40AM - Leave the ryokan for Nenoue-pass by chartered cars. (2 cars.)

11:10AM - Hiking from Nojiri to Tsumago

Nenoue-pass ～ Yogawa-road ～ Tsumago (14km / 6-7h)

Packed lunch on the trail (allow space in your backpack).

05:00PM - Transfer to the ryokan in Hirugami Onsen by chartered bus (1hr). Ryokan check in.

06:30PM - Dinner at the Ryokan

November 7 (Friday):

Hiking Nakasendo Trail (Tsumago- Magome)

08:00-08:40AM- Breakfast at the ryokan

08:50AM - Ryokan check-out

09:00AM - Leave the ryokan for Tsumago by chartered bus

09:40AM - Arrive at Tsumago-juku. Hiking from Tsumago to Magome

Nakasendo Tsumago ～ Magome (8km / 3-4h)

Lunch：Local Japanese-style restaurant. (02:00-03:00PM)

After lunch, take a stroll around Magome-juku village

04:10PM - Transfer to railway station by chartered bus (about 30min), to Nagoya Station by train (about 60min) and to Kyoto Station by bullet train Shinkansen (40min). After arriving at Kyoto Station, transfer to your hotel by chartered bus.

~7:30PM - Check in at hotel Kabin Taka, Kyoto.

Daily distances:

Nov 5: ~6-7km / ~4.5h walk

Nov 6: ~14km / 6-7h walk

Nov 7: ~8km / 3-4h walk

Daily elevations Insignificant ~1500 feet gain and drop

Trail can be uneven, rocky at times and slippery . Wear appropriate shoes.

Lodging: 2 nights in traditional ryokans (private 2-person tatami rooms), hotel in Kyoto

Meals included: 2 Breakfasts & 2 Dinners served in ryokans, 2 packed lunches, 1 lunch at the restaurant

Today, we will dive into the timeless beauty of Kyoto, once Japan’s imperial capital and a city of exquisite architecture and profound spiritual heritage. 

Our full-day guided walk takes us through serene Zen rock gardens and ancient shrines, revealing the essence of Japan’s cultural heart. We’ll stroll beneath the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, where the mysterious fox statues guard the sacred pathways.

Adding to the experience, we’ll step back in time by wearing traditional kimonos and capturing stunning group photos in the historic setting of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

08:25AM- Meet with guide at hotel and leave for Kyoto sightseeing (subway & walking, wear comfortable shoes)

09:30-10:30AM - Kimono dress up at the traditional shop

10:30-11:50AM - Walk to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, wearing kimono

11:50-12:20PM Return the kimono to the store.

1:00-2:00 PM - Lunch at Western style buffet

02:30-03:30PM - Visit Nijo Castle

04:10-05:00PM - Visit Nanzenji Temple.

After visiting Nanzenji Temple we will have free time to explore on your own or take a subway back to hotel.

Meals included: Lunch in town (western style buffet)

Hotel stay: Kabin Taka, Kyoto

Step into the serene world of Mount Koya, the spiritual heart of Japanese Shingon Buddhism. An overnight stay at pilgrimage lodging (shukubo), a rare opportunity to experience the peaceful monastic life and connect with the sacred atmosphere of this revered mountain.

We will visit the Okunoin Cemetery, Japan’s largest and most sacred burial site, where thousands of moss-covered tombstones and towering cedar trees create an unforgettable atmosphere. Walking through the lantern-lit path to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the revered Buddhist monk who founded Shingon Buddhism, is a deeply moving experience.

During our stay, there is a chance to join the following ceremonies at the shrine:

🙏 Ajikan “watching or meditating on the character A,” which symbolizes the Cosmic Sun Buddha

🙏 Shakyo, hand copying the sutras as a form of meditation, can bring the practitioner peace of mind

🙏 Gomakito (or Homa) fire ritual, performed to destroy negative energies, detrimental thoughts, and desires, and for the making of secular requests and blessings

As the day winds down, we gather in the temple’s dining hall for a humble vegetarian dinner, prepared in the style of Buddhist monks. A night in Koyasan is more than just a stay—it’s a spiritual experience that leaves lasting memories.

November 9 (Sunday):

7:40 AM - Check out from our hotel in Kyoto, leaving the main luggage at the lobby to be transferred to our next destination (Osaka), and bringing only essentials for 1 night. The journey to Koyasan takes approximately 3 hours by public transportation.

7:50 AM - Leave hotel by charter buses to Kyoto station. To get to Koyasan will take around 3hours with different types of public transportation.

~11AM-12PM - Start hiking Mt.Koya Nyonin-michi Course (7km / 3-4h), elevation up to 1500 feet

To get to our temple guesthouse,  we will embark on a hike through ancient forested paths, following in the footsteps of monks and pilgrims. where we check in and settle into our traditional rooms. Onsen baths are available for the guests.

3:30-4:00 PM - Arrive at the shukubo of the temple

04:30-05:30PM Ajikan at Ekō-in Temple across the street. (Y1,000 per person, cash only)

05:30PM - Dinner

Shakyo：After dinner, you can practice sutra copying in your room. (Y1,000 per person, cash only)

November 10 (Monday):

6:30 (TBC) - Morning service & prayer with monks

07:30-08:00AM - Breakfast

08:30AM - Check-out. You can leave your backpacks at the temple. Free time until departure to Osaka (explore guided hikinng trails, or shop for souvenirs).

11:20 AM - Departure from Koya (walk, bus, cable car)

12:27PM - Train to to Osaka Namba (80 min)

01:46PM - Arrive at Osaka Namba Station. From Namba Station to the hotel by subway and walk (~ 20 min)

02:30PM Arrive at the hotel (Hotel Monteray Le Frere Osaka). Check-in starts at 3:00 PM.

Meals: Dinner & Breakfast served in the temple (vegan)

Step back in time as we explore Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, on a guided walk. Admire the impressive five-story pagoda and visit the historic Todaiji Temple, home to Japan’s largest Great Buddha statue.

At Nara Park, meet over 1,000 friendly, free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods. Enjoy the chance to feed them and snap some fun selfies with these charming locals!

For lunch, a hands-on sushi-making workshop awaits, where you’ll prepare and enjoy your delicious creation—an experience that’s as fun as it is tasty!

As the evening falls, we take a public transportation to Kyoot, enter the enchanting world of Gion, Kyoto’s legendary Geisha district, for an exclusive dining experience in the company of an authentic Geisha, a rare and unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s traditions. We will return back to Osaka in the late evening.

09:00AM - Leave the hotel to Nara

Move to Osaka Namba Station by Metro, then take a train to Nara (about 35 min)

11:00-1:30PM Todaiji Temple & Nara deer park

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

02:00-03:30PM Sushi-making class in the old town Naramachi merchant street.

After Sushi making class, we'll head to Kintetsu Nara Station while strolling through Naramachi.

4:25PM -Take a train & subway to Kyoto

06:00-07:00PM Strolling around the Gion Hanamikoji-Street and its surroundings.

07:10-09:10PM - Dinner with Geisha (Kaiseki Cuisine, a traditional Japanese style.)

09:20PM - Transfer to our hotel in Osaka by chartered cars

10:30PM - back in hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Monterey le Frere, Osaka

Meals included: Lunch (sushi workshop)

Spend your final morning in Japan exploring the vibrant city of Osaka at your own pace and take a last stroll through its bustling streets. 

A private group shuttle will take us to Osaka Itami Airport for our flight back home, bringing an unforgettable journey to a close.

( There will be 2 shuttles, the time of departure of each TBC).

Meals - not included on this day