Our website features only a tiny taster of what Discover Travel can help with!

 

Enquire now for customized help to explore this destination – we’ll make recommendations according to your specific wish-list, timeframe and budget.

Let the journey begin, call or e-mail us today…

Tel: 03 364 3400
Freephone: 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Kyoto, Tokyo & The Michinoku Coastal Trail

11 day comfortable small group tour

Your tour highlights

Tour itinerary

Day
1
Kyoto

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.

Day
2
Kyoto: Kitayama Villages Hike

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.

Day
3
Lake Tazawa - Japan's deepest lake

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.

Day
4
Lake Tazawa

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.

Day
5
Nyuto Onsen

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.

Day
6
Iwate

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.

Day
7
Michinoku Coastal Trail Trek

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.

Day
8
Jodogohama Beach

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.

Day
9
Tokyo

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.

Day
10
Tokyo

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.

Day
11
Tokyo

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

Curated journeys to suit every occasion.

Experience your next adventure with the in-depth knowledge and unparalleled expertise of the best travel designers in the New Zealand. We have the world at our fingertips, let’s explore it.
build the trip of a lifetime

Tour pricing:

from $12,139

per person twin/double share*

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

Accommodation

  • Hotels (9 nights), Ryokan Guesthouse (1 night).

Meals

  • 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
    Allow USD210-275 for meals not included.

Transportation

  • Bullet train, private vehicle, fishing boat, local train, subway, local bus taxi, walking.

Staff & experts

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer).

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Wellness Moment: Onsen Bath
  • Your OMG Day: Mt Fuji Day Tour or Tokyo Food Tour, Tokyo
  • Welcome dinner
  • Village hike in the Kitayama Mountains
  • Kyoto highlights walking tour
  • Kayak or Cycle Lake Tazawa
  • Cherry Bark Hand-on Craft Experience
  • Hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail
  • Sake Brewery Tour and Dinner
  • Nyuto Onsen Hot Springs stay
  • CEO led walk in Kakunodate Samurai Street
  • Unotori Shrine Hike with Kagura performance
  • Jodogahama Beach visit
  • Sappa Boat Tour along the Iwate coastline
  • Visit Fudai Village with local food tasting
  • Tokyo Highlights walking tour
  • Farwell dinner

Not included:

Conditions:

TRAVEL STYLE: GELUXE COLLECTION With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations, and comfort at their very core, these premium active trips are adventure at its finest. SERVICE LEVEL: UPGRADED Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities. PHYSICAL RATING: 3 - AVERAGE Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking. TRIP TYPE: SMALL GROUP Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10. AGE REQUIREMENT: 18+
We had an amazing time in India, loved it. Thank you for your recommendation and for making all the arrangements for us. Our Intrepid guide was fantastic - I think he won best Intrepid guide for India in 2023.
India, Paul & Sheila
Our trip was fabulous!! Every aspect was extremely well organised and so easy. GAdventures and our tour guide, Tam, had a well planned and great itinerary so while we got to see some amazing sights, it was still really well paced and relaxing. The timing for everything that you and the GAdventures tour organised for us was perfect. We had no glitches at all and would highly recommend all of the options to others. Thanks so much for all of your efforts for us; they were much appreciated. Hopefully we can arrange another wonderful trip with you again in the not too distant future.
Vietnam & Cambodia, Chris & Robyn
We have had an excellent holiday and a much-needed break. Thank you for your part in making our holiday a success.
Indonesia, Jane & Richard
Our trip was outstanding, our guide was great and we had a whole lot of optional extras that we took the opportunity to enjoy. Everything was seamless and well organised, we had a fantastic group that was just 11 people through Vietnam and 1 extra joined us through Cambodia. I couldn't speak highly enough of G Adventures and their staff. It was a truly memorable experience and I would certainly recommend. Many thanks for all your help and yes we are slowly readjusting to the freezing weather here!
Vietnam & Cambodia, Robyn
My trip to India was fabulous and went without any issues. Thank You!
India, Janine