Sacred Peaks of Japan Tour

Mt Fuji (alt. 3776m) and Mt Ontake (alt. 3036m) are two of the most sacred mountains in Japan and have been the focus of worship for centuries. Even today, we can still witness pilgrims from all over Japan, clad in white, making their way to the summit of Mt. Ontake. Mt Fuji, famously captured in 19th century woodblock prints by Hokusai, has been worshiped as a God for even longer.

This 10 night, 11 day, tour starts with an exploration of the bustling and modern metropolis of Tokyo, before we move to the refined, cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto. We then spend two days on the ancient Nakasendo highway walking through atmospheric villages in the beautiful Kiso valley before climbing to the summit of Ontake. We then hike to the picturesque former post town, Narai. We make our ascent of Mt Fuji at night, arriving at the summit in time for sunrise. On this tour, we stay in a range of Western and traditional Japanese-style accommodation. This tour starts and ends in Tokyo and is ideal for those seeking to combine their interest in Japanese culture with something more physically demanding.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1. Tokyo.
Meet your tour leader at tour accommodation in Tokyo at 6 pm. A tour briefing at the hotel is followed by dinner at a local Japanese-style restaurant.
Dinner is included.
Accommodation is in centrally located Western-style hotel.
Day 2. Tokyo.
Tour of Tokyo. We begin our guided tour of Tokyo with a walk through the Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens and on to nearby Yasukuni shrine — a controversial and popular shrine built to commemorate Japan's war dead. In the afternoon, we visit the fascinating and informative Tokyo Edo Museum followed by a trip to Asakusa Sensoji Temple — Tokyo's oldest temple — and then a stroll through Harajuku, a fashion and shopping centre where young Japanese congregate, parading the latest street fashion. This evening is free to explore the variety of cuisine that Tokyo has to offer. Your guide is available to assist you in choosing a restaurant and making any bookings.
A Western-style buffet breakfast is included.
Accommodation is in a centrally located Western-style hotel.
Day 3. Kyoto.
Transfer to Kyoto on the shinkansen "bullet" train. Check into your accommodation, followed by a tour of Kyoto. Walking through the Gion district, we visit the popular Yasaka shrine and from there continue to Kiyomizu temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, and a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views from its famous wooden terrace. After lunch, we visit the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts where we are introduced to the many splendid crafts of Japan, including lacquerware, textiles and stonework. Kyoto's Silver Pavilion — a World Heritage site with a famous dry landscape garden — is our last stop of the day.
Breakfast is included. This evening is free to explore Kyoto's culinary offerings. Your guide will be available to assist you in choosing a suitable restaurant.
Accommodation is in a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.
Day 4. Kyoto.
Continue tour of Kyoto. We visit two of the best known temples in Kyoto — Kinkakuji (the magnificent Golden Pavilion) and Ryoanji with its famous zen rock garden. After lunch, we take a walk through Nishiki koji fish and produce market. This bustling market dates back to the 1600s and is a delightful showcase of Japanese food and culture. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Kyoto further.
Breakfast is included. This evening is free to explore Kyoto's culinary offerings. Your guide will be available to assist you in choosing a suitable restaurant.
Accommodation is in a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.
Day 5. Tsumago Nakasendo.
Early morning departure from Kyoto station on train to Nakatsugawa. From here a short taxi ride will take us to Magome, a picturesque former post town on the historic Nakasendo road. A 9 km (5.6 mile) scenic walk through the countryside will take us to the town of Tsumago where our traditional Japanese inn is located.
Breakfast and a delicious Japanese dinner prepared by the inn are included.
Accommodation is in a traditional Japanese inn.
Day 6. Kisofukushima. Nakasendo.
In preparation for the next day, today we spend hiking on the Nakasendo through the beautiful Kiso Valley. We pass through villages and quiet little hamlets on this 23 km (14.3 mile) walk through the Japanese countryside.
A Japanese- style breakfast and dinner are included.
Accommodation is in a traditional Japanese inn.
Day 7. Mt. Ontake/ Kisofukushima.
This morning we have an early morning start. A taxi will transport us halfway up Mt. Ontake. From here it is about a four hour climb to the summit and a three hour descent.
A Japanese-style breakfast and dinner are included.
Accommodation is in a traditional Japanese inn.
Day 8. Narai. Nakasendo.
Today we walk a short 7 km (4.3 mile) section of the Nakasendo to the lovely town of Narai.
A Japanese-style breakfast and dinner are included.
Accommodation is in a traditional Japanese inn.
Day 9. Mt. Fuji.
We take the train to Matsumoto, a former castle town and centre of silk production during the Meiji period. We visit Matsumoto castle and continue onward to Shinjuku. From here a bus will take us to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji. We begin our evening ascent of Mt. Fuji aiming to reach the summit for dawn. We will rest at one of the mountain huts along the way.
A Japanese-style breakfast at the inn is included.
Day 10. Tokyo.
This morning we start the final approach to the summit at around 2 am, reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji in time to see the sun rise. Breakfast is served at the top. Time to explore and then start the descent to the 5th station from where we catch our transport to Kawaguchiko and onward to Tokyo, arriving at our hotel in the afternoon for some well earned rest.
Breakfast is included. This evening is free to sample the wide choice of restaurants that Tokyo has to offer. Your guide is availble to assist you in choosing a suitable restaurant.
Accommodation is in centrally located Western-style hotel.
Day 11. End.
Tour ends after breakfast.