Tour overview

This 12-day active holiday explores Japan on foot, by bike and by kayak. A local leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than twelve. You stay eleven nights in hotels, ryokan and guesthouses, with a few meals included.

From Tokyo you travel to Tsumago to walk a section of the old Nakasendo road, then head west to Onomichi to cycle part of the Shimanami Kaido, a route that hops across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea on spectacular bridges.

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In Kyoto you visit the Silver Pavilion and explore the city by bike. You then hike part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail to Nachi Falls and finish with kayaking on the coast near Toba before returning to Osaka.

The physical rating is medium. This trip suits active travellers who want to see Japan beyond the train window.

Trip highlights

  • The Nakasendo at Tsumago (Day 2)
  • Cycling the Shimanami Kaido (Day 4)
  • Kyoto by bike (Day 7)
  • The Kumano Kodo (Day 9)
  • Nachi Falls (Day 9)
  • Kayaking near Toba (Day 10)

Your route

13 stops from Tokyo to Osaka

12-day route: Tokyo – Tsumago – Onomichi – Kyoto – Koguchi – Kii-Katsuura – Toba – Osaka
  1. Tokyo Day 1
  2. Magome Day 2
  3. Tsumago Day 2
  4. Nagiso Day 3
  5. Onomichi Days 3–4
  6. Ikuchijima Day 4
  7. Kyoto Days 5–7
  8. Shingu Day 8
  9. Koguchi Day 8
  10. Kumano Nachi Taisha Day 9
  11. Kii Katsuura Day 9
  12. Toba Day 10
  13. Osaka Days 11–12

Why choose this tour

Hiking, cycling and kayaking in one trip. Japan's great trails and island bridges.

Best suited to

  • Active travellers
  • Cyclists and walkers
  • Solo travellers
  • Returning visitors to Japan
A winding road above the sea near Onomichi

Day-by-day itinerary

12 days from Tokyo, Japan to Osaka, Japan

  1. Day 1 · Tokyo Tokyo

    A welcome meeting.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  2. Day 2 · Nakasendo, Tsumago Tsumago

    The old highway.

    Hotel
    Ryokan
    Meals
    Dinner
  3. Day 3 · Onomichi Onomichi

    To the Inland Sea.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Shimanami Kaido Shimanami Kaido

    Cycling the islands.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  5. Day 5 · Kyoto Kyoto

    To Kyoto.

    Hotel
    Hotel or ryokan
  6. Day 6 · Ginkakuji Kyoto

    The Silver Pavilion.

    Hotel
    Hotel or ryokan
  7. Day 7 · Kyoto Kyoto

    By bike.

    Hotel
    Hotel or ryokan
  8. Day 8 · Shingu, Koguchi Koguchi

    A grand shrine.

    Hotel
    Guesthouse
    Meals
    Dinner
  9. Day 9 · Kumano Kodo, Nachi Falls Kumano Kodo

    A pilgrimage trail.

    Hotel
    Guesthouse
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Day 10 · Toba Toba

    Kayaking.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  11. Day 11 · Osaka Osaka

    Back to Osaka.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  12. Day 12 · Osaka Osaka

    The trip ends.

    Meals
    Breakfast
The Tatara Bridge on the Shimanami Kaido

Where you stay

  • Tokyo (1 night) Hotel
  • Tsumago (1 night) Ryokan
  • Onomichi (2 nights) Hotel
  • Kyoto (3 nights) Hotel or ryokan
  • Koguchi (1 night) Guesthouse
  • Kii-Katsuura (1 night) Guesthouse
  • Toba (1 night) Hotel
  • Osaka (1 night) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 11 nights in hotels, ryokan and guesthouses
  • Meals 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners
  • Rail travel, including bullet trains
  • Bike hire on the Shimanami Kaido and in Kyoto
  • Guided hikes on the Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo
  • Kayaking near Toba
  • Local leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights
  • Meals not included 6 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners
  • Optional activities
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
Old wooden houses lining the street in Tsumago

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want a relaxing holiday
  • You want luxury hotels
  • You want most meals included
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 3 and 9–12 · Lunch: Day 9 · Dinner: Days 2 and 8–9
A kayaker on a lake beneath a torii gate

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £4,195 per person, twin share, tour only. 48 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Do I need a visa for Japan?

No, UK citizens can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days.

How active is it?

Daily activities of a few hours, including a long hike on the Kumano Kodo and a full day cycling.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?

No, but you should be comfortable riding for several hours.

What are ryokan and minshuku like?

Traditional Japanese inns with futon bedding on tatami floors, often with shared or communal hot-spring baths.

Can I have my own room?

A single supplement is available on request.

How many people travel together?

No more than twelve travellers, with a local leader.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary
From £4,195
See dates & prices