Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak – 12 Days
The Nakasendo, the Shimanami Kaido by bike, the Kumano Kodo and kayaking, in a group of up to twelve.
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
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The Nakasendo at Tsumago (Day 2)
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Cycling the Shimanami Kaido (Day 4)
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Kyoto by bike (Day 7)
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The Kumano Kodo (Day 9)
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Nachi Falls (Day 9)
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Kayaking near Toba (Day 10)
Your route
13 stops from Tokyo to Osaka
- Tokyo Day 1
- Magome Day 2
- Tsumago Day 2
- Nagiso Day 3
- Onomichi Days 3–4
- Ikuchijima Day 4
- Kyoto Days 5–7
- Shingu Day 8
- Koguchi Day 8
- Kumano Nachi Taisha Day 9
- Kii Katsuura Day 9
- Toba Day 10
- 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
Day-by-day itinerary
12 days from Tokyo, Japan to Osaka, Japan
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Day 1 · Tokyo Tokyo
A welcome meeting.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 2 · Nakasendo, Tsumago Tsumago
The old highway.
- Hotel
- Ryokan
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 3 · Onomichi Onomichi
To the Inland Sea.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 4 · Shimanami Kaido Shimanami Kaido
Cycling the islands.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 5 · Kyoto Kyoto
To Kyoto.
- Hotel
- Hotel or ryokan
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Day 6 · Ginkakuji Kyoto
The Silver Pavilion.
- Hotel
- Hotel or ryokan
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Day 7 · Kyoto Kyoto
By bike.
- Hotel
- Hotel or ryokan
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Day 8 · Shingu, Koguchi Koguchi
A grand shrine.
- Hotel
- Guesthouse
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 9 · Kumano Kodo, Nachi Falls Kumano Kodo
A pilgrimage trail.
- Hotel
- Guesthouse
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10 · Toba Toba
Kayaking.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 11 · Osaka Osaka
Back to Osaka.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 12 · Osaka Osaka
The trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
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
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
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.
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