The mandala of Shingon Buddhist temples on Mount Koya – the mountain top village of Yoshino – the Odaigahara Plateau – historical Asuka – hiking the Yamanobe no michi – the refined culture and arts of Nara and Kyoto – hiking in the hills around the village of Ohara, north of Kyoto – Excellent food and accommodation.
Guide – Bob Heffill: Bob first visited Japan more than 30 Years ago. After graduating from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies in 1980, he worked in Japan as an English teacher in state schools for three years. He has spent most of the last fifteen years in the UK working as a Japanese translator and interpreter. After doing a Mountain Leader training course, Bob established this company in 2003. He now spends much of his time guiding small group adventure tours with his network of expert local guides throughout Japan.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Thursday Osaka and Mount Koya Walk
Meet Osaka. Transfer by train to Mount Koya. Lunch. Afternoon guided walk of temples and cemetery to Okunoin, where the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi, is believed to be in eternal meditation. Dinner and early night. Overnight temple.
Day 2: Friday Mount Koya and Yoshino
Early morning rise for to join in short sutra reading ceremony before breakfast. All food is temple vegetarian shojin ryori. After breakfast descend cable car for train to Yoshino. Arrive Yoshino. After lunch free time to wander around village and see garden of the ryokan. Dinner at ryokan. Overnight ryokan.
Day 3: Saturday Yoshino Walk
Walk to up to site of Saigyo's hut, passing Mikumari Jinja Shrine. Yoshino kuzu noodle lunch. Transfer to Kamikitayama. Overnight hotel.
Day 4: Sunday Odaigahara Plateau Walk
Drive up to Odaigahara Plateau. 4-hour walk of West Odai and see visitor center. Picnic if weather permits. Transfer to Asuka in the afternoon. Western-style dinner at local restaurant. Overnight B&B.
Day 5: Monday Asuka Walk
Leisurely tour, on foot or by rented bicycles, of sites in and around village of Asuka, including the Takamatsuzuka tumulus, Ishibutai tomb, and Asukadera. Lunch of soba buckwheat noodles at craft center where there will be a hands-on indigo fabric dyeing session. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight B&B.
Day 6: Tuesday Yamanobe No Michi Walk and Nara
After breakfast, transfer to start of the Yamanobe no Michi trail at Miwa Jinja Shrine. 4-hour hike to Isonokami Jingu Shrine near Tenri. Train into Nara. Overnight city center hotel.
Day 7: Wednesday Nara Sightseeing
Morning and early afternoon sightseeing in and around Nara Park, including Todai Temple. Later afternoon free time. Dinner at Japanese restaurant.
Day 8: Thursday Kyoto Sightseeing
Transfer by train from Nara to Kyoto. ramen noodle lunch followed by visits to Nijo Castle and Nanzenji Zen Temple. Dinner at ryokan. Overnight ryokan.
Day 9: Friday Kyoto and Ohara Konpira-San Walk
Bus to Ohara and 4-hour walk of Konpira-san. O-bento picnic lunch box or noodles depending on weather. pm Return to Kyoto and check-in to hotel. Evening farewell dinner downtown and enjoy Gion area.
Day 10: Kyoto Saturday
Tour ends after breakfast. Onward travel - hotel is conveniently located for access to Kyoto station.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All domestic transport
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Guides
- Entrance
- Activity fees.
Price does not Include:
- International Flights
- Drinks with meals.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Japan
Walking Tours
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