Walking Japan

Mountain Travel Sobek • Celebrating 45 Years of Adventure

Walking Japan

TRIP DETAILS

11 days • Japan • Activity Level: Moderate

HIGHLIGHTS • Explore the old imperial city of Kyoto, its ancient temples, the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Arashiyama district • Walk in the footsteps of shoguns as you follow ancient trade routes through medieval towns, lush valleys, and misty forests • Stay at traditional Japanese inns, where you will eat exquisitely prepared, multi-course Japanese meals and soak in hot springs • Experience the electric energy of Tokyo and visit some of its oldest sites, including the Imperial Palace and the Grand Meiji Shrine

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OVERVIEW Walking through the Japanese countryside, it is easy to see what has inspired the elegant simplicity of Japan’s traditional art: ethereal cherry blossoms, ancient temples, lush valleys, misty forests, and snowcapped peaks. Today, we tend to associate Japan with the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo and its outstanding technological legacies, but the traditions of ancient Japan are still strongly ingrained in the culture. Traveling through its magnificent landscapes, you’ll hear the echoes of shoguns, samurai and merchants who once traveled on foot or horseback on a network of trails linking the Imperial capital with the provincial towns of the Kiso Valley.

MTS’s Walking Japan itinerary includes hikes along well-maintained trails through forested mountains, and past hamlets and small villages that quickly bring you in touch with the real Japan. While some tours of Japan spend only one night in traditional accommodations and eat mainly western food, our trip immerses you in Japanese culture to experience the gracious hospitality of small, family-run inns and exquisitely prepared, multi- course Japanese meals. You will travel in the company of our expert, bilingual Japanese guides, who will share the culture, history, and traditions of their country with both passion and a flawless attention to detail.

We'll start out from the old imperial city of Kyoto, home of an incredible 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. While there, we’ll visit Kinkaku-ji—the Golden Pavilion—built by the Ashikaga Shogun at the end of the 14th century. We’ll also see the Gion Geisha district and stroll the famous Philosopher’s Path lined with cherry trees—a sublime experience in springtime!

From the Nara plain, we’ll travel by train along the scenic Nankai railway to Mount Koya, a high, bowl-shaped valley filled with towering cedar trees. The center of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, this region is home to more than 100 monasteries, and we’ll stay in a traditional shukubo (temple lodging) and dine on shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian fare).

Along the way, we will use trains, buses and subways for transport, giving us the opportunity to travel with local Japanese in an environmentally friendly fashion.

We'll continue along the Nakasendo, one of Japan’s principal trade routes during the time of the shoguns. Beautifully preserved post towns (called juku) pepper the route, and you’ll enjoy the hospitality of villagers who have converted their traditional ‘machiya’ houses into inns. And finally, we'll wrap up our journey in Tokyo, where we’ll visit the elegant Ginza shopping district, the Imperial Palace and the Grand Meiji Shrine, and experience the electric energy of the city. Come experience Japan, MTS-style!

Please note that this walking trip is rated “Moderate” due to our hiking days, as well as the active nature of each day’s activities. There is a lot of walking to get to each itinerary location so we cover a lot of distance each day. Many of the temple sites we visit are situated on large, spread out gardens and grounds. In addition, we use public transport on this trip more than on other Mountain Travel Sobek adventures, and this creates a very active, multi- faceted trip. You will need to be prepared for steep staircases in the traditional ryokans in the countryside, with shared bathrooms; and busy subway stations in the city.

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TRIP DATES

Mar 25, 2018 - Apr 04, 2018 Apr 08 - 18, 2018 May 06 - 16, 2018 Sep 03 - 13, 2018 Oct 07 - 17, 2018

Nov 04 - 14, 2018 Nov 11 - 21, 2018

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Day 1: Welcome to Kyoto We'll meet at our hotel in Kyoto and convene for a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the city center. With over 1,000 Buddhist temples, sublime gardens, and excellent cuisine it's easy to see why Kyoto has been voted Travel+Leisure's "Best Overall City" two years in a row!

Please note that this entire trip is below 6,000 feet.

Dinner / Royal Park Hotel the Kyoto - Kyoto

Day 2: Explore the magnificent temples and gardens of Kyoto In the morning, we'll head to the extraordinary Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion—so named for its top two stories that are covered in gold leaf. The pavilion was built by Ashikaga Shogun in the late 14th century as a retirement villa, but was later converted by his son into a Zen Buddhist temple. While we're there, we'll have time to explore the temple's magnificent Japanese strolling garden and mirror pond. From here, we’ll walk to nearby Ryoan-ji to see its famous rock garden, which Day 2: Explore the magnificent temples and consists of 15 moss-covered boulders—only 14 of which are visible at gardens of Kyoto any time. It is said that the 15th rock can only be seen by those who have attained enlightenment.

We'll transfer to Arashiyama, an area in northwest Kyoto popular with the nobility since the Heian period (794–1185) because of its beautiful natural setting. Here you'll find cherry blossoms in April, dramatic foliage in fall, forested mountains and, the Katsura River with its Togetsukyo Bridge. We'll have lunch, then visit the Tenryu-ji temple and the famous bamboo groves, and there will be free time afterwards so you can explore the area further or shop for crafts.

Breakfast / Royal Park Hotel the Kyoto - Kyoto

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Day 3: Ride the train to Nara and visit the Todai-ji temple Enjoy a hearty breakfast before taking a short train ride from Kyoto to Nara. On a much smaller scale than Kyoto, Nara was established in 710 A.D. as Japan’s capital, and is home to the famous Nara Park, where over a thousand semi-tame Sika deer roam. We'll walk to Kasuga- Taisha, a bright vermillion Shinto shrine established in the 8th century. Stone lanterns line the path to the entrance, and hundreds of bronze lanterns hang inside. We'll continue to Mount Wakakusa for a short climb that that gives us a view of Nara City. After lunch, we'll visit the Day 3: Ride the train to Nara and visit the Todai- nearby Todai-ji temple, known for two superlatives: it's the world’s ji temple largest wooden building, and it houses one of Japan’s largest bronze of Buddha statues! We'll return to Kyoto in the late afternoon.

(Walking time: 1.5 hours)

Breakfast / Royal Park Hotel the Kyoto - Kyoto

Day 4: Travel the scenic Nankai railway and follow the Pilgrim’s Trail to Mount Koya Today, we'll have the unique experience of traveling without our luggage, as it will be transferred by courier. Before we depart, you'll want to pack a small bag to carry your overnight items in.

We'll travel by train along the scenic Nankai railway, which brings us to Mount Koya. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll find a high valley filled with stands of towering cedar trees surrounded by eight peaks. This has been a center of religious devotion and ceremony since the 9th century, when the monk Kukai (also known as Kobo Daishi) founded the first temple and the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Today, the valley is home to more than 100 monasteries, many of which host travelers in shukubo (temple lodgings). We'll visit Kongobu-ji Temple before arriving at one of the elegant shukubo, run by the monks. We'll dine on Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, shojin-ryori, tonight.

Breakfast, Dinner / Shojoshinin Shukubo or Sanjo-in

Day 5: Explore Mount Koya and head to the Kiso Valley Early risers are welcome to join a Buddhist service at the temple this morning at 6:30 am. After breakfast, we’ll tour the vast Okuno-in cemetery, with thousands of graves and memorials to feudal lords, shoguns, samurai, politicians, and other luminaries. We'll then say goodbye to Mount Koya and head by several different forms of transportation to the Kiso Valley, including a local train to Osaka and subway followed by a bullet train, limited express train and local bus. In the Kiso Valley, we'll join up with the ancient Nakasendo trail that links Day 5: Explore Mount Koya and head to the Kyoto and Edo (medieval Tokyo). During the Edo period, 69 post Kiso Valley stations, or shukuba, were built along this route for travelers to rest during their journey. We'll be treated to the unique experience of taking four short trains and a bus to explore the quaint towns and valleys along the Nakasendo, many of which have been preserved through the effort of the local

1266 66th Street, Suite 4, Emeryville, CA 94608 1-888-MTSOBEK • 510-594-6000 www.mtsobek.com • [email protected] 4 Mountain Travel Sobek • Celebrating 45 Years of Adventure

residents. Along the way, we’ll enjoy the hospitality of villagers who have converted their traditional machiya houses into inns. We'll arrive at the post town of Magome-juku in time for dinner.

(Traveling time: 5 hours approx.)

Breakfast, Dinner / Tajimaya Minshuku - Kiso Valley

Day 6: Discover Magome and hike a forested trail to Tsumago In the morning, we'll take time to explore the small post town of Magome before we walk over Magome Pass to the village of Tsumago-juku. The trail rises gently, passing through another small village before reaching Magome Pass and then descending on a mixed paved and dirt trail through forest to Tsumago. This small village has many restored machiya houses lining the main street and there are small shops selling local crafts as well as snacks such as gohei- mochi (rice paste covered in a miso sauce).

(Walking time: 3 hours, 5.2 miles, 1,070' ascent/1,400' descent)

Breakfast, Dinner / Daikichi and Matsushiroya Minshuku or similar - Tsumago

Day 7: Follow the trail from Tsumago to Nojiri We'll continue our journey along the Kiso Valley and Nakasendo today, walking from Tsumago to Nojiri. There will be two options today, a shorter 2.3-mile walk with a train ride, or a longer 9-mile walk. The trail takes a lovely route along empty country lanes and paths that weave their way beside rice fields and the gardens of village houses.

(Long walking option: 9 miles, 4 hours, 2265' ascent; short walking option: 2.3 miles, 1 hour, 330' ascent/385' descent)

Breakfast, Dinner / Komanoyu Ryokan

Day 7: Follow the trail from Tsumago to Nojiri

Day 8: Climb to Torii Pass and explore Narai-juku village We'll start with a short train ride to Yabuhara, another small post town. From here, we'll climb to Torii Pass, with good views over the Kiso Valley. In early spring, there may traces of snow on the mountaintops, but from mid-April onwards, the scenery is one of lush, green forest. We'll arrive early afternoon in the well-preserved village of Narai- juku and stay at the friendly Iseya Ryokan. The present building dates back over 200 years and is typical of the

1266 66th Street, Suite 4, Emeryville, CA 94608 1-888-MTSOBEK • 510-594-6000 www.mtsobek.com • [email protected] 5 Mountain Travel Sobek • Celebrating 45 Years of Adventure

village merchant houses that line the main street of this village. The wooden walls and beams are burnished to a dark brown from the days when they were covered in soot from the irori (raised hearths) and polished by the young women of the household. There will be time to explore the village, and perhaps try one of the local specialties.

Again, we'll travel without our luggage today as it will be transferred by courier to Tokyo. You will need to pack a bag or pack to carry your overnight items.

(Walking time: 3 hours approx., 4 miles, 1130' ascent/885' descent)

Breakfast, Dinner / Iseya Minshuku

Day 9: Watch artisans at work in Hirasawa and transfer to Tokyo After breakfast in Narai, we’ll set out for a short walk to Hirasawa, renowned for its lacquer-ware artisans. We’ll stop in at one of their workshops and meet local artisans before transferring to Tokyo, where you'll have free time to explore before dinner.

(Walking time: 1 hour, 1.6 miles, negligible ascent/descent)

Breakfast / Park Hotel - Tokyo

Day 10: Tour Tokyo's top sites Today we will take a tour of Tokyo, including walks around Nihonbashi, the elegant Ginza shopping district, and the spacious park around the Imperial Palace. The present Imperial Palace is the residence of the Japanese Imperial Family and was previously the site of Edo Castle (Edo being the Shogun-era name for Tokyo) during the time of the Shoguns. The contrast of the large palace grounds, deep moat and palace buildings with the surrounding modern office buildings of downtown Tokyo is a reflection of Japan’s twin identities of modernity Day 10: Tour Tokyo's top sites and tradition.

Next, we'll take the subway to the Harajuku district to have lunch and visit the Grand Meiji Shrine, a beautiful place of quiet reflection located within an evergreen forest. We'll then walk along the fashionable, tree-lined Omotesando Street—called the Champs-Elysees of Tokyo—to the entertainment area of Shibuya, famous for the large and chaotic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, said to be the world's busiest. We'll then return to our hotel before our farewell dinner.

Breakfast, Dinner / Park Hotel - Tokyo

Day 11: Depart from Tokyo Your guide will be on hand this morning to help you transfer to Narita Airport for homeward-bound flights.

Breakfast

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LAND COSTS

2018 Prices

$5,795 (5-12 members)

$800 single supplement (Single only guaranteed in Kyoto and Tokyo)

What’s Included • Expert leadership • Accommodations as noted in the itinerary (or similar) • Meals as noted in the itinerary • Airport transfers as noted in the itinerary • Sightseeing as noted in the itinerary • Ground transportation • Additional guides where necessary • Entrance fees and permits, unless noted separately in costs • Basic medical and evacuation protection, purchased by Mountain Travel Sobek on your behalf

What’s Not Included • International airfare • Meals not noted in the itinerary • Extra airport transfers • Airport taxes (varies by location) • Excess baggage charges • Cost of medical immunizations • Optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff • Items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.) • Travel protection other than the basic medical and evacuation protection noted above (we recommend that you purchase the Optional Travel Protection Plan offered by Mountain Travel Sobek, which enhances the coverages under the Basic Medical and Evacuation Plan and helps protect your travel investment should you need to cancel for a reason covered by the Optional Travel Protection Plan)

For Terms & Conditions, please click here http://www.mtsobek.com/terms

THE NEXT STEP

Ready to go? Signing up is easy! Just call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) and reserve your spot! If you prefer to use a travel agent, he or she can book your trip at no extra cost and provide other helpful assistance.

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Then Leave the Rest to Us Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, up-to-date health advice prepared by our consulting physician (an expert in wilderness medicine), and other details.

Why Mountain Travel Sobek is Your First Choice for Adventure Mountain Travel Sobek is the pioneer in active adventure travel. No other adventure travel company can lay claim to that title. We were the first to take Americans trekking in Nepal, raft the wild rivers of Africa, and open up many previously inaccessible corners of the world to curious travelers. We set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.

References Don’t take our word for how great our trips are. We’ll be happy to provide you with references of satisfied past travelers.

Questions? Feel free to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you still have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help you. You can also check out our website at www.mtsobek.com.

Note on Itinerary Although we will do our best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change. Please read the Limitation of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form. You can find all this information on our website at www.mtsobek.com/terms and the form itself at www.mtsobek.com/pdf/ participant_info.pdf.

Terms & Conditions Once you have made a deposit for a trip, you agree to be bound by all our terms and conditions including the Limitation of Liability Clause. The full Terms and Conditions can be found at www.mtsobek.com/terms or call 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) for a copy. These are partial conditions. Your participation is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms specified in the four-page Participant Information Form (www.mtsobek.com/pdf/ participant_info.pdf). Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to the Terms and Conditions, to any literature concerning this trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive California law (but not procedural law) without regard to the California Arbitration Act.

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