Japan Pilgrimage trails: from Modern to Ancient times

Tokyo, Japan

ST
Safarika Travel
  • Email address verified
59 reviews
Duration: 9 days
Group size: 4 - 8
Japan Pilgrimage trails: from Modern to Ancient times
Tokyo, Japan

Safarika Travel
  • Email address verified
59 reviews

Duration: 9 days
Group size: 4 - 8

About this trip

Take a journey back in time from the technological wonders of modern Tokyo to the charm of ancient Japan. This trip is for those, who want to spend less time in big cities and experience more of authentic Japan, with its old traditions, and fascinating natural sceneries.


⛩ Capture the astonishing views of Mighty Mt. Fuji

⛩  Visit zen temples and bamboo groves in Kyoto

⛩ Take a cultural walk from village to village in the Central Alps on one of the most scenic historic routes of Japan - Nakasendo Trail (3 days)

⛩ Stay in traditional Ryokans, very charming and clean guesthouses, run by locals. Enjoy freshl home-made Japanese meals, and soak in onsens (hot springs baths)

⛩ Taste unique flavors of Japanese cuisine, cook your sushi lunch

⛩ Dine with Geisha 

⛩ Dress up like a local. Experiences: traditional kimono dressing and walking around the temples of Kyoto

⛩ Feed free-roaming deers in the ancient city of Nara

⛩ In the company of a local guide, learn to navigate stress-free in the maze of Japan's public transportation network, ride bullet trains, and leave back home from Osaka

Things to know about this trip:

About NAKASENDO TRAIL

- Level of difficulty- EASY-MODERATE

- This trail is considered more of a cultural walk through old Japan than a strenuous hike

- You should have some previous hiking experience and be in normal physical shape. 

- Daily hikes range up to 7 miles in length with elevation gains/losses of up to 1,400 feet

- Trails are composed of dirt  & stone-paved trails with some sections of stone steps.

- Nakasendo total hiking distance ~30km/19 miles in 3 days, hiking at low altitudes

Lodging in traditional Ryokans, tatami rooms, 2-3 ppl sharing, with private and semi-private bathrooms (towels, toiletries, and bed sheets are provided)

- WiFi and Laundry service are available at Ryokans

- Porter service is not available on a trail, you should take essentials for 3 days and carry your own backpack, your main luggage will be transferred directly to Kyoto. No access to your main luggage is possible while on hiking days.

Trip Cancellation policy

If the trip is canceled by Participant due to any personal reason, the following cancellation policy will be applied:


Trip Cancellation insurance is highly advisable


Cancellation  90 to 45 days before departure - registration deposit is non-refundable

Cancellation 44 to 31 calendar days before departure – up to 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable

Cancellation 30 to 0 calendar days before departure -  up to 100% of the trip is non-refundable

What’s included

  • Professional assistance
    Local russian-speaking guides
  • Lodging in the cities
    Comfortable western-style hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
  • Lodging Nakasendo Trai
    2 nights in traditional ryokan inns, tatami rooms 2-3 ppl sharing per room (private & common bathrooms)
  • ALL Transportation
    Private & public buses, bullet trains tickets and airport shuttles included
  • Admissions
    All places of interest, museums and temples mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals
    Breakfasts in hotels, dinner with Geisha
  • Experiences
    Kimono dressing, Sushi-making workshop, Dinner with Geisha
  • Luggage transfers
    Btw Tokyo & Kyoto, and btw Kyoto-Nara-Tokyo (1 piece of luggage per person)

What’s not included

  • International flights
    Starts at $1000 direct from SFO to Tokyo round-trip
  • Extra stays
    Hotel nights if early arrival in Tokyo or late departures from Osaka, apart from the group

Available Packages

Trip Price
Deposit:$1,500
Available until 143 days before departure
$5,250
Deposit:$1,500

Your Organizer


ST
Safarika Travel
59 reviews
Safarika Adventure Club was founded in Silicon Valley in 2013 by Karina Safari, a professional travel organizer with 17 years of experience in adventure travel, specializing in guided hiking and cultural adventures in South America and beyond for tech professionals and their families, traveling in small groups. Seller of Travel License Safarika Travel Inc. # 2112795-40)

Reviews

This trip was an absolutely outstanding experience! The route was beautiful and combined modern Tokyo/Osaka with Nakasendo trail hike through ancient post-cites and spiritual center at Mount Koya - something you could experience rarely experience in one trip! The group was amazing and we truly became friends after the hikes, staying in ryokans, and enjoying beautiful scenery. I highly recommend Karina and her tours. This is my second tour in a group with Karina and everything is well organized and executed. The tour delivered unforgettable experience and build multiple friends - I will travel again!
By Sergey S for Japan Pilgrimage trails: from Modern to Ancient times on Jun 10, 2024
Had an amazing time on a trip! Great and busy itinerary and we managed to see a lot of things in a short period of time. Thank you for organizers for making it smooth and interesting!
By Anna R for Patagonia: Epic hiking adventure in Argentina on Mar 12, 2024
SC
What an amazing experience! I was eager to visit Patagonia, knew it'd be great and had quite high expectations for it - but all these expectations were exceeded with a huge margin. Where to start? Hikes with breathtaking views around El Chalten and El Calafate (by far the most beautiful places I've even been), rugged beauty of Terra del Fuego, vibes of Buenos Aires - this is something that'll be remembered for life. Another thing worth noting is flawless organization of the trip, and the care we got from Karina and our tour lead Masha. We've never had to worry about transportation, accommodation or any other logistics and could fully focus on experiencing the beauties around. Last but not the least, as already noted in another review, we started as a group of strangers and ended as a group of friends for life. Karina and Masha - thank you for an amazing and very well-organized trip and for one of the best experiences in my life!
By Sergey C for Patagonia: Epic hiking adventure in Argentina on Mar 07, 2024
MS
Amazing trip! Spotless organization and communication, Spanish speaking guide who has become our dearest friend. This trip has started as a group of starangers and ended by a group of friends for life. The trip itself consisted of a perfect combination of moderate-to-challenging physical activity amid unimaginable scenery of southern Argentina, where no day was like any other. Thank you Karina for exceptionally well researched and organized trip.
By Misha S for Patagonia: Epic hiking adventure in Argentina on Mar 06, 2024
Patagonia trip was an unforgettable experience. Great people, stunning views, excellent food and convenient lodging. Everything was organized extremely well, and our team leader Masha went above and beyond taking care of all logistics, so all that was left for us was relax and enjoy Argentina. Highly recommended!
By Roman B for Patagonia: Epic hiking adventure in Argentina on Mar 06, 2024
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References

YM
One of the best trips I've done! I am mainly either a solo traveler or prefer to go with my family But 4 days hiking trip to Montana Glacier NP has changed my preferences :) Thank you very much, it's been a pleasure and FUN Met so many interesting intelligent people, would highly recommend if you enjoy active vacations
By Yelena M on 10 Sep, 2020
GL
I traveled with Karina to Patagonia in 2020 and it was awesome! Perfect planning & organization throughout the trip, including dealing with the unexpected (e.g. lost luggage). I really liked other folks in the group and made several new friends in this trip. I highly recommend Karina's trips to casual and semi-serious hikers, and plan to be a return customer myself.
By Grigory L on 14 Mar, 2020
Thank you, Karina, for a wonderful first time experience of active adventure trip! Everything is well thought and organized. Would recommend to anyone!
By Aizhan T on 20 Jun, 2019