JAPAN RUN AND HIKE TOUR

We start the day by joining the locals for a run on the city’s most famous running route: the 5-kilometre loop around the Imperial Palace.

After freshening up, we’ll travel to a local temple. Here, we’ll witness a Goma fire ceremony, a powerful Buddhist ritual where prayers are offered as wooden sticks are burned in a consecrated fire. We’ll then take some time to relax in the traditional Kiyosumi Garden.

What’s included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Fire Ceremony Experience, Kiyosumi Garden Entrance

Stay: Tokyo Hotel

We leave the city behind and travel by train into the mountains of Hakone.

We’ll start with a visit to Owakudani, an incredible volcanic crater with 360-degree views. We’ll then travel to Mount Kintoki to hike the loop trail, being rewarded for our efforts with beautiful scenery and clear Mount Fuji views.

That night, we’ll stay in an onsen hotel for some much-needed recovery in the natural hot spring baths. We’ll also be treated to a traditional dinner at the hotel for the ultimate Japanese hospitality experience.

What’s included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Transportation, Kaiseki Dinner, Hakone Transportation Pass (Tokyo to Hakone Transportation, Ropeway, Lake Ashi Cruise, Local Hakone Buses), Hotel Dinner

Stay: Hakone Onsen Hotel

This day will begin with some sightseeing as we take a cruise across Lake Ashi to the stunning lakeside Hakone Shrine. In terms of activities, we’ll then walk a section of the Old Tokaido Road, the original highway that connected Tokyo (then Edo) and Kyoto during the samurai era.

That evening, you’ll enjoy another traditional hotel dinner and a relaxing onsen session to cap off the relaxing day.

What’s included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Hakone Transportation Pass (Tokyo to Hakone Transportation, Ropeway, Lake Ashi Cruise, Local Hakone Buses), Hotel Dinner

Stay: Hakone Onsen Hotel

The day will begin with a morning riverside run to get our bodies moving before travelling south to Kansai. We’ll take the bullet train to Kyoto, then local trains to Nara, home of the friendly bowing deer. 

We’ll check into our hotel, then head straight back out into Nara Park to meet the deer and visit the incredible Todaiji Temple to see the Great Buddha statue, one of Japan’s national treasures. Before finishing the day, we’ll explore Nara’s shopping street to pick up souvenirs and snacks.

What’s included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide,  Bullet Train from Odawa Station to Kyoto Station

Stay: Nara Hotel

After travelling the short distance from Nara to Kyoto, we’ll head straight to Fushimi Inari Taisha. There, we will visit the iconic shrine with thousands of red torii gates leading up a mountainside.

That afternoon will be an amazing experience, doing the Kurama to Kibune trail, a scenic hike that takes you through ancient paths, traditional villages, and incredible mountain views. After the evening hike, we’ll stop by a local outdoor onsen to soothe any sore muscles.

To round off the day, we’ll invite you to join us on a tranquil evening walk through the old-style Japanese streets in Gion and Ninenzaka. You can pick up souvenirs, try some street food, and simply enjoy the magical atmosphere only found in Kyoto. We’ll finish the day catching the train back to Nara.

What’s included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Onsen Visit

Stay: Nara Hotel

Today, we’ll take the time to make a day trip to Uji, the home of matcha. We’ll begin with a tea ceremony, learning the traditional practices of the tea-making process from an expert. 

Next, we’ll explore Uji together, including taking in the views of the picturesque tea fields. That afternoon will be spent hiking Mount Wakakusa to reach the expansive views of Nara prefecture before travelling back to our hotel.

What’s included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Tea Ceremony Experience

Stay: Nara Hotel

On our final morning together, we’ll share a hotel breakfast. We’ll then arrange a smooth transfer to take you to the airport.

If you want to extend your trip, just let us know! We can help to arrange the next leg of your adventure. 

What’s included: Hotel Breakfast, Shared Airport Transfer

❌ Flight Ticket
❌ Travel Insurance
❌ Meals and experiences not listed in the itinerary
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Visa application and fees