Japan Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Casual Hotels
Japan Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Casual Hotels
2026: Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov
Mountains, Coastal Trails & Graceful Traditions from Nikko to Kyoto
On foot, Japan reveals itself slowly—through the splendor of Nikko’s forests, the rhythm of Izu’s waves and the quiet grace of Kyoto’s ancient walkways.
Highlights
- Moments of peaceful exploration—from hiking Nikko’s forested trails to discovering the endless torii of Fushimi Inari—connect you to a timeless Japan
- Indulge in the ritual of relaxation with mineral-rich onsen baths, Japanese hospitality and tatami-mat rooms at traditional ryokan retreats
- Along the Izu Peninsula’s jagged coast, ancient lava flows and sea-sculpted cliffs create a dramatic backdrop for breathtaking hikes above the Pacific
- A hands-on cooking class offers a window into Japan’s culinary soul, blending precise technique with warm tradition
- Kyoto’s hillside paths reveal a world of temples, forested ridges and canal-side strolls long favored by monks and philosophers
Start Tokyo
End Kyoto
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Start in vibrant Tokyo, Japan’s cultural and urban powerhouse • Take a scenic train ride to reach beloved Nikko National Park • Forested trails lead to Toshogu Shrine, an ornate World Heritage Site nestled among towering cedars and ancient stone lanterns • At our mountain ryokan, soak in steaming mineral-rich waters • Walk through the geothermic landscape of Yumoto Onsen • Spot rare birds as you stroll wooden paths over rich marshland • Take in sights of dramatic waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and Lake Chuzenji • Indulge in kaiseki-style cuisine.
Nights 1-2
Nestled in the heart of Nikko National Park, this traditional family-run ryokan has been passed down through 12 generations and offers Japanese hospitality with simple tatami-mat rooms, a soothing natural onsen and mountain views.
Days 3-5
Spot glimpses of Mount Fuji as you experience the thrill of traveling by bullet train • The dramatic Izu Peninsula stuns with jagged cliffs and endless ocean views • Hike along the volcanic bluffs of the Jogasaki Coast • Cross the Kadowaki Suspension Bridge and gaze down at crashing surf • Find your moment of zen at our serene ryokan • Venture deep into Izu’s interior, where trails lead past old stone tunnels and cascading wasabi terraces • Your camera will thank you for visiting the stunning Kawazu Seven Waterfalls • Izu shows off its wild beauty along the Nishiizu Skyline trail • A special dinner showcases the flavors and warmth of rural Japan.
Nights 3-5
Founded in 1872, this storied ryokan radiates timeless elegance through its blend of historic wooden architecture, serene koi pond and stunning open-air baths.
Days 6-8
Venture to Kyoto, where old and new Japan live side by side • Follow a lesser-known trail to famed Fushimi Inari-Taisha, a centuries-old Shinto shrine • Walk beneath a tunnel of vivid orange torii gates • Moss carpets and raked gravel create living art at Tofukuji Temple • Ascend Mount Daimonji for commanding views over the ancient imperial city • Follow the Philosopher’s Path, a poetic stroll beneath cherry trees, to Nanzen-ji and Eikando temples • A hands-on cooking class brings Japan’s culinary traditions into your own hands • Share the trail with locals on a riverside walk to Kyoto Imperial Palace—a perfect end to your journey.
Nights 6-7
This urban hotel blends modern design with artisanal touches in the heart of Kyoto, just steps away from many of the city's most beloved restaurants and landmarks.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
At hotels in Japan, the local preference for ordered austere aesthetics is prioritized. This means simple rooms with fewer amenities than you might find in a typical Backroads hotel, and instead an emphasis on tranquility and refined onsen (Japanese-style spas).
Japan’s fierce pride in its cuisine offers many culinary riches. This same pride, however, also creates an inflexibility that can be challenging for Western guests. Menus are planned well in advance and Japanese restaurants are not accustomed or able to make substitutions or additions, even if requested several days in advance.
Japanese menus include a significant amount of seafood and beef in most meals. Crucially, soy sauce and bonito (made from smoked skipjack tuna) are used as base ingredients throughout Japanese cuisine. Because of this, Japanese cuisine is not conducive to celiac or kosher diets, and adhering to strict vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets while in Japan requires careful planning so alternate dishes can be prepared. It is critical to ensure that the dietary information you provide to Backroads in advance of your trip is accurate and representative of what you want to eat in Japan, since changes or ‘cheats’ will generally not be possible once on trip.
In order to access the scenic and culturally significant routes and points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles and bullet train rides are incorporated into our itinerary. Most travel will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time traveling—though always to reach a worthwhile destination!
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Casual Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Nikko National Park, this traditional family-run ryokan has been passed down through 12 generations and offers Japanese hospitality with simple tatami-mat rooms, a soothing natural onsen and mountain views.
Nights 3-5
*Deluxe Hotel
Founded in 1872, this storied ryokan radiates timeless elegance through its blend of historic wooden architecture, serene koi pond and stunning open-air baths.
Nights 6-7
Casual Hotel
This urban hotel blends modern design with artisanal touches in the heart of Kyoto, just steps away from many of the city's most beloved restaurants and landmarks.
Gallery
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Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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