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Holidays

Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Japan
Available Departures: May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov

14 days from

US$5,965

without flights
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
MODERATE MODERATE

Hike through Japanese history on the Nakasendo Trail and journey through its spiritual heartland on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Trip Code: JNK
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

Highlights
  • Immerse yourself in serene nature on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
  • Be transported to Edo Period Japan with 2 days walking on the Nakasendo Trail
  • Discover the bright lights of Tokyo and the zen gardens and temples of Kyoto
  • Sleep in traditional ryokan with their own onsen ‘hot spring’ baths
  • Experience the intricacies of Japanese culture

At a Glance
  • Group Size 6 to 12
  • 6 day walking and trekking
  • 3 days sightseeing
  • Max altitude - 1200 metres
  • Join In Tokyo, End in Osaka

Accommodation & Meals
  • 13 Breakfasts
  • 5 Lunches
  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 nights Hotel
  • 4 nights Ryokan
  • 2 nights Minshuku
Overview

The Nakasendo Trail connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the age of the samurai. We’ll walk some of the best sections of this mountainous trail, including visits to the ‘post towns’ of Tsumago and Magome. Their beautifully preserved cobbled streets and dark wood, lattice-front houses evoke Japan’s Edo period glory.

During our 3-day Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, we’ll take on a challenging trek between two of Kumano’s grand shrines. Our path through the heart of these sacred mountains, where nature is worshipped and Shinto gods dwell in thundering waterfalls, winds through tranquil ancient forests, with spectacular mountain and ocean views – a feast for the body and soul.

We will experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality staying in traditional ryokan and minshuku; sleeping on futon beds, dining on traditional multi-course meals, and relaxing in soothing hot thermal springs.

Additionally included are 3 nights in dazzling, future-chasing Tokyo and 2 days to explore the peaceful Zen gardens and temples of Kyoto. We’ll utilize Japan's excellent public transport throughout, including a journey on the world-famous high-speed bullet train.

This trip is an excellent way to experience the history and culture of Japan. You'll return home a step closer to understanding the unique Japanese way of life.

Is this holiday for you?

This holiday is graded as moderate. On the Nakasendo Trail, our hikes will last for around 4 hours with moderate amounts of ascent and descent. Most of the walking is on good, soft paths, and partly on paved roads.

On the Kumano Kodo, we will encounter some more demanding sections with long, steep ascents and descents on paved and cobbled paths. Our most challenging day will be walking th …

This holiday is graded as moderate. On the Nakasendo Trail, our hikes will last for around 4 hours with moderate amounts of ascent and descent. Most of the walking is on good, soft paths, and partly on paved roads.

On the Kumano Kodo, we will encounter some more demanding sections with long, steep ascents and descents on paved and cobbled paths. Our most challenging day will be walking the Ogumotori-goe from Koguchi to Nachi, where we must climb 800m in just 5km on the intimidatingly named ‘Dogiri-zaka’ (torso-splitting slope!). We’ll be sure to take this section in our stride.

We will sleep in a combination of hotels and traditional ryokan and minshuku. In the traditional accommodation, we will spend multiple nights sleeping on futon beds, which are essentially bedding and mattresses rolled out on a tatami mat floor.

Sightseeing in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Kyoto will involve a combination of walking and public transport, so we can expect to be actively walking (on our feet) for several hours on each of these days.

We will utilize public transport throughout, using a combination of buses and trains. This is simply the best way to travel in Japan, and it makes the holiday a very immersive experience. This does mean that we will be responsible for loading and unloading our baggage and walking with it to/from our accommodations.

A wonderful part of Japanese culture is the cuisine, so we recommend you brush up on your chopstick skills before visiting Japan; knives and forks may not always be available, and the culinary delights will be irresistible

Why KE?

To make sure you get the most out of your holiday to Japan we’ve limited our group sizes to 12. Though we’ve endeavoured to included as many highlights as possible, we’ve also been careful to factor in multiple nights in most destinations, so that there is still time for relaxing, reflecting, and for some independent exploration along the way.

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Itinerary

Our adventure begins in with 3 nights in Tokyo. Japan's thriving capital city is an electrifying mix of the ultra-modern and traditional. Shared shuttle transfers from Tokyo Haneda or Tokyo Narita Airport are included. In the afternoon, our Tour Leader will take us out to orientate ourselves as we start exploring the best of what Tokyo has to offer. There are endless opportunities for food and fun. You will be provided with an IC card providing unlimited travel on public transport around the city. The rest of the evening is free.

Accommodation

Hotel

Today we have a full day exploring Tokyo with our Tour Leader, on foot and using public transport. Tokyo is a city with a vibrant youth culture, with young Tokyoites often setting global pop culture and fashion trends. We explore the perennially stylish regions of Shibya and Harajuku. Harajuku particularly is known for its colourful street art and fashions, with streets full of quirky vintage clothing, cosplay shops, and upmarket boutiques. We will also visit Meiji Shrine, Tokyo's grandest Shinto shrine, set within a forest. An impressive torii gate marks its entrance; torii are believed to be gateways between the earthly and divine realms. Here, we will get our first introduction to the Shinto traditions in which we will be immersed on the Kumano Kodo. We will also plan to visit the free observations decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, which offer panoramic views of the city, and the iconic Shibuya Scramble intersection. This is a great place to find a café to sit and sample some Mochi (small buns made of soft chewy rice) whilst watching Tokyo life whizz by. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner, an experience of authentic Japanese cuisine.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Time

8 hrs sightseeing

We begin today with a short walk to Shimbashi Station from where we take the train (1hr) to the beautiful seaside city of Kamakura. Kamakura is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Japan. The city, the administrative capital of Japan in the 12-14th centuries, is surrounded by forested hills making it a naturally protected fortress and providing many trails for us to explore. We will also visit the imposing Great Buddha of Kotoku-in and Hasedera Temple, which houses one of the largest wooden statues in Japan; a depiction of Hannon, the Goddess of Mercy. We take the train back to Tokyo in the late afternoon and the rest of the evening is free.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Time

6 hrs walking and sightseeing

Distance

10 KM

Today we depart Tokyo for the densely forested Kiso Valley. We travel first on the high-speed bullet train to Nagano, and from there by Express train to Kiso Fukushima, once an important check point on the Nakasendo Trail. The journey will take around 3.5 hours. Having sped out of modern Tokyo on the bullet train we will feel the change of pace as we swap onto the local train and wind our way towards rural Japan. By the time we arrive at our destination we will feel as if we have taken a step back in time to the Edo period. We check in at our traditional ryokan accommodation, which has minimalist rooms, and its own onsen (hot spring bath). This will be our base for the next two nights. Tonight we will enjoy a traditional multicourse dinner in the ryokan's dining room, we might want to wear the yukata provided in our rooms for the occasion.

Accommodation

Ryokan

Meals

B D

The Kiso Valley is home to 11 of the 69 'post towns' or 'juku' where travellers would stop to rest during their long journey on the Nakasendo Trail, and Mogome and Tsumago are two of the most beautifully preserved. After breakfast we return to the train station and take the express train to Natkatsugawa and then the local bus to Magome-juku, where we begin today's 3hr walk. Our carefully restored paved trail will lead us on a winding journey through dense forest, over wooden bridges and past waterfalls, fields and villages. There will be plenty of scenic spots to stop and enjoy our packed lunch. In the afternoon, we arrive into Tsumago, where walking down the main street of dark-wood, lattice front, houses is like strolling through history. We will have some time to explore before we transfer by private bus back to Kiso Fukushima. There should be time to enjoy the onsen before dinner.

Accommodation

Ryokan

Meals

B L D

Ascent

250 M

Descent

400 M

Time

3 hrs walking

Distance

8 KM

After breakfast, we check out of the ryokan and walk with our luggage to the train station where it will be stored for the morning. We take an enjoyable short train journey through the countryside to Yabuhara where today's walk begins. Today's section of the Nakasendo Trail leads us over the trail's highest point, the Torii Pass (1200m). We will pass through larch forests, and pass tiny mountain shrines and old teahouses. As we descend to Narai we will enjoy wonderful views over the town. Narai is known as 'Narai of a thousand houses' as it was once the wealthiest town on the Nakasendo Trail and marks the halfway point between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). In the heart of the town is a 1km road lined with beautifully preserved wooden buildings complete with traditional renji-goshi latticework. After lunch, we return by train to Kiso-Fukushima, pick up our luggage and take the afternoon train to Kyoto (2hr20mins). Our accommodation for the next 3 nights is just a short walk from the station. The rest of the evening is free. We can recommend visiting Pontocho Alley - a great place to sample delicious yakatori or ramen.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

340 M

Descent

270 M

Time

3 hrs walking

Distance

6 KM

The captivating city of Kyoto is Japan's cultural capital, boasting over 2000 shrines, many with beautifully landscaped zen gardens, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Having escaped the ravages of WWII, the city has retained much of its original architecture and the spirit of traditional Japan. We begin with a visit to Nanzen-ji Temple, famous for its magnificent 350 year old wooden entrance gate known as the Sanmon. From here, we decend to Ginkaku-ji Temple, the Silver Pavilion. We will explore the scenic gardens of Tofuku-ji Temple before ending our day at Kiyomizudera Temple - an exquisite example of traditional Japanese carpentry. The evening is free for us to explore further under our own steam.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Time

8 hrs sightseeing

Distance

15 KM

After breakfast, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for the thousands of blazing red torii gates that line a winding path up through the forest. The rest of afternoon and evening is free. There is much to see and do around Kyoto and our Tour Leader will be happy to make some recommendations.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Time

3 hrs sightseeing

After breakfast, we head with our luggage to the train station and board the train south to Kii-Tanabe on the Kii Peninsula. We are now heading back to rural Japan and the densely forested Kii Mountains. From Kii-Tanabe we travel by bus to Yunomine Onsen. The total journey time will be around 6 hours. Yunomine Onsen is a picturesque collection of traditional inns, houses and hot spring baths nestled a deep forested valley and we will spend the next two nights in a traditional ryokan here. Discovered around 1800 years ago, this is believed to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. Pilgrims would stop and perform hot water purification rituals here before arriving at Kumano Hongu Taisha. There is unique connection between Japan's onsen culture and its spiritual culture here and so it is a great place to begin our journey on the Kumano Kodo.

Accommodation

Ryokan

Meals

B D

A gentle introduction to our three days walking on the Kumano Kodo. After breakfast we take the local bus to Hoshinmon Oji 'the gate of awakening of the aspiration to enlightenment'. From here, we follow forested trails through isolated mountain villages to reach Kumano Hongo Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of the Kumano. Kumano Hongo Taisha is home to Japan's largest torii gate. Kumano Hongu Taisha was originally located at Oyunohara, a sandbank at the confluence of the Kumano and Otonashi rivers. Legend has it that the Kumano deities, in the form of three moons, descended into the branches of a giant oak tree in this clearing. All of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes lead to this sacred site. We have time to look around before we walk back to Yunomine Onsen, there is also the option to return to Yunomine Onsen by local bus.

Accommodation

Ryokan

Meals

B L D

Ascent

190 M

Descent

460 M

Time

3 - 4 hrs walking

Distance

9 KM

At breakfast, we should have our main luggage ready for collection as it will be transported ahead of us to our overnight accommodation in Koguchi. We take a local bus the short distance from Yunomine Onsen to the trailhead at Ukegawa. The first section is a gradual climb through forests of cedar and cypress up to the ridge and a steady ascent to the viewpoint at Hyakken-gura, where a break if the forest allows for some magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. This is one of the best viewpoints on the trail. From here, we follow an undulating trail to the remains of Sakura-Jaya Teahouse. The views from here will be another highlight. From here, we drop down into the valley on a cobbled path before crossing the river to reach the tranquil mountain village of Koguchi.

Accommodation

Minshuku

Meals

B L D

Ascent

670 M

Descent

690 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs walking

Distance

13 KM

At breakfast we should have our main luggage ready for collection and this will be transported ahead of us to our hotel in Osaka. We will not have access to our main luggage this evening so will need to carry our overnight essentials in our day sacks today. Today will be our longest, but most rewarding, day as we ascend over a series of mountain passes to reach Kumano Nachi Taisha; the second of the grand shrines that we visit on our pilgrimage. Our biggest challenge will be the ascent to the Echizen-toge Pass via the evocatively named Dogiri-zaka (torso-splitting slope), where we will gain 800m of elevation over just 5km. We will take our time and split the ascent into small manageable sections. Having successfully conquered the Dogiri-zaka our path seesaws until another short, steep ascent leads up to the Moja-no-Deai (the abode of the dead), which is often atmospherically shrouded in fog. After this, we emerge from the forest at the Funami-toge Pass, where we should have views across the Kii Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. We pass the remains of the Funami-Jaya teahouse, now just a small shelter housing Jizo statues from where it is a 4km ascent to the Nachisan and our final destination - Kumano Nachi Taishi, the second and last of our grand shrines. We will also see the striking 3-storey pagoda of the Seiganto-ji Temple, and behind it the thundering Nachi Falls, Japan's tallest waterfall with a uninterrupted drop. This powerful waterfall has been worshipped since ancient times and is believed to be the home of a god. We overnight in Nachisan, and join together in the minshuku dining room for a final meal to celebrate the end of our journey on the Kumano Kodo.

Accommodation

Minshuku

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1250 M

Descent

930 M

Time

7 - 9 hrs walking

Distance

14 KM

This morning we have some time to explore around Nachi, including Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls. Afterwards we walk along Daimon-saka, a cobbled stairway flanked by cedar and bamboo that connects the Nachi area to the bottom of the valley. From there we catch the bus to Katsuura, where there will be time for lunch, before taking the train to Osaka and our hotel close to Kansai Airport. The total journey time should be around 4hrs. The rest of the evening is free. There is a shopping centre nearby where you can pick up any last minute souvenirs and plenty of restaurants to enjoy a final Japanese feast.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Time

2 hrs sightseeing

After breakfast we walk the short distance to the train station to catch the train to Kansai Airport. It is just a 10 minute journey and the train fare is included.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Direction Direction
Trek
Train
Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional and qualified tour leader
  • Shared shuttle airport transfer if arriving on Day 1
  • Train from Osaka Hotel to Kansai Airport if departing on Day 14
  • JP Rail Pass and pre loaded IC card (to cover included transport and meals)
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • All land transport required by the itinerary
  • All activities/excursions/entrance fees mentioned unless specified as 'optional'

  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers other than group transfers
  • Some meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Tips
  • Miscellaneous personal expenditure - drinks and souvenirs etc

The group will meet at the group hotel in Tokyo on the afternoon of Day 1.

Shared shuttle transfers from Tokyo Haneda and Tokya Narita Airport are included for anyone arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary. The transfer from Tokyo Haeneda will take around 20 mins and from Tokyo Narita around 90 mins.

On the last day of the Land Only itinerary, you will need to take the train from close by our hotel in Osaka to Kansai International Airport. It is around a 10 minute journey. The cost of the train ticket is included in the holiday cost price and can be paid for using the prepaid IC card that will be provided for you by the Tour Leader.

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners are included in the holiday price.

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single use plastic bottles.

Japanese cuisine is fresh, fragrant and flavoursome. Rice, and noodles such as Udon and Soba, are ubiquitous. Seafood and shellfish is very common, served grilled or raw as sashimi or sushi, as well as soy products, like tofu. Broths and soups, such as Miso, are also very typical. Seasonal vegetables will feature prominently and may come served in a broth, lightly battered (tempura), or pickled. These items are generally served at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Coffee is not popular in Japan and so you may have to rely on the plentiful Green Tea to provide your daily caffeine fix.


Our included evening meals will generally be kaiseki style, this is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal including multiple small dishes freshly prepared with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Meals are generally served at low tables, and you will be required to sit on cushions on the floor. Knives and forks will be rarely seen, be prepared to use chopsticks. Outside of the cities breakfasts will also be exclusively Japanese style and included lunches during the walking sections of our holiday will usually be bento boxes provided by our accommodations.


When food is not included, your tour leader will be able to recommend the best places to eat and to help arrange group meals. In towns and cities there will be a variety of restaurants and street-food stalls offering extensive menus, which often have pictures to make ordering easier.


If you are vegetarian please be advised that, outside of the cities, it is hard to guarantee that dishes are 100% vegetarian. Most Japanese dishes involve miso, dashi or soy sauce, all of which contain fish and vegetarianism is not a concept that is widely understood. It will be a good idea to bring some of your own food with you to help supplement your diet and you will also be able purchase snacks in shops. The same applies to those following a vegan or gluten free diet.

During the holiday, you will spend 7 nights in comfortable hotels, which are well located for public transport, 3 nights in Tokyo, 3 nights in Kyoto and 1 night in Osaka.

In Kiso Fukushima (2 nights) and in Yunomine Onsen (2 nights) we will stay in traditional ryokan, with their own onsen (communal hot spring bath) for those wishing to experience this unique Japanese ritual. At the ryokan it is usual to find a cotton robe (yukata) and slippers provided for your comfort and it is normal to wear these for dinner as well as whilst relaxing in the evening.

All rooms at the hotels and at the ryokan have private bathrooms.

In Koguchi (1 night) and Nachisan (1 night) we will stay in simple minshuku with shared bathroom facilities.

Ryokan are traditional Japanese Inns, Minshuku are similarly traditional but usually with more basic facilities and are more akin to a family run B&B. Whilst staying at the ryokan and minshuku we will experience traditional Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, sleeping in a simple room on a futon bed, with a tatami mat covered floor, and enjoying local cuisine served by our welcoming hosts.

Accommodation is based on twin share. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning to extend your holiday, additional nights at the group hotel are available on request.

The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader.

Approximately £450 per person (or equivalent in US dollars or Euros) should be allowed for non-included meals, drinks, snacks, and miscellaneous expenses. 

Japan is mainly a cash society and it is best to travel with cash. You can obtain yen prior to travel or money changing facilities are available at the airport and in most towns/cities if you would prefer to change your money on arrival. Your Tour Leader will be able to advise.

Please note you may have difficulty using credit and debit cards issued outside Japan. Cirrus, Maestro, Link and Delta cash cards are not widely accepted. Japanese post offices, 7-Eleven stores and JP Post Bank often have international cash machines. Check with your bank before travelling and take sufficient alternative sources of money for the duration of your stay.

Tipping is not customary in Japan, in fact, if you try to tip in hotels/restaurants it may be refused. Some higher end restaurants may add a 10% service charge to your bill. You may want to tip your Tour Leader to say thank you, or handing over small gift is also a good way to show your satisfaction. If you tip your Tour Leader money should be placed inside of an envelope and presented quietly. As a guide, £2-3 a day would be appropriate.

For this holiday you should take one main piece of luggage and one daypack. Your main luggage should be a soft shell suitcase with wheels or, ideally, a large backpack with wheels.

In order to avoid additional costs/issues with having to pre-book luggage space on trains (which would also mean you are separated from you luggage for the journeys) it is essential that your luggage can be stored in the luggage rack about the seat. For this reason your luggage must have a total measurement (length + width + height) of less than 160cm. 

If your luggage has a rigid frame, the height should not exceed 82 cm or it will not fit into the luggage lockers at stations.

Another reason to keep your main luggage as small and lightweight as possible is that you will be required to regularly carry your luggage on and off public transportation and to/from accommodation (no more than 15 minutes walk).

For the night in Nachi (Day 12) we will not have access to our main baggage as this will travel ahead of us to our hotel in Osaka. We will need to allow room for our overnight essentials within our daypacks on this day. 

For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Visa Japan

UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for short stays.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

VACCINATIONS

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

The unit of currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen.

Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience.

You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking 3 to 6 hours for consecutive days. Hill walking, with a good amount of ascent and descent, is the best training. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.

Japan’s climate is classified as temperate in that it has four distinct seasons. However a variety of influences including the Siberian air stream and various Pacific Ocean currents give the country a fairly complex climatic pattern. In May/Oct/Nov you can expect temperatures from around 10 - 20 degrees centigrade. We will be hiking in mountainous regions and it is possible we will encounter sun, rain, fog and wind at times. It is important to pack for hot, cold and wet weather.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Please try and keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

YOU SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

  • Hiking boots/shoes

  • Sandals/trainers

  • Socks

  • Walking socks

  • Trekking trousers

  • T-shirts (quick drying)

  • Thin long sleeve top/shirt

  • Lightweight waterproof overtrousers

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket/Poncho

  • Underwear

  • Shorts

  • Sunhat

  • Sunglasses

  • Daypack

  • Water bottles 1 Litre x2

  • Selection of dry bags (to keep luggage contents dry)

  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Small travel towel (these are not always provided)

  • Antibacterial handwash

  • Basic First Aid Kit - You should bring your own personal first aid kit consisting of the following: throat lozenges, painkillers (anti-inflammatory), antiseptic cream/spray, plasters and blister treatment, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets are a good idea.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL:

  • Travel clothes

  • Trekking poles

  • Umbrella

  • Insect repellant – (DEET)

  • Camera

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

NOTES

Luggage: A soft bag/suitcase with wheels/large rucsack is most suitable. Please keep this as small and lightweight as possible as you will have to do a fair bit of carrying on and off public transportation and to/from accommodation. If your luggage has a rigid frame, the height should not exceed 82 cm or it will not fit into the lockers.

Remember to bring sandals or comfortable shoes for sightseeing, we will be on our feet a lot. These should be easy to take on and off, as shoes are not worn inside most buildings in Japan!

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
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DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2024

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: JNK /02/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 13 Oct and ends on Sat 26 Oct
  • This departure is available and departs within 6 days. Secure your place today with full payment by contacting the KE office
  • Single Supplement Price: US$1,470 - Only a limited number of single rooms are available
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: JNK /03/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 3 Nov and ends on Sat 16 Nov
  • This departure is available and departs within 27 days. Secure your place today with full payment
  • Single Supplement Price: US$1,535 - Only a limited number of single rooms are available
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: JNK /04/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 10 Nov and ends on Sat 23 Nov
  • This departure is available and departs within 34 days. Secure your place today with full payment
  • Single Supplement Price: US$1,575 - Only a limited number of single rooms are available
  • Download Trip Notes

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: JNK /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 11 May and ends on Sat 24 May
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$825
  • Single Supplement Price: US$1,355 - Only a limited number of single rooms are available
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: JNK /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 25 May and ends on Sat 7 Jun
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$825
  • Single Supplement Price: US$1,355 - Only a limited number of single rooms are available
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: JNK /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Tue 23 Sep and ends on Mon 6 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$825
  • Single Supplement Price: US$1,355 - Only a limited number of single rooms are available
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: JNK /04/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 18 Oct and ends on Fri 31 Oct
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$825
  • Single Supplement Price: US$1,470 - Only a limited number of single rooms are available
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: JNK /05/25/
  • This trip begins on Tue 4 Nov and ends on Mon 17 Nov
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$900
  • Single Supplement Price: US$1,535 - Only a limited number of single rooms are available
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Japan: Nakasendo Trail and Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: JNK /06/25/
  • This trip begins on Sun 9 Nov and ends on Sat 22 Nov
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$900
  • Single Supplement Price: US$1,575 - Only a limited number of single rooms are available
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for joining in Tokyo.A shared shuttle transfer from Tokyo HANEDA or Tokyo NARITA is included on Day 1. The holiday ends in Osaka. A train transfer from Osaka to Kansai Airport is included.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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