Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail - 11 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: Kyoto: A Cultural CapitalArrival Day

  Once the capital city of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto now finds itself the cultural capital, if not the actual one. In its evolution, what Kyoto lost in title, it has more than made up for in culture, gastronomy, and charm. Your journey through Japan begins in this unforgettable former capital. Welcome to Kyoto, and to Japan, and we invite you to embrace your evolution. Like Kyoto, we only get better with age. Arrive at any time and choose to join your CEO on a brief walk to stretch your legs after a long flight. Join your CEO for dinner at the hotel.

• Days 2-1: Kyoto: Kitayama Villages Hike

  The Kitayama mountains border Kyoto on the north and juxtapose bustling Kyoto with their tranquil wooded pathways. The bright red Tengu, a physical statue of a supernatural spirit, is your starting point as you hike from village to village, exploring the forest and the cultural treasures within it. Hike from Kurama village to Kibune-two villages that mark the start and endpoint of the hike. As you wind your way through the canopied forest, visit the Kifune shrine and Kurama-dera temple. Return to Kyoto for a CEO led walking tour and visit to Geisha district, Gion.

• Days 3-2: Lake Tazawa: Japan's Deepest Lake

  Legend goes that Tatsuko, a girl known for her beauty, went to Lake Tazawa to search for the spring of eternal beauty. Upon taking gulp after gulp, she is turned into a dragon and is thrust into the lake. Her quest to find eternal beauty was left unfulfilled, but the beauty of Lake Tazawa remains, as stunning now as it was when Tatsuko drank from its shores. Bullet train brings you from Kyoto northbound to the Akita prefecture. Both exceedingly deep (Japan's deepest) and with a unique blue color, Lake Tazawa can be explored by kayak or by cycle today upon arrival. Choose your adventure this afternoon. Fountain of youth not guaranteed.

• Days 4-3: Lake Tazawa: An Ode to Rice and Sake

  Exploring this small part of Akita prefecture feels as though you have been let in on a very good secret. Cherry blossoms, sake and samurai may sound like familiar emblems of Japanese culture, but the day's explorations shed an entirely new light on what you thought you knew. Small samurai villages, friendly local people, and a stunning preservation of culture that invites you to slow down and take in what makes Japan truly unique. Begin the morning with a local business run by the same family for generations. Their craft uses the bark of the cherry blossom to produce charming works of art. Build your own alongside the experts. Wander a samurai village at your own pace, making your own discoveries along the way. This early evening at the sake brewery begins with song and ends with a full stomach.

• Days 5-4: Nyuto Onsen: Hot Springs in the Mountains

  Just outside Lake Tazawa lies the village of Nyuto. Seven different Ryokan call Nyuto home, and one of these Ryokan is your resting place for the evening. This area is famous for its Onsen, Japanese natural spring baths. Take time to enjoy the peace and tranquility of being far from the rest of the world while the warm spring water refreshes you from the outside in. Before you can hop into the rejuvenating spring water, explore Nyuto village by e-bike on a guided tour. Far from the rush of places like Kyoto and Tokyo, your experience in Nyuto invites you to explore rural Japanese life in a place not often visited by travellers coming to Japan.

• Days 6-5: Iwate: Fudai and a Story of Resilience

  The Tsunami that hit the coast of Japan in 2011 devastated communities along the northeastern coastline. One village, however, was spared. Fudai, in Iwate prefecture, is a place left untouched by western commercialism, and luckily, by the effects of the Tsunami. An incredibly bold, forward thinking mayor initiated the building of a seawall that proved ominously prescient. Thanks to the seawall, centuries of tradition, culture and history were preserved. Because of this, we have an extremely rare and unique opportunity to hike to an ancient shrine and witness a performance very few people on Earth have ever had the chance to see. Spend time in Fudai eating local Japanese delicacies, hearing from locals about their experiences after the Tsunami, and visit the seawall itself. After your experience discovering the village of Fudai, hike up to the Unotori shrine. Witness a unique cultural performance that is closely connected to the traditional Japanese "nature worship". These performances are so rare that often many Japanese visitors are seeing it for the first time themselves. Conclude day with a five course meal at a French inspired restaurant with locally sourced and produced ingredients.

• Days 7-6: Iwate: Michinoku Coastal Trail Trek

  The Michinoku Coastal Trail is a story of community tourism. It's a story of building back better after a devastating loss. The trail itself offers unparalleled views of the blue ocean crashing into rocky sea caves. The day spent with local trekking guides and fishermen give a glimpse into local life here in Iwate. The trail stretches over 1000-kilometers from Hachinohe to Soma City in Fukushima. Spend the day trekking one of the most picturesque portions of the trail-traversing just over 9kms. Rest your legs after a long day by boarding a small fishing boat. Cruise along the shoreline learning from the local fisherman as you take in the dramatic scenery.

• Days 8-7: Tokyo: Jodogahama Beach

  Jodogahama beach looks like something slightly out of a scene from Star Wars-rock formations jutting straight out of the clear blue water. A six minute walk brings you straight to the beach-with time for a swim or leisurely seaside walk. Bright and busy Tokyo is on the horizon so breathe in that salty air while you can. After a leisurely morning at the beach, relax on a bullet train to Tokyo throughout the afternoon.

• Days 9-8: Tokyo: A Modern Story

  From its humble beginning as a fishing village, Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, is now Japan's most populous city. Get the most out of your time here with your local CEO. In the morning, explore old town Asakusa. Walk from Shibuya Crossing to Takeshita Street on an afternoon walking tour of Tokyo's can't miss spots. After a busy morning walking the streets of Asakusa, the afternoon can be as busy or relaxing as you make it. Your CEO will lead a tour through some of Tokyo's most iconic areas, to Meiji Jingu Shrine, through Harajuku and the Shibuya Scramble.

• Days 10-9: Tokyo: Your OMG Day

  Eat or walk, walk or eat? If you are an active foodie, you're familiar with this internal debate. Your OMG Day will be incredible no matter what you choose-but it's up to you to decide what the day holds. Join your CEO for a full day excursion to Mt. Fuji or meet a local guide and dive headfirst into all things Japanese cuisine, slurping and crunching your way through the day. Your day will be epic no matter which way you spend it on your OMG Day. Fill in your fellow travellers on what the day held over a delicious farewell dinner in downtown Tokyo.

• Days 11-10: Tokyo

  Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.