- Trip description
- Travel itinerary
- Price includes
- Gallery
We invite you to an extraordinary blend of Japan’s history and culture with its stunning landscapes and climbing iconic Mount Fuji. Over the course of several days, we will explore the charms of one of the world’s largest metropolises – Tokyo, before embarking on foot to explore ancient feudal routes. We will immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the samurai era, taste local dishes and drinks, rest – just as travelers did centuries ago along the famous Nakasendo trail from Kyoto to Tokyo. Finally, we will ascend to a sacred place, the second highest volcano in Asia and the highest peak in Japan – the majestic Mount Fuji.
Climbing
National parks
Trekking/hiking
Volcanoes
Travel itinerary
Departure to Japan - Mount Fuji
Departure to Japan – Mount Fuji awaits!
Departure to Japan from any airport worldwide. Meeting with the group departing from Chicago at O’Hare Airport. Check-in and flight to Tokyo. Tokyo is one of the most modern metropolises in the world, sparkling with neon lights and huge billboards on the streets. With a population of over 13 million, it serves as the country’s financial and political center. Tokyo boasts the largest number of corporations, theaters, and museums in the country. Each part of Tokyo has its own unique character, so everyone will find something for themselves here.
Tokyo
Upon landing in Tokyo, we will head to the hotel. After checking in, we will take a stroll through one of the districts of this city. We will be greeted by the nighttime panorama of the city, illuminated by millions of neon lights. In the capital, there are beautiful parks that serve as oases amidst skyscrapers, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines, as well as quirky themed cafes. There are also huge shopping centers and streets filled with Japanese souvenirs in the kawaii style. The panorama of Tokyo can be observed from numerous observation points. Tokyo never ceases to amaze.
Tokyo
Magome - Tsumago, Nakasendo
We leave the colorful capital to immerse ourselves today in the Japan of the 17th century feudal era. Over the next few days, we will be walking along the Nakasendo Trail.
This trail, spanning over 530 km in its entirety, was established in the 17th century as a trade route between Kyoto and Edo (today’s Tokyo). Among the travelers were monks and merchants, samurais, high-ranking lords, and even princesses, and they all stopped to rest in one of the shukuba (post towns) scattered along the route.
Although much of the original path is now covered by modern roads, remnants of the first ishidatami (stone paving) of Nakasendo can still be found in the sloping forests between Magome and Tsumago. Both of these post towns still mimic their 17th-century appearance: low wooden buildings, protruding balconies, and no power lines make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
Upon reaching Magome, we will start our 9-kilometer hike, which will take about 3-4 hours and lead us to Tsumago. Along the way, we’ll pass quaint local eateries serving traditional Japanese delicacies: Soba noodles, oyaki dumplings, and gohei mochi.
Overnight stay in a hotel.
Tsumago - Kisofukushima, Nakasendo
After breakfast, we have about a 6-hour hike ahead of us (approximately 18 kilometers). The trail will lead us through mountainous rural landscapes, including bamboo groves and cedar forests. We’ll also pass by rice fields and small villages. Eventually, we will reach Nojiri, and then take a 30-minute train ride to Kiso-Fukushima, where many charming ryokans are located. You might even find time for a relaxing soak in the hot springs, which will soothe your muscles after a long day.
Overnight stay in a traditional Japanese hotel.
Yabuhara - Matsumoto
The trail begins at Yabuhara Station, one of the post towns. Here, several charming original buildings from the Edo period have been preserved, along with visible influences from the Showa era. Along the way, we will also pass by extraordinary temples and sample local delicacies. Upon reaching Narai, we will take a local train to Matsumoto, famous for its black castle known as the Crow Castle due to its color. It’s an extraordinary construction from the 16th century.
Today, we have about a 3-4 hour hike ahead of us (6 km).
Matsumoto
Today’s agenda will focus on rest, exploring the city, and preparing for the main attraction of the program, which is Mount Fuji.
During the day, we will visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the five original Japanese castles preserved, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle has several floors featuring exhibitions of swords, samurai armor, and firearms. Beautiful gardens surround the castle. We will also take a stroll along the famous Nakamachi-dori street, a small part of Matsumoto’s city center lined with well-preserved old buildings. Here, you’ll find quaint souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, we will enjoy a sake tasting, sampling the famous Japanese beverage.
Overnight stay in Matsumoto.
Wspinaczka na Górę Fuji
Mounts Fuji
Around 12 midnight, we will begin the ascent to the summit of Fuji to admire the sunrise from the roof of Japan. At the top, there will be time for a meal, photos, and celebration. Afterward, we will start the descent back to the 5th station. We’ll take a break for rest, packing, and then head to a ryokan in Hakone, where a relaxing onsen and delicious dinner await us.
Overnight stay in Hakone.
Hakone - Owakudani - Tokyo
Departure
Gallery Click on the photo to enlarge 
The company is not responsible for any loss of customer's property due to burglary, theft, loss, etc. We also do not assume responsibility for any losses incurred by the customer in motels. Rek Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary due to circumstances beyond its control. The customer is obliged to comply with the tour regulations. Tour participants are insured according to the requirements of the US Department of Transportation for a total amount of $500,000 (insurance policy available upon request). Participants may opt for additional insurance coverage for hospital and outpatient treatment of illnesses acquired during the tour, as well as accidents in visited facilities (further information available at the office) for an additional fee.
