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Ancient Trails of Japan by Rail

Osaka, Mount Koya, Kyoto, Nakasendo Way & Tokyo

Best time to travel
Oct – Jun
Ideal length
13 nights
Perfect for
All
From (incl flights)
€8,709 pp

At a glance

  • International flights from Dublin to Osaka and home from Tokyo.
  • All private transfers, cable car transfers and assigned seats aboard the express train and Green Class carriage of the bullet train.
  • 13 nights’ accommodation in Osaka, Mount Koya, Kyoto, Tsumago, Nojiri, Kawaguchi and Tokyo.
  • Orientation meeting in Osaka where you will be provided with a portable Wi-Fi device, in-depth recommendations and maps as well as your PASMO pass for the metro.
  • Scenic hikes along the Nakasendo Way and guided tours including a cycling tour in Kyoto, classic tour of Osaka and a Golden Gai Food Tour in Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighbourhood.
  • Luxury luggage forwarding service to make your journey through Japan comfortable and convenient.
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Introduction

Japan is a celebration of contrasts, a country where the old and the new live in harmony and where futuristic cities lie within ancient landscapes and undisturbed mountain trails. On this suggested itinerary, celebrate Japan’s juxtapositions as you hike along scenic ancient trails, experience traditional ryokan and celebrate modernity in contemporary cities. This fast-paced itinerary is perfect for those who wish to discover culture, history and beauty as you hike the ancient highway of the Nakasendo Way, the historical road from Kyoto to Tokyo.

Luxury bespoke services

Japan’s incredible culture and character is wonderfully rewarding but difficult to discover. With OROKO, we have visited Japan numerous times and know what it takes to ensure the most seamless experience. Combatting language barriers and distinct cultural differences, it is paramount to have experience and luxury services on your side. That is why we have partnered with outstanding local guides and arranged comprehensive services like portable Wi-Fi devices, in-depth recommendations and maps, transport passes, seat selection aboard bullet trains and luxury luggage forwarding services. We will be with you every step of the way.

View all of our luxury holidays to Japan.

Trip Overview

Depart from Dublin to Osaka.

Your private driver and guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for your two-night stay. You’ll receive an in-depth welcome orientation and your PASMO pass, portable Wi-Fi device, maps and recommendations.

Explore the foodie capital with your local guide.

Discover Osaka’s many historical landmarks as well as its renowned street food culture in the futuristic streets of Dotonbori. Sample delicious bites like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and steamed gyoza.

Osaka, Japan
Experience an overnight stay at a temple lodging in Mount Koya.

Take an express train and cable car to arrive in your shukubo style lodging. Surrounded by serene rock gardens and ancient trees, sleep in a temple resided by monks and observe daily life.

Mount Koya, Japan
Transfer to Kyoto via bullet train.

Arrive in the ancient city and check in to your hotel for your three-night stay. Start exploring Kyoto’s marvellous sites, visit ancient ceramic workshops and grab some delicious onigiri and shrimp tempura in Nishiki Market.

Kyoto, Japan
Discover Kyoto’s temples and geisha district on a guided cycling tour.

Admire the outstanding beauty of the Golden Temple, the tranquillity of the Ryoan-ji Gardens and ancient streets of Gion. Stop to enjoy a traditional yakitori lunch in a hidden izakaya.

Osaka, Japan
Transfer by train to the Kiso Valley, the starting point of your hiking adventure.

Arrive in Magome and stroll through the ancient town before hiking to Tsumago along the old Nakasendo Highway. Pass through fields and ancient forests, admiring beautiful countryside views.

Kiso Valley, Japan
Enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional ryokan.

Start by exploring the cobblestone streets and ancient buildings of Tsumago. Return to your luxury ryokan to bathe in the natural-spring onsen, admire the rock gardens and experience traditional dining.

Ryokan, Japan
Hike the Nakasendo Way to Nojiri.

Hike through beautiful trails of small valleys, Japanese cedar and bamboo forest, admiring the undisturbed countryside of Japan. Arrive at your ryokan for your one night stay and relax in the mineral-rich hot spring baths.

Bamboo forest, Japan
Set off for the Torii-toge Mountain Pass.

Hike and transfer across the countryside to reach the Japanese Torii Gateway. Follow mountain trails into Narai and admire the lovely old town before transferring by train to Lake Kawaguchi.

Lake Kawaguchi, Japan
Experience luxury glamping in the red pine forests of Yamanashi.

Spend two nights in a luxurious glamping retreat and set out to admire spectacular views over Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji. Return for a romantic candlelit dinner in the forest.

Yamanashi, Japan
Transfer to Tokyo, via bullet and express train.

Spend three nights in the futuristic city, sampling outstanding cuisine and exploring sites like the glorious Hamarikyu Gardens, Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Fish Market and Meiji Shrine.

Tokyo, Japan
Enjoy a Golden Gai Food Tour in Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighbourhood.

With your local guide, explore the lantern-lit street of Omoide Yokoche, home to many tiny yakitori restaurants. Continue exploring and sampling delicious tempura, ramen and soba.

Shinjuku, Japan
Transfer to the international airport.

Arrive in Dublin.

Tailoring your holiday

OROKO Itineraries are created with you in mind and no two are the same. These can be used to help plan your trip - or we can design a completely different itinerary to suit you.

Let's plan your trip!
Accommodation

Where to rest your head

Looking for the best accommodation? We've got the contacts

Fujioto Ryokan

Fujioto Ryokan

Fujioto is an authentic ryokan set in the peaceful surroundings of the Kurokawa Onsen area. The luxury inn borders the Kiso River and emulates authentic Japanese harmony with peaceful rock gardens.

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Nukumori No Yado Komanoyu

Nukumori No Yado Komanoyu

Nukumori No Yado is a long estabolished Japanese Inn in the Kiso District. The only ryokan in Kisokodo, it offers superb surroundings and an authentic experience.

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The Conrad Osaka

Conrad Osaka

Residing on the top floors of Nakanoshima Festival West Tower, Conrad Osaka offers some of the finest views over the city. Connected to the underground stations, it is an ideal base from which to explore.

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Souji-in

Souji-in

Souji-in is an authentic property that dates back to the early 12th century. The historic lodging features classic Japanese décor, furnished with traditional tatami mats, futon-style bedding and washi paper sliding doors.

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The Thousand Kyoto

The Thousand Kyoto

Opening its doors in 2019, The Thousand Kyoto is an ultra-modern property in central Kyoto. Interiors are beautiful, with contemporary Japanese furnishings and sleek décor.

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Hoshinoya Fushi

Hoshinoya Fuji

Hoshinoya Fuji is a glamping resort surrounded by the red pine forests of Yamanashi. The property’s contemporary architecture cascades down the valley and offers views over Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

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Palace Hotel Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Located in front of the historic Edo Castle and next to the Imperial Palace, Palace Hotel is in the heart of Tokyo’s ancient district of Marunouchi.

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What people are saying

I wanted to thank you and your team for arranging such an amazing holiday. It was just what I needed – so well organised, no stress and such an incredible hotel and location. It was all seamless. I look forward to my next trip!!

Jennifer – Val Thorens, 2023

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