• Type
  • Activity

Nakasendo self-guided walking 5 days

Village-to-village walking on the Nakasendo Trail with five hikes of 1-6 hours

Kumano Kodo self-guided walking 6 days

Village-to-village walking on the Kii Peninsula with five hikes of 2-7 hours

The Kansai Region

KYOTO, NARA, OSAKA AND MORE

Nestled between the Central and Western regions of Japan, Kansai serves as the ideal hub location from which to explore much of the country. With access by air from Kobe Airport, Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport, port entry leading to the Seto inland sea via Osaka and Kobe, and a sprawling rail network throughout, it’s no surprise that many travellers choose this region to mark the beginning and the end of their trips to Japan. Before moving to Edo (now modern day Tokyo) in 1868, the Emperor called this region home and left behind flourishing cities of great historical and cultural importance that travellers still flock to today. Today, it continues to serve as the starting point of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and the Nakasendo trail, and provides a great taste of an eclectic mix of lifestyles in one region.

Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto
Kibune in summertime Kibune in summertime
Maiko in Kyoto Maiko in Kyoto
Kyoto's Kamogawa River at night Kyoto's Kamogawa River at night
Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
Rickshaw ride in Kyoto Rickshaw ride in Kyoto

Highlights of The Kansai Region

Kansai has a great deal to offer both first time and repeat visitors to Japan; the castle town of Himeji and its majestic castle greeting you when you leave the station; the ancient Lake Biwa and its coasts of cherry trees; Mie and Ise Jingu, dedicated to the mother goddess of Shinto religion; and Wakayama, serving as the entry to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, to name a few. Anyone would be hard pressed to run out of things to do.

Guided

In the Shadow of Mountains
  • Duration: 12 days
  • Level: Moderate

From sea to sea in southern Japan

USD 4560
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Guided

Japan's Culinary Heritage
  • Duration: 11 days
  • Level: Moderate

Regional cuisine, the heart and soul of Japanese culture

USD 5020
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Self-Guided

Nara Ancient Capitals self-guided walking 5 days
  • Duration: 5 days
  • Level: Active

Explore the historic and culturally significant hiking trails of lesser-known Kansai

USD 1165
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Self-Guided

Northern Kyoto to Fukui: Self-Guided Walking 5 Days Premium
  • Duration: 5 days
  • Level: Active

Follow scenic Wakasa bay; the central gateway to the Japan Sea, learning how the flow of water has informed the flora, the fauna and the way of life here, with five gentle hikes or cycles of two to four hours

USD 2300
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Self-Guided

Tokushima to Kobe: Self-Guided Walking 4 Days Premium
  • Duration: 4 days
  • Level: Active

Learn the festival culture of Tokushima, the Awajishima Island creation myth, and the historic trade route to Kobe, with four gentle hikes of 3-5 hours

USD 2140
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Self-Guided

Western Shiga and Fukui: Self-Guided Walking 4 Days Premium
  • Duration: 4 days
  • Level: Active

Trail walking in the mountains of West Shiga and Fukui prefectures, with four hikes of 1-6 hours

USD 1675
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