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Hiking the Ancient Trails of Japan: Cities, Temples & the Kumano Kodo
10 nights. ARRIVAL Takeover from Tokyo to Osaka. Start in neon-lit Shinjuku and hike Mt. Takao, then move through Kyoto’s temples before heading deep into Mt. Koya for a Buddhist temple stay. Walk sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage through cedar forests and shrine-lined trails, finishing in Osaka’s street food and nightlife. A full run of Japan’s culture, nature and spiritual side, done with a small crew.
Overview
The lowdown
Japan makes you pay attention. One minute you’re shoulder-to-shoulder in Shinjuku, crossing streets under neon and noise. A few days later, you’re walking through cedar forests where the only sound is your footsteps. It’s not a contrast you read about, it’s something you feel as you move through it. This trip has been carefully curated for those who are keen to freely explore Japan, but have all the transport taken care of. The trip is full of optional activities that ARRIVAL highly recommends, but ultimately you get to decide what you do, and the pace you do it at. This 10-night ARRIVAL Takeover runs from Tokyo to Osaka, moving through Kyoto, Mt. Koya and the Kumano Kodo along the way. You’ll travel as a small crew of 4–12 ARRIVAL travellers, the same group from start to finish. No rotating passengers, no mixing with other tours. You start as strangers in Tokyo and by the time you hit Osaka, you’ve shared trains, trails, meals and a few long days together. Tokyo first. Shinjuku at night, Asakusa by day, then out to Mt. Takao for forest trails and a temple at the top. Then the bullet train west. Kyoto is slower but not quiet. Temples, backstreets, and then further in to Mt. Koya. Two nights in a working temple, followed by a stretch of the Kumano Kodo. Forest paths, stone steps, shrines that appear out of nowhere. Shirahama for a day on the coast, then Osaka to close it out.
Highlights
The best bits
Mt. Koya Temple Stay
Stay overnight inside a working Buddhist temple, where daily life follows ritual and routine. Walk through Okunoin at dusk, then return for a traditional monk-prepared meal and a night on tatami. It’s quiet, minimal, and completely different to anywhere else on the trip.
Itinerary
The day to day
Day 1
Arrive in Tokyo & Settle into Shinjuku
Day 2
Tokyo City Walk
Day 3
Mt. Takao Hike
Day 4
Bullet Train to Kyoto
Day 5
Kyoto Cultural Walk
Day 6
Into Mt. Koya
Day 7
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails
Day 8
Travel to Shirahama
Day 9
Osaka Arrival
Day 10
Osaka at Your Own Pace
Day 11
Departure from Osaka
Location
The setting
Host
The experts
ARRIVAL
Curated by ARRIVAL, designed for you – adventure, comfort and local insight all in one.
Accommodation
The quarters
A well-located stay in the middle of Shinjuku, close to transport, food spots and nightlife. Clean, simple, and easy after long travel days.
Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku (or similar)
Shinjuku City, JP
Three minutes from Kyoto Station with spacious rooms and a reception staffed by dinosaurs (yes, really). Easy luggage drop if you want to get straight into the city before check-in. A solid, well-located base that sets you up for exploring Kyoto.
Henn na Hotel Premier Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi (or similar)
Kyoto, JP
A traditional temple lodging with tatami rooms and shared facilities. Meals are vegetarian and prepared by monks, and the overall experience is quiet, structured and immersive.
Seijoshin-in Temple Stay (or similar)
Koya, Ito District, JP
A simple coastal stay near the water. After the mountains, this is a softer stop before heading back into the city.
Grampus Sea (or similar)
Shirahama, Nishimuro Dist...
A wine hotel in the heart of Kitashinchi, Osaka's dining and nightlife district. The rooms are clean and considered, the location puts you close to everything worth eating in the city, and the bar gives you a very good reason not to leave too early. This is a step up from your standard city base.
Rise Hotel Kitashinchi (or similar)
Osaka, JP
Activities
The fun stuff
Guided exploration through Tokyo’s key districts including Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple and Shibuya. (additional costs may apply)
Tokyo Cultural Walk (optional)
Taito City, JP
A day hike for those feeling adventurous, through forest trails to Yakuōin Temple, with views of Mt Fuji on clear days.
Mt. Takao Hike (Self guided)
Hachioji, JP
Walk through Mt. Koya’s sacred Okunoin Cemetery, following forest paths past thousands of gravestones to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi.
Okunoin Cemetery Walk (Self guided)
Koya, Ito District, JP
There’s a few different pilgrimage routes depending on fitness level around Mt. Koya, connecting temples and forest paths across the mountain. The most popular route is walking a 10km section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route through forest terrain, stone paths and shrine-lined trails. Your guide will help decide the best route based on your preferences and pace.
Kumano Kodo Trail Walks (guided)
Koya, Ito District, JP
A scenic journey through Shirahama’s most iconic landscapes. Your first stop is Sandanbeki, where you will explore its dramatic oceanfront cave and then enjoy sweeping views from the surrounding cliffs, a powerful showcase of the Pacific’s natural forces. Continue on to Senjojiki, a vast stretch of wave-carved sandstone that spreads out like a field of stacked tatami mats, offering an impressive stage for observing the coastline’s geological beauty. From there, you will visit Engetsu Island, famous for its distinctive round sea arch and its breathtaking silhouette against the setting sun. The tour concludes at Shirarahama Beach, where you can stroll along its soft, white sands and
Nanki-Shirahama Town Walking Tour (guided)
Shirahama, Nishimuro Dist...
Fine Print
The small stuff
Cancel 65+ days from departure for a 80% refund. Within 64 days of departure, we’ve locked in logistics, so no refund can be offered. Thanks for understanding – it keeps things running smooth for everyone. Please make sure your dates are correct before booking, and we strongly recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind.