Overview Rewarding hikes, impressive mountain scenery and cultural treasures in Japan
Mt Fuji and Mt Yarigatake are the most famous Japanese mountains, and on this trip we ascend both of these iconic peaks whilst also taking in Japan’s intriguing blend of ancient traditions and modern culture. As well as climbing Yarigatake, the ‘Japanese Matterhorn’, and the classic volcanic cone of Fuji, we stay in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, with its peaceful Zen gardens and Shinto temples, spend a day in futuristic Tokyo, and take a short walk on the Nakasendo Way – an ancient trading route. Highlights * Hike up Mt Fuji for sunrise over the Japanese Alps * Explore the beautiful and fascinating Kyoto * Climb the Japanese Matterhorn, Mt Yarigatake * Sleep in a traditional Japanese Ryokan * Free time to explore the delights of Tokyo ItineraryDay 1 Depart LondonThe group flights depart London this evening. Day 2 Arrive Kansai International Airport in Osaka; transfer to KyotoThose on the group flight usually arrives at Kansai Airport this evening, and will be transferred to Kyoto.With about 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japan’s cultural heritage and remains undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese cities it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, thereby keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. *Kyoto Tower Hotel or similar* Day 3 Free day to explore the delights of Kyoto, one of Japan’s ancient capitalsToday we have the chance to explore this extraordinary city, perhaps visiting the famous Golden Temple of Kinkakuji, built in 1397 as a summer villa for the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga and immortalised in Mishima Yukio’s novel, ‘The Golden Pavilion’. There will be time in the afternoon/evening for further sightseeing including a tour of Gion, Kyoto’s entertainment area, for Geisha-spotting, or resting back at the hotel. *Kyoto Tower Hotel or similar* Day 4 Transfer by train to Nakasendo; walk a section of the ancient Nakasendo WayWe speed our way, by train, out of Kyoto to Nagoya. From Nagoya we transfer by local train/bus to Nagiso and on to Tsumago. Tsumago is situated on the Nakasendo (Central Mountain) Way, and is the best preserved of the many staging posts. This route was used during the Edo period – 1603-1868 – as a main trading route through the mountainous inland area, between the main centres of Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto. Today it is not possible to walk the whole route, but some sections have been conserved. We will trek a short 5-mile stretch from the village of Magome, down the Kiso Valley, to Tsumago. *Maruya Ryokan or similar* Day 5 Transfer to Kamikochi via Matsumoto; afternoon walk to YarisawaUsing the highly efficient Japanese transport system we transfer by road and rail to picturesque Kamikochi, via the city of Matsumoto. Our main luggage will be transported in the morning from Tsumago to the hotel in Matsumoto where we are staying after the Yarigatake hike. Kamikochi (1500m) lies in the Chubu Sangaku National Park, and is an excellent base for explorations into the North Japanese Alps. We set out for the Yarisawa mountain hut, a gentle afternoon walk (about 4 hours in duration) starting along the valley floor, through pine and birch forest, before crossing the river and climbing the Yarisawa Valley at which point the trail becomes steeper and rougher. Through the forest we may be lucky enough to glimpse a sight of some of the resident Japanese macaques. For those not wanting or unable to partake in the Yarigatake Trek, your leader can help organise accommodation in a river lodge or in Matsumoto (at extra expense). The Yarigatake Trek should only be attempted by those in good shape, with strong legs and knees.* * *Yarisawa Lodge (Mountain Hut)* Day 6 Climb Mt Yari (3180m) and descend to Yarigatake Mountain HutContinuing up the increasingly steep and rocky Yarisawa Valley we ascend to the Yarigatake mountain hut, before the final pull up onto the summit of the Japanese Matterhorn – Mt. Yarigatake (Japan’s fifth highest peak – 3180m). Although this is not technical, there are sections where you will need to scramble over boulders and rocks and there are snowfields that we may need to cross. The short final leg up to the summit is a very steep and challenging scramble using chains and ladders with some exposure to a steep drop – this last stretch is entirely optional and we only recommend experienced scramblers attempt it. This is a popular spot for local hikers with (on a clear day) spectacular views, including Mt Fuji to the southeast. About 6-8 hours challenging hiking. *Yarigatake Sansou (Mountain Hut)* Day 7 Descend to Kamikochi, and transfer to Matsumoto. Here we can relax in a local hot spring or explore the magnificent Black CastleWe begin the long and steep descent from the Yarigatake mountain hut, back down to Kamikochi (approx. 8-10 hours hiking). This early morning descent can be cold and begins very steep over broken ground but the views of verdant valleys are spectacular. From Kamikochi we transfer to Matsumoto. *Dormy Inn or similar* Day 8 Transfer from Matsumoto to Kawaguchi, at the base of Mt FujiIn the morning there is an opportunity, for those who wish, to visit the impressive Matsumoto Castle (optional). Founded in 1504, this castle, otherwise known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its black colour, is one of the two best preserved in Japan, most others having been destroyed following the Meiji Restoration. Its imposing six story donjon has been designated a national treasure. Moving on from Matsumoto we transfer to the town of Fujiyoshida, situated near Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes of Mt Fuji. Mt Fuji (or Fuji-san) is Japan’s highest peak at 3776m and attracts people from all over Japan and the world, to climb it. Its near perfect volcanic cone has been celebrated by artists and photographers alike over many centuries, with perhaps the most famous representations coming in the form of Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Thirty Six views of Mount Fuji’. Although not a tourist town, Fujiyoshida provides a great stopping off point for climbs of Mt Fuji, and gives those on a short visit to Japan a great insight into Japanese tourist culture. *Koryu Hotel or similar* Day 9 Transfer to Station Five on Mt Fuji; climb slowly to Honhachigome – close to the summit of Mt FujiWe transfer by road to Station Five (Go-gome), from where we start our trek, on a well-marked track up to Station Eight (Hachi-gome). The walk takes about 4-5 hours, but is hard work as you cross steep volcanic scree and cinder that shifts underfoot as you ascend.* * *Fujisan Hotel (Mountain Hut)* Day 10 An early start for sunrise at Japan’s highest point (3776m); descend and transfer to the nearby Lake KawaguchiAn early morning start, as we set off before sunrise, for the summit of Mt Fuji. It is only in the last hundred years that people have been regularly climbing Mt Fuji; previously the mountain was considered so sacred that only pilgrims and priests were allowed to climb. The summit is not a single point, but a circular crater rim, and in ‘traditional’ Japanese style the top features a shrine, weather station, post office, and a noodle bar! After experiencing sunrise, we descend back down to our hotel in Fujiyoshida.* * *Koryu Hotel or similar* Day 11 Free day to relax and explore; optional hike toMitsutogeA free day to explore and relax around the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes area. It is possible to visit Lake Sai, perhaps the quietest and least visited of the Five Lakes, or to take a short trip to Tenjo-zan where you often get a fabulous view of Lake Kawaguchi with Mt Fuji behind. Those who want to enjoy more walking can join the tour leader for an additional optional hiketo Mitsutoge, a peak standing at 1786m which offers great views of Mt Fuji and Tokyo on a clear day. *Koryu Hotel or similar* Day 12 Morning transfer to TokyoNo visit to Japan would be complete without a trip to Tokyo. From Fujiyoshida we travel by bus, arriving around lunchtime in the capital. Situated on the banks of the Sumida River, by Tokyo Bay, Tokyo grew up out of the fishing village of Edo, becoming the centre of power in 1590. This afternoon is free to explore.* * *Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar* Day 13 Time to explore Tokyo, one of the world’s most spectacular capital citiesToday we have a free day to explore the delights of Tokyo. Making use of the city’s highly efficient metro system it is possible to visit many of the citie’s top sites, including Asakusa’s lively temple of Senso-ji. The possibilities for evening entertainment are almost limitless with Tokyo’s nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Asia. *Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar* Day 14 Depart TokyoThose on the group flights to London will be transferred to Tokyo Airport either this afternoon or early evening (depending on flight schedule) for the flight back to London, which arrives back in the UK the following day. Day 15 Arrive LondonThe group flights arrive in London this afternoon. |