Japan trip | Pilgrimage trekking Kumano Kodo

Located in the highlands of northern Japan, Kamikochi is considered one of the country's ecological highlights, famous for its spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, glass lakes and vast forests rich in birds and wildlife. Unmissable features of the area include Taisho Pond, formed during a volcanic eruption in 1915; Tashiro Pond, surrounded by green forest; and for photographers, the wooden arch of the Kappa Bridge suspended over the Azusa River. Kamikochi is also the starting point for spectacular treks to the Japanese Alps.

Located in the remote and spectacularly beautiful Kansai region of Japan, the Kumano Kodo is a series of pilgrimage routes that wind their way around the Kii Hanto, Japan's largest peninsula. This sacred network of paths has been used for more than 100 years and, along with the Camino de Santiago, is one of only two pilgrimage routes in the world to be awarded World Heritage status. Besides exploring the many beautiful shrines and temples in the Kumano area, visitors can look forward to discovering mighty rivers, relaxing hot springs and towering mountains with some breathtaking waterfalls. Don't miss 'The Three Grand Shrines of Kumano', which are the centrepiece of this ancient spiritual route.

The world's most populous metropolis. The contrasts between huge, rich and fascinating neighbourhoods with high-tech visions of the future alongside a glimpse of traditional Japan are stark. The Tokyo Metropolis, varied in its geography, includes not only the city but also spectacular rugged mountains to the west and beautiful subtropical islands to the south. The various neighbourhoods of this phenomenal city vary enormously in character, from the electronic appearances of Akihabara to the magnificent imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, from the vibrant mecca for youth culture of Shibuya to the beautiful pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. Tokyo's world-famous public transport takes you quickly, efficiently and punctually to the various districts.

As one of Japan’s ancient capitals, Kyoto plays a significant role in the country’s history and, even today, retains all the atmosphere and elegance you would expect from the former imperial residence. The city boasts seventeen historic sites that have been designated as World Heritage Sites. Visit Nijo Castle to see an example of Japanese architecture combined with stunning interior design. The city is famous for its vibrant colours, gastronomy and lush natural surroundings. The nearby Arashiyama, known for its bamboo forests, is within easy reach by train and highly recommended for a second or third day in Kyoto.
For a stunning view of Kyoto, we recommend the large wooden veranda at Kiyomizu, built high above a deep valley.

Osaka is a major port city and busy commercial centre on the Japanese island of Honshu, known for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. This bustling city has a number of attractive attractions, including the restored 16th-century Shogunate Osaka Castle, surrounded by a moat, plum and cherry blossom trees. The city also has an impressive array of museums, including the National Museum of Ethnology, the Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farms and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum. Other must-see attractions include Universal Studios Japan and the Expo Commemoration Park, with its iconic Tower of the Sun.

The centre of culture and commerce in the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa is a favourite destination for the Japanese. The entire city has been well preserved over the centuries and it feels like a contemporary museum with all its castles, geishas and gardens. Visit Higashi Chaya, where kimono-clad geishas serve green tea in the courtyards of tea houses during the day. Kenrokuen garden provides peace and quiet to enjoy among cherry blossoms and red azaleas. Most of Kanazawa has remained unchanged for centuries, and here you can see where and how Samurai warriors lived from the 16th to the 19th century.

Takayama is a picturesque city in the Japanese Alps. The town prides itself on its resident's expertise in carpentry. Tatayama's history is preserved in a number of small museums scattered around the city. Visit the historic San-machi Suji district known for its sake breweries indicated by huge cedar balls hanging on the outside of shops. Visitors go inside for a tasting and a chat with sake makers. Don't miss the Higashiyama walking course through a forest and past temples and cemeteries. East of the city is Japan's highest snow cave known for its impressive stalactites and helictites formations.

Matsumoto is a city on the island of Honshu in Nagano Prefecture and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps. The city developed around Matsumoto Castle, which still stands. The castle garden has more than 300 cherry trees and is known as one of the best places in Japan to view flowering cherry trees. About three kilometres outside Matsumoto is the Japan Ukiyoe Museum, which houses one of the world's largest private art collections of more than 100 000 pieces. Those who love wasabi should head to the Daio Wasabi Farm to wander the paths between the fields and taste interesting wasabi products such as wasabi chocolate, wasabi ice cream, wasabi-flavoured crackers and more.

Lake Kawaguchi is the second largest and the most easily accessible of the World Heritage-registered Fuji Five Lakes. While the northern coast of the lake remains almost entirely undeveloped the eastern end features a popular hot spring resort town complete with a wide range of attractions including museums, art galleries, shrines, temples, amusement parks and countless geothermal pools. The town is perhaps most famous for its unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Fuji which are particularly magnificent during the cherry blossom season. The idyllic lakeside setting allows for a wide range of water-based activities including fishing, canoeing, motor boating, wakeboarding and waterskiing. Other popular activities include tennis, golf, paragliding, skiing in winter, and exploring the area's many scenic hiking trails in summer.

Fujikawaguchiko is located around the remarkably beautiful Lake Kawaguchi, one of Fuji's five lakes. It is a Japanese resort town in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji. This charming village is a popular base for travellers wishing to explore this iconic volcano via the Yoshida Trail. Visitors looking for more sedentary pursuits can look forward to relaxing in the area's delightful hot springs and taking a ride on the cable car to Mount Tenjo's viewing deck, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape. The village of Fujikawaguchiko itself offers a range of tourist facilities and attractions, including art galleries, museums, theme parks, ski slopes and a variety of exciting activity programmes.

Dominated by the towering Japan Alps, Honshu is the largest island in Japan's archipelago. This enormous island is home to most of Japan's population and boasts the majority of the nation's most popular attractions. Visitors flock here from around the world to enjoy the impressive geothermal spas, ski resorts, old castle- and temple-towns, and charming traditional villages tucked away in remote valleys. From the neon lights and pulsing energy of Tokyo in the east, across the dramatic Alps in the central Chubu region, to the tranquil rural beauty of the Chugoku region in the west, Honshu offers an extraordinary variety of scenic landscapes, appealing attractions, and world-class cities. Must-see attractions include: the iconic Mt. Fuji; the historic little town of Nikko; and the Peace Park at Hiroshima.

Minato, Japan's political and economic nerve centre, lies on the coast of eastern Tokyo and boasts a dazzling cityscape of towering skyscrapers and a picturesque waterfront. This dazzling cosmopolitan city has extravagant shops, wealthy residential areas that hide exclusive clients and a bustling business district that is home to numerous foreign embassies and a plethora of corporate giants such as Mitsubishi, Sony, Google and Apple. With a wide range of attractions, visitors can explore a range of must-visit locations, including Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Midtown, Tokyo Joypolis, Zojoji Temple and Akasaka Palace. After a day of sightseeing, visitors can wander the glitzy streets of Roppongi, dine at top restaurants and immerse themselves in the area's exciting nightlife.

Stretching out into the Sea of Japan, Ishikawa is a prefecture on the Japanese island of Honshu, best known for its Kenroku-en Garden, which was designed to remain beautiful in every season. Each season in Ishikawa offers a different scenic vista, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumns and snow-covered winters. With both coastal and mountainous landscapes, visitors can expect spectacular views, particularly in Noto, where many of Japan’s natural landscapes have been preserved. The Higashi Chaya District boasts teahouses dating back to the Edo period, and historic hot spring towns, such as Kaga Onsen, can be found throughout Ishikawa. Don’t miss the impressive Ninja Temple; the towering Mount Maru; and the views of a thousand rice fields covering the foothills of Senmaida, one of Japan’s three sacred mountains.

Encompassing the northern side of Mount Fuji, Yamanashi is a landlocked Japanese prefecture set southwest of the nation's capital, Tokyo. High mountains surround the central Kofu Basin with densely wooded forests creating serene, picturesque views. While the area is best known for its excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, skiing, hiking and climbing, Yamanashi also offers a number of artisan products including world-famous wines, traditional silk weaving, crystal crafting and Japanese paper production. One of the main attractions is the Fuji Five Lakes area, dotted with natural hot springs and attractive resort towns. Other must-see sights include: the vibrant city of Kofu; the Senga Falls; the world's steepest roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland; Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park; and Mount Minobu, a popular Buddhist pilgrimage with spectacular views.

Dubbed the "Roof of Japan", Nagano Prefecture is a mountainous sports mecca with the highest mountain ranges in the country. Quaint rural villages that could have been plucked straight from a samurai film dot the country landscape, and the chic town of Karuizawa is one of the most popular summer getaway spots in Japan. Stroll down the trendy main street lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants with cosmopolitan cuisine. Other popular sights include Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park, Lake Kizaki, and the hot springs of Nagano Onsen. Take a journey through history at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's oldest shrines, as well as Zenko-ji, an important pilgrimage site. Natural beauty abounds in Nagano Prefecture with its exuberant highlands, soaring mountain peaks that provide hiking trails that are challenging but beautiful, and some of the country's largest ski resorts, most notably Shika Kogen and Mount Hakuba.

Situated on the beautiful island of Honshu, Gifu is a Japanese prefecture known for its popular skiing destinations, cormorant fishing, and charming mountain villages filled with traditional Japanese-style houses. Visitors to the region can expect mountain views, including parts of the Japanese Alps, as well as lush forests and sweeping flat plains. These endless expanses of unspoilt wilderness provide the perfect setting for a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountaineering, snow skiing and countless other winter sports. Some of the most popular attractions in the Gifu area include the UNESCO-listed historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokoyama, the millennium-old Gero Hot Spring, Takayama Old Town, and the reconstructed Gifu Castle atop Mount Kinka, which is a popular tourist destination.

Extending from the central region of the Japanese island of Honshu to the Sea of Japan, Kyoto is a scenic prefecture famous for its classical Buddhist temples, Japanese gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. The capital, Kyoto city, served as the national capital for over a thousand years ensuring a rich history featuring uniquely Japanese customs such as kaiseki dining and traditional geishas. Feast your eyes on the beautiful Uji tea fields; take a boat ride up the beautiful Hozu River; or explore the forests of Kyoto, known for their rows of thatched-roof houses and delicious matsutake mushrooms. Absolute must-sees include Amanohashidate, a pine-covered sandbar spanning the mouth of Miyazu Bay; the impressive Fushimi Inari and Ujigami-jinja Shrines; and the ancient Nijo Castle, dating all the way back to 1603.

Situated on the Kii Peninsula, on Japan's Honshu Island, Wakayama is a prefecture known for its vast expanses of idyllic countryside and its laidback atmosphere. Wakayama is also a history and culture lover's dream destination, featuring the impressive Wakayama Castle; the Kumano Sanzan, a trio of Shinto shrines connected by a pilgrimage route; and over a hundred temples dotted throughout the towering peaks of Mount Koya. Aside from its historical and cultural significance, this region offers a variety of interesting activities such as traditional log crafting, fruit-picking, and exploring the area's countless museums, beaches and hot springs.

Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Osaka is Japan's second smallest province after Kagawa. The prefecture's capital of the same name is a major port city known for its innovative, modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. Visitors can look forward to exploring a number of historic temples and shrines, as well as an impressive variety of museums, such as the National Museum of Ethnology, the Osaka Museum of History and the Open Air Museum of Ancient Japanese Farms. Other popular attractions in the area include the beautifully restored 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle and the 300-metre-high Abeno Harukas, the country's tallest skyscraper with stunning views from an observation deck on the 60th floor.

A small coastal city situated on the west coast of the mountainous Kii Tanabe is the second-largest city in Wakayama Prefecture in beautiful Japan. It is often referred to as the gateway to the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route. Kumano Kodo's network of trails are shrouded by dense forest and encompassed by undulating mountain terrain. For centuries, the region has served as a spiritual refuge for emperors and common people alike seeking enlightenment in 'the abode of the gods'. The most popular Nakahechi route begins in Tanabe and heads deep into the verdant mountains of Hongu, the home of the Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine. Don't miss an opportunity to meander along the forested pathways on the Ohechi Route to the towering Nachi Waterfall.

In a quiet bay on the Pacific coast lies Katsuura, a charming fishing port that is part of the town of Nachi-Katsuura on the southeast coast of the Kii Peninsula of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. This picturesque coastal town is known for its many hot springs where recreational visitors can soak in the soothing waters, especially that of Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, an open-air hot spring surrounded by a picturesque natural landscape. Other unmissable attractions include Nachi-no-taki, Japan's highest waterfall overlooking Kumano Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine on the mountainside. The area is also ideal for whale and dolphin spotting and enjoying the delicious local seafood.