Japan's Ancient Pathways

Day 1 – Welcome to Osaka!

Welcome to Japan! The adventure begins as soon as you touch down in Osaka, where we’ll whisk you from the airport to your hotel for a smooth start to your trip. Freshen up, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers, and then it’s time to dive into Osaka with a stroll down the neon-soaked Dotonbori Street. 

Famous for its bright lights, stream of restaurants and shops as far as the eye can see and the unmissable street food scene, Dotonbori at night is the only right way to kick off this Japanese journey! You’ll cap off the day with a welcome dinner with your new Camino crew, getting to know each other over some seriously yummy eats. This is just the beginning!

Accommodation: Miyako City Hommachi (or similar)
Included: Dinner

Day 2 – Kyoto

Your stay in Osaka was short and sweet, but you have places to go and things to see, so it’s time to hop aboard one of Japan’s legendary trains to head to your next destination. Kyoto: here we come! 

You’ll warm up with the first walk of the trip, an easy-breezy seven kilometres. The Higashiyama walk, which snakes along Kyoto’s eastern mountains, is where the magic will happen, winding through countless scenes of Kyoto from the past. These peaceful surroundings are a far cry from Dotonbori Street last night, that’s for sure!

Continuing on the trail, you’ll soon hit the Philosopher’s Path, but it’s less about pondering life’s mysteries and more about soaking in the views. With stops like Nanzenji Temple and the timeless ‘streets’ of Ninnenzaka and Sanennzaka, it’s clear – Japan’s hiking scene is about to spoil you. Ready for more? We thought so.

Accommodation: Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Hozukyo Walk

If you thought the scenes on yesterday’s hike were hard to beat, just wait and see what we have in store for you today! You’ll kick off your journey in Takao, a small village near Kyoto where the air is as fresh as the sushi back in town. On today’s hike, you’ll tread your way through towns so quiet you can hear a pin drop, tip-toe around temples loaded with history, and cross bridges that would tell a fair few tales if they could talk.

Is your tummy rumbling yet? Your guide will show where you can pick up some lunch goodies for a picnic stop. When you find yourself surrounded by the gorgeous views of ‘the spot’, you’ll think, “yep, it’s worth it!”

Back on the trail, you’ll follow the Kiyotaki-gawa River’s lead, wandering to Kiyotaki village. Then, it’s a mellow march to JR Hozukyo Station, wrapping up today’s 11-kilometre, six-hour trek with a train ride back to civilisation. Phew, what a day!

Accommodation: Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Nishiki Food Market & Sushi

After two full-on days of hiking, today’s all about rest, recovery and really delicious Japanese treats. Camino crew, if you’re into Japanese food (and who isn’t?) you’re going to LOVE today.

This morning is dedicated to mastering the art of making a Japanese culinary classic under the careful tutelage of a master. Who needs a chef when you can be your own?

Post feast, you’re off to explore Nishiki Food Market, aka the heart of Kyoto’s food scene. The stalls here have been dishing out deliciousness for generations, where ‘family recipe is an understatement. As you weave through the alleys, sampling everything from pickled delights to fresh-off-the-grill skewers, just remember: in Japan, eating whilst you’re walking is a big no-no, so stay put! 

Accommodation: Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Nara

Wrapping up your Kyoto chapter, we’ve saved a gem for you – the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a knockout with its endless arcade of torii gates. Visiting here is a rite of passage when you’re travelling in Japan – and spoiler – it looks even more inspiring in person. Each gate represents a thank-you note from businesses praying to Inari, the god of rice and business, and you’ll want to snap a billion photos of those iconic orange gates as you explore.

Then, it’s all aboard for your next destination, Nara, where your welcoming committee looks… a little bit unusual. You see, the real stars of this city are the friendly deer that roam around wherever they please. These furry locals are not shy about saying hello, especially if you’ve got deer crackers (don’t worry, they’re deer-diet friendly), so don’t miss the opportunity to snag a quick deer selfie!

Accommodation: Onyado Nono (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Yamanobe no Michi walk

After a full day of taking in the sights yesterday, it’s time to stretch those legs on the Yamanobe no Michi trail, a 12-kilometre history lesson that’s been around for over a thousand years. It’s all about ancient Japan today as you stroll among the rural beauty, time-honoured shrines, and farmlands that’ll make you want to frolic (respectfully, of course).

It’s hard to pick out even a few highlights, but we’ll give it our best shot: Omiwa Shrine, rumoured to be Japan’s oldest and a tribute to the scenic Mount Miwa, is a must-see, as are the smattering of temples dotting your route. A visit to the Isonokami Shrine below Mt Furuyama – dedicated to health and healing – is on the cards. We thought you might like that.

All that walking is bound to work up an appetite, so a bento box will hit the spot. Yum!

Accommodation: Onyado Nono (or similar)
Included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Kiso-Fukushima

Another day, another adventure. This time, it’s a train journey to Kiso-Fukushima, the Japan of your dreams tucked away in Nagano Prefecture (enjoy the window views or catch up on a book – you’ll have time). If traditional houses perched alongside rivers surrounded by gasp-worthy greenery, chill temples and meticulously maintained gardens – all hosted by incredibly welcoming locals – sounds like your cup of tea, you’re gonna love it here.

Your guide is the perfect person to show you around town, so as soon as you arrive you’ll stretch your legs, checking out the area’s most gorgeous and historic spots. What a welcome!

For the next two nights, you’ll be getting cosy in a traditional Japanese Inn, your new home away from home. Your main luggage is off on an adventure all of its own to your next destination of Matsumoto, so all you need with you is the essentials for a couple of days.

Accommodation: Mikawaya Japanese Inn (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 – Kaida Kogen hike

Today’s the day you’ll tackle the Kaida Kogen Trail, 12 kilometres of pure Japanese alpine magic that’ll rack up roughly six hours on the clock. You’re just over one week into the trip, and your Camino crew’s vibe is stronger than ever. As you clamber to the summit, expect trail banter, shared snacks and the kind of camaraderie that only comes when you’ve sweated together up a mountain. Sure, you might have to huff and puff your way up, but the laughs and memories you’ll make will be worth every step. Promise!

Finally reaching the plateau, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views that’ll glue your feet to the ground and your eyes to the horizon. This really is a 360-degree feast of nature’s best work. The air’s so fresh up here it tickles your lungs – so breathe in a few good gulps of it as you catch your breath. It’s hard to leave somewhere this special. Soak it right in. 

Accommodation: Mikawaya Japanese Inn (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Matsumoto

Today you’re tackling the famous Nakasendo trail, and when you reach the town of Narai-juku you’ll be glad to spend some time there, musing over the quirky cafes and shops. Narai has ‘aged’ rather well! it looks just as good now as it did hundreds of years earlier – it’s just begging for a spot in your photo gallery. 

Then, it’s up you go into the woodlands to the Torii Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with views that’ll make the uphill battle a distant memory. Your descent, strolling under a canopy of chestnut trees, is the perfect moment to relax and enjoy. You and your crew might just nominate this path as one of the top understated beauties of the trip.

With the hike complete, it’s time to kick back on the train to Matsumoto before trading leafy paths for a castle that’s straight out of a samurai saga. Matsumoto Castle is waiting for you!

Accommodation: Marunouchi Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 – Kawaguchiko

After a couple of full-throttle days, today’s your chance to hit the snooze button. Seriously, sleep in – you’ve earned it. Once you’re refreshed and ready, hop on a train to Kawaguchiko, a gorgeous town located right by a lake with the mighty Mount Fuji in the background. What a treat! 

You’ll be bunking down in a hotel right by the lake, so be sure to set your alarm early for tomorrow morning to wake up to the sight of the sun rising from your window. Are you ready to tackle the final few days of your Japanese journey?

Accommodation: Route Inn Kawaguchiko (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 – Mt. Mitsutoge Hike

Everybody who visits Japan wants to see Mount Fuji, and if you’re into hiking, it goes without saying that you’ll want to hike up to its summit, right?

Wrong! 

You see, you don’t get to witness the true beauty of this mountain whilst you’re actually on it. We’re on a mission to snag you the best views of Mount Fuji without actually climbing it, and that’s why we’re taking you on a detour to Mount Mitsutoge. Standing tall at 1786 metres above sea level, this is where you’ll get the best, front-row views of Mount Fuji in all its glory. The route we have in store for you is 11 kilometres of sheer “wow”. Your jaw will be on the floor as you gawp at angles you just can’t see from Fuji’s slopes. 

You can thank us later! 

Accommodation: Route Inn Kawaguchiko (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 – Tokyo

Hold back the tears – today marks the grand finale of our Japan hiking saga, but we’re not done quite yet. First things first, you have a full day of exploring Tokyo to tackle. You’re free to do Tokyo your way – so what’ll it be? Diving into the neon sea of Shinjuku? Waltzing across the Shibuya Crossing? Snapping photos of bizarrely cool Harajuku? Seeing the city sprawl beneath you from the top of the Tokyo Tower? It’s up to you, so explore, get lost, and find yourself again. This is Tokyo, after all, and anything goes!

As the sun dips low, you’ll gather with your awesome Camino crew for your farewell dinner. It’s time to share stories, laughs and maybe shed a tear or two over the best moments of your journey. We can’t believe it’s over already!

Accommodation: Onyado Asakusa (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 – Farewell Friends!

You’ve finally reached the end of the road, so pack those souvenirs and memories, and share a final breakfast with your Camino crew. Who knew you could grow so close to each other in just a couple of weeks? The team’s ready to shuttle you to the airport for your journey back, and then, it’s time to say sayonara.

Safe travels, and we’re sure this won’t be the last time we’ll see you on a Camino Women trip!

Included: Breakfast