Japan: Ancient Traditions, Onsens, & Hiking the Kumano Kodo

Location: Asia
Duration: 11 Days
Price: From $9,975
Activity Level: High Energy

Japan: Ancient Traditions, Onsens, & Hiking the Kumano Kodo

Location: Asia
Duration: 11 Days
Price: From $9,975
Activity Level: High Energy

Overview

Join AdventureWomen on a high-energy journey through Japan, experiencing ancient traditions, hiking the Kumano Kodo trails, relaxing in hot springs, and meeting fascinating Japanese women. Start in Kyoto, sharing a lively welcome dinner, exploring the Ginkaku-ji Temple, and enjoying a private maiko experience in Gion. In Nara, marvel at cultural treasures like Todai-ji Temple and sacred deer in Nara Park. Return to Kyoto for a traditional tea ceremony before embarking on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage with yamabushi priests. Enjoy hot springs and traditional ryokan stays. Travel to Ise to explore ancient shrines and learn about Ama Divers. Conclude in Tokyo, visiting Hama Rikyu Gardens, Nihonbashi, and Ginza, and celebrate with a farewell dinner, reminiscing about your incredible journey.

Main Attractions

Hike the Kumano Kodo

Hike the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, resting in traditional inns at night.

Local Experts

Learn about regional traditions from yamabushi mountain priests and meet an Ama diver.

Traditional Ceremonies & Baths

Experience a formal Japanese tea ceremony and enjoy natural hot spring baths.

Map of Japan showing travel routes between Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo by train and plane, with additional locations marked such as Ise-Shima and Nachi. Includes a legend for transportation modes.
Two women smiling in front of a historic Japanese shrine with people walking around.
People hiking on a forest trail, including a person in traditional attire and others in casual hiking clothes, surrounded by tall trees and greenery.
Group of eight people sitting on stone steps outside in a garden setting, with greenery and a small statue behind them.
A person stands beside a traditional stone torii gate in a peaceful garden setting with greenery and a stone path.
A woman in a white cap and sweatshirt hikes on a forest trail, smiling. She carries a black and red backpack.
Two women smiling in front of a historic Japanese shrine with people walking around.
People hiking on a forest trail, including a person in traditional attire and others in casual hiking clothes, surrounded by tall trees and greenery.
Group of eight people sitting on stone steps outside in a garden setting, with greenery and a small statue behind them.
A person stands beside a traditional stone torii gate in a peaceful garden setting with greenery and a stone path.
A woman in a white cap and sweatshirt hikes on a forest trail, smiling. She carries a black and red backpack.

Itinerary

Branches of a tree with vibrant pink blossoms and green leaves against a cloudy sky.

Welcome to Japan!

Begin your journey during cherry blossom season, savoring Japanese feasts, exploring ancient traditions, hiking the Kumano Kodo trails, relaxing in hot springs, and meeting remarkable Japanese women. Arrive in Osaka and transfer to your Kyoto hotel. Meet the group and enjoy a lively welcome dinner, sharing stories with fellow travelers about your excitement for the adventure ahead. Your guide, versed in Japan’s culture, traditions, history, and cuisine, and the incredible individuals you meet will make your experience fun and personally fulfilling, cheering you on as you embrace new challenges.

Meals dinner
A woman in a kimono and another woman sit on a red mat in front of a decorative screen with tree motifs.

Explore Kyoto’s Temples, Pathways, and Geisha Traditions

Begin your day with a visit to Ginkakuji Temple, known for its beautiful gardens and tea house, then stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, lined with craft shops, cafés, shrines, temples, and cherry trees. Stop at Nanzenji, a tranquil Zen Buddhist temple from the mid-13th century. After lunch at a private restaurant, meet a maiko, an apprentice geisha, and learn about their revered traditional arts. In the afternoon, explore the back lanes and traditions of Gion, a district famous for its tea houses and geiko. Enjoy dinner on your own with recommendations from your guide.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A person with glasses and an umbrella smiles next to a deer on a wet pathway.

Nara’s Historic Temples and Sacred Deer

Visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for housing the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana and one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Walk through Nara Park, home to over 1,000 sacred deer, considered messengers of the gods. After lunch on your own, explore Naramachi, an old town section with craftspeople, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. Return to Kyoto for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.

Meals breakfast, dinner
A group of six women in hiking gear pose cheerfully around a wooden signpost in a forested area.

Journey from Kyoto to the Historic Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

This morning, take the train from Kyoto to Kii Tanabe, then a bus to Takijiri. After lunch, start your 2.8-mile hike on the Nakahechi portion of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. The path climbs steadily for about 1,200 feet over two hours to the ridge-top village of Takahara. Enjoy a delicious evening meal made with organic, locally sourced ingredients.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A black tray with assorted foods: sliced potatoes in a basket, two radish slices, pumpkin cubes with peppercorns, sushi, and a small dish of mixed vegetables.

Hiking the Kumano Kodo and Local Traditions

Start your day with an early Japanese breakfast before embarking on a 6.5-mile hike through the peaceful countryside, passing several Oji shrines and ascending 1,575 feet. After descending to the village of Chikatsuyu, enjoy a late lunch and meet a local women’s group preserving traditional crafts. Relax before dinner at your family-run guest house and soak in the hot springs bath.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Elderly person in traditional yellow and white attire with red pom poms stands with a walking stick in a forest.

Pilgrimage to the Kumano Grand Shrine

Take a bus to Hosshinmon-oji and hike a gentle 4-mile section to the Kumano Grand Shrine, accompanied by a female yamabushi, learning about Shugendo faith. In Hongu, create traditional Japanese washi paper and get it stamped at the shrine. Enjoy lunch at a local café, then spend the night in Yunomine Onsen with a relaxing soak and a delicious dinner.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush green trees.

Explore Nachi Shrine and Waterfall

Visit Nachi Shrine and the nearby Nachi waterfall, set in a primeval forest with an ancient stone approach. The waterfall, a focus of traditional worship, adds to the spiritual experience. Have lunch at a local café, then enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A weathered stone statue wearing a floral-patterned cloth sits outdoors, with a backdrop of greenery and wooden structures.

From the Kumano Kodo to Ise

Send your large bag ahead to Tokyo and take the train to Ise, where you’ll visit the outer shrine dedicated to the spirit of food, clothing, and housing. Explore Okage Yokocho, a relocated area of old pilgrimage route buildings, now housing shops and restaurants. Enjoy lunch on your own before driving to Toba and dining at your hotel.

Meals breakfast, dinner
An elderly person wearing a white headscarf smiles softly, with a sunlit face, against a blurred outdoor background.

Meet an Ama Diver and Travel to Tokyo

Spend the morning with an Ama Diver, learning about her unique profession and enjoying a special seafood lunch. Take regional and bullet trains to Tokyo, where you will dine at a local restaurant.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A large, pruned tree with dense green foliage is enclosed by a bamboo fence, set against a backdrop of tall trees and a building.

Explore Tokyo’s Gardens, Shopping, and Shrines

Visit the Hama-Rikyu gardens, contrasting the historical villa site with the modern Shiodome business area. Explore the Ginza shopping district and the Grand Meiji Shrine near Harajuku, dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Enjoy lunch along the way and have a farewell dinner with your AdventureWomen friends, celebrating your journey through Japan.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of women stand outdoors holding an "Adventure Women" banner, with a traditional Japanese building and trees in the background.

Departure from Tokyo

Transfer to the airport and say goodbye to your AdventureWomen friends. Depart from Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) after 10:00 AM. Enjoy breakfast before your departure.

Meals breakfast
Mountainous landscape with lush green hills, terraced fields, and overcast sky. Grassy foreground with trees scattered throughout the scene.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

A modern lounge with wooden furniture overlooks a cityscape. A table in the foreground has drinks and appetizers, lit by candlelight. Large windows reveal the evening city lights outside.

Royal Park Hotel Kyoto (or similar)

Enjoy a relaxing stay at this hotel in Kyoto. The hotel offers massages and multiple dining choices, and it is conveniently located in downtown Kyoto.

AMENITIES:  en suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, safe, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi. air conditioning

A serene bedroom with two beds, tatami mats, a sliding glass door leading to a balcony, a view of mountains, and a paper lantern ceiling light.

Organic Hotel Kirinosato (or similar)

Kirinosato offers magnificent views from each room and delicious meals with locally produced ingredients. There are Japanese-style tatami-mat rooms as well as western-style rooms. All rooms have an en suite toilet; guests use the two gender-segregated communal bathing rooms, which are available from 3 PM to 11 PM and from 7 AM to 9 AM.

AMENITIES: en suite toilet, communal bathing area with complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, Wi-Fi in lobby area

A Japanese-style room with tatami mats, a low table, cushions, and chairs by a window offering a view of nature.

Kawayu Onsen Fujiya (or similar)

Offering tranquil hot-spring baths and river views, Kawayu Onsen Fujiya is a great place to put your feet up after a few days of the trail. The traditional rooms have sliding paper screens, floor cushions, and Japanese futon bedding on a tatami (woven straw) floor.

AMENITIES: en suite bathrooms, communal bathing area with complimentary toiletries, Wi-Fi

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, chairs, and a TV. Large windows reveal a scenic view of mountains and water.

Urashima (or similar)

This hotel appears to float in the bay off Kii-Katsuura and you reach the hotel by private shuttle boat from the pier. There are six hot spring baths (all gender-specific) and the hotel is famous for two of the baths which are open-air and set in a cave.

AMENITIES: en suite bathroooms with complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, Wi-Fi in lobby area

Aerial view of a white building by a blue ocean, with small islands and coastline in the background.

Toba Hotel International (or similar)

Endlessly blue ocean and sky, soft ocean breezes, and sophisticated hospitality welcome you at the Toba Hotel International. Relax on the terrace and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean. Enjoy indoor/outdoor hot spring baths during your stay here.

AMENITIES: en suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, safe, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi

A hotel room with a view of a cityscape and a lit tower at dusk, visible through large windows.

Prince Park Tower (or similar)

Rising above Shiba Park and located right by Tokyo Tower, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo offers spacious rooms with skyline views. The hotel is within walking distance to various train stations.

AMENITIES: en suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, hair dryer, minibar, electric kettle, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi

What People Are Saying

“I always travel by myself and found that it was so nice being in a group! I was really surprised but loved it. The camaraderie was nice and it was a treat to not have to face all the details myself, especially in a destination so new to me like Japan.”

What People Are Saying

“Adventure Women is continuing to excel in expectations for travelers like me, someone who wants to be off the beaten path but whose every wish is provided for. No longer will I have to hound friends to travel with me. I felt as I imagined my kids felt at their summer camps!”

What People Are Saying

“My trip to Japan with AdventureWomen was truly unforgettable! From hiking the serene trails of the Kumano Kodo to soaking in hot springs and experiencing the rich traditions of Kyoto and Nara, every moment was filled with adventure and cultural immersion.”

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Apr 2 Apr 12
Sold Out
$9,975*
Apr 13 Apr 23
Space Available
$9,975*
Standard Room, Single
$12,275 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$9,975 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2025 Optional Single Accommodation: $2,300

Arrival: Arrive in Osaka, Japan (ITM) on Day 1 before 2:00 PM

Departure: Depart Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo, Japan on Day 11 after 10:00 AM

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days by shared taxi
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for sites listed in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the trip
  • Drinking water available in large jugs to refill personal bottles
  • Soft drinks, tea, and coffee at meals
  • Snacks in vehicles
  • Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, wait staff, and luggage porters

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Japan
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women regardless of race, creed, or sexual preference, as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.