Embark on a cultural journey through Japan's historic pilgrimage routes, exploring Kyoto, the Kumano Kodo, and the Nakasendo Way, while immersing in traditional Japanese hospitality.

Throughout the tour, groups are accommodated in a mix of traditional guesthouses
yokans in Japanese-style rooms (shared bathrooms) and more traditional Western-style hotels.



Ryokans, while comfortable and full of local character, do not run along the same lines as Western hotels and all have their own unique style. Some are more like Japanese B&Bs with a homestay feel and guests make their own Japanese-style beds up, while others are managed more like a hotel with bedding made up for guests.



Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is usually in the Japanese style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Rooms are always doubles or twin-share but bathrooms and showers are generally communal. Please be advised, while females and males have access to separate bathrooms, inside showering and bathing facilities can lack the level of privacy you would be used to in a Western-style shared bathroom. This is very common in Japan and by staying in mostly traditional ryokans, there is the chance to have a very authentic cultural experience throughout the tour.



In Kyoto, Tanabe and Tokyo, we stay in Western-style hotels with rooms that have private bathrooms.



Onsen (Japanese public bath)



For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is unfamiliar territory. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns frequently situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, that nudity is compulsory, and that the water temperature is often hotter than most hot tubs can cause some reluctance for first timers. However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that a dip in an onsen is a highlight of your visit to Japan. We can try onsens on a few occasions throughout the trip. Please note, you may be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos. Some accommodations may have private baths available for reservation.



Single supplements 



Single supplements are very limited and only available for five nights of the trip (three nights in Kyoto, one night in Katsuura and one night in Tokyo). In Japan, often single supplements are accommodated in either a single or a twin-bedded room. Double for sole use rooms are limited in availability and cannot be guaranteed.



Please advise at time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement and we will do our best to fulfill your request.



Worth knowing



Room sizes and beds in Western-style hotels in Japan are generally smaller. Twin rooms will be provided as standard for two passengers sharing a room, as these offer more space and comfort than double rooms.

If you would like to add pre- or post-tour accommodation to your existing booking, we strongly recommend you request well before 30 days before departure. Booking requests within 30 days before departure, including pre- and post-tour accommodation, and especially during peak season (March-April/October-November), may not be possible due to limited availability during peak travel periods.