Trails of Northern Japan

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Depart UK

   Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Tokyo.

2. Day 2: Arrive Tokyo; city sightseeing

   On arrival in Tokyo, you will meet your guide and validate your Japan Rail Pass, before checking into your city centre hotel. From here we will visit the Asakusa and Ueno districts, famous for the sacred Sensoji Temple, the peaceful Ueno Park and Ameyoko shopping street.  In the evening, sample some traditional cuisine at tonight’s welcome dinner.

3. Day 3: Travel to Yamagata & hike to Yama-dera Temple

   After breakfast, depart Tokyo, by ‘Shinkansen’ or bullet train to Yamagata, and then commence today’s hike on the ancient trail which leads to Yama-dera Temple. This spectacular route follows the ancient step path which is parted by ancient cedar forest, before reaching the main mountain temple, with stunning views into the valley. Here, our guide will explain the significance of the site, before visiting the ‘Treasure House’, home to carved wooden images.

   After a picnic lunch with unspoilt views of the valley below, return to Yamagata Station and transfer to the town of Zao, where we overnight in a traditional guesthouse. For first time visitors to Japan, this might be your first time using a traditional onsen (public spa) – enjoy a soothing end to the day, before putting on a kimono and enjoying dinner of local delicacies.

   Walking distance: 5 km | Ascent: 160 m | Descent: 160 m

4. Day 4: Full day trekking: Mount Kumano-dake & Okama crater lake

   After a traditional breakfast, proceed on foot to Zao ropeway station to enjoy panoramic views of Zao below. Continue past the ‘Okama’ crater lake with its striking appearance, before reaching the summit of Mount Kumano-dake at 1,841 metres.  After a full day of hiking, we return to our overnight accommodation in Zao to enjoy the hot spring onsen.

   Walking distance: 7 km | Ascent: 180 m | Descent: 180 m

5. Day 5: Travel to Tsurouka via Ginzan Onsen

   Today, we leave Zao and continue the journey north, by rail. En route, we stop at the town Ginzan Onsen, known for beautifully preserved buildings and thermal springs, where we follow a trail into the valley for picturesque views of the town. After lunch and some free time to explore, we take the local bus to Oishida Station, before taking the train onto Tsurouka.

6. Day 6: Hike to Mount Haguro & Gojūnotō five storey pagoda

   This morning, we take a short bus journey to a trail start point below Mount Haguro, 414 metres. Haguro is one of the three sacred mountains found in the ancient Dewa province and provides a blend of ancient forest and mountain vistas. A stone step path guides the route through the 600 year old sungi tree forest, before reaching the famous five storey pagoda and the ‘Grandpa Cedar’, a cedar tree dating over 1,000 years old. This mountain and temple is listed as one of Japan's national treasures and rewards any hiker reaching the summit. After exploring the temple and resting for lunch, return to Tsurouka, before taking the late afternoon train to Aomori.

   Walking distance: 6 km

7. Day 7: Towada-Hachinmantai National Park & Oirase Waterfalls

   After breakfast, we take the local bus from Aomori to Oirase, passing picturesque valley scenery and traditional landscapes en route. Once inside the Towada-Hachinmantai National Park, we join the trail that follows the Oriase River upstream. Here you will find a beautiful set of cascading waterfalls, cut into the scenic gorge. Stop for lunch overlooking the falls, before returning to Aomri for an overnight stay.

   Walking distance: 9 km | Ascent: 445 m

8. Day 8: Travel to Ashahikawa

   Today we leave Honshu and travel Hokkaido. From Aomri, we join the bullet train, and proceed to Asahikawa, on Hokkaido, via the tunnel that stretches under the Japan Sea. On arrival, proceed to tonight’s accommodation, with free time before dinner to explore the city.

9. Day 9: Full day hiking to Mount Asahi-dake

   After breakfast, we take the bus to Asahidake-ropeway station and start today's hike. During the summer months, numerous alpine flowers are found and, in the autumn, seasonal colours from trees are in full display. The trail reaches the summit of Mount Asahi-dake, 2,291 metres. In all, today's hike takes around five to six hours, before retuning to Asahikawa in the evening. 

   Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 690 m | Descent: 690 m

10. Day 10: Travel to Rebun Island

    Today, leave Asahikawa by train and head further north to Wakkanai. From here catch the ferry to Rebun Island, arriving late in the afternoon. Our guide will arrange a short orientation walk, before a traditional dinner at tonight’s ryokan. Expect freshly caught seafood during your stay on the island.

11. Day 11: Full day exploring Rebun Island

    We spend today exploring the island by foot. Follow the well-maintained hiking path, which stretches from one end of the island to the other. Along the route you will find many species of alpine flowers. The highest point of the island is Mount Rebun, 490 metres; from the summit, the views reach across the sea to Mount Rishiri Fuji and the peaks and cliffs that give the island a stunning natural appearance.

    Walking distance: 8 km

12. Day 12: Return to Wakkanai & fly to Tokyo

    Bidding farewell to Rebun Island, we return by ferry to Wakkanai, before taking a regional flight back to Tokyo, arriving late in the afternoon at our hotel. The rest of the day and evening is free to relax, or further explore the city.

13. Day 13: Hike to Mount Hottanjyo; views of Mount Fuji

    After breakfast, we take the bullet train from Tokyo to Izu-nagaoka station. From here, we take a short bus ride to the trail point and begin the hike to the peak of Mount Hottanjyo. If the weather is clear, we can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the Pacific Ocean. 

    After catching the train back to Tokyo, tonight’s farewell dinner will be at a traditional restaurant in the city.

14. Day 14: Depart Tokyo

    After breakfast. proceed to Haneda or Naritta International airport for your return overnight flight to the UK.

15. Day 15: Arrive UK