tripPhoto
"This was an amazing trip! Shelia and Ryoko made it so easy to have a great time. The food was OUT OF THIS WORLD and the hikes were beautiful. I would highly recommend this trip, as the ease of travel with all hotels, transfers, tickets arranged for you means you can see a large sample of Japanese society within a short time and enjoy the whole experience with the least amount of effort. The hospitality we received was exemplary.
Thank you Sheila, Ryoko, Robert and Maddalena for this great experience!"
Catherine C. (Japan 2022)

Japan

Japan is one of the world’s most intriguing destinations offering a surprising mix of traditional customs intertwined with modern realities. Its history and culture are always at the forefront - from a soak in a hot spring to touring ancient Shinto shrines and even dining in yukatas!

 

But the real adventure begins when we discover their beautiful hiking trails as we explore regions from Tokyo to Kyoto and points in between. Highlights include treks in Kamikochi in the majestic Japanese Alps. The name Kamikochi translates to “where Gods descend"; imagine the beauty of a place that warrants a name such as this. And, of course, we shall hike on the slopes of the iconic Mt. Fuji, the country’s tallest mountain at 3776m, and in the adjacent Five Lakes District, whose lakes were formed hundreds of years ago by lava flows from Mt. Fuji’s multiple eruptions. Also explore ancient towns like Takayama, which gained importance as a source of timber and highly skilled carpenters during the feudal ages and now boasts a beautifully preserved old town. Visit Japan’s first capital, Nara; it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples.

 

Our accommodations throughout the holiday include western-style hotels as well as the more traditional Japanese ryokans.

 

We specifically chose the month of October as the vibrant fall colours are at their peak. 

Dates

October 1 to 15, 2023

Grade

Moderate to Challenging

What's Included

- 14 nights' hotel accommodations
- 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 10 dinners
- 7 guided hikes
- English/Japanese speaking guide
- Guided tours of Tokyo & Kyoto
- Entry fees for attractions per itinerary
- Ground transportation and transfers

Cost

$8475 CAD land

Send $300 non-refundable deposit to reserve - balance is payable August 22, 2023 (70 days prior to departure)

My Own Room

If you would like to share accommodations, we offer a roommate pairing service. If there is another solo traveller looking to share accommodations, we will pair the two of you up together; in this case there would be no single supplement to pay.

If you would like to have your own room (or if a roommate is not available), then the single supplement would apply.

The cost of the single supplement for this holiday is $1390 CAD.

Meeting Times/Places

Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you.


We strongly recommend booking flights through us because should anything go awry, we have 24-hour back-up assistance to help us out (which was invaluable when the pandemic hit). Should you book your own flights (which you can), we would not be able to assist you should anything need to be changed or cancelled. It does not cost any more to book through us and there are no service fees; the prices are all the same as if you were to book your own, but it comes with the distinct advantage of having us around to help if it's needed. We can book any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers.


Should you decide to book your own flights, we will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip's itinerary so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

Status

This trip is confirmed as a GO! Spots still available.

  • Daily Synopsis

  • Map

  • Photo Gallery

  • Accolades

  • Book This Trip

  • Terms & Conditions

Daily Synopsis

Day 1

KONNICHIWA AND WELCOME TO JAPAN
Upon arrival, we shall transfer directly to our hotel.

Day 2

TOKYO
Highlights of our guided tour include the Senso-ji temple, the Imperial Palace plaza, Ginza, the historical Edo-Tokyo Museum and the Sumo Museum. (Light, sight-seeing)

Day 3

OCHUDO TRAIL/MOUNT FUJI
Mount Fuji is Japan's highest peak (3776m) and its most iconic symbol, and today's hike will be on the slopes of this "holy mountain". (Moderate, 8 km)

Day 4

MITSUTOGE-YAMA
This hike in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu NP offers one of the best views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding lakes. Starts on a winding stony path through forest until Shiki Rakuen-sanso hut, and then to the summit of Kaiun-yama for spectacular views! Descend via an alternate route. (Moderate-challenging, 12km, 550m elevation gain)

Day 5

YATSUGATAKE
Leave the Fuji Five Lakes area and transfer to Tateshina.
Take a cable car to the start of our hike in the Yatsugatake Mountain Range - one of the "100 Famous Japanese Mountains". We hike through the valley formed by the peaks, showing off the brilliant fall colours - through bamboo grasses, forests, a stream crossing, and conclude on a boardwalk through a colourful marsh. (Moderate, 8 km)

Day 6

KIRIGAMINE MARSHLANDS
The rolling hillsides of Kirigamine offer a very different experience than the mountains of the day before. With unobstructed views in every direction, this hike meanders along boardwalks and footpaths throughout the protected marshland areas. (Moderate 10km)

Day 7

MATSUMOTO Transfer to Matsumoto - famous for Matsumoto-jo, one of Japan's premier historic castles. After our guided tour, the rest of the day is at your leisure. We recommend taking a walk along Nakamachi Street or visiting the Kaichi School Museum, the Ukiyo-E Museum or the Daio Wasabi Nojo.

Day 8

KAMIKOCHI/HOTAKA SHRINE
Kamikochi is a gem. Located in the Hida Mountains in the northern part of the Japan Alps, it is Japan's foremost hiking destination. Hike along the Azusa Gawa River to the Tokusawa Hut for lunch. After lunch, an alternate route on the other side of the river takes us to Hotaka Shrine. (Moderate, 16km + 1km, relatively flat)

Day 9

KAMIKOCHI/TOKUGAWA
Today’s hike is on mostly flat trail, through forest that leads to an amazing pond highlighting the fall colours. We may even spot some of the famous Japanese Macaque monkeys along the way, and the views of the surrounding mountain range is amazing! (Light, 10km)

Day 10

TAKAYAMA - DAY OF LEISURE
We suggest visiting the local markets in the morning, followed by a stroll along Sanmachi Street, an excellent place to try the street food. Or take a local bus to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go.

Day 11

TRANSFER TO KYOTO
Transfer by private bus to Kyoto. Take a get acquainted walk through the Nishiki food market and to do a little geisha spotting in Gion.

Day 12

KYOTO
This is the City of Ten Thousand Shrines and is reputed to be Japan's most beautiful city. On our guided tour, we will be visiting some of them - Kiyomizu, Kinkagu-ji and Ryoan-ji temples, as well as the very impressive display of shogun power, the Nijo Castle. (Light, sightseeing)

Day 13

YAMANOBE-NO-MICHI
Yamanobe-no-michi is the oldest road on record in Japan. Beginning in Miwa, this urban hike winds its way through small towns, rice paddies and orchards and ends in Tenri. (Moderate, 11km)

Day 14

LEISURE DAY
There is still much to see in Kyoto, not to mention that this is a great place to shop. But we highly recommend a day trip to Nara, which is easy to explore on your own.

Day 15

SAYONARA

 

Interactive Trip Map

 

Click on the interactive map to see where we'll be hiking.

 

Select satellite view to get even more detail.

 

Photo Gallery

We have some great photos of previous tours of this location.
Click on the photo gallery link to view the gallery.

 

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What an experience!

 

"This was an amazing trip! Shelia and Ryoko made it so easy to have a great time. The food was OUT OF THIS WORLD and the hikes were beautiful. I would highly recommend this trip, as the ease of travel with all hotels, transfers, tickets arranged for you means you can see a large sample of Japanese society within a short time and enjoy the whole experience with the least amount of effort. The hospitality we received was exemplary.
Thank you Sheila, Ryoko, Robert and Maddalena for this great experience!"
Catherine C. (Japan 2022)

 

"We were very fortunate to travel to Japan with you. We have travelled all over the world in the past 30 years, Japan together with Africa have been most wonderful experiences. Our guide and your program were flawless."
Tariq A. (Japan 2019)

 

"I want to thank you for organizing a wonderful trip. It was truly the best way to see a beautiful country."
Frank R. (Japan 2019)

 

Make a Reservation

We're so glad you've decided to take a trip with us! We will do our very best to ensure you have a great time. Thank you for your business and we look forward to seeing you.

Please fill out the registration form below.

It is important that you read the Terms and Conditions before completing this form.

Destination

Japan

Dates

October 1 to 15, 2023

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Dietary Notes:


Insurance

Medical and cancellation/interruption insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all our tours and can be arranged through our offices. We work with Allianz Global Assistance.


I understand that by not purchasing Allianz Global Assistance offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays, I may be exposed to financial losses ranging from the full price of my trip to the unknown costs of trip interruption/cancellation or out of province medical care. I waive any liability against Comfortable Hiking Holidays or Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc. for any costs I incur as a result of my choice not to purchase this travel insurance.
I hereby decline any Allianz Global Assistance coverage offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

Travel Waiver and Release

On this date, I requested that Comfortable Hiking Holidays, an independent contractor (the 'IC') with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., make one or more travel arrangements (booking of flights; lodging; car rental; etc.) on my behalf as well as on behalf of my family/travel companions. Direct Travel Inc., its officers, directors, employees, advisors and contractors, including Independent Contractors, are hereinafter called 'Agency'.

I acknowledge that travel plans made for me/us by the Agency may be delayed, interrupted, or cancelled by service providers (airlines, cruise lines, lodging, etc.). I also acknowledge travel plans may be delayed, interrupted or cancelled by acts of God, by actions of government entities or by other third-party entities over which the Agency has no control. I further acknowledge that the service provider’s own cancellation, rebooking and refund policies, subject to any applicable current and future laws, will govern my rights and remedies, including my right to receive a refund, in such an event.

Moreover, I understand that should I elect to purchase travel protection plan, the terms of the individual policy I have chosen will dictate whether, and to what extent, coverage for any financial loss may exist under these circumstances.

By agreeing to these terms, I hereby agree to hold the Agency harmless and release it from any and all liability for any damages, including but not limited to monetary losses, I may incur as a result of such interruption or cancellation of these travel arrangements.

I agree to these terms.

 

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No space will be held until deposit is paid.

Terms & Conditions

 

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS

A deposit is required at the time of booking (see individual trips for amount required for deposit). The balance is due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise specified. Late payments causing penalties to be levied by the airlines or any other supplier shall be the responsibility of the traveller.

 

Reservations are to be made online. We accept credit cards and personal cheques (payable to Comfortable Hiking Holidays). If paying by cheque, mail cheque along with a reservation form to:

 

Maddalena Molino

Comfortable Hiking Holidays

251 Consumers Road, 7th floor

Toronto, ON  M2J 4R3  Canada

 

6079113 Canada Inc., doing business as Comfortable Hiking Holidays, is an independent travel affiliate with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., a Canada corporation registered under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 Registration Nos. 50023501 and 50023502.

 

 

DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

Comfortable Hiking Holidays will base the decision whether or not to proceed with a trip taking into account several key factors, including but not limited to: the Canadian government’s travel advisory, the state of entry/exit requirements in each specific country, as well as the overall COVID-19 situation at that time. Rest assured, that our number one priority remains the safety and well-being of all our guests.

 

After the balance has been paid, refund will be made (less $50 per person and less any incurred charges by hotels, airlines etc.) if YOU can find a replacement person. If no replacement is found, then all monies paid will be forfeited. No refund for any unused portion of a trip. All cancellations are only considered to have been received on the date of receipt of written cancellation in the office of Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

 

If we are forced to cancel a holiday, Comfortable Hiking Holidays will endeavour to recoup any monies already paid, however full refunds are not guaranteed.

 

AIRFARE

Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. There is a service fee for booking flights, which is not included in the cost of the tour package. 

 

Should you decide to book your own flights (which is not a problem at all), Comfortable Hiking Holidays will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip’s itinerary, so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

 

Do not book your airfare until you check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays that we have the minimum number of participants to move ahead with the trip. Comfortable Hiking Holidays is not financially responsible for additional expenses incurred by you (such as non-refundable airline tickets) should a trip be cancelled.

 

Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs.

 

TAXES

H.S.T.

The Harmonized Sales Tax will be added to all trips taking place in Canada.

 

INSURANCE

Medical and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and can be arranged through our offices; we work with Allianz Global Assistance. If insurance is declined, a signed form will be required.

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Should a participant fall ill with Covid while on the tour, the participant will be expected to isolate themselves until they have recovered or have a negative Covid test. This may require a change of hotels or even hospitalization. Such additional costs associated with care, isolation, and repatriation if necessary will be borne by the participant him/herself and/or his/her travel insurance. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed.

 

It is the traveller’s responsibility to determine what documentation is necessary for each country to be visited. All Canadian and U.S. citizens require valid passports for travel. It is recommended and sometimes necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. Other nationalities should check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays. For more information on travel requirements per country, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.

 

It is imperative that the traveller discloses to Comfortable Hiking Holidays any medical condition(s) that may affect his/her ability to complete the hike and/or tour. Examples include (but are not limited to): allergies, ailments, diseases, medical conditions, special diets, medications and so forth. This information will be kept strictly confidential.

 

Our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, but if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, they are authorized to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be responsible for additional costs incurred.

 

In booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described. If you have any doubt about your abilities, please call us to discuss.

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Prices are quoted are in CANADIAN DOLLARS (with some exceptions which are quoted in USD). They were calculated based on the exchange rates at the tme of publishing and are subject to change without notice. Should tour costs increase, Comfortable Hiking Holidays reserves the right to increase the price accordingly. If the price change is more than 7% of the total price for the travel services (except for a price change that is a result of Government Taxation), you are entitled to cancel if you wish, with full refund. You must notify us of your intention at least 48 hours after notification or if the change is a last minute change, within 24 hours of notification.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Prices quoted are for shared accommodations (two to a room). A roommate will be arranged  when possible, otherwise the single supplement will apply. Single rooms are available on most holidays; cost for the single supplement is available on request.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS

The scenery is always picture-worthy so please take as many photos as you wish. We will do the same, but please note that it is customary for us to use photographs taken on actual hikes for our promotional materials. If you do not wish to have your photo used in any of our promotional materials, please inform your hike leader at the BEGINNING OF THE TRIP.

 

SMOKING

As the great majority of trip participants do not smoke, those who do are requested to refrain from smoking while with the group (e.g. on the bus, during the hikes, at meals, in the bar and in your room if sharing with a non-smoker).

 

CHILDREN

All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

 

SITE ACCURACY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays has attempted to make this site accurate. However, changes might occur for reasons beyond the control of Comfortable Hiking Holidays. In addition, the right is reserved to substitute hotels or change the itinerary when necessary, provided the travel facilities or other services are of at least the same standard or value.

 

HIKE LEADERS

All of our leaders are experienced hikers and have had first aid training. A representative of C.H.H. will accompany all of the trips (unless otherwise specified) to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Our hike leaders will be your guides on most holidays, but in some cases we will use local guides. C.H.H. reserves the right to make changes in hike leaders when necessary.

 

FORCE MAJEURE

Neither Comfortable Hiking Holidays nor Vision Travel shall be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond their control or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, terrorist acts, fire, earthquakes, weather conditions, storms, hurricanes, flood, civil or military authority, government requirement or restriction, disease, epidemic or pandemic.

 

OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel the operators, its agents, and/or suppliers of services act only as agents for the traveler and accept no responsibility for services of any hotel, aircraft, vessel, train, motor coach or any other conveyance used in connection with these tours, nor any delays, loss or accident to travelers or baggage occasioned by such services, from whatsoever cause. In the event it becomes necessary due to changes by supplier's airlines, or for the comfort or well being of passengers, or for any other reason, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. The extra cost, if any, resulting therefore, shall be paid by the tour members. Conversely, refunds will be made to passengers if any savings are effected thereby. The right is reserved to cancel any tour and to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, at any time. Acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance of all these conditions. There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations outside Ontario. Climate conditions may affect the provisions of services and the accommodations included in our tours. Accommodations offered in the tour are, to the best of our knowledge, available at the time of printing and accurately described.

 

TRAVEL WAIVER

Participants are required to sign a “Travel Waiver” form, which acknowledges that your travel plans may be interrupted or cancelled through no fault of ours, and as such you may or may not be eligible for a refund should things go awry as they did in 2020.

 

AIRLINE CLAUSE

The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omissions or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The Passenger Ticket in use by the airline(s) when issued constitutes the sole contract between the airline(s) and the purchase of the ticket and/or passenger.

 

Although every precaution is taken for your safety, this type of excursion involves, by its very nature, a certain amount of risk. All participants are therefore required to sign a form releasing Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel of all liability.

 

Effective September 7, 2023, until further notice.