A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Mythical journey
A great journey to discover the largest island in the Japanese archipelago, alternating easy hikes and stops by bus and train, between nature and culture, tradition and modernity.
Departure guaranteed for 5 participants or more. Hiking From the modern city of Tokyo to the old traditional city of Kyoto, let's discover Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago, between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Alternating urban visits and hiking, this itinerary allows us to discover mountainous landscapes worthy of the most beautiful prints, on the slopes of Fuji and in the Japanese Alps.
From temple to Buddhist sanctuary, from city to city, our path leads us to discover Japanese traditions and the most beautiful sites, between nature and culture. Accommodation: Hotels, youth hostels, capsules, ryôkans (traditional hostels) Carrying: Light bag

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Mythical journey
A great journey to discover the largest island in the Japanese archipelago, alternating easy hikes and stops by bus and train, between nature and culture, tradition and modernity.

Departure guaranteed for 5 participants or more. Hiking From the modern city of Tokyo to the old traditional city of Kyoto, let's discover Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago, between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Alternating urban visits and hiking, this itinerary allows us to discover mountainous landscapes worthy of the most beautiful prints, on the slopes of Fuji and in the Japanese Alps. From temple to Buddhist sanctuary, from city to city, our path leads us to discover Japanese traditions and the most beautiful sites, between nature and culture. Accommodation: Hotels, youth hostels, capsules, ryôkans (traditional hostels) Carrying: Light bag

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Discover Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, modern metropolises
  • Hike on the slopes of Mount Fuji
  • Makinohara tea plantations
  • Matsumoto and the “Japanese Alps”
  • Buddhist temples in Kyoto and Nara, the ancient capitals of Japan

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Discover Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, modern metropolises

  • Hike on the slopes of Mount Fuji
  • Makinohara tea plantations
  • Matsumoto and the “Japanese Alps”
  • Buddhist temples in Kyoto and Nara, the ancient capitals of Japan

Country discovery

Itinerant Stay
Off-site departure, various accommodation during the stay

Ages

18 - 55 ans

Need advice?

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE OFFER

PHYSIQUE CONDITION
Not very sporty or not very sporty
i
LEVEL OF PORTAGE
Carrying level 1
i

Included

  • Local bus and train transfers
  • Entries to the sites provided for in the program
  • Framing
  • The accommodation
...
  • Meals except those mentioned in the “not included” section
  • And if you purchased the program with the flights: international outbound and return flights and airport transfers

Not Included

  • Dinners D3 & D4, and from D12 to D15, and meals on D16
  • The drinks
  • The tips
  • Personal expenses and equipment
...
  • Optional insurances
  • Any other supplement not included in the program
  • And if you purchased the program on land only (without flights): international outbound and return flights and airport transfers

The program

Day by day

Day of arrival

Day 1 - Flight to Tokyo, night on the plane.

D2 - Arrival in Tokyo. Reception at the airport and transfer to the city. If flight schedules permit, first discovery of the capital of Japan.
...
Overnight in a hostel in Tokyo.

During your stay

J3 - Tokyo
City tour by public transport and on foot (for the two days of visit): Asakusa district (Sensô-ji temple, crafts), and Akihabara (manga district and video games).
...
The day continues with a visit to the Imperial Palace district and the Tsukiji district, which is home to the largest fish market in the world (visit the outdoor market). We then take the direction of the artificial island of Odaiba by boat, to discover the city from another angle, then return by boat to Asakusa. Free time during the day. Free dinner and overnight at an inn in Tokyo.

J4 - Tokyo
Continuing the visit to the capital of Japan: the Yanaka district, the Yanaka district, old Tokyo and its famous cemetery, home to numerous temples and shrines that adorn its streets and alleys. Then visit the bustling Shinjuku district, the town hall composed of a 51-storey double building and the red light district of Kabukicho. We then head to the young and trendy neighborhoods of Harajuku (alternative modes and Meij Jingu Shrine) and Shibuya (Shibuya Crossing “Time Square” in Tokyo). This neighborhood is certainly the most fascinating in the city, and the one that best illustrates its uniqueness and charm. Free dinner and overnight at an inn in Tokyo.

Day 5 - Hike to Mount Hoeizan on the slopes of Mount Fuji
Train to Shinfuji (140km, 1 hour) then visit the Senjen Jinja Shrine dedicated to Mount Fuji and bus to the fifth station of Mount Fuji (2380m). Hike to the Heoizan crater (Mount Hoei), at an altitude of 2700m. 2 hours of walking. And train to the coastal city of Shizuoka (40km, 30 min). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 - Makinohara and Nagoya
Departure from Shizuoka for the green tea growing region of Makinohara. Stroll through the tea fields of Makinohara to a farm we are visiting. Train to Kakegawa, visit the small castle and tea ceremony, then fast train to Nagoya (Shinkansen). 170km in total from Shizuoka to Nagoya. Visit the center of Nagoya, the fourth largest city in Japan, renowned for its culinary traditions. Overnight at the hotel.
NB: this morning, sending the luggage to Takayama (which you will find on the J9), you will carry in your “small” backpack (30-35 liters) your things for J6 to J8.

Day 7 - Hike on the old Nakasendo road
Travel by train (65km, 1h30) from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa, then bus to Magome (600m above sea level), starting point of our hike, discovery of the village. Departure of the first stage of hiking on the old paved road from Nakasendô to Tsumago (420m), visit this very beautiful village with wooden houses (8km, 2.5-hour walk). Then, departure on foot to Nagiso station (3.5 km, 45 min walk). Travel by train from Nagiso to Kiso-Fukushima (1h). Minshuku installation and dinner (family inn, Japanese-style communal baths).

Day 8 - The Japanese Alps, Yabuhara, Narai and Matsumoto.
Departure by train from Kiso to Yabuhara (30 min), starting point of the second stage of hiking on the ancient paved Nakasendo road. Hike between Yabuhara and Narai Juku (12 km, 3.5 hours of walking, altitude difference: approximately +400m and -400m). Visit this stopover village in the heart of the mountains, whose main street is lined with beautiful traditional wooden inns. We then take the train back to Matsumoto (100km, 1 hour by train), a pretty town 600m above sea level in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the most beautiful authentic medieval fortresses in the archipelago. Overnight in a capsule hotel in Matsumoto.

Day 9 - The Japanese Alps, from Matsumoto to Takayama
Two hours by bus from Matsumoto to Takayama (80km), on a road dominated by the more than 3000m peaks of the Hatoka Range. Luggage drop off at Minshuku, and baggage sent from Shizuoka is received on J6. Visit the traditional streets of Takayama, “the little Kyoto of the Japanese Alps”, and stroll through the Teramachi temple district. Overnight in Minshuku in Takayama.

D10 - From the Japanese Alps to the Sea of Japan
Walk to the morning market, very colorful, then bus to the village of Shirakawago. Visit the Kanda peasant house and the local temple, free time. After lunch, bus to Kanazawa, on the shores of the Sea of Japan (70km from Takayama to Kanazawa). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 - Kanazawa
Visit the city by public transport and on foot: the Omichô fish market, the Oyama Jinja shrine and the Nagamachi samurai district with the discovery of the Nomura House. After lunch, visit the Ninja Temple: although your guide is not authorized to give you explanations during the visit, this temple, whose distribution of rooms constitutes a real labyrinth, is worth seeing. To conclude this day of discovering Kanazawa, discover the district of Higashi Chaya, an ancient district of geisha houses, and more particularly the former house of geisha Shima. Overnight at the hotel in Kanazawa.

J12 - From Kanazawa to Kyoto
Fast train ride from Kanazawa to Kyoto (250km, 2h). In Kyoto, visit Sanjûsangendo Temple, the Temple of a Thousand Statues, and Fushimi Inari, the temple with 100 toriis (traditional Japanese portals). Hike to the top of the hill if the weather permits. 1h30 of walking. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel.

J13 - Kyoto
Visit the main Zen temples of Kyoto, Ryôanji (temple of the dragon's rest), and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Then drive to the north-east of the city and stroll on the Philosophers' Trail, which refers to an alley planted with trees along a small canal in Lake Biwa (1h30 walk). After having lunch near Nishiki Market, visit this culinary market located in the heart of Kyoto, which houses a hundred stalls. We then visit Nijojo Palace, a symbol of power and domination exercised by the shoguns, the legendary warlords, who reigned over Japan.
Transport of the day by local buses and subway. Free dinner, and overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.

J14 - Nara
Excursion to Nara for the day, the first historic capital of Japan, 40 km and 1 hour by train from Kyoto. Walk in the large park of Nara-Koen, where more than a thousand deer live in freedom. Visit Todai-ji, the temple of the big Buddha. After lunch, visit Kasuga Taisha, the Shrine of 1000 Lanterns, then visit Nigatsudo Temple offering a panoramic view of the ancient capital of Japan. Return by train to Kyoto (1 hour), free dinner, and night at the hotel.

Last day

J15 - Kyoto, Osaka
Last visits to Kyoto: visit the Kiyomizudera Temple, known for its wooden terrace offering a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings, and free time to visit the traditional streets near Kiyomizudera and the Gion district.
...
Free dinner, and night at the hotel (Kyoto).

D16 - Return flight (day flight)
Transfer to Ōsaka (1 hour), and to Kansai International Airport, then flight back.

NB:
- If your flight schedule does not allow for the visits planned on D15, they will be carried out on D13, instead of the Philosophers' Trail and the Nishiki Market.

The course of this program is indicative. It may undergo modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements or the climatic conditions of the moment. In this case, only those responsible for UCPA supervision are authorized to take the necessary decision (s).

SPOT

kyoto

The former imperial capital

Kyoto was the former imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years. Located on Honshu Island, the city that was called Heian-kyo (“capital of peace and tranquility”) is full of temples, shrines and buildings classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. An essential stop on any trip to Japan, Kyoto lives mainly from fast-growing tourism. The beauty and serenity of its landscapes, which are home to abundant fauna and flora, make Kyoto a sought-after cultural destination for Western travelers.

ABOUT THE TRIP

Equipment Included

No specific UCPA equipment.

Equipment Included

No specific UCPA equipment.

Equipment not included

Bring 2 pieces of luggage: in no case should the weight of the hold baggage exceed 15 kg

- Small backpack (about 30-35 l) for hikes and city visits, cabin luggage on an airplane.
...
- Large backpack or travel bag for the rest of your belongings (60-70 l), airplane hold luggage.

Recommended personal equipment
Trekking shoes
Sneakers and/or sandals for the city
Socks
Trekking pants
Warm wool or fleece sweater
Poncho type rain suit
Short
Swimsuit
T-shirts or polo shirts
Sunscreen
Lipstick
Headgear
Sunglasses (a spare pair of prescription glasses for those affected)
Mini toilet bag
Gourde
Electric lamp (practical headlamp)
2 large plastic bags
Camera

Equipment not included

Bring 2 pieces of luggage: in no case should the weight of the hold baggage exceed 15 kg

- Small backpack (about 30-35 l) for hikes and city visits, cabin luggage on an airplane.
- Large backpack or travel bag for the rest of your belongings (60-70 l), airplane hold luggage.

Recommended personal equipment
Trekking shoes
Sneakers and/or sandals for the city
Socks
Trekking pants
Warm wool or fleece sweater
Poncho type rain suit
Short
Swimsuit
T-shirts or polo shirts
Sunscreen
Lipstick
Headgear
Sunglasses (a spare pair of prescription glasses for those affected)
Mini toilet bag
Gourde
Electric lamp (practical headlamp)
2 large plastic bags
Camera

formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals as of 31/07/24. It is essential to check with the consulate one month before your departure.

...
- VALID PASSPORT (and valid until the return date), with at least one blank page.
Biometric data is recorded upon arrival at the airport.
Your passport must be in perfect condition (It must have no stains, no staples, no paper clips, no marks, no tears...).

- VISA:
Since 11/10/22, entry into Japanese territory for a short stay of no more than 90 days no longer requires the prior obtaining of a visa for French nationals.
Travelers are invited to fill in online, prior to entering the country, the information requested by the Japanese authorities on the “Visit Japan Web” site in order to facilitate checks upon arrival (immigration and customs): https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/

EMBASSY OF JAPAN:
Consular functions provided by the Embassy
7 Hoche Avenue
75008 Paris
Tel: 01.48.88.62.00
e-mail: info-fr@amb-japon.fr
Sito web: https://www.fr.emb-japan.go.jp

Since the formalities for traveling to Japan may change, we therefore recommend that you consult the latest information provided on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/japon/ and on the website of the Japanese Embassy for the latest information concerning administrative formalities.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/japon/

formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals as of 31/07/24. It is essential to check with the consulate one month before your departure.

- VALID PASSPORT (and valid until the return date), with at least one blank page.
Biometric data is recorded upon arrival at the airport.
Your passport must be in perfect condition (It must have no stains, no staples, no paper clips, no marks, no tears...).

- VISA:
Since 11/10/22, entry into Japanese territory for a short stay of no more than 90 days no longer requires the prior obtaining of a visa for French nationals.
Travelers are invited to fill in online, prior to entering the country, the information requested by the Japanese authorities on the “Visit Japan Web” site in order to facilitate checks upon arrival (immigration and customs): https://services.digital.go.jp/en/visit-japan-web/

EMBASSY OF JAPAN:
Consular functions provided by the Embassy
7 Hoche Avenue
75008 Paris
Tel: 01.48.88.62.00
e-mail: info-fr@amb-japon.fr
Sito web: https://www.fr.emb-japan.go.jp

Since the formalities for traveling to Japan may change, we therefore recommend that you consult the latest information provided on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/japon/ and on the website of the Japanese Embassy for the latest information concerning administrative formalities.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/japon/

Physical intensity

Not very sporty or not very sporty

You are not sporty or not very sporty. Low intensity stay, suitable for everyone. It is an opportunity to reconcile yourself with sport.

Physical intensity

Not very sporty or not very sporty

You are not sporty or not very sporty. Low intensity stay, suitable for everyone. It is an opportunity to reconcile yourself with sport.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Restauration

Local food: rice, tofu, fish, vegetables in donuts, soups, noodles of all kinds... that you will enjoy with chopsticks.
...
When hiking, picnics in the form of “bentos” (lunch-boxes).

Restauration

Local food: rice, tofu, fish, vegetables in donuts, soups, noodles of all kinds... that you will enjoy with chopsticks. When hiking, picnics in the form of “bentos” (lunch-boxes).

Management

French speaking guide.

Management

French speaking guide.

Important information

Physical Intensity/Level*

This program alternates between easy hikes and stops by bus and train on Honshu Island. This trip is for anyone in good health who wants to make a small physical effort to discover magnificent landscapes and a human society different from ours.
...
You just need to feel able to walk 3 to 5 hours in a day on varied terrain with a lightweight backpack containing only your things for the day (4/5 kg), or for 2 or 3 days (8-10 kg). The trails are generally easy, but they can be muddy and slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.

Carrying: bring a “small” backpack (30-35 liters) and a large backpack (about 60 liters), much more practical in the many public transport. During a few stages crossing from one accommodation to another, your large bag will be directly transported to the stage the next day or the day after (for example, you entrust your J6 bag in the morning so that it can be delivered, to find it again D9 in the evening).

Electricity:
The power in Japan is 110 Volts and the sockets are of the US type: an essential adapter.

NB: you are going to participate in an “adventure” program, a travel formula that is totally different from conventional tourist circuits: the discomfort, the unexpected, the health conditions, which we may encounter, suppose everyone has a good spirit of tolerance and a taste for adventure.
Through your active and positive participation, you will contribute to the cohesion and good understanding of the group, which is a guarantee of the success of the trip.

Important information

Physical Intensity/Level*

This program alternates between easy hikes and stops by bus and train on Honshu Island. This trip is for anyone in good health who wants to make a small physical effort to discover magnificent landscapes and a human society different from ours. You just need to feel able to walk 3 to 5 hours in a day on varied terrain with a lightweight backpack containing only your things for the day (4/5 kg), or for 2 or 3 days (8-10 kg). The trails are generally easy, but they can be muddy and slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.

Carrying: bring a “small” backpack (30-35 liters) and a large backpack (about 60 liters), much more practical in the many public transport. During a few stages crossing from one accommodation to another, your large bag will be directly transported to the stage the next day or the day after (for example, you entrust your J6 bag in the morning so that it can be delivered, to find it again D9 in the evening).

Electricity:
The power in Japan is 110 Volts and the sockets are of the US type: an essential adapter.

NB: you are going to participate in an “adventure” program, a travel formula that is totally different from conventional tourist circuits: the discomfort, the unexpected, the health conditions, which we may encounter, suppose everyone has a good spirit of tolerance and a taste for adventure.
Through your active and positive participation, you will contribute to the cohesion and good understanding of the group, which is a guarantee of the success of the trip.

Health and formalities

COVID-19 information (valid on 22/03/24):
As of April 29, 2023, health checks related to Covid-19 upon entry into Japanese territory are ended.
...
No vaccination certificate or PCR test is now required.

No vaccination is mandatory in Japan. Nevertheless, vaccinations against hepatitis A and B are recommended. Make sure your reminders are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio).
Japanese encephalitis: this disease, which only exists in Asia, is transmitted by mosquitoes, against which it is essential to protect yourself. As part of a tourist trip, vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is not routinely recommended. Consult your doctor or an international vaccination center.

Personal pharmacy recommended:
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Antimalarial
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Hand hygiene: antibacterial hydro-alcoholic gel.

Important
No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
We remind you that it is essential that you have at least a “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.
We advise you to consult the General Insurance Conditions pages on our website: https://www.ucpa.com/assurances
Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.


https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/japon/#sante

Health and formalities

COVID-19 information (valid on 22/03/24):
As of April 29, 2023, health checks related to Covid-19 upon entry into Japanese territory are ended. No vaccination certificate or PCR test is now required.

No vaccination is mandatory in Japan. Nevertheless, vaccinations against hepatitis A and B are recommended. Make sure your reminders are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio).
Japanese encephalitis: this disease, which only exists in Asia, is transmitted by mosquitoes, against which it is essential to protect yourself. As part of a tourist trip, vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is not routinely recommended. Consult your doctor or an international vaccination center.

Personal pharmacy recommended:
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Antimalarial
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Hand hygiene: antibacterial hydro-alcoholic gel.

Important
No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
We remind you that it is essential that you have at least a “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.
We advise you to consult the General Insurance Conditions pages on our website: https://www.ucpa.com/assurances
Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.


https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/japon/#sante

Weather

There are important climatic contrasts in Japan: the territory is mountainous and the archipelago is stretched over 3000 km from north to south.
...
In the north (Hokkaido), the climate is temperate-cold, while in the south (Kyushu and Shikoku), it is humid subtropical.
The two most pleasant seasons to visit Japan are spring and autumn. Indeed, summer is quite rainy with humid heat, and winter is generally harsh.

Average minimum/maximum temperatures in °C in Kyoto
08/18 in April
13/23 in May
18/27 in June
23/31 in July
23/32 in August
19/28 in September
13/22 in October
07/17 in November

In the mountains, around 1000 m above sea level, it is necessary to subtract about 6° from the above averages.

Weather

There are important climatic contrasts in Japan: the territory is mountainous and the archipelago is stretched over 3000 km from north to south. In the north (Hokkaido), the climate is temperate-cold, while in the south (Kyushu and Shikoku), it is humid subtropical.
The two most pleasant seasons to visit Japan are spring and autumn. Indeed, summer is quite rainy with humid heat, and winter is generally harsh.

Average minimum/maximum temperatures in °C in Kyoto
08/18 in April
13/23 in May
18/27 in June
23/31 in July
23/32 in August
19/28 in September
13/22 in October
07/17 in November

In the mountains, around 1000 m above sea level, it is necessary to subtract about 6° from the above averages.

Hosting

Simple hotels, youth hostels, ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), minshuku (local bed and breakfast), capsule hotels. Rooms or dorms for 2 to 6 people depending on the nights and the type of accommodation.

Hosting

Simple hotels, youth hostels, ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), minshuku (local bed and breakfast), capsule hotels. Rooms or dorms for 2 to 6 people depending on the nights and the type of accommodation.

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Air France KLM, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates.
...
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23 to 30kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Air France KLM, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates.
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23 to 30kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

THIS HOLIDAY IS OFFERED BY