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Pilgrim Trails of the Kii Peninsula hosted by Mike Taverner

3-15 November 2019 | 13 days

Your expert tour leader, Mike Taverner, is an experienced group leader and enthusiastic walker.

Autumn is a good time for hiking in Japan. The temperatures are optimal and this season offers a wonderful display of autumn foliage. This area of Japan is famous for its precipitation.
Accommodation is snugly warm but you need to be prepared for both warm to hot days as well as cold and wet.

This small group tour has been designed to create the perfect itinerary for a unique holiday, using the expertise, knowledge and skills of Active Travel’s experienced tour hosts, local suppliers and industry contacts.

The walking program begins gently in the ancient capital Nara, exploring Japan’s oldest and largest temple set with other national treasures in Nara Park.

From Nara, head into the Kii Mountain range to the secluded mountain top religious complex of Koyasan. This epitomises the merging of the worship of temples and the natural environment.

Head south down the Kii Peninsula and along the spine of this stunning mountain range and join the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrim trails. Over the next five days, the group will walk as pilgrims have for more than 1,000 years.

Each day, walk 5 to 20km along moss-covered paths between small mountain villages. Stay at local inns with amazing food and welcome hot baths. Along the way you’ll enjoy a rest spot for two nights where you will be nurtured by open-air hot springs.

The pilgrimage ends at the Grand Shrines of Nachikatsuura where the highest waterfall in Japan is found. Follow the coast to its southern-most point near Kushimoto for some inspiring walks. From here it is only several hours on Japan’s very efficient trains to Osaka and onward flights.

Your tour leader

Your expert tour leader, Mike Taverner, is an experienced group leader and enthusiastic walker, having completed many recreational and wilderness walks. He is not a frantic ‘must get there quickly’ walker but one who enjoys absorbing the sights, sounds and experiences of the surrounds. Mike leads Active Travel groups on walking adventures in West Timor, Nagaland, Peru, Japan and Ethiopia. Having walked the Kii Peninsula many times, Mike is well informed of the local conditions and full of enthusiasm for the amazing environment and its cultural and natural history.

Inclusions

  • 12 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels and traditional Japanese inns
  • Meals as indicated on itinerary including a selection of fabulous fresh Japanese dishes
  • Sightseeing, transport, entrance fees to attractions listed (*some local transport not included)
  • Luggage transfer between accommodations
  • Hot baths to soak away any soreness
  • Services of Mike Taverner as a tour leader

Highlights

  • Visit Koyasan Mountain top temple
  • Witness fascinating temple ceremonies
  • Walk the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail
  • View Nachi sacred waterfall
  • Enjoy the comfort of traditional Japanese inns
  • Wander about local seaside villages
  • Enjoy autumn in all its glory!

About Active Travel

Active Travel specialises in Independent Journeys to a diverse range of unique destinations. These private tours use private transport and guides, giving you the comfort and security of local knowledge and assistance with the flexibility and freedom to spend time exploring on your own.

Active Travel presents favourite itineraries from countries all around the world designed to inspire your travels. You can choose to book the suggested itinerary or have a trip tailor-made to your interests, destinations and budget. Your trip can depart on any day with a minimum of just two people.

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