Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail

Day 1  Kyoto  
Once the capital city of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto now finds itself the cultural capital, if not the actual one. Your journey through Japan begins in this unforgettable former capital. Welcome to Kyoto, and to Japan!  

Day 2  Kyoto  
The Kitayama mountains border Kyoto on the north and juxtapose bustling Kyoto with their tranquil wooded pathways. The bright red Tengu, a physical statue of a supernatural spirit, is your starting point as you hike from village to village, exploring the forest and the cultural treasures within it.  

Day 3  Kyoto to Lake Tazawa  
Bullet train brings you from Kyoto northbound to the Akita prefecture. Both exceedingly deep and with a unique blue colour, Lake Tazawa can be explored by kayak or by cycle today upon arrival. Choose your adventure this afternoon.

Day 4  Lake Tazawa  
Exploring this small part of Akita prefecture feels as though you have been let in on a very good secret. Cherry blossoms, sake and samurai may sound like familiar emblems of Japanese culture, but the day's explorations shed an entirely new light on what you thought you knew.

Day 5  Lake Tazawa to Nyuto Onsen  
Just outside Lake Tazawa lies the village of Nyuto. Six different Ryokan call Nyuto home, and one of these Ryokan is your resting place for the evening. This area is famous for its Onsen, Japanese natural spring baths. Take time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of being far from the rest of the world.  

Day 6  Nyuto Onsen to Iwate  
Fudai, in Iwate prefecture, is a place left completely untouched by western influence, and luckily, by the effects of the Tsunami. Spend time in Fudai eating local Japanese delicacies, hearing from locals about their experiences after the Tsunami, and visit the seawall that protected this area.  

Day 7  Iwate  
The Michinoku Coastal Trail is a story of community tourism. It's a story of building back better after a devastating loss. The trail itself offers unparalleled views of the blue ocean crashing into rocky sea caves. The day spent with local trekking guides and fishermen give a glimpse into local life here in Iwate.  

Day 8  Iwate to Tokyo  
Stunning Jodogahama beach with formations jutting straight out of the clear blue water is where you’ll spend this morning. After a leisurely morning at the beach, relax on a bullet train to Tokyo throughout the afternoon.

Day 9  Tokyo  
From its humble beginning as a fishing village, Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, is now Japan's most populous city. Get the most out of your time here with your local CEO. Walk from Shibuya Crossing to Takeshita Street on a walking tour of Tokyo's can’t miss spots.

Day 10  Tokyo  
Your OMG Day will be incredible no matter what you choose, it's up to you to decide what the day holds. Join your for a day trip to Mount Fuji or meet a local guide and dive headfirst into all things Japanese cuisine, slurping and crunching your way through the day.

Day 11  Tokyo  
Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today.