Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to ask reception for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Set off on foot around Kyoto with your CEO. Get your bearings with visits to Heian Shrine before walking back to the hotel in town. The walk is 1 hour and your CEO will discuss the historical and cultural significance of the sights you see along the way.

Transfer by train and subway to Kurama Station and begin your CEO-led hike. Walk between these two picturesque, quaint villages in the Kitayama Mountains and follow the stone steps up into the verdant, mist-shrouded forests. Pass through the highland and visit smaller temples and search for spring water outlets flowing down the trail. Stop along the way at the Kurama-dera Temple—located atop the mountain with stunning views of the countryside, Yuki Shrine, Maoden, ending at Kibune Shrine. The total hike time will be 2.5 hours for a total of 3.9km and a total elevation gain of 584m.

Explore the ancient city of Kyoto on a walking tour led by your CEO. On the tour, visit the famous Chion-in Temple and the Hojo Gardens. This Buddhist temple, built in 1234, is one of Japan's national treasures. The walking tour to Chion-in Temple, nearby highlights and through the scenic paths of Kyoto will take 2 to 2.5 hours in total.

Lake Tazawa is Japan's deepest and clearest lake due to its naturally occurring acidity. It serves as a picturesque hub for outdoor water activities. Depending on weather conditions, either paddle out onto the lake on a guided kayak tour. Feel the peaceful calm as you float on the mesmerizing, unique emerald blue of the lake. Or alternatively join your guide for a relaxing cycle around the lake with a view of Mt. Akita-Komagatake, a beautiful volcano and the highest mountain in Akita prefecture.

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok, maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. First take the bullet train from Kyoto station to Tokyo station where there will be a transfer the next bullet train to Tazawako Station. Enjoy a Japanese bento lunch box on board, while you sit back and soak in the scenery whipping by.

The craft known as Kabazaiku has been passed down from generation to generation, and is the only craft in the world that uses bark from wild cherry blossoms. When the bark is peeled using this technique, the tree will be able to regenerate in a few years and doesn't need to die in order for the bark to be used. Visit this family-run craft business and spend time in the workshop at their home. A common thread in Akita is an unspoken pledge to work in harmony with. nature, sustainably using the local resources, and we invite you to join your local hosts and get your hands dirty on a cherry bark creation of your own.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant the group will set out on the Samurai Street walk led by your CEO. Pass through Kakunodate Town famous for its samurai tradition and its abundance of weeping cherry trees. The town remains remarkably unchanged since it was founded in 1620. It was built with two distinct areas, the merchant district and the samurai district. On the walk there will be an option to visit Samurai House or to do some tasting of locally produced miso, and other delicious treats.

Visit a sake brewery and take a tour learning from the Suzuki family who has been making great sake for the last 330 years. Sit down for dinner and sake pairing with some delicious locally produced foods, and listen to stories from the 19th generation of Suzukis on the 2nd floor of the brewery in a traditional room. The tour includes an in-depth look into the brewing process as you see the facilities. See the establishment’s collection of art, samurai armour, and pieces of jewelry dating back to the 17th century. For all this time the fields of Akita have remained bountiful, the water crisp, making it possible to continue making sake the same way for centuries. Taste the warm, fruity flavours and sip a drink that has become an age old tradition.

Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle from Lake Tazawa to the town of Nyuto Onsen.

Ride a bus to Nyuto Onsen village where you will set out on an orientation walk with locals and learn the traditions and history of the healing waters that flow here. Then, pedal on an e-bike through Nyuto touring the forests soaking in the views of other hidden rustic Ryokans nestled around the base of Mt Nyuto. Visit different Onsen in the village and learn about the history, culture and unique characteristics of each Onsen.

Spend time relaxing in the Onsens on the property of your accommodation. These Japanese natural spring baths provide peace and tranquility in one of the world's oldest rituals.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Learn stories about the village and the locals experiences with the 2011 tsunami.

Hike up to Unotori Mountain Shrine and experience a Kagura demonstration. This Kagura is unique, in that the local community has gotten younger adults involved in the local traditions in an effort to keep their culture from disappearing in these remote areas. The total length of the hike is 1.6km and has an elevation gain of 424 m.

The trek begins at Kurosakiso and finishes at the Kitayama Visitors Centre. You will be walking on part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Upon arrival to the end point you can opt to continue another 1.5km to the limestone tunnels, or if not, you can spend more time at the visitor centre before riding by bus to meet up with the group at the tunnels, Total distance: 9km Duration: 4 hours

Board a small fishing boat and cruise the shoreline while learning about daily life of the fisherman, which has been the experience of many locals living here for generations.

Walk to Jodogahama Beach and enjoy the strange rock formations this morning. Relax in the soft sand or plunge in the cold water if you dare. Breathe in the last of the salty air before the group travels to the city.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle from Jodogahama to Morioka station.

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train from Morioka station to Tokyo.

Discover this historic entertainment district on a guided orientation tour of the area with your CEO. Take in one of Tokyo's iconic sites with a stop at Sensoji temple.

Head into the metropolis and discover some of Tokyo's modern highlights on a CEO-guided tour. Visit places like Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, Harajuku, and with a combination of train rides and walking.

Option 1: Led by your CEO, hop on a train from Tokyo and ride for about 2 hours to visit the Kawaguchiko area where you can soak in the impressive views of Mount Fuji while walking along the lake with your CEO. The walk can take 1-2 hours depending on the pace of the group. Afterwards the group will transfer back to Tokyo. Option 2: Embark on a food tour with a local guide from the hotel. Visit the local shopping street, Yanaka and sample street food there. This is one of the most unique areas in Tokyo and it transports visitors back in time. From specialty stores to the freshest local ingredients this street is chock full of delicious eats. Sample ramen and finish with a mochi for dessert. Conclude the walking tour in an area filled with Japanese temples and an old 100-year-old house turned into a cafe.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.