Start your day in the trendy district of Daikanyama and visit the flagship Tsutaya multicomplex, home to quite possibly one of the best bookstores in the world.

Enjoy a coffee as you browse through its large collection of fashion, photography, and art prints. Explore the area’s independent boutiques, cafes and apparel shops. 

Head west to Tokyo’s bohemian neighborhood and youth culture center. Shimokitazawa is an eclectic district filled with vintage stores, record shops, live houses, and grunge bars. Explore maze-like streets and discover some hidden gems. 

Take the bullet train up north to Nikko, a small city in the mountains, famous for its scenic landscapes, hiking trails, waterfalls and lavish shrines. It is particularly stunning in the Autumn season.  

Check in to the hotel. Have lunch at the hotel before heading out on a short guided tour of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO heritage shrine dedicated to the Shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu. Learn more about the history of the famous Shogun.

Have breakfast at the hotel and head out on an autumn adventure.

Take a taxi to Lake Chunzenji, a scenic lake surrounded by mountains draped in autumn foliage. Visit the spectacular Kengon Waterfall, Nikko’s most famous waterfall. Afterwards, enjoy a coffee while looking out onto the picturesque lake. 

Tour around the famous lake by cruise ship, learn about the history of the area and relax and enjoy.

Transfer from Nikko to Tokyo and spend a free day in Tokyo.

Transfer over to Nijō Castle, to learn about the significance of the castle in Japanese history and the prosperity and decline of the Tokugawa family.

Follow the Katsura River to Kameyama Park before visiting the exquisite Okochi Sanso Zen Garden and villa. 

If there’s time, visit Nishi Market to try some street food and buy some great souvenirs for friends and family back home.

Hop on the train for a short journey to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital famous for its sacred deers, world renowned temples and green tea.

Walk through Nara Deer Park and visit the sacred site of Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most historically significant temples, to see the giant golden Buddha. Explore other beautiful temples and gardens around the area.

Wander around Nara Machi, a town filled with old toy shops, crafts, and witness high speed Mochi rice cake pounding. Try traditional Japanese sweets “wagashi” paired with matcha at a local tea shop.

Hop in a taxi and get out at  Konchi-in Temple. Explore Nanzenji Tenju-an, Nanzen-ji Sammon Gate, Nanzen-ji Temple, and its gardens. Then walk over to Eikandō Temple and climb up to the pagoda to see the view of Kyoto city. 

Fill up on some local soba noodles for lunch before walking over to Kumano Nyakuōji-jinja Shrine which stands at the beginning of the
Philosopher’s Path.

Stroll along the scenic path and get lost in its beauty. Keep walking until you reach Reikan-ji Temple and Anraku-ji. Get a taxi or a local bus back to your hotel to relax before dinner.

Breakfast at your accommodation or pick up a light meal before departure. (All your luggage will be transferred to the next hotel in Tokyo.)

Take an early train or highway bus to Kii-Tanabe Station, the gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

Transfer by bus (approx. 40 mins) to Takijiri-oji, the traditional starting point of the Nakahechi Route.

Begin your hike from Takijiri-oji to Takahara, a scenic mountain village.

This short but steep walk (approx. 4 km, 2 hours) winds through ancient forest paths lined with sacred stones.

Arrive in Takahara, known for its panoramic views and the charming Takahara Kumano-jinja shrine.

Check-in to your local guesthouse or minshuku. Enjoy a homemade dinner prepared with local ingredients.

Relax and soak in the peaceful rural atmosphere overlooking the mountains.

Breakfast at your accommodation.

Depart on foot from Takahara and follow the pilgrimage path through forest trails and mountain ridges.

Stop at historical sites such as Jujo-oji and Osaka-oji, small wayside shrines marking spiritual milestones.

Continue hiking to Chikatsuyu, a tranquil village along the Hiki-gawa River (approx. 10 km, 5–6 hours total walking).

Optional: Visit Chikatsuyu-oji Shrine or learn about the route at the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Art Museum.

Check-in to your accommodation in Chikatsuyu.

Enjoy a hot bath and a traditional Japanese dinner served by your hosts. Unwind and rest up for the next day’s walk.

After breakfast, walk to Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the three grand Kumano shrines. Take time to explore the shrine grounds, admire the massive torii gate at Oyunohara (the original site of the shrine), and experience the quiet reverence of this ancient place.

Stop by the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center nearby to learn more about the history and spiritual significance of the Kumano faith.

Have lunch in Hongu before starting your journey back. From the Hongu area, take a local bus to Shingu or Kii-Tanabe Station, depending on your onward travel plans. 

Return to Tokyo by evening via train (5hrs approximately). Reflect on the sacred journey you've completed, surrounded by the timeless beauty and spiritual energy of the Kumano mountains.

Beat the crowds to Tokyo’s most famous shrine, Meiji Jingu Shrine. Wander along forested paths, make a wish at the beautiful shrine, and visit the hidden inner-garden if you like. 

Travel to the north of Tokyo to explore the nostalgic area of Yanaka Ginza, an old residential area full of locally owned shops, cafes and food stalls. Head to the wonderful Nezu Shrine, to discover more about Japan’s religious heritage and pass through the winding tunnel of red torii gates.