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Adventure Tours   >   Asia Adventure Tours   >  Active Japan: Kyoto to Tokyo Island Hopping

Active Japan: Kyoto to Tokyo Island Hopping Adventure Tour

Asia

  • Japan

Japan is a country where futuristic cities meet timeless traditions, and this 12-day adventure showcases both sides perfectly. Start in the vibrant streets of Kyoto and Tokyo before diving deep into Okinawa's lesser-known islands, where ancient customs are still alive and well. Pedal through the charming village houses of Taketomi Island, soak in the serenity of Yambaru National Park with some forest bathing, and hop aboard a traditional Sabani boat to sail the stunning Ishigaki coastline. This trip is the ultimate blend of city buzz and island adventure - so, what are you waiting for?


Packing List  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Optional Activities  

Kyoto
- Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit (600JPY per person)
- Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit (500JPY per person)
- Zen Gardens of Ryoan-ji (500JPY per person)

Tokyo
- Akihabara Visit (Free)
- Harajuku Visit (Free)
- Ueno Park Visit (Free)
- Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) Visit (Free-1000JPY per person)


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.


Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.


Highlights  

Experience a traditional Sabani boat excursion on the crystal clear water and colorful reefs of Okiniawa, Hike, bike and kayak through different Okinawan islands, Explore Tokyo on a tour with your CEO and with free time.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Accommodation  

Hotel (11nts).


Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg. 14


Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Group Leader Description  

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.


My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Meals Included  

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners


Transport  

Plane, local train, walking, private vehicle, gondola, public bus, bicycle, local metro.


What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Kurama to Kibune trek & shrine visits. Fushimi Inari Taisha hike. Okinawa Rail Observation & Ibe-dake Forest Trail Trek. Yasuda Sea Kayaking tour. Sabani Boat experience. Taketomi cycling excursion. Mangrove kayak on Iriomote island. internal flights. Asakusa Senso-ji Temple. Nakamise shopping street visit. Imperial Palace visit. Free time in Tokyo. All transportation to/from included activities.


Max Pax  

Maximum 16


Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout.

Day 1 Kyoto

Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome briefing and an optional dinner in Kyoto.

Day 2 Kyoto

Start your Kyoto based explorations with one of the iconic hikes outside the Kyoto downtown area. Hike from Kurama village to Kibune-two villages that mark the start and endpoint of the hike. As you wind your way through the canopied forest, visit the Yuki shrine and Kurama-dera temple.

Day 3 Kyoto

The final day in Kyoto begins with the iconic visit to Fushimi Inari shrine. Walk for around 2 hours under the vibrant torii gates as you make your way along the various trails. Although this is a popular activity, it's worth it for the expansive views across Southern Kyoto.

Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kyoto.

Day 4 Kyoto to Yanbaru National Park

Let the island hopping begin. Board a domestic flight bound for Naha airport, in Okinawa. Naha is the main gateway for travelers in and out of Okinawa. Upon arrival, hop onto a private transport and make your way north towards Yanbaru National Park. This area is not popular on the tourist route due to its more remote location, and indeed feels a bit like a hidden gem.

Day 5 Yanbaru National Park

Begin today's explorations at the Okinawa Rail Observation deck. Shaped like a giant 12 meter tall Okinawa rail, this observation deck gives visitors expansive views over Usa Beach and Cape Hedo. Then embark on a guided walk through part of Yambaru Forest, spotting native flora and fauna. After a picnic lunch, head towards to the seaside and join your local guide on a guided sea kayaking excursion to Yasuda island. After a busy day, enjoy a dinner out together.

Day 6 Kunigami/Ishigaki

Another day, another island. Today, head even further south to Ishigaki island. Still part of Okinawa, Ishigaki technically sits closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan. Join your CEO and fellow travelers for a delicious dinner sampling the famous Ishigaki beef.

Day 7 Ishigaki

In the Hirakubo Peninsula in northern Ishigaki, hop aboard a Sabani, the traditional Okinawan sailboat, and cruise along the shores of the peninsula. Hop into the water to snorkel if you choose, or just admire the stunning untouched environment. These boats are hand carved in the traditional way from hollowed logs, and only hold 6 persons per boat. Enjoy this rare opportunity to enjoy a piece of Okinawan cultural heritage.

Day 8 Taketomi Island

Just off the coast of the Ishigaki Port area is Taketomi Island, part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Surrounded by coral reef, the island is actually constructed of coral walls and structures, creating a unique architectural look within Japan. The central Ryukyu village is the most well known feature of the island, full of red tiled roof buildings and tropical flowers. There are plenty of ways to explore Taketomi, but in true G Adventures style we opt for a bicycle to be able to zip around and see as much as possible.

Day 9 Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park

The island hopping continues as you head west again towards Iriomote island. Spend the day kayaking in a mangrove area, spotting birds and local flora you can only find in this area. Then hit the land and choose to hike to the top of Okinawa's tallest waterfall. After an epic day exploring the island, choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner back in Ishigaki.

Day 10 Ishigaki/Tokyo

We bid farewell to the beautiful archipelago of Okinawa and return to Japan's mainland. After breakfast, we'll catch a flight to Tokyo. Arrive to the the hotel and enjoy a free evening in Tokyo.

Day 11 Tokyo

Today you have the chance to see the biggest city in Japan on a tour with your CEO. See highlights of this amazing city like Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Asakusa neighbourhood, Nakamise shopping street and the Imperial Palace. In the afternoon, spend your time in Tokyo how you'd like. Opt to visit cool neighborhoods like Akihabara or Harajuku. Find some green space in the famous Ueno Park. Or connect with Japanese history at Meijii Shrine.

Day 12 Tokyo

Depart at any time.

Details

Prices from: €4849.00

Duration: 12 Days

Trip Type: Small Group

Travel Style: Active

Service Level: Standard

Merchandising: New Trips

Physical Grading: 3 - Average



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