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Cherry Blossom Tour
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The Path to Traditional Japan
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Spiritual Japan
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Contemporary Japan
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Extensive Japan
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Departure Date: 26 July 2011 // 27 July 2012
12 Days/11 Nights
Discover & experience historical, cultural and natural Japan on this trek. Explore Tokyo, Climb Mt. Fuji and walk in Daisetsusan National Park, Japan’s largest national park, in central Hokkaido.
On this trek, after leaving Tokyo we will catch a bus up to the half way station on Mt. Fuji. From there we will climb to the summit of this 3775 m mountain over two days, a highlight being sunrise on the summit. We will then use one of the old trekking routes to descend to the turquoise waters of Lake Kawaguchi. Along the way we will walk through towering conifer forests, past ancient temples and Inns redolent of early times before finishing at the Sengen shrine, a symbolic gateway whose deities guard Mt. Fuji. From there we will return for a night in Tokyo, where we can explore the bright lights of one of the most vibrant cities in the world, before heading north to the clear beauty of the high mountains of central Hokkaido.
Daisetsusan National Park, in central Hokkaido is Japan's largest national park and boasts active volcanoes, crystal clear caldera lakes, snow draped peaks, superb wild flowers and stunning alpine views. Of course you have to also factor in the superb Inns we stay in, with their ever present hot spring baths, a great way to soothe the body after a day on the trail.
We have fashioned this part of the walk as the 'Haute Route' of central Hokkaido. Although smaller than its European counterpart, you will be travelling across the top of high mountains, with vehicles carrying your luggage from Inn to Inn.
This walk is designed for those who are fit and looking to combine the great joys and beauty of the outdoors with the chance to experience and see first hand Japanese culture. The walking throughout will only require a day pack of about 45 litres.
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Day 01 Meet Tokyo Narita airport. Transfer to hotel in central Tokyo
Day 02 Bus to Lake Kawaguchi where extra luggage will be stored. Bus to 5th station, our starting point. After briefing, begin walking up this mighty scree covered mountain to about 3000 M where we will stay in a stone Inn for the night.
Day 03 3:00 am breakfast! Sunrise on Mt. Fuji is the goal of our climb so we start early. After resting and spending several hours here we will descend to the 5th station to stay in a famous mountaineering hut.
Day 04 Descend through the old conifer forests to the Sengen Shrine and Lake Kawaguchi. Collect our excess baggage and return to Tokyo by bus to enjoy a night exploring this vibrant city.
Day 05 Today we fly from Tokyo to Hokkaido and transfer by bus and train to the heart of the Daisetsusan National Park.
Day 06 Begin our Japanese 'Haute Route' as we descend out of our Inn to the Plateau of Lakes and the summit of Mt.Nakayama. Today's walk takes us past mountain lakes, classic alpine views and superb wild flowers. Finish the day by descending a cable car to the village of Asahi Dake Onsen where again we spend the night in a superb Inn with hot spring baths.
Day 07 After ascending the cable car, we climb the highest peak in Hokkaido, Asahi Dake 2290 M, and explore the central peaks before returning to our Inn.
Day 08 We leave Asahi Dake and follow a trail that takes us through the forests of Silver Birch and Hokkaido Red Pine to the small hot spring resort of Tenninkyo, famous for its columnar basalt cliffs, steep gorges and clear mountain streams. Bus to Shirogane Spa.
Day 09 Today we ascend the Tokachi Volcano. The walk takes us over volcanic scree, past tenacious wild flowers, old snow drifts, and past the smoke pouring from the vent of the volcano. From the summit we descend to our next lodge at the base of Mt. Furano.
Day 10 Our last day's hiking takes us to the classically shaped Mt. Furano, at the southern extremity of the park.
Day 11 Today is our rest day/weather day in the mountains, which can be used for further hiking or to simply relax and enjoy the views from our lodgings.
Day 12 Depart by bus for Sapporo Chitose airport. Tour will conclude at Haneda Airport Tokyo.
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Price on application for airfares or single supplement
Package includes:
• Eleven (11) nights accommodation
• Return domestic economy class airfares – Tokyo to Sapporo
• Daily breakfast and eight (8) evening meals
• All sightseeing, transportation and entrance fees to National Parks as stated per the itinerary
• Asahi Dake Ropeway
• Fully Escorted by a Bilingual Guide
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Tour Highlights:
• Climb the sumit of Mt.Fuji (3776M) and explore the ancient forests at the base
• Hike the Hokkaido Haute Route, home to the hightest mountains in Hokkaido
• Luggage transfer by vehicles between lodges
• Hikes are normally between 4 and 6 hours a day with a day pack
• Walk past fumeroles and active volcanoes
• Climb Hokkaido’s hightest mountain, Asahi Dake (2290M)
• Soak up the culture and history as you visit ancient temples, shrines and castles
• Experience traditional Japanese Inns and enjoy local cuisine
• Relax in local hot springs
• Spend two (2) nights in Tokyo to explore the city and its sights
• Bilingual Tour Escort
If you have any questions please email us. Our Travel Experts will respond to your enquiry within 24hours.
Page last updated: 06 Aug 2010