This very special journey through Japan travels from modern Tokyo to ancient Kyoto via Pilgrim's Paths along the ancient Kumano Kodo way.

Along the way you'll stay at a temple lodging on Koya-san and at traditional ryokan in Ise, Yunomine Onsen and Chikatsuyu-oji.

Japan has a long and rich tradition of pilgrimage. Since ancient times pilgrims young and old, rich and poor have followed sacred routes through forests, over mountains and across rivers to find peace, enlightenment and spiritual rebirth. This itinerary showcases a selection of the stunning natural environments in which these routes are found and reveals a quite different side to most people’s preconceptions of Japan.

Your journey starts and ends in Tokyo, Japan's remarkable capital city. Here a visit to bustling Senso-ji Temple gives a glimpse of a bygone Tokyo. Contrast this with the über-modern, energy filled districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya where the pace never slows.

A ride on Japan's Shinkansen 'Bullet Train' followed by a scenic local train ride hugging the coastline brings you to the pilgrimage Mecca of Ise. Millions of Japanese come here every year to see the outer and inner shrines, the latter dedicated to Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. Stroll through the extensive grounds before a traditional lunch in the restored old quarters. A stay in Yunomine begins your exploration of the Kumano Kodo, a designated World Heritage route. This tiny village is a hidden gem tucked in a steep, wooded valley and home to one of the most unique onsen in Japan.

An expert guide is on hand for the day to provide a local's introduction and lead you on a choice of nearby hiking trails. For the journey on to Chikatsuyu-oji you can choose to follow in the steps of the junreisha (pilgrims) and take on the challenging 24km hike through stunning scenery or alternatively, local buses can do some of the work for you!

A full day traversing the valleys and peaks on foot and by bus and you arrive at the mountain top sacred site of Koya-san. Here you'll stay in traditional temple lodgings, surrounded by thick forests and serving meals of shoujin ryori, traditional Buddhist cuisine.

The early morning meditation ceremony is a unique experience and we also recommend a twilight walk through the vast Okunoin Cemetery. Before returning to Tokyo by Shinkansen, the penultimate stop on your pilgrimage across Japan will be a true highlight: Kyoto.

Here you will find the very best in arts, crafts, gardens and cuisine, as well as 17 World Heritage sites. Historic cities, ancient forest paths, the most venerated of Shinto shrines and healing volcanic hot spring waters make this a very special spiritual journey through Japan.

Day 1: Fly UK – Tokyo

Fly from the UK to Tokyo.

Day 2: Tokyo

On arrival at Narita Airport you will be met by your driver who will be taking you by shuttle bus to your hotel in the historic Asakusa district of Tokyo.

Journey time is just 45 minutes and you will also be given taxi vouchers for the final 5-minute transfer to your hotel. Situated on the banks of the Sumida River, Asakusa is Tokyo’s most historic area and home to the magnificent Senso-ji Temple.

With the colourful carnival of market stalls, food vendors and traditional ryokan, Asakusa’s relaxed down-to-earth atmosphere offers a glimpse of Tokyo life before the neon-spangled skyscrapers arrived.

Your hotel in the historic Asakusa district of the city is a short walk from the nearest subway station.

Overnight Tokyo.

Day 3: Tokyo

To help you find your feet in one of the world’s largest cities, you will have a knowledgeable guide at your disposal today. The guide will lead you to some of Tokyo’s most famous sights as well as some lesser-known places of interest.

The itinerary will be agreed by you and the guide on the day, so if you have any special interests, from sushi to computer games, the guide will be delighted to incorporate this.

Tokyo’s public transport is truly first rate and as you travel around the city by bus, train and subway you can get the full Tokyo low-down first hand from your local guide.

Overnight Tokyo.

Day 4: Tokyo

Armed with your complimentary Info-Pack and a good city map, you will be ready to discover the many sights, sounds and tastes of Tokyo.

Once a small fishing village called Edo, Tokyo is now a glittering megalopolis and you won’t run out of things to do today! At Asakusa hop on the waterbus for a cruise down the Sumida River to the Hama Rikyu Garden, a perfect Japanese landscape garden juxtaposed against the gleaming skyscrapers of Shiodome.

Spend the afternoon exploring The Ginza’s luxurious department stores and more traditional boutiques. Or why not take a gentle stroll though Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum? To witness a truly Japanese tradition, visit the sumo stables to watch the wrestlers’ early morning practice session.

Overnight Tokyo.

Day 5: Ise

Today you will start your journey through Japan taking the high speed Shinkansen to Nagoya and then changing for a scenic local train to Ise. Home to two of the most important shrines in the Japanese Shinto tradition, Ise is the perfect way to start your travels.

Explore the inner and outer shrine as well as some of the town's unspoilt old streets. Accommodation is at a traditional inn with meals included.

Overnight Ise. Breakfast & Dinner included.

Day 6: Ise

A full day in Ise and the chance to visit nearby Kashikojima Island and the nature reserves of the Ise Shima National Park if you wish. You can also explore nearby Toba, famous for pearl cultivation and home to the Mikimoto pearl company.

Overnight Ise. Breakfast & Dinner included.

Day 7: Yunomine Onsen

The Ltd Express train will carry you on around the southern coast of Wakayama prefecture today. You could make an optional stop off for a whale watching trip if you wished (from Kushimoto - April to October) before heading inland to Yunomine Onsen.

Hot spring baths towns such as Yunomine have always made an ideal staging point for explorers of the Kumano Kodo and your inn here will have its own great baths for you to try.

Overnight Yunomine Onsen. Breakfast & Dinner included.

Day 8: Yunomine Onsen

A full day in Yunomine gives the chance to take one of the Kumano Kodo trails. Recently registered as a World Heritage site, the pilgrimage route links Kumano Hongu shrine with Kyoto and Osaka as well as Ise.

There are numerous trails to take - from easy to challenging and we will provide a local expert guide for you today. Some fantasic vistas and beautiful rural landscapes unfold before your eyes as you make your way to Kumano Hongu main shrine.

Overnight Yunomine Onsen. Breakfast & Dinner included.

Day 9: Chikatsuyu Oji

You'll be following the footsteps of pilgrims along the ancient path from Kumano Hongu Taisha to Chikatsuyu-oji. Today's section is around 24km and does involve some fairly steep climbs.

You'll need to make an early start as the walk will take between 8 and 10 hours. If the weather is bad or you want to shorten the walk you can do so by taking a bus part of the way. One option is to take the bus to Hosshinmon-oji and begin walking there.

This cuts of about 6km and 2-3hrs of walking (including quite a bit of uphill). Alternatively you could take the bus to Kobira-toge. From here the walk to Chikatsuyu-oji is only about 7km along a section of quiet paved road.

The Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network is the most popular trail to Kumano and has been used extensively since the 10th century, when Japan's Imperial ancestors first began the tradition.

Overnight Chikatsuyu Oji. Breakfast & Dinner included.