Absolute Active Japan

Tokyo/Mount Fuji

Welcome to Japan! Join your group early this morning for a welcome meeting in Tokyo then travel together to Mount Fuji! We'll take public transportation to arrive to the tallest mountain in Japan, the legendary Mount Fuji, to begin our epic adventure. Hike up the flower covered mountain and enjoy views of Suruga Bay, Sagami Bay in the Pacific Ocean and the top of the mountain on a clear day. Arrive at your hut where we'll stay this evening. Have dinner on the slopes of Mount Fuji before heading to bed for an extra early start tomorrow. End today at 2,700 m elevation.

The Mount Fuji portion of this trip is particularly difficult, nonetheless amazing. If it seems a bit too difficult for your abilities, check out Active Northern Japan: Tokyo & Hokkaido (AJTH) or Active Japan: Hokkaido Highights & Okinawa Island Hopping (AJTN)

You will meet your group at the meeting point hotel in Tokyo at 7:45 am before departing for Mt Fuji together. Make sure to arrive to Japan with ample time to arrive at the meeting point to ensure you don't miss the departure time. Enquire about booking a pre-night hotel if you choose to arrive the day before. The hike from Station 7 to the summit of Mount Fuji for sunrise is a challenging endeavor, requiring a grueling overnight ascent in thin air and cold temperatures. Despite the physical and mental demands, the breathtaking sunrise above the clouds makes every step worthwhile, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Local Train

Kamata-eki - Shinagawa-eki 0.25h

Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Bullet Train

Shinagawa-eki - Shinfuji-eki 1h

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

Local Bus

Shinfuji-eki - Mount Fuji 2h 130km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Mt Fuji Hike Day 1

Mount Fuji

Drive to Fujinomiya Station 5 and start the ascent up Mt Fuji towards Station 7. The climb itself isn't difficult but the rapid ascent, constant incline and altitude can be challenging for hikers. The 1,396m (4580 ft) to the summit takes 6-7 hours in total, stop at Station 7 tonight to rest and prepare for the rest of the climb.

• Meals Included:
• Lunch
• Dinner

Mount Fuji/Tokyo

An early rise, around 12:30 am in the morning, may sound early, but we're telling you it is worth it. After breakfast, trekking begins around 1:00 am to reach the top of Mount Fuji in time for an epic sunrise at 3,776 m of altitude. Take in the views, snap some photos, then begin your decent down the mountain. Reach Mount Fuji 5th Station in time for lunch and then transfer back to Tokyo. Enjoy a free evening in Tokyo. Opt to rest before the adventures continues tomorrow or explore Japan's biggest city.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Mt Fuji Hike Day 2

Mount Fuji

Start hiking towards the summit before dawn. There will be some rough patches that will only be visible with flashlights. Tread carefully, don't rush and drink plenty of water. Watch the sunrise atop the mountain and celebrate a successful climb. Hike back down to retrieve your bags. It's about 4-5 hrs to Station 10. After watching the sunrise, slowly head back down about 3 more hrs.

Local Bus

Mount Fuji - Shinfuji-eki 2h 130km

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Local Train

Shinagawa-eki - Kamata-eki 0.25h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Toyoko Inn Kawasaki Ekimae Shiyakusho-dori

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 historic Meiji Shrine. In the afternoon, spend your time in Tokyo how you'd like. Opt to visit cool neighborhoods like Akihabara or Harajuku. Or find some green space in the famous Ueno Park.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Sensō-ji Temple Visit

Asakusa

Explore Senso-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs.

Meiji Shrine Visit

Tokyo

Visit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and wander the grounds along the wide walking paths.

Free Time

Tokyo

Enjoy a free afternoon in Tokyo.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Toyoko Inn Kawasaki Ekimae Shiyakusho-dori
3
Optional Activities for Day 3
Show
Akihabara Visit
Tokyo
Tokyo's Akihabara district is a cultural centre and shopping district for video games, anime, manga, and electronics.
Harajuku Visit
Tokyo
The Harajuku district is known as the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Here, find dozens of shopping and dining options including independent boutiques and larger international luxury stores.
Ueno Park Visit
Tokyo
As Japan's most popular city park, Ueno is known for its museums and cherry blossoms. Stroll the pathways, admire the thousands of trees, including approximately 800 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, look for lotus on the pond, or opt to visit the temples and museums (entrance fees).
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Tokyo/Shiretoko

There's no time to waste as you join your fellow travelers in the morning and head towards the airport to board your flight to Memanbetsu airport in Hokkaido. Upon arrival, head to your hotel outside Shiretoko National Park and enjoy dinner together with your CEO and travel mates.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Tokyo - Hokkaido 1.75h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Shiretoko

After a filling breakfast, depart the hotel en route to the Five Lakes area of Shiretoko National Park. This area is famous for its namesake five lakes that were formed years ago by the eruption of Mount Lou. The area now offers picturesque views of the mountains and the wilderness all around. In the afternoon, take a short walk to the Furepe Waterfall, a waterfall cascading into the Okhotsk Sea.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Furepe Waterfall

Shiretoko 1.5h 3km

Hike to this waterfall that plunges down the side of the emerald cliffs into the sea. This forest hike with a 64 m elevation gain is will have you seeing blue water year round and reflective rainbow when the sun hits just right.

Shiretoko Five Lakes Hike

Shiretoko 3h 4km

Hike through the Shiretoko Five Lakes. On this 4.8 km loop with an elevation of 43 m, walk by reflective lakes and stunning green mountainous scenery. Admire bright green foliage in the summer, gorgeous flower covered mountains in spring and impressive fall colors in autumn.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Shiretoko

Another morning hike in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula awaits. Embark on a guided three to four hour hike through the Primeval Forest area of the park. Be sure to bring binoculars if you are a keen animal enthusiast, as there is ample opportunity to spot various species from the Steller's sea eagle to Japanese deer. The scenery is equally as dramatic as you witness the cliff edges hang over the turquoise water of the sea. The afternoon is at leisure, and you can choose to relax at your hotel bathing facilities, or walk into the village area some 20 minutes away.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Shiretoko Afternoon

Spend a free afternoon exploring Shiretoko how you'd like.

Primeval Forest Hike

Shiretoko 2h 3km

Hike through this part of Shiretoko, seemingly untouched by man. Walk through the forest and be on the look out for foxes and deer while admiring the incredible forest and cliff side views. You may even have the chance to see bear markings on the trees.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
2
Optional Activities for Day 6
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Hot Springs Village
Shiretoko
After a couple days of hiking, enjoy a relaxing soak in an onsen, a Japanese hot spring.
Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Centre
Shiretoko
Learn about the amazing natural environment of Hokkaido at the Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Centre. Visit the animal photograph exhibit, watch the short film about Shiretoko and learn the norms for how to help support the area during your visit.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Shiretoko/Akan-ko

Depart the Shiretoko area this morning and head slightly inland towards Lake Akan. En route stop to visit active volcano Mt Lo, which sits inside the Kussharo caldera. Watch the sulfurous smoke and steam rise from the craggy landmass. From there continue on to the shore of Lake Kussharo, where you can take a moment to get your hands dirty digging into the sandy shore and actually hitting hot spring water. Dig your own personal Onsen! Yet another sign of the volcanic activity still present underground in this area. Make a final stop at the observatory deck to take in views of Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu before continuing on your overnight stay at a Ryokan. After a dinner with your fellow travelers, enjoy a cultural performance in tribute to the history of the local Ainu people of the region. Akan Yukar Lost Kamuy is a presentation of Ainu ancient ceremonial dance, contemporary dance and digital art.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Lake Mashu Observatory Deck

Akan Mashu National Park

Visit the impressive caldera lake within Akan Mashu National Park. Take in the views from the best spot to see whats considered the clearest lake in the world.

Ryokan Stay

Akan-ko

Experience traditional Japanese life with a night at a traditional Japanese Inn. Stay in tatami-matted rooms and enjoy a glimpse into Japanese culture and history.

Private Vehicle

Shiretoko - Akan Mashu National Park 2h 94km

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

Sulphur Mountain & Lake Kussharo

Kussharo-ko

Visit the otherworldly sulphur mountain and breathe in the hot air. See the greenish yellow algae that grows around the fumaroles with a steady stream of steam released across the mountain. The head to Lake Kushharo. With a hot spring under the sand, dig a hole and relax in your hand-dug beachy hot spring.

Ainu Kotan - Ainu Culture Dance

Akan-cho

Visit the Ainu Kotan Village. There are only two indigenous groups remaining in Japan and Akanko Ainu Kotan is one of the largest settlements still remaining in Hokkaido. During our visit, we'll see the village and experience their cultural performance in the evening.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Akan-ko/Asahikawa

Enjoy a leisurely start to the morning to spend the morning hours enjoying the Ryokan hot springs a second time. Or choose to join your CEO for a walk around Lake Akan. Then make your way towards Asahikawa. Don't fill up too much during the day, because dinner this evening is the famous Asahikawa ramen. This ramen is famed throughout Japan as one of the best in the country.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Akan-ko - Asahikawa

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

Ramen Dinner in Asahikawa

Asahikawa

Nearly every region of Japan has their own style of ramen, so a trip to Hokkaido wouldn't be complete without trying Asahikawa specialty ramen. With thin noodles and savory broth, this is a dish you won't want to miss.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Asahikawa

It's time to rise and shine and strap on those hiking boots once again. This morning, head to the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway. Board the ten minute gondola ride up to the start of the walk. Spend a couple of hours exploring the area on foot, and hope for glimpses of the mountain ranges as the fog comes and goes.

It's important to note that in Spring and Fall, its common to still have snow on the ground at Asahidake, so itinerary adjustments may be made. Cold weather clothing should be packed during this season.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway & Hike

Asahikawa 1.5h 1km

Visit Daisetsuzan National Park and ride the gondola up to start your hike around Sugatami Pond Loop. This easy, loop hike will give you astounding views of volcanic rock and Mount Asahi-dake, the tallest mountain in Hokkaido reflecting off ponds. After the hike, take the gondola back down.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Asahikawa/Sapporo

Sapporo, the capitol of Hokkaido, is home to some of the island's most interesting spots. With a day at leisure, choose to join your CEO to visit the Hill of the Buddha, a incredible and huge shrine. Or, choose to explore the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, a shinto shrine honoring 4 deities.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Local Train

Asahikawa-eki - Sapporo Station

Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Free Time

Sapporo

Spend a free afternoon in Sapporo.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
2
Optional Activities for Day 10
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Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
Sapporo
Visit the important Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, the resting place of four different kami (deities) of the Shinto religion. Come to the shrine and walk through torii (Japanese gates), write your wish on a wooden plaque and buy a lucky charm. This shrine is one of the best places to witness the four season of Japan. As one of the most renowned places to see cherry blossoms in the spring, fall leaves in autumn, green and colorful in the summer and snow covered in the winter.
Hill of the Buddha
Sapporo
Visit the beautiful and massive Hill of the Buddha outside Sapporo. A metro ride and bus ride brings you to this incredible location. Covered in snow in the winter or covered in flowers in the spring, this place is a must see no matter the season.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Sapporo

Spend today getting well acquainted with the city of Sapporo, home of the world famous beer. Begin your day with a visit to the Nijo Market. Walk through the stalls full of fresh seafood, most caught right of the coast of Hokkaido. You'll see crabs, fish and things you may have never seen before like fresh urchin and fish eggs. Afterwards, head to the home of the first Japanese made beer, Sapporo Beer Museum, and sample beer that can only be found at this location.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Nijo Market

Sapporo

Visit Nijo Market, a market over 100 years old. You'll see fresh local seafood like urchins and salmon eggs, and other local vendors.

Sapporo Beer Testing

Sapporo

Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a tour and tasting of the popular brew. Known as the first beer made in Japan, we'll have a chance to sample a beer that can only be found at the museum. Opt for a fun all-you-can-eat-and-drink meal in the Beer Hall.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Sapporo/Kyoto

Bid Sapporo and Hokkaido farewell and head southbound to Kyoto on a domestic flight. Upon arrival, the afternoon is at leisure and you can choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a dinner out in Kyoto.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Sapporo - Kyoto

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

CEO-Led Hiking Tour from Kurama to Kibune

Kyoto 2.5h

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.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Hike

Kyoto

Hike up Fushimi Inari through 10,000 stunning torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha). The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area. The hike up is about 2 hrs.

Free Time

Kyoto

Enjoy a free afternoon in the beautiful town of Kyoto.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
3
Optional Activities for Day 14
Show
Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit
600JPY Per Person
Kyoto
Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit
500JPY Per Person
Kyoto
Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple's top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you've had enough of the view.
Zen Gardens of Ryoan-ji
600JPY Per Person
Kyoto
The Ryoan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Kansai International Airport - Naha Airport

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time

Kunigami

Spend a free evening after arriving to Okinawa.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Yanbaru National Park

Embark on a guided walk through part of Yambaru Forest, spotting native flora and fauna on the Ibe-dake Forest Trail Trek. 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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Ibe-dake Forest Trail Trek

Yanbaru National Park

Trek along the Ibe-dake forest path through the Special Wildlife Protection Area and learn about the history and ancient wisdom of protecting this precious forest.

Yanbaru Sea Kayaking

Yanbaru National Park

Kayak to the uninhabited island of Yasuda off the coast of Yanbaru. Taking about 30 minutes one way, we'll glide over pristine reef and through crystal clear water, clear enough to see the colorful coral and bright fish. Explore Yasuda island's white sand and relax on the beach, where sea turtles sometimes visit, before paddling back to the coast.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

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 famous Okinawan ryori (food).

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Naha Airport - Ishigaki Airport

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time

Ishigaki

Spend a free evening in Ishigaki before a group dinner.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

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. During the paddle, we'll jump out of the boat for a chance to snorkel out above the coral reef.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Sabani Boat

Ishigaki

Climb aboard a traditional wooden Sabani Boat. Local to Okinawa, we'll sail in this dugout-cedar boat and have a chance to snorkel in the blue water through colorful reefs.

Snorkeling from the Sabani Boat

Ishigaki

Jump out of the traditional Sabani boat with a snorkel mask and fins.. Glide above the tropical coral reefs and admire the colorful life below the sea. Your sabani boat guide will point out some of the amazing things you may see like puffer fish, sea stars or maybe even a sea turtle!

Free Time

Ishigaki

Spend your afternoon at leisure in the Ishigaki Port area.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

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. After an epic day exploring the island, choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner back in Ishigaki.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Iriomote Kayak

Iriomote-jima

Glide through the Mangrove forest waterways in a kayak and learn about the importance of these amazing trees. You'll have the chance to observe the unique wildlife that the Mare and Hinai Rivers' ecosystem supports.

Ferry

Ishigaki - Iriomote-jima

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Ferry

Iriomote-jima - Ishigaki

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Ferry

Ishigaki - Taketomi

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Ferry

Taketomi - Ishigaki

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Taketomi Cycling

Taketomi

Hop on a bicycle and explore Taketomi's noteworthy stops. Starting at the Yugafu-kan cultural center, we'll then bike to Nishi Pier for a perfect view of the sea, to the white sands of Kondoi Beach for a swim and a snorkel, and to the traditional village of Taketomi. This tour will bring you to experience the picturesque beaches of the island and its well preserved history.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast

Ishigaki

Depart at any time.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast