Overview
Join us for a true “insider’s” perspective on Japan as we tell the story of this land of legends through its towering medieval castles and the stories of the men who built them—the samurais. In learning about the bushido (warrior), zen, and tea cultures of the samurai and their power struggles, we gain a perspective on the history of Japan and a path to a better understanding of the modern society. We explore ancient places of worship, soaring castles, seaside ruins, samurai lanes, and meet potters and artisans who have kept their crafts alive. Along the way, we experience an array of atmospheric places, including majestic Himeji Castle, the ancient town of Kurashiki, with its preserved area dating to the Edo Period (1603-1867), the samurai streets and traditional potters of Hagi on the Sea of Japan, and exquisite Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site where we’ll join pilgrims on thousand-year-old forest paths leading to sacred shrines. Our accommodations are a combination of modern hotels and wonderfully traditional Japanese ryokans.
Days 1-2
Osaka / Himeji / Himeji Castle / Mt. Shosa
From Osaka, we head to Himeji, with its spectacular castle built in the mid-14th century and never damaged by war, earthquake, or fire. It is a national treasure and a World Heritage Site. We also explore Mt. Shosa’s atmospheric, thousand-year-old Engyoji Temple complex.
Osaka / Himeji / Himeji Castle / Mt. Shosa - Days 1-2
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport
Day 1 (1 night), Osaka, JapanThis hotel couldn’t be more convenient for travelers transiting Osaka—it’s located just a short walk from the passenger terminal and train station. Guestrooms are modern, spacious, and quiet (despite the proximity of jets landing and taking off) and there is a good breakfast buffet.
Hotel Nikko Himeji
Day 2 (1 night), Himeji, JapanThis large western-style hotel is in a convenient location with easy access to the sights of Himeji, a World Heritage Site. Its clean, quiet, and comfortable rooms feature all the amenities one would expect in a modern hotel. The hotel has four restaurants, a tea lounge, and a top floor bar where you can relax with a drink and enjoy views of spectacular Himeji Castle, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Days 3-5
Kurashiki / Bitchu Matsuyama / Okayama / Fukuyama
A bullet train takes us to charming Kurashiki, a city that dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867). We walk the ancient streets, take the local train the village of Bitchu Takahachi to hike up to its mountaintop castle, and explore Okayama's striking black castle, the lovely garden of the daimyo (feudal ruler) at Korakuen, and the rebuilt Fukuyama Castle. Overnights in Kurashiki.
Kurashiki / Bitchu Matsuyama / Okayama / Fukuyama - Days 3-5
Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel
Days 3 to 5 (3 nights), Kurashiki, JapanWith a friendly staff and quiet location, the Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel is a wonderful base for exploring the city. The building is modern yet inside there are traditional Japanese touches. Guest rooms have marble-tiled bathrooms and are either Western-style or Japanese-style. At the end of the day, you can relax in your own private deep-soaking tub.
Days 6-8
Matsue / Samurai Homes / Lafcadio Hearn Home / Izumo Taisha Shrine
In Matsue, on the shore of Lake Shinji, we stay in a traditional ryokan—a great way to experience the Japanese way of life. We visit Matsue Castle, which has one of Japan’s largest original castle towers, and savor the samurai quarters nearby. We also visit the home of Lafcadio Hearn, a 19th century writer who introduced Japanese culture to the West with his articles in Harper’s magazine. On Day 8 we experience the venerated Izumo Taisha shrine, deeply associated with Japan’s creation legends. This memorable place was designated a National Treasure of Japan in 1952 and is the country’s oldest shrine. Overnights in ryokan.
Matsue / Samurai Homes / Lafcadio Hearn Home / Izumo Taisha Shrine - Days 6-8
Ohashikan Ryokan
Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Matsue, JapanAs the oldest ryokan in Matsue, Ohashikan has a long legacy of authentic Japanese traditions. The ryokan is set within walking distance from Matsue Castle and has a beautiful view of Lake Shinji and the Ohashi River. Inside, tatami-floored guest rooms have futon beds and wonderful vistas of the castle or lake. Each evening, you can choose from the colorful assortment of yukatas (robes) provided to guests and enjoy listening to traditional koto music in the lobby. Please note: single accommodations are not available at the Ohashikan Ryokan.
Days 9-10
Hagi / Hagiyaki Pottery
Hagi is a quiet coastal town with a well-preserved samurai quarter. Several beautiful samurai and merchant homes are open for our enjoyment and we'll also visit the local potters, makers of the famed Hagiyaki pottery. Our two nights here are memorable, as is our stay at a traditional ryokan. Overnights in ryokan.
Hagi / Hagiyaki Pottery - Days 9-10
Resort Hotel Mihagi
Days 9 to 10 (2 nights), Hagi, JapanSet right on a tranquil beach, the Resort Hotel Mihagi is a nice ryokan with a lovely onsen. The hotel has both traditional tatami-floored and western-style guestrooms, each complete with yukata (robes) and slippers, and wonderful views of the sea. It's within walking distance to castle ruins and the Old Town area.
Days 11-14
Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trails
On the Kii Peninsula, we'll discover a network of exquisite pilgrimage routes that have been walked for centuries by Japanese people from all levels of society. At the center of this sacred area are three Kumano shrines and the region has been sacred since prehistoric times. We will set out for 2-3-hour walks on the pilgrim pathways, enjoy soaks in the onsens (hot springs), and savor the peaceful atmosphere. Depart via Osaka on Day 14
Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trails - Days 11-14
Shiraraso Grand Hotel
Day 11 (1 night), Wakayama, JapanThe Shiraaso Grand is set right along the beautiful Shirshama Beach and offers wonderful ocean views. The hotel has both Western- and Japanese-style guest rooms, all with ocean views, as well as an onsen, swimming pool, restaurant, sauna, and spa.
Kameya Ryokan
Days 12 to 13 (2 nights), Tanabe, JapanKameya Ryokan, a family-owned ryokan perched above the banks of the Oto River, has traditional guestrooms with tatami mat floors and futon bedding. Though the ryokan is simple, it has a private indoor onsen for men and women, and also offers access to the outdoor onsen where you can unwind in the river and delight in the natural hot springs! The Kumano Kodo hikes would not be complete without a relaxing soak in the onsen. The food served here is traditional and delicious.
Fujiya Ryokan
Days 12 to 13 (2 nights), Kawayu Onsen, JapanSet at one end of the hot-spring village of Kawayu Onsen, the family-run Fujiya Ryokan is one of the most traditional of the local ryokans. Large, comfortable guestrooms look out on the Oto River, where hot-springs bubble to the surface, and are decorated in traditional Japanese style. You can have your choice of onsen for a soak—indoor, outdoor, or in ponds dug in the riverbanks (you can go for a swim afterwards to cool off!). Meals here are wonderful—seasonal and locally sourced—and the kaiseki (traditional multi-course dinner) is excellent.
Japan: Castles, Samurai, and Legends
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Walking, including some steep stairs, 2-5 hours a day on walking days, Japanese-style dining (sitting on floor)
