Kyoto, the Shima Peninsula, and Japan's Sacred Kumano Kodo
{"trip":{"TripID":10466,"Trip_Code":"JAPEARL","Trip_Name":"Shinto Shrines, Pearl Divers, and Pilgrim Trails","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Osaka, Japan","End_Location":"Osaka, Japan","Number_Days":13,"Number_Nights":12,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"Marvelous Kyoto, rural sites outside Kyoto, the Shinto shrines of the Shima Peninsula, the pearl divers of Toba Bay, and the pilgrim trails of Kumano Kodo—they're all on this unique WT adventure. We'll visit I. M. Pei's masterpiece Miho Museum, set in a nature preserve, go tea- and sake-tasting in the atmospheric ancient city of Uji, then visit Nara's great Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most famous buildings. After exploring the ancestral shrine of Japan's emperors at Ise, we meet traditional <em>ama<\/em> (female pearl divers) in beautiful Toba Bay, then finish with walks in the misty forests of Kumano Kodo, the holy ground of Japan, where pilgrims have walked for centuries.","Long_Description":"","ActivityHighlight":"Walking, including some steep stairs, 6-7 hours a day, Japanese-style dining (sitting on floor)","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/placeholder-cover.jpg","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-JAPEARL-tori-gate-fushimi-inari-shrine-kyoto-japan.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/japearl-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/japan-kyoto-kumano-kodo-walking-tour","ThisYear_Year":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"","Price":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"$9,995 (10-12 members)<br>\n$10,495 (7-9 members)<br>\n$10,995 (5-6 members)","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $1,985","PriceNextYear":"9995","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"","PricingNotes":"","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":4,"TripRatingName":"2","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":26,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Pacific","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Osaka \/ Kyoto","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Arrive in Osaka and transfer to our Noku Hotel Kyoto. We gather for a Welcome Dinner this evening.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Kyoto \/ Shigaraki Yaki \/ I. M. Pei's Miho Museum","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We depart via charter bus this morning to the Shiga area. Our first stop will be to visit a 5th generation Indigo artisan. Mori san and his son will show us how to make indigo dye from the plants and give a demonstration of the dyeing process for both silk and washi paper. We continue on to the Miho Museum, an architectural wonder designed by I. M. Pei. The museum winds through forested hills in a 247-acre nature preserve on the outskirts of Kyoto. Its design seamlessly integrates it into the natural surroundings, as we'll see when we approach the museum, walking through a mix of man-made and natural environments. The museum displays fascinating pieces from ancient civilizations around the world collected by Koyama Mihoko, one of the wealthiest women in Japan. We finish out our day in Shigaraki, a gem in the middle of Shiga's countryside. This rural town is known for its traditional shigaraki yaki, a distinctive ceramic recognized as one of Japan's “six ancient kilns” (or rokkoyo). Its origin dates to the making of roofing tiles for the local palace of Emperor Shomu during the 8th century Tenpyo era. We are welcomed by some of Shigaraki's potters to learn about their ancient craft. We visit the studio of Satoshi Arakawa who is an energetic ceramic artist working with a traditional wood kiln. His work has been accepted into the national traditional craft association. We return to Kyoto where we'll have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Kyoto \/ Gold-Leaf Artisan \/ Textile Center \/ Dinner with a Geisha","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning we visit the Kyoto workshop of Hakuya Noguchi, a fourth-generation, gold-leaf artisan who lives and works in a Meiji-era wooden townhouse. He creates materials for exquisite obis, or kimono sashes, woven from shredded washi-paper “threads” covered with precious metals, and he makes stunning abstract designs on paper. We continue on to Sarah Brayer's studio where she shares her insights on being an artist in Kyoto since the \u201870's. Her work is now shown internationally. The afternoon is at leisure in Kyoto, and we'll have a myriad of choices, from temple-hopping to museums or just strolling through this ancient city of temples. We will gather back at the hotel and head to a private home for a lovely dinner and entertainment by our own geisha. Overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Kyoto \/ Tofukuji Temple \/ Fushimi Inari Shrine","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We head outside Kyoto to Tofukuji, one of Kyoto's oldest temples, with its spectacular gardens and ancient wooden bridges. Founded in the 13th century at the behest of the powerful Fujiwara clan, Tofukuji is one of Kyoto's most magnificent World Heritage Sites yet much less visited because of its distance from the city. We continue on to Fushimi for lunch and a visit to the Sake Museum before heading to the atmospheric Fushimi Inari shrine, where we walk an ancient trail crowned by over 5,000 vibrant orange torii gates as it winds up a mountainside through deep forests. There are five shrines en route, created by the Hata family in the 8th century and dedicated to the gods of rice and sake. Return to Kyoto for overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Uji \/ Byodoin Temple \/ Tea and Sake Tasting","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We travel to Uji to soak up the atmosphere of this ancient city, prominently featured in The Tale of Genji, Murasaki Shikibu's classic 11th century novel. Our afternoon in Uji finds us at the serene Byodoin Temple, a striking example of pure Buddhist architecture. The temple's large Phoenix Hall is one of the finest surviving examples from the Heian Period (794-1185 AD) and is often referred to as the most beautiful building in Japan. Uji's green tea (Uji matcha) is famous throughout Japan and used to flavor everything from pastries to parfaits. We'll have a tea tasting, then finish our day sampling sake at a local brewery before heading to our ryokan. Dinner tonight will be kaiseki-style, a traditional Japanese meal consisting of six to 15 unique small courses meant to be enjoyed slowly and deliberately, each course designed to reflect the season and the locale where it was made. Overnight at Hanayashiki Ukifune-en.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Nara Park and Todaiji \/ Horyuji's Wooden Temples","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A short train ride brings us to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, founded in the early 8th century, and a surprising number of buildings survive from this era. We'll walk the trails of leafy Nara Park, with its 1,200 free-wandering deer (in Shinto, deer are considered to be messengers of the gods). The park holds the great Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most famous buildings, with a colossal bronze Buddha. Todaiji is one of the world's largest wooden structures. We enjoy a relaxing dinner tonight at our inn. The next day, we head to the outer areas of Horyuji, where some of the oldest surviving wooden temples in the world still stand. They were the first Buddhist monuments in Japan and had a strong subsequent influence on the nation's religious architecture. The main Horyuji Temple itself was completed in 607 AD for Prince Shotoku. After returning to Nara proper, our afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is on your own (the Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations). Overnight at Hotel Nikko Nara. (Day 6), B (Day 7)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Ise Shima Shrines \/ Shima Peninsula \/ AMA Divers","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We head out to visit the Grand Shrines of Ise, the ancestral shrine of the emperors of Japan, dedicated to the sun goddess, Amaterasu, with an adjacent shrine dedicated to the food goddess, Toyouke. These shrines are completely rebuilt every 20 years at a staggering cost, reflecting an important Shinto belief in the death and renewal of nature and the impermanence of all things. In Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, divinity is manifested within nature itself, and Shinto practices express the Japanese people’s relationship with their land and the cycles of the earth. We spend the afternoon exploring this atmospheric setting. The next day, we journey by train to the Shima Peninsula, with its island-dotted coastline, sacred Shinto shrines, and pearl divers. From Toba, a ferry brings us into beautiful Ago Bay, known as Japan’s Aegean for its teal-blue waters. We first visit the more commercial but historical Mikimoto Pearl Island as the museum there has a fabulous display on farming pearls. Our bus picks us up and we continue on down the gorgeous coastline where we’ll have an authentic visit with traditional female pearl divers known as ama (“women of the sea”), enjoy a lunch among them, and learn about the unique pearl-diving culture, which dates back to the 8th century. Nowadays these women mainly dive for shell fish, lobster, and other joys from the sea, hence our delicious lunch! We drive back stopping along the way for the views of this magnificent coast. Overnights at hotel. ","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Shingu \/ Explore the Kumano Kodo Nachi Pilgrim Trails","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A train journey of about 3.5 hours brings us along the coast to the small coastal city of Shingu, where we overnight before beginning our two-day exploration of the Nachi section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path. Kumano is the holy ground of Japan, and pilgrims have walked these trails for centuries. Shrines, mist, waterfalls, and deep forests create the perfect walking environment, and we'll be immersed in rural Japan. We'll overnight at Hotel Urashima Resort and Spa. On Day 11, we explore the precincts of the Nachi shrine as well as Nachi-no-Otaki, Japan's highest waterfall that has been protected since ancient times. It is used for ascetic training by mountain monks who practice Shugendo, a mixed religion of foreign and indigenous beliefs. We return to Urashima for another chance to enjoy the cave baths and bountiful buffet this evening. We will walk on the Kumano Kodo path on Day 12, then drive to the lovely Fujiya Ryokan, where we end our journey with a Farewell Dinner. Overnights at Hotel Urashima (Days 10-11), Hotel Fujiya Ryokan (Day 12). each day","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Osaka \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Depart early in the morning via chartered bus to Osaka Airport.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Osaka \/ Kyoto \/ Miho Museum \/ Geisha Dinner","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-13T10:44:00 --><p>In the rural town of Shigaraki, we visit a 5th generation indigo artisan, then continue to the Miho Museum, an architectural wonder designed by I. M. Pei. We also visit a small town known for <em>shigaraki yaki<\/em>, a ceramic style recognized as one of Japan's “six ancient kilns.” Our private dinner in Kyoto with a geisha illuminates an ancient Japanese tradition of hospitality.<\/p>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Kyoto Artisan Workshops \/ Tofukuji Temple","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"One of our workshop visits is to the Meiji-era wooden townhouse of Hakuya Noguchi, a 4th generation gold-leaf artisan. Just outside Kyoto, we explore Tofukuji, founded in the 13th century at the behest of the powerful Fujiwara clan. With its spectacular gardens and ancient wooden bridges, it is a magnificent World Heritage Site, yet less visited because of its distance outside the city.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Uji \/ Nara Park \/ Todaiji \/ Horyuji","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the atmospheric city of Uji, featured in the 11th century Tale of Genji, we taste Uji's green-tea-infused cuisine, visit the serene Byodoin Temple, and sample the wares at a sake brewery. At Nara, explorations include the majestic Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden structures, and the mystical Horuji temples, Japan's oldest Buddhist monuments.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Pearl Divers \/ Grand Shrines of Ise","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A ferry brings us to Mikimoto Island, where pearls have been cultivated for centuries. We’ll meet with traditional female pearl divers, then visit the Grand Shrines of Ise, which predate Buddhism in Japan and are dedicated to Shinto’s venerated deity, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trails","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Walking the ancient pilgrim trails of the Kumano Kodo amid shrines and waterfalls is an unforgettable experience of rural Japan. Depart on Day 13 via Osaka.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/shinto-shrines-pearl-divers-and-pilgrim-trails-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/shinto-shrines-pearl-divers-and-pilgrim-trails-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Meet Kyoto's traditional artisans, dine with a geisha","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":28179,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Explore the ancient pilgrim trails of the Kumano 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She began her independent exploration at a young age with a week in the South West World Heritage area at the age of 11, and a school exchange in Japan at the age of 15. She is a world traveler who has lived in Europe, Japan, and Central America, and has a special affinity for Japan where she spent seven years studying Japanese literature, hitch-hiking around Hokkaido, and exploring trails and temples. She currently lives in Tasmania, one of her favorite places in the world, and works as a guide in both Tasmania and Japan. Lucy is fluent in Japanese and is keen to share her love of Tasmania, Japan, and all the places in between, with travelers and friends.","BioLong":"Having grown up in rural Tasmania, Lucy developed a deep love of nature and the outdoors through exploring the bush around her home on horseback and hiking with her family. She began her independent exploration at a young age with a week in the South West World Heritage area at the age of 11, and a school exchange in Japan at the age of 15. She is a world traveler who has lived in Europe, Japan, and Central America. After a year of working in Japan, she studied Japanese at the University of Tasmania, and later returned to Osaka on a scholarship to study Japanese literature along with anthropology, film, and ceramics. During her seven years in Japan, she taught English, hitch-hiked around Hokkaido, climbed Mt. Fuji, and walked the Kumano Kodo. She currently lives in Tasmania, one of her favorite places in the world, and works as a guide in both Tasmania and Japan. Lucy's partner is a well-known sushi chef from the countryside of Wakayama. Together they relish camping and diving in Tasmania's pristine wilderness, dining on internationally inspired dishes using home-grown produce, and surfing and snorkeling on the coast. Lucy is fluent in Japanese and is keen to share her love of Tasmania, Japan, and all the places in between, with travelers and friends."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Greg P.","GuestLocation":"San Antonio, TX","GuestReview":"Outstanding trip! Diverse itinerary, great introduction to Japanese artisans, very, very good look at the shrines, hiking trails, and seafaring traditions of this fascinating part of Japan."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10466,"SimilarTripID":10359,"Trip_Code":"HIKERSBH","Trip_Name":"Hiker's Journey to Bhutan"},{"TripID":10466,"SimilarTripID":10449,"Trip_Code":"SNOWMONK","Trip_Name":"Japan: Snow Monkeys and Winter Cranes"},{"TripID":10466,"SimilarTripID":10378,"Trip_Code":"EAGLEFES","Trip_Name":"Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival"},{"TripID":10466,"SimilarTripID":10339,"Trip_Code":"TEMPLTEA","Trip_Name":"Temples, Treasures, and Teahouses"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73369,"ProductID":83957,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Vendor Ops Payment","Vendor":"OKU Japan","Address1":"Kyoei Chuo Building 5F, 762 Nishiha","Address2":"","City":"Kyoto","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Shinto Shrines, Pearl Divers, and Pilgrim Trails","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":12,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72459,"ProductID":82287,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Noku Kyoto","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Kyoto","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":4,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Noku puts us in the heart of Kyoto, right next to the Imperial Palace. 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We stay in western-style rooms with Japanese influences—tatami mats but a comfortable bed to sleep on. The hotel offers a private beach and an outdoor swimming pool. Be sure to indulge yourself with a soak in the outdoor bath with grand views of Ise Bay.<\/body>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-umino-chou-hybrid-room.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72653,"ProductID":82481,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Hotel Urashima","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Katsuura","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":10,"Sequence":10,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<p>This gleaming resort and spa lies along the edge of the Pacific Ocean buffered by green mountains and cavernous hot springs. 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The hotel is also home to the Spacewalker—an escalator with the longest altitude difference in Japan.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/1-hotel-urashima-terrace-exterior.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72112,"ProductID":81940,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Fujiya Ryokan","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Kawayu Onsen","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":12,"Sequence":10,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Set 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. 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Meals here are wonderful—seasonal and locally sourced—and the kaiseki (traditional multi-course dinner) is excellent.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-fujiya-ryokan-hotel-exterior.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Japan<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<strong>\nARRIVING IN KYOTO<\/strong><br>\nUpon arrival at Kansai you will need to clear customs and immigration. There is a currency exchange on the arrival floor outside the customs area, should you wish to change money into Japanese Yen. We recommend that you make use of Japan's excellent rail network and take a train to the hotel. The JR (Japanese Rail) train is located within the airport and you can purchase your tickets there. Approximate train fare is ?3500 (about $35). Trains run frequently (2-3 times per hour) to Kyoto Station. Upon arrival at the Kyoto station, take the subway Karasuma Line for an 8-minute ride to the Marutamachi Station. The Noku Kyoto hotel is directly across the street.<br>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<strong>\nMEETING PLACE<\/strong><br>\nOn Day 1, please meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of the Noku Hotel at 6:30 pm.<br>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<strong>\nDEPARTING OSAKA<\/strong><br>\nOne the final day of the trip, a group transfer will be provided from the Fujiya Ryokan to Kansai International Airport (KIX).<br>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to your Trip Leaders and Local Agent (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground. <br><br>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"<strong>\nOKU JAPAN<\/strong><br>\nAttn: Tomoko Shiraki<br>\n(+81) 905-062-8552<br>\ngt.emergency@okujapan.com<br>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"<strong>LUGGAGE:<\/strong> As you are responsible for carrying your own luggage through the hotels, to taxis, and through train stations, we strongly suggest using a small duffel or soft-sided roller bag. Overhead shelves on trains are about 16” high and 24” deep and cannot accommodate large items. There is usually space for two to three large suitcases behind the last row of seats in each car on most long distance trains. Furthermore, on many trains, the leg room is large enough to place a suitcase in front of you, although this may not be the most comfortable solution.","Custom_Carry-On":"<strong>CARRY-ON: <\/strong>Valuable or essential items, such as camera equipment, binoculars, and prescription medications, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.","Custom_name_slug":"japan-kyoto-kumano-kodo-walking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Walking & cultural adventure in Japan: explore Kyoto temples, Shinto shrines of the Shima Peninsula, pearl divers of Toshi-Jima, and Kumano Kodo pilgrim trails.","Custom_List_Description":"Cultural walking adventure: Kyoto temples, Shinto shrines of the Shima Peninsula, pearl divers of Toshi-Jima, Kumano Kodo pilgrim trails.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Japan: Kyoto & Kumano Kodo Walking Tour | Wilderness Travel","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_Passport":"","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"","Custom_Money":"","Custom_Tipping":"","Custom_Food":"","Custom_Communications":"","Custom_Electricity":"","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Reading_List":"","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"","Custom_Luggage":"","Custom_Clothing":"","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"","Custom_Optional_Items":"","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Kyoto, the Shima Peninsula, and Japan's Sacred Kumano Kodo<\/body>","Custom_Lodging":"12 nights ryokans and hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except lunches and 1 dinner","Custom_Activity":"","Custom_Difficulty":"Walking, including some steep stairs, 6-7 hours a day, Japanese-style dining (sitting on floor)","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"The trip is <strong>Level 2, Easy to Moderate<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. This adventure trip features lovely walks in cities and villages.","Custom_Terrain":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T17:40:29 --><p>We make the most of our time in Japan. After rising and eating breakfast, we leave our ryokan for a walking tour. Daily mini-lectures by our Trip Leader help provide insights into the past and future, the history, politics, geography, and food of Japan. On some days, we visit temples and shrines, and other days, we follow the pathways of the shoguns or visit sites of breathtaking natural beauty. We ride the subways and buses, but we do most of our sightseeing on foot.<\/p>","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"<p>Although not physically demanding, the trip will yield greater rewards if you are in good physical condition and able to stay on your feet for 6-7 hours per day. There is much to see, and a fair amount of walking is necessary to take it all in—and you will find there are many steps to climb! Japan is a land of staircases and hills and you will enjoy the trip more if you are dressed comfortably and are in good physical condition. Please remember we will be sleeping on futons and eating at floor level, so it is important that you are able to sit down on, and get up off, the floor without much difficulty.<\/p>","Custom_Weather":"Japan's climate and temperature range are similar to the east coast of the US, with four distinct seasons. In March and April, the weather is turning spring-like and we hope to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Viewing the blossoms is somewhat of a national pastime in Japan. However, as the spring is a transitional season, we can expect some rain. In autumn, the weather in Japan turns pleasant, as the humidity of the summer months leave the air. Because the occasional typhoon does occur in the autumn, we may expect some rain. Temperatures should range from the 50s to the 70s \u00b0F. In the mountains, the weather is unpredictable and we may encounter rain.","Custom_Accommodations":"<p>Japan is a blend of the traditional and modern, and our trip encompasses this unique mixture. We will stay at traditional ryokans as well as Japanese-style hotels. The quiet world of the ryokan is a venerable cultural institution—a way to experience a simple, timeless way of life. After being warmly welcomed, we trade our street shoes for slippers. Once inside, we remove our slippers as we step onto the finely woven tatami mats covering our sleeping room floors. Our rooms are spacious and pleasant with low tables and comfortable futon mattresses with quilts and blankets. Ryokans have double rooms (singles are sometimes possible). Some of our rooms will have attached toilets; at other times, we share the \"down the hall\" facilities. Although a few ryokans have western baths in the rooms, most have an <em>ofuro<\/em> (a Japanese-style bath).<\/p><p>Normally, a fresh cotton <em>yukata<\/em> (robe) is provided for each guest. These light kimonos can be worn anywhere in and around the ryokan and we often wear them to meals (make sure to wear the left side over the right). For many of our breakfasts and dinners, beautifully presented meals are served as we sit on the floor at low tables on our tatami mats.<\/p>","Custom_Cuisine":"<p>A highlight of any visit to Japan is its superb cuisine defined by fresh ingredients and artful presentation. We will have ample opportunity to sample both familiar and new dishes. We will sample many types of Japanese food, and usually the first \"bite\" is with our eyes, the presentation being a tantalizing array of fresh fish, beef, vegetables, tofu, miso soup and, of course, rice, all served on individual plates and bowls of exquisite sizes, patterns, and proportions. We eat with chopsticks and are usually seated at low tables on the floor. At some ryokans, you may choose between a Japanese breakfast of fish, rice, miso soup, tofu, vegetables, pickled condiments and tea, or a western breakfast consisting of eggs, toast, salad, and coffee. Many places, however, offer only Japanese food.<\/p><p>During our stays in major cities, you will have some dinners and all lunches on your own, allowing you ample opportunity to sample the endless variety of Japanese food. When we are traveling, we may try an <em>obento<\/em> (box lunch), and we sample the snack foods of Japan and\/or get a bowl of udon, ramen or soba noodles at one of the local spots. We often eat lunch at noodle shops, sushi bars and small neighborhood lunch spots, avoiding the infamous high-priced meals of Japan. Napkins are not used except at western-style restaurants; bring your own handkerchief.<\/p><p>Keep in mind that Japanese food is very different from what we are used to, and with the limited availability of American foods, your food intake will be a big part of the Japanese adventure.<\/p>","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T17:38:34 --><p>Japanese Bathing<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"<p>In Japan, bathing is a time-honored tradition, a relaxing daily event. While staying in our ryokans, we will bathe as the Japanese do—using the ofuro system. In separate men and women's sides, the custom is to wash and rinse before entering the ofuro, a large tub of hot water where we can sit back with legs extended, submerged to the neck (this trip is not for the very modest!). Early Shinto was a religion of cleanliness and purification. Ritualistic bathing began during this time and has been perfected over the centuries. Either as a divine imperative or a luxury, bathing in Japan has always been regarded as more than a hygienic chore. The ofuro is the perfect way to finish a hectic day of travel. After a relaxing bath, we gather for the evening meal.<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:16 --><p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual loris of physical exertion, or activities you ma not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions—and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure for 2024 and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_Photography":"<html><head><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><\/head><body style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. Camera equipment is available for rent from Borrow Lenses , with a 10% discount offered to Wilderness Travel clients. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip.<br><br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to <strong>wtphotoblog@gmail.com<\/strong> or tag us <strong>@WildernessTravel<\/strong> on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. <\/body><\/html>","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">WT Gear Store<\/a>.","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit our web page and click on “Trip Leaders”<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}
Arrive: Osaka, Japan
Depart: Osaka, Japan
In the rural town of Shigaraki, we visit a 5th generation indigo artisan, then continue to the Miho Museum, an architectural wonder designed by I. M. Pei. We also visit a small town known for shigaraki yaki, a ceramic style recognized as one of Japan's “six ancient kilns.” Our private dinner in Kyoto with a geisha illuminates an ancient Japanese tradition of hospitality.
$600 due at time of reservation
90 days prior to departure: Balance
Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Listed below are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Days 1-4 (4 nights)
Noku puts us in the heart of Kyoto, right next to the Imperial Palace. While we soak up 1,000-year-old Japanese history, we also appreciate the artistry of modern Kyoto. The hotel's guest rooms are sleek and modern, embellished with art pieces reflecting the cultural essence of Kyoto, and each one has a private bathroom. Craft galleries, machiya (townhouses) and scrumptious restaurants are located just out the door. Noku Café serves fresh-roasted coffee, homemade pastries, and traditional Japanese as well as Western breakfast options, a great place to start your day in Kyoto.
Day 5 (1 night)
Located in a tranquil setting dotted with maples and cherry blossoms, Hanayashiki Ukifune-en looks out over the peaceful Uji River. The ryokan has 28 guest rooms featuring Japanese-style bedding, tatami floor mats, and floor-to-ceiling windows. No ryokan would be complete without common baths and this one has two, both infused with mineral-rich black silica for extra health benefits. One of the baths is on the rooftop of the third floor where views of the Uji River and Kyoto stretch across the skyline. There are two restaurants — a Japanese steakhouse which serves dinner, and a kaiseki-style Japanese restaurant which serves both lunch and dinner.
Days 6-7 (2 nights)
The Hotel Nikko Nara is connected to the JR Nara train station and is not far from the Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, making it the perfect location to head out and explore Japan's original capital city. A respite from the bustling city, the guest rooms with western beds and private batherooms are simple, clean, and offer a quiet place to relax. Four restaurants in the Nikko Nara have different menu options ranging from steak, seafood, Chinese, Japanese, and a buffet with a both European and Japanese items. Additionally, the hotel has a large public bath, beauty salon, fitness room, and karaoke.
Days 8-9 (2 nights)
Gorgeous views of Toba Bay stretch far and wide from this sleek hotel. Rooms feature modern décor and offer a combination of Western beds and Japanese tatami floor mats. Each room has a private bathroom and either an ocean or mountain view. The hotel has two restaurants, a waterfront café, and a library and bar with a wide range of sake and elegant seating. The Seahorse Restaurant provides a breakfast buffet with both Japanese and Western dishes. Guests are free to use Ryokan Shiojitei's indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, and the hotel has its own spa with massages incorporating the essence of pearls.
Alternate Hotel: Ryoso Uminochou
Days 10-11 (2 nights)
This gleaming resort and spa lies along the edge of the Pacific Ocean buffered by green mountains and cavernous hot springs. Hotel Urashima has five uniquely styled bath houses teeming with fresh waters from the surrounding 200 hot springs in Nachikatsuura. Four restaurants offer up to 80 buffet items as well as chef-prepared meals. Each night chefs show off their carving skills by demonstrating how to fillet locally caught tuna. Rooms range from Western to Japanese style, some with ocean and mountain views. Within the hotel's four buildings, there are three karaoke bars, a massage parlor, shopping mall, game room, and a tea shop featuring a huge selection of rare comic books. The hotel is also home to the Spacewalker—an escalator with the longest altitude difference in Japan.
Day 12 (1 night)
Set 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 guest rooms 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.
Lucy Whitehead
View ProfileWe make the most of our time in Japan. After rising and eating breakfast, we leave our ryokan for a walking tour. Daily mini-lectures by our Trip Leader help provide insights into the past and future, the history, politics, geography, and food of Japan. On some days, we visit temples and shrines, and other days, we follow the pathways of the shoguns or visit sites of breathtaking natural beauty. We ride the subways and buses, but we do most of our sightseeing on foot.
Although not physically demanding, the trip will yield greater rewards if you are in good physical condition and able to stay on your feet for 6-7 hours per day. There is much to see, and a fair amount of walking is necessary to take it all in—and you will find there are many steps to climb! Japan is a land of staircases and hills and you will enjoy the trip more if you are dressed comfortably and are in good physical condition. Please remember we will be sleeping on futons and eating at floor level, so it is important that you are able to sit down on, and get up off, the floor without much difficulty.
Japan is a blend of the traditional and modern, and our trip encompasses this unique mixture. We will stay at traditional ryokans as well as Japanese-style hotels. The quiet world of the ryokan is a venerable cultural institution—a way to experience a simple, timeless way of life. After being warmly welcomed, we trade our street shoes for slippers. Once inside, we remove our slippers as we step onto the finely woven tatami mats covering our sleeping room floors. Our rooms are spacious and pleasant with low tables and comfortable futon mattresses with quilts and blankets. Ryokans have double rooms (singles are sometimes possible). Some of our rooms will have attached toilets; at other times, we share the "down the hall" facilities. Although a few ryokans have western baths in the rooms, most have an ofuro (a Japanese-style bath).
Normally, a fresh cotton yukata (robe) is provided for each guest. These light kimonos can be worn anywhere in and around the ryokan and we often wear them to meals (make sure to wear the left side over the right). For many of our breakfasts and dinners, beautifully presented meals are served as we sit on the floor at low tables on our tatami mats.
A highlight of any visit to Japan is its superb cuisine defined by fresh ingredients and artful presentation. We will have ample opportunity to sample both familiar and new dishes. We will sample many types of Japanese food, and usually the first "bite" is with our eyes, the presentation being a tantalizing array of fresh fish, beef, vegetables, tofu, miso soup and, of course, rice, all served on individual plates and bowls of exquisite sizes, patterns, and proportions. We eat with chopsticks and are usually seated at low tables on the floor. At some ryokans, you may choose between a Japanese breakfast of fish, rice, miso soup, tofu, vegetables, pickled condiments and tea, or a western breakfast consisting of eggs, toast, salad, and coffee. Many places, however, offer only Japanese food.
During our stays in major cities, you will have some dinners and all lunches on your own, allowing you ample opportunity to sample the endless variety of Japanese food. When we are traveling, we may try an obento (box lunch), and we sample the snack foods of Japan and/or get a bowl of udon, ramen or soba noodles at one of the local spots. We often eat lunch at noodle shops, sushi bars and small neighborhood lunch spots, avoiding the infamous high-priced meals of Japan. Napkins are not used except at western-style restaurants; bring your own handkerchief.
Keep in mind that Japanese food is very different from what we are used to, and with the limited availability of American foods, your food intake will be a big part of the Japanese adventure.
In Japan, bathing is a time-honored tradition, a relaxing daily event. While staying in our ryokans, we will bathe as the Japanese do—using the ofuro system. In separate men and women's sides, the custom is to wash and rinse before entering the ofuro, a large tub of hot water where we can sit back with legs extended, submerged to the neck (this trip is not for the very modest!). Early Shinto was a religion of cleanliness and purification. Ritualistic bathing began during this time and has been perfected over the centuries. Either as a divine imperative or a luxury, bathing in Japan has always been regarded as more than a hygienic chore. The ofuro is the perfect way to finish a hectic day of travel. After a relaxing bath, we gather for the evening meal.
"Outstanding trip! Diverse itinerary, great introduction to Japanese artisans, very, very good look at the shrines, hiking trails, and seafaring traditions of this fascinating part of Japan."
Greg P.
San Antonio, TX
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Submit the form below to download itinerary
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
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Overnight at Hanayashiki Ukifune-en.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Nara Park and Todaiji \/ Horyuji's Wooden Temples","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A short train ride brings us to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, founded in the early 8th century, and a surprising number of buildings survive from this era. We'll walk the trails of leafy Nara Park, with its 1,200 free-wandering deer (in Shinto, deer are considered to be messengers of the gods). The park holds the great Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most famous buildings, with a colossal bronze Buddha. Todaiji is one of the world's largest wooden structures. We enjoy a relaxing dinner tonight at our inn. The next day, we head to the outer areas of Horyuji, where some of the oldest surviving wooden temples in the world still stand. They were the first Buddhist monuments in Japan and had a strong subsequent influence on the nation's religious architecture. The main Horyuji Temple itself was completed in 607 AD for Prince Shotoku. After returning to Nara proper, our afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is on your own (the Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations). Overnight at Hotel Nikko Nara. (Day 6), B (Day 7)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Ise Shima Shrines \/ Shima Peninsula \/ AMA Divers","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We head out to visit the Grand Shrines of Ise, the ancestral shrine of the emperors of Japan, dedicated to the sun goddess, Amaterasu, with an adjacent shrine dedicated to the food goddess, Toyouke. These shrines are completely rebuilt every 20 years at a staggering cost, reflecting an important Shinto belief in the death and renewal of nature and the impermanence of all things. In Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, divinity is manifested within nature itself, and Shinto practices express the Japanese people’s relationship with their land and the cycles of the earth. We spend the afternoon exploring this atmospheric setting. The next day, we journey by train to the Shima Peninsula, with its island-dotted coastline, sacred Shinto shrines, and pearl divers. From Toba, a ferry brings us into beautiful Ago Bay, known as Japan’s Aegean for its teal-blue waters. We first visit the more commercial but historical Mikimoto Pearl Island as the museum there has a fabulous display on farming pearls. Our bus picks us up and we continue on down the gorgeous coastline where we’ll have an authentic visit with traditional female pearl divers known as ama (“women of the sea”), enjoy a lunch among them, and learn about the unique pearl-diving culture, which dates back to the 8th century. Nowadays these women mainly dive for shell fish, lobster, and other joys from the sea, hence our delicious lunch! We drive back stopping along the way for the views of this magnificent coast. Overnights at hotel. ","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Shingu \/ Explore the Kumano Kodo Nachi Pilgrim Trails","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A train journey of about 3.5 hours brings us along the coast to the small coastal city of Shingu, where we overnight before beginning our two-day exploration of the Nachi section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path. Kumano is the holy ground of Japan, and pilgrims have walked these trails for centuries. Shrines, mist, waterfalls, and deep forests create the perfect walking environment, and we'll be immersed in rural Japan. We'll overnight at Hotel Urashima Resort and Spa. On Day 11, we explore the precincts of the Nachi shrine as well as Nachi-no-Otaki, Japan's highest waterfall that has been protected since ancient times. It is used for ascetic training by mountain monks who practice Shugendo, a mixed religion of foreign and indigenous beliefs. We return to Urashima for another chance to enjoy the cave baths and bountiful buffet this evening. We will walk on the Kumano Kodo path on Day 12, then drive to the lovely Fujiya Ryokan, where we end our journey with a Farewell Dinner. Overnights at Hotel Urashima (Days 10-11), Hotel Fujiya Ryokan (Day 12). each day","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Osaka \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Depart early in the morning via chartered bus to Osaka Airport.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Osaka \/ Kyoto \/ Miho Museum \/ Geisha Dinner","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-13T10:44:00 --><p>In the rural town of Shigaraki, we visit a 5th generation indigo artisan, then continue to the Miho Museum, an architectural wonder designed by I. M. Pei. We also visit a small town known for <em>shigaraki yaki<\/em>, a ceramic style recognized as one of Japan's “six ancient kilns.” Our private dinner in Kyoto with a geisha illuminates an ancient Japanese tradition of hospitality.<\/p>","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Kyoto Artisan Workshops \/ Tofukuji Temple","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"One of our workshop visits is to the Meiji-era wooden townhouse of Hakuya Noguchi, a 4th generation gold-leaf artisan. Just outside Kyoto, we explore Tofukuji, founded in the 13th century at the behest of the powerful Fujiwara clan. With its spectacular gardens and ancient wooden bridges, it is a magnificent World Heritage Site, yet less visited because of its distance outside the city.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Uji \/ Nara Park \/ Todaiji \/ Horyuji","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the atmospheric city of Uji, featured in the 11th century Tale of Genji, we taste Uji's green-tea-infused cuisine, visit the serene Byodoin Temple, and sample the wares at a sake brewery. At Nara, explorations include the majestic Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden structures, and the mystical Horuji temples, Japan's oldest Buddhist monuments.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Pearl Divers \/ Grand Shrines of Ise","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A ferry brings us to Mikimoto Island, where pearls have been cultivated for centuries. We’ll meet with traditional female pearl divers, then visit the Grand Shrines of Ise, which predate Buddhism in Japan and are dedicated to Shinto’s venerated deity, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Kumano Kodo Pilgrim Trails","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Walking the ancient pilgrim trails of the Kumano Kodo amid shrines and waterfalls is an unforgettable experience of rural Japan. 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She began her independent exploration at a young age with a week in the South West World Heritage area at the age of 11, and a school exchange in Japan at the age of 15. She is a world traveler who has lived in Europe, Japan, and Central America, and has a special affinity for Japan where she spent seven years studying Japanese literature, hitch-hiking around Hokkaido, and exploring trails and temples. She currently lives in Tasmania, one of her favorite places in the world, and works as a guide in both Tasmania and Japan. Lucy is fluent in Japanese and is keen to share her love of Tasmania, Japan, and all the places in between, with travelers and friends.","BioLong":"Having grown up in rural Tasmania, Lucy developed a deep love of nature and the outdoors through exploring the bush around her home on horseback and hiking with her family. She began her independent exploration at a young age with a week in the South West World Heritage area at the age of 11, and a school exchange in Japan at the age of 15. She is a world traveler who has lived in Europe, Japan, and Central America. After a year of working in Japan, she studied Japanese at the University of Tasmania, and later returned to Osaka on a scholarship to study Japanese literature along with anthropology, film, and ceramics. During her seven years in Japan, she taught English, hitch-hiked around Hokkaido, climbed Mt. Fuji, and walked the Kumano Kodo. She currently lives in Tasmania, one of her favorite places in the world, and works as a guide in both Tasmania and Japan. Lucy's partner is a well-known sushi chef from the countryside of Wakayama. Together they relish camping and diving in Tasmania's pristine wilderness, dining on internationally inspired dishes using home-grown produce, and surfing and snorkeling on the coast. Lucy is fluent in Japanese and is keen to share her love of Tasmania, Japan, and all the places in between, with travelers and friends."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Greg P.","GuestLocation":"San Antonio, TX","GuestReview":"Outstanding trip! Diverse itinerary, great introduction to Japanese artisans, very, very good look at the shrines, hiking trails, and seafaring traditions of this fascinating part of Japan."}],"Extensions":[{}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10466,"SimilarTripID":10359,"Trip_Code":"HIKERSBH","Trip_Name":"Hiker's Journey to Bhutan"},{"TripID":10466,"SimilarTripID":10449,"Trip_Code":"SNOWMONK","Trip_Name":"Japan: Snow Monkeys and Winter Cranes"},{"TripID":10466,"SimilarTripID":10378,"Trip_Code":"EAGLEFES","Trip_Name":"Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival"},{"TripID":10466,"SimilarTripID":10339,"Trip_Code":"TEMPLTEA","Trip_Name":"Temples, Treasures, and Teahouses"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73369,"ProductID":83957,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Vendor Ops Payment","Vendor":"OKU Japan","Address1":"Kyoei Chuo Building 5F, 762 Nishiha","Address2":"","City":"Kyoto","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Shinto Shrines, Pearl Divers, and Pilgrim Trails","Day":1,"Sequence":0,"Duration":12,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":11,"ProductID":54,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Single Supplement","Vendor":"Wilderness Travel","Address1":"1102 Ninth Street","Address2":"","City":"Berkeley","State":"CA","Postal":"94710","Product":"Single Supplement","Day":1,"Sequence":2,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":72459,"ProductID":82287,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Noku Kyoto","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Kyoto","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":1,"Sequence":10,"Duration":4,"PropertyDescription":"<p>Noku puts us in the heart of Kyoto, right next to the Imperial Palace. 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The hotel has two restaurants, a waterfront café, and a library and bar with a wide range of sake and elegant seating. The Seahorse Restaurant provides a breakfast buffet with both Japanese and Western dishes. Guests are free to use Ryokan Shiojitei's indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, and the hotel has its own spa with massages incorporating the essence of pearls.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/1-toba-international-hotel-lobby.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73731,"ProductID":85490,"SelectType":"Operational","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Accommodation","Vendor":"Ryoso Uminochou","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Ise","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Standard Room","Day":8,"Sequence":11,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>The Japanese spirit of <em>omotenashi<\/em> (hospitality) will make you feel right at home at this wonderful rural hotel. We stay in western-style rooms with Japanese influences—tatami mats but a comfortable bed to sleep on. The hotel offers a private beach and an outdoor swimming pool. 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Meals here are wonderful—seasonal and locally sourced—and the kaiseki (traditional multi-course dinner) is excellent.<\/p>","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/vendors\/10-fujiya-ryokan-hotel-exterior.jpg","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false}],"CustomFields":{"Custom_Trip_Level_5":"","Custom_Trip_Name_Addendum":"","Custom_Welcome_Letter_Addendum":"","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Japan<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<strong>\nARRIVING IN KYOTO<\/strong><br>\nUpon arrival at Kansai you will need to clear customs and immigration. There is a currency exchange on the arrival floor outside the customs area, should you wish to change money into Japanese Yen. We recommend that you make use of Japan's excellent rail network and take a train to the hotel. The JR (Japanese Rail) train is located within the airport and you can purchase your tickets there. Approximate train fare is ?3500 (about $35). Trains run frequently (2-3 times per hour) to Kyoto Station. Upon arrival at the Kyoto station, take the subway Karasuma Line for an 8-minute ride to the Marutamachi Station. The Noku Kyoto hotel is directly across the street.<br>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"<strong>\nMEETING PLACE<\/strong><br>\nOn Day 1, please meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of the Noku Hotel at 6:30 pm.<br>","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<strong>\nDEPARTING OSAKA<\/strong><br>\nOne the final day of the trip, a group transfer will be provided from the Fujiya Ryokan to Kansai International Airport (KIX).<br>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to your Trip Leaders and Local Agent (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground. <br><br>We recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/\">WhatsApp<\/a>, and suggest you download the free app and enter the local emergency contact number(s) in advance of your trip.","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"<strong>\nOKU JAPAN<\/strong><br>\nAttn: Tomoko Shiraki<br>\n(+81) 905-062-8552<br>\ngt.emergency@okujapan.com<br>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"<strong>LUGGAGE:<\/strong> As you are responsible for carrying your own luggage through the hotels, to taxis, and through train stations, we strongly suggest using a small duffel or soft-sided roller bag. Overhead shelves on trains are about 16” high and 24” deep and cannot accommodate large items. There is usually space for two to three large suitcases behind the last row of seats in each car on most long distance trains. Furthermore, on many trains, the leg room is large enough to place a suitcase in front of you, although this may not be the most comfortable solution.","Custom_Carry-On":"<strong>CARRY-ON: <\/strong>Valuable or essential items, such as camera equipment, binoculars, and prescription medications, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage.","Custom_name_slug":"japan-kyoto-kumano-kodo-walking-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Walking & cultural adventure in Japan: explore Kyoto temples, Shinto shrines of the Shima Peninsula, pearl divers of Toshi-Jima, and Kumano Kodo pilgrim trails.","Custom_List_Description":"Cultural walking adventure: Kyoto temples, Shinto shrines of the Shima Peninsula, pearl divers of Toshi-Jima, Kumano Kodo pilgrim trails.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Japan: Kyoto & Kumano Kodo Walking Tour | Wilderness Travel","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_Passport":"","Custom_Visas_and_Entry_Notes":"","Custom_Money":"","Custom_Tipping":"","Custom_Food":"","Custom_Communications":"","Custom_Electricity":"","Custom_Laundry":"","Custom_Ship_Notes":"","Custom_Inoculations":"","Custom_International_Health":"","Custom_Malaria_Prevention":"","Custom_Staying_Healthy":"","Custom_Getting_In_Shape":"","Custom_Medical_Care":"","Custom_Altitude_Considerations":"","Custom_Reading_List":"","Custom_Photography":"","Custom_Cultural_Considerations":"","Custom_Giving_Back":"","Custom_Enviromental_Concerns":"","Custom_Shopping_and_Souvenirs":"","Custom_Seasickness":"","Custom_Explore":"","Custom_Additional_Information":"","Custom_Essentials":"","Custom_Luggage":"","Custom_Clothing":"","Custom_Hiking_Boots":"","Custom_Equipment":"","Custom_Personal_First_Aid":"","Custom_Optional_Items":"","Custom_Prohibited_Items":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Kyoto, the Shima Peninsula, and Japan's Sacred Kumano Kodo<\/body>","Custom_Lodging":"12 nights ryokans and hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except lunches and 1 dinner","Custom_Activity":"","Custom_Difficulty":"Walking, including some steep stairs, 6-7 hours a day, Japanese-style dining (sitting on floor)","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"The trip is <strong>Level 2, Easy to Moderate<\/strong>, according to our trip grading system. This adventure trip features lovely walks in cities and villages.","Custom_Terrain":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T17:40:29 --><p>We make the most of our time in Japan. After rising and eating breakfast, we leave our ryokan for a walking tour. Daily mini-lectures by our Trip Leader help provide insights into the past and future, the history, politics, geography, and food of Japan. On some days, we visit temples and shrines, and other days, we follow the pathways of the shoguns or visit sites of breathtaking natural beauty. We ride the subways and buses, but we do most of our sightseeing on foot.<\/p>","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"<p>Although not physically demanding, the trip will yield greater rewards if you are in good physical condition and able to stay on your feet for 6-7 hours per day. There is much to see, and a fair amount of walking is necessary to take it all in—and you will find there are many steps to climb! Japan is a land of staircases and hills and you will enjoy the trip more if you are dressed comfortably and are in good physical condition. Please remember we will be sleeping on futons and eating at floor level, so it is important that you are able to sit down on, and get up off, the floor without much difficulty.<\/p>","Custom_Weather":"Japan's climate and temperature range are similar to the east coast of the US, with four distinct seasons. In March and April, the weather is turning spring-like and we hope to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Viewing the blossoms is somewhat of a national pastime in Japan. However, as the spring is a transitional season, we can expect some rain. In autumn, the weather in Japan turns pleasant, as the humidity of the summer months leave the air. Because the occasional typhoon does occur in the autumn, we may expect some rain. Temperatures should range from the 50s to the 70s \u00b0F. In the mountains, the weather is unpredictable and we may encounter rain.","Custom_Accommodations":"<p>Japan is a blend of the traditional and modern, and our trip encompasses this unique mixture. We will stay at traditional ryokans as well as Japanese-style hotels. The quiet world of the ryokan is a venerable cultural institution—a way to experience a simple, timeless way of life. After being warmly welcomed, we trade our street shoes for slippers. Once inside, we remove our slippers as we step onto the finely woven tatami mats covering our sleeping room floors. Our rooms are spacious and pleasant with low tables and comfortable futon mattresses with quilts and blankets. Ryokans have double rooms (singles are sometimes possible). Some of our rooms will have attached toilets; at other times, we share the \"down the hall\" facilities. Although a few ryokans have western baths in the rooms, most have an <em>ofuro<\/em> (a Japanese-style bath).<\/p><p>Normally, a fresh cotton <em>yukata<\/em> (robe) is provided for each guest. These light kimonos can be worn anywhere in and around the ryokan and we often wear them to meals (make sure to wear the left side over the right). For many of our breakfasts and dinners, beautifully presented meals are served as we sit on the floor at low tables on our tatami mats.<\/p>","Custom_Cuisine":"<p>A highlight of any visit to Japan is its superb cuisine defined by fresh ingredients and artful presentation. We will have ample opportunity to sample both familiar and new dishes. We will sample many types of Japanese food, and usually the first \"bite\" is with our eyes, the presentation being a tantalizing array of fresh fish, beef, vegetables, tofu, miso soup and, of course, rice, all served on individual plates and bowls of exquisite sizes, patterns, and proportions. We eat with chopsticks and are usually seated at low tables on the floor. At some ryokans, you may choose between a Japanese breakfast of fish, rice, miso soup, tofu, vegetables, pickled condiments and tea, or a western breakfast consisting of eggs, toast, salad, and coffee. Many places, however, offer only Japanese food.<\/p><p>During our stays in major cities, you will have some dinners and all lunches on your own, allowing you ample opportunity to sample the endless variety of Japanese food. When we are traveling, we may try an <em>obento<\/em> (box lunch), and we sample the snack foods of Japan and\/or get a bowl of udon, ramen or soba noodles at one of the local spots. We often eat lunch at noodle shops, sushi bars and small neighborhood lunch spots, avoiding the infamous high-priced meals of Japan. Napkins are not used except at western-style restaurants; bring your own handkerchief.<\/p><p>Keep in mind that Japanese food is very different from what we are used to, and with the limited availability of American foods, your food intake will be a big part of the Japanese adventure.<\/p>","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T17:38:34 --><p>Japanese Bathing<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"<p>In Japan, bathing is a time-honored tradition, a relaxing daily event. While staying in our ryokans, we will bathe as the Japanese do—using the ofuro system. In separate men and women's sides, the custom is to wash and rinse before entering the ofuro, a large tub of hot water where we can sit back with legs extended, submerged to the neck (this trip is not for the very modest!). Early Shinto was a religion of cleanliness and purification. Ritualistic bathing began during this time and has been perfected over the centuries. Either as a divine imperative or a luxury, bathing in Japan has always been regarded as more than a hygienic chore. The ofuro is the perfect way to finish a hectic day of travel. After a relaxing bath, we gather for the evening meal.<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:16 --><p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual loris of physical exertion, or activities you ma not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can book your trip online or find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and one-time Limited Edition adventures that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access our complete library of detailed itineraries filled with enticing photos and videos, read bios of our Trip Leaders, find descriptions of trip accommodations, and check real-time availability of any trips that interest you.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions—and enjoy the WT touch on all aspects of the journey.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"This is a new adventure for 2024 and one that we are particularly excited about offering. However, as with all new departures, flexibility and a spirit of adventure are always appreciated! Activities are described in the itinerary but they can vary, sometimes considerably, depending on weather conditions, the group, and other factors.","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office, as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"Please remember to bring a copy of your Travelex Confirmation of Coverage and State Specific Policy with you on your trip. You should have received an email directly from Travelex with these documents. If you need this email to be re-sent, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travelexinsurance.com. <br><br><br>","System_Photography":"<html><head><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><\/head><body style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><strong>Camera Recommendations<\/strong><br>With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. Camera equipment is available for rent from Borrow Lenses , with a 10% discount offered to Wilderness Travel clients. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip.<br><br><strong><br>Camera Accessories<\/strong><br>We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don't forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.<br><strong><br>Sharing Your Images<\/strong><br>We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to <strong>wtphotoblog@gmail.com<\/strong> or tag us <strong>@WildernessTravel<\/strong> on social media.<br><strong><br>Photography Etiquette<\/strong><br>When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader's guidelines for what is appropriate. <\/body><\/html>","System_Gear_Store":"To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our <a href=\"https:\/\/wildernesstravel.newheadings.com\/\">WT Gear Store<\/a>.","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please visit our web page and click on “Trip Leaders”<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}