Experience the historic Tokaido road from Shiga to Mie, with three gentle hikes of two to four hours.
Tokaido Self-Guided Walking 3 Days Premium
Tokaido Self-Guided Walking 3 Days Premium
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January 2024
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Tour details
Tokaido Self-Guided Walking 3 Days Premium
x1 traveller
USD 0
Single room additional charge
USD 1,025
TOTAL
USD 0
If you would like to do multiple tours in one trip or have a question about any of our tours, do not hesitate to contact us with the button below.
- Duration: 3 days
- Trip level:Active
- Availability: Recommended from April to November
- Type:Self-guided
- Price: USD 1,565(Price per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a room)
Highlights
- Visit the historically significant sites of the region in Otsu, Seki and Kuwana; all important trade posts along the Tokaido route
- Experience gentle and rewarding walks through relaxing rural villages, towns and mountains
- Immerse in the varied nature of eastern Biwa, with stunning views from the local mountains
- Enjoy fantastic local food at top quality restaurants
- Stay in premium private-residency Japanese accommodations on both nights
The Tokaido road was considered to be the most important of the five routes connecting Kyoto to Edo (the former name of Tokyo) in the Edo Period from 1603 to 1867 and as the main route of travel between the old capital and new, with a mix of coastal and mountainous paths the Tokaido has a vivid and storied history.
Explore the preserved areas of one key section along the Tokaido road, in the eastern Lake Biwa area, situated between Kyoto and Nagoya, and taking in the prefectures of Shiga and Mie. Featuring a vibrant mix of regional cultures unique to central Japan; from the remarkable nature and pristinely preserved merchant towns of central Shiga, to the historically rich enclaves of engaging eastern Mie, the area has a great depth and variety, tied together neatly with the storied history of the Tokaido. Eastern Biwa and the Tokaido road provide a deep and interesting experience.
Our journey begins from the entry point of the Tokaido, Kyoto, first heading to Shiga, and a rewarding mountain hike with great views out over the vibrant nature here.
After staying at a renovated premium townhouse in the centre of Otsu, head onwards by a local train line to the carefully preserved merchant post-town of Seki in Mie. Explore this picturesque historic town and view the wider area from the top of the mountain here, linking with a 33 Kanon pilgrimage nearby.
Finally, head on to Kuwana in eastern Mie and close to Nagoya, with a comfortable overnight stay in a private traditional-style residency, before trying local cuisine at a nearby Japanese restaurant for dinner. After the final breakfast, a gentle town stroll here provides an education in local folklore and monuments of the trail.
What is included
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2 nights at premium Japanese accommodations |
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2 breakfasts and 2 dinners |
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Train tickets starting in Kyoto and ending in Kuwana |
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Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions |
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Topographical maps |
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Local support by telephone |
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Our Preparing for your trip and Travelling in Japan Guidebooks |
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Optional orientation at our Kyoto office |
What is not included
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Flights |
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Airport transfers |
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Pay locally for drinks with meals and for lunches |
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Single room supplement(s) if required |
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Daily Luggage Transfer - Please enquire for luggage options |
Itinerary
Day 1 - The mountains of Shiga
We begin the hiking with a lovely mountainous trail overlooking Suzuka and Shiga, taking in a key temple, important historical sites and great views out over the local area.
After the rewarding hike, we pass by some a key Tokkaido monument before a local dinner. The evening is spent at a delightful, premium inn in the town of Otsu right along the Tokkaido trail.
Walking distance: 5.7 miles / 9.1km course
Elevation gain: 200m ascent and 570m descent
Time required: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Premium Japanese inn
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - The historic town of Seki
Take a stroll through a lovingly preserved Shukuba village; an important rest stop along the Tokkaido, and an access point to an enjoyable hike up in the local mountains.
We travel by scenic train from Shiga into Mie, and another important stop along the Tokkaido in Seki. After exploring the village, take in views from the local mountain on a trail which also passes an interesting 33 Kanon pilgrimage before returning to the village.
Head on by train for a delicious local dinner and spend the night at a wonderfully preserved traditional Japanese private residency in Kuwana.
Walking distance: 8.5 miles / 13.7km course
Elevation gain: 730m of ascent and descent
Time required: 3-4 hours
A 1-2 hour shorter loop course of 2.2 miles (3.5km) taking in just the village is also possible.
Accommodation: Premium Japanese inn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Final sightseeing in Kuwana
On our final morning after breakfast, enjoy a gentle walk through the historic former castle town of Kuwana. The area is home to a variety of monuments and museums, the former castle grounds afford a relaxing walk, and the riverside monuments of the town also provide an interesting travel experience, with colourful backstreets and local shops.
The tour ends in Kuwana, with easy access to Nagoya to the east and Kyoto further over to the west.
Walking distance: 1.2 miles / 2km course
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent
Time required: 1-2 hours
Meals: Breakfast
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