【TOHOKU to TOKYO to SIKOKU】 AUTHENTIC JAPAN HIKING
【TOHOKU to TOKYO to SIKOKU】
AUTHENTIC JAPAN HIKING
Volcanoes, Mountain Faith, and Pilgrimage — A Spiritual Trek Across the Soul of Japan
Discover the wisdom of living in harmony with volcanoes in Tohoku.
Feel the spiritual presence of Shugendo on Mt. Mitake in Tokyo.
And follow the footsteps of Kukai along the sacred pilgrimage route of Shikoku.
This 12-day AUTHENTIC JAPAN HIKING journey takes you southward through the Japanese archipelago, where nature and spirituality intertwine—offering a profound travel experience rooted in essence and depth.
Tohoku | Adatara & Azuma Region (Day 2–3)
Mt. Adatara, known as the place of “the truest sky,” marks the beginning of the journey.
Experience the force of the earth through a volcanic river walk, soak in the healing waters of Dake Onsen, and hike trails shaped by the devotion of hot spring guardians.
This is a journey to attune yourself to the land, and listen to the wisdom and prayers of those who have long lived alongside volcanoes.
Tokyo | Mt. Mitake (Day 4–5)
Where sacred ground meets the city—Mt. Mitake, Tokyo.
Join an early morning ritual at Musashi Mitake Shrine, hike ascetic trails, and dine on shojin ryori (vegetarian temple cuisine).
Here, even amid the bustle of modern life, the quiet faith of the mountains and the bonds between people still endure.
Shikoku | Henro Pilgrimage Trail (Day 6–12)
Walk the sacred path of the Shikoku Henro, following the legacy of Kukai (Kobo Daishi).
From majestic temples like Taisan-ji and Yokomine-ji to caves where Kukai once trained, his birthplace Zentsu-ji, and the sacred finale at Kotohira Shrine and hot springs—
Each step invites you deeper into your own prayers and inner stillness.
Itinerary in detail
Individual check-in near Tokyo Station
Overnight stay in Tokyo
08:07 Depart from Tokyo Station
09:32 Arrive at Koriyama Station, private vehicle to Adatara/Azuma Nature Center
10:30 Orientation at Adatara/Azuma Nature Center
11:30 Lunch at Dake Onsen
13:00 Volcano River Walk (feel the power of the volcano)
[Elevation gain/loss: 120m / Distance: 1.6km]
15:00 Check-in at hotel (volcanic hot spring experience)
18:00 Dinner: Japanese cuisine inspired by volcanic blessings
09:00 Climb Mt. Adatara (route themed on hot spring guardians)
[Elevation gain: 770m / loss: 769m / Distance: 8.6km round trip (via ropeway)]
15:00 Return to Adatara/Azuma Nature Center (hot spring available)
17:00 Transfer by private vehicle to Koriyama Station, then Shinkansen to Tokyo
19:00 Arrive in Tokyo, check in at hotel in Shinjuku
08:30 Depart Shinjuku hotel (Transportation: Private vehicle)
10:00 Arrive at Takimoto Station, Mt. Mitake Cable Car
11:00 Visit Musashi Mitake Shrine
12:00 Lunch followed by Shugendo hiking trail
16:00 Overnight stay at temple lodging (Dinner: Shojin-ryori style vegetarian meal)
06:30 Participate in early-morning Nikkusai ritual
09:00 Check out and hike to the Inner Sanctuary (Oku-no-in)
11:30 Descend via cable car
12:30 Lunch at Hatonosu Gorge
16:00 Overnight stay near Haneda Airport
Dinner: Free time
09:30 Flight from Haneda Airport
11:00 Arrive at Matsuyama Airport, lunch en route
13:00 Shikoku Pilgrimage Hike:
Temple 60 Yokomine-ji
Temple 58 Senyu-ji
Temple 52 Taisan-ji
18:30 Overnight stay at Dogo Onsen
09:00 Depart hotel
10:00 Shikoku Pilgrimage Hike:
Temple 44 Daiho-ji
Temple 45 Iwaya-ji
Transfer to Kochi Prefecture:
Temple 36 Shoryu-ji
Temple 35 Seiryu-ji
17:30 Check-in at hotel in Kochi City (Dinner: Free time at local market)
08:30 Depart hotel
09:00 Shikoku Pilgrimage Hike:
Temple 32 Setomisaki-ji
17:00 Check-in and overnight stay near Cape Muroto
Temple 31 Chikurin-ji
Temple 27 Koya Mine-ji
08:30 Depart hotel
09:00 Visit Mikro Cave (where Kukai sought enlightenment)
09:30 Pilgrimage Hike:
Temple 21 Tairyū-ji
17:30 Overnight stay at Kamiyama Onsen
Temple 20 Kakurin-ji
08:30 Depart hotel
09:00 Pilgrimage Hike:
Temple 11 Fujiidera
Temple 12 Shōsan-ji
(This is one of the most challenging pilgrimage sections.This is also the place where Emon Saburo met Kobo Daishi and passed away.)
Temple 6 Anraku-ji
17:30 Check-in at hotel in Takamatsu City
08:30 Depart hotel
09:00 Pilgrimage Hike:
Temple 80 Kokubun-ji
Temple 81 Jōmine-ji
Temple 82 Negoro-ji
Temple 75 Zentsū-ji (Birthplace of Kukai, large temple complex)
18:00 Arrive at Kotohira Onsen
Tour concludes here with farewell to guide and driver
Morning: Individual visit to Kotohira Shrine
11:30 Lunch
14:00 Tour ends at Takamatsu Airport
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