Sacred Japan

Sacred Japan mixes relaxing walks, one scenic e-bike ride and intimate encounters with locals across Honshu and the Oki Islands. The route wanders the ancient Nakasendo Trail between Tsumago and Magome, meets the ama-san free divers of Osatsu-Cho, and takes in the shrines and temples of Kyoto and Tadasu no Mori Forest.

On the rugged, UNESCO-listed Oki Islands, riders e-bike along the wild Kuniga Coast, and later climb to the 1,000-year-old temple on Mount Mitoku near Mount Daisen. Days also include soaking in onsens, exploring emerald rice paddies and bamboo groves, and savouring Kyoto's regional cuisine.

The trip begins and ends in Tokyo, with a domestic flight linking the Oki Islands region back to the capital. Rated "moderate," it's guided throughout by a local female Japanese guide.

Highlights:

• Walk sections of the ancient Nakasendo Trail between Tsumago and Magome
• Meet the ama-san, Japan's traditional female free divers, over a fireside seafood lunch
• E-bike the wild coastline of the Oki Islands, a UNESCO Global Geopark
• Climb to the 1,000-year-old temple on Mount Mitoku near Mount Daisen
• Explore Kyoto's temples, shrines and cuisine, and relax in traditional onsens
• Stay in traditional tatami-style ryokan and minshuku accommodation

Surface and terrain:

Terrain varies by activity rather than being cycling-focused. The single e-bike day on the Oki Islands includes several breaks and a lunch stop. Walking varies by day: up to 6.5 km (4 miles) on the Nakasendo pilgrimage, 1-2 hours on the Kuniga Coast Walking Track, and up to 3 hours around Mount Daisen. Extensive travel by express train, local bus and ferry connects regions, which may affect those prone to motion sickness.

Weather:

For autumn tours, long sleeves, a light windbreaker or rain jacket, and light fleece layers are recommended.

Suitable for:

Women travelling solo or in groups, rated "Moderate," with 4-6 hours of daily activity and a good level of fitness required. Suits those wanting a mixed activity trip (walking, one e-bike day, culture, onsens) rather than dedicated cyclists, and who are comfortable carrying their own baggage on trains and with extensive travel by train, bus and ferry. Trips can be scaled to different ability levels; contact the operator with any physical or medical concerns.