Day 1-2 - U.S./Osaka, Japan/Kyoto

Depart on an overnight flight to Osaka and transfer to your hotel in Kyoto. Enjoy the day to explore on your own, then meet your trip leader and fellow travelers at a welcome briefing and dinner. After your meal, enjoy an evening walk in the city’s historic district. (D)

Walking: 1 hour on mostly flat city streets

Day 3 - Kyoto

Delve into the heart of old Kyoto, a World Heritage site of glorious temples and palaces built when the city was Japan’s imperial capital. Start your visit at the iconic Kinkaku-ji temple, a 12th-century Zen Buddhist temple known as the Golden Pavilion for its shimmering coat of gold leaf. Then head to Gion, Kyoto’s first and oldest geisha district, and gain insight into revered geisha and maiko traditions on a guided walk. Stop at Yasaka, a Shinto shrine that dates back to 600 AD and now hosts the Gion Matsuri, a famous summer festival. Venture into Nishiki Market to experience the culinary delights of "Kyoto's Kitchen." Find a variety of seasonal foods and local specialties including Japanese sweets, pickles, seafood, and traditional snacks; and enjoy lunch at the market. Later, take part in a Japanese tea ceremony held in one of the city’s traditional Machiya-style houses. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

Walking: 3 miles on mostly flat city streets

Day 4 - Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail

A morning rail journey brings you to Takamatsu, on the island of Shikoku. For more than a thousand years, pilgrims from across Japan have traveled here to walk the Shikoku Henro, a pilgrimage circuit linking 88 temples in which the eighth-century Shingon Buddhist monk Kūkai (also known as Kōbō Daishi) spent time or trained. The full route spans over 745 miles and takes up to six weeks to complete in full. On your three-day Shikoku trek, visit seven temples along the trail's "last mile" in Kagawa Prefecture.  From the train station in Sakaide, transfer by private vehicle to Shiromine-ji (temple 81). Enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic spot on the trail, and then set out on an afternoon hike to temple 82, Negoro-ji. Here, see Japan’s oldest wooden pagoda as well as a collection of thousands of Kannon statues, and take in sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea. This evening, sit down to a multi-course kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn. (B,L,D)

Hiking: 3 miles with minimal elevation gain

Day 5 - Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail

Set out on a series of treks connecting temples 84 to 86 on the Shikoku Henro. First, hike to Yashima-ji (temple 84), believed to have been founded in the eighth century. The temple complex also houses buildings from the medieval Kamakura period, as well as stone statues dedicated to tanuki, or raccoon dogs, a beloved fixture of Japanese folklore. Your hike continues to Yakuri-ji (temple 85), dedicated to Kangiten, the deity of bliss. Follow the trail as it ascends the mountain and emerge at a lookout point over the Sanuki Plain. Along the way, enjoy a udon noodle lunch at a local restaurant. Complete the last leg of today's trek with an afternoon hike to Shido-ji (temple 86) and admire its traditional garden, considered a masterpiece of the Muromachi period. Return to Takamatsu by private vehicle to check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B,L)

Hiking: Up to 9 miles on paved paths and mountain trails with some ascents and descents.  For those who wish to shorten their hike, a support van will meet the group at different points along the way.

Day 6 - Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail

Head out on a full-day hike to reach the end of the Shikoku Henro. After breakfast, transfer to your starting point near Nagao-ji (temple 87), founded in the 700s and restored during the Edo period. Take a walk on the temple grounds before rejoining the trail for the hike to Ōkubo-ji (temple 88), the final stop for most pilgrims. This mountainous segment is considered one of the trail's most challenging sections, and you’ll make stops—including for a picnic—along the way. After a full day of trekking, take the evening at leisure to relax at your hotel. You may opt for a shorter hike today, completing the final leg by vehicle after lunch. (B,L)

Hiking: Up to 9 miles on paved paths and mountain trails with several ascents and a final descent into the valley. The second half of the hike is optional.

Day 7 - Naoshima Island/Okayama

Board a morning ferry to Naoshima Island and spend the day immersed in Japan's contemporary art scene. See outdoor artwork at Miyanoura Port and Naoshima Pavilion, and trace the life and works of Yayoi Kusama, whose Red and Yellow Pumpkins are on display on the island.  Witness how local artists have transformed empty homes into unique artistic creations through the Art House Project, walking to several of the projects, including the glass Go'o Shrine and Minamidera, built by renowned architect Ando Tadao. Visit Gokaisho, inspired by the Japanese game of "go," and enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the town of Honmura. In the afternoon, admire the inspired architecture of two sites designed by Tadao: Chichu Art Museum, home to works by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and others; and Benesse House, a hotel-museum known for its intriguing interplay of light and dark. Take the ferry to Honshu and travel to your hotel in Okayama. (B,L)

Walking: 2-3 hours on mostly flat paths, paved roads and art sites

Day 8 - Kurashiki/Okayama

Pay a morning visit to Korakuen Garden, established in the 1700s and considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Take the local train to Kurashiki and go for a short guided walk through the Bikan Historic Quarter, where white walled houses and willow trees line the Kurashiki River. Set out from Soja on a bike ride across the Kibi Plain through timeless rural scenes of paddies and farming villages, passing several important shrines and burial mounds along the way. Alternatively, explore Kurashiki on foot before heading back to Okayama for an afternoon at leisure before meeting for dinner. (B,D)

Walking: 2 hours on mostly flat paths

Biking: 10 miles on mostly flat terrain

Day 9 - Tokyo

Board the Shinkansen bullet train bound for Tokyo and check in to your hotel upon arrival. Meet up for an excursion to the ancient capital of Asakusa. Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, founded in 645 AD. Discover curiosities and local culture on a walk along the famous Nakamise shopping street—a quintessentially Tokyo experience. Take the afternoon to explore on your own, then gather for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Walking: 2.5 hours on mostly flat city streets

Day 10 - Mount Fuji/Tokyo

After breakfast, embark on a day excursion to the foothills of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. Take in views of this iconic peak from a variety of stunning angles: looming above the placid waters of Lake Kawaguchiko, framed by cherry trees and a five-story pagoda at Arakurayama Sengan Park, and at the top of a “ropeway” cable car ride. Savor a noodle lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Oishi Park to view seasonal flowers. On the banks of Lake Saiko, step back in time in the open air museum of Iyashi No Sato, where thatched roof houses and artifacts offer a glimpse of Japanese life in centuries past. Return to Tokyo and toast your experience at a farewell dinner.  (B,L,D)

Walking: 3 hours of short walks on paved roads and trails

Day 11 - Tokyo

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)