Japan

Applications for the 2027 Japan Tour will open soon.

We do not invite walking tour participants on a first come, first served basis. Participants are selected based on multiple factors in order to create a diverse group for each tour.

Once you submit your application, you will be added to our waitlist while your application is reviewed. All applicants accepted to join the tour will be notified by email. We are unable to notify applicants by phone or text.

If you do not receive notification by email of your acceptance, you will remain on the waitlist list in case a spot opens up. You will be notified if you are accepted, but not if you remain on the waitlist.

If at any time, you wish to withdraw your name from the waitlist, please notify the primary tour contact by email.

Cost of the tour will be announced when applications open. All participants will share a room with one other guest on the tour. The cost includes David’s services as leader and guide; all accommodations for seven nights; breakfast and dinner each day; transportation in-country during the trip.

Not Included:

• -Airfare to Kyoto/from Tokyo.
• -Transportation from Kyoto airport to hotel on Nov 1st.
• -Transportation from Tokyo hotel to departure airport.
• -Hotel in Tokyo on last day of tour.
• -Lunch each day.

The walks will take place on uneven terrain in a mountainous region. Before applying to join the tour please carefully consider your physical abilities and whether you are comfortable walking three-to-four hours per day and in some cases on trails that require significant elevation gain.

Some participants may find the use of walking poles useful especially when conditions are wet. If you bring walking poles, it is recommended to select the folding kind which will more easily fit into smaller baggage.

This tour includes multiple accommodations as we walk the trail. It is encouraged to bring one medium-sized luggage and one smaller backpack or foldable luggage bag.

Accommodations will include modern western-style hotels in Kyoto and Karuizawa, as well as Ryokan and Minshuku – Japanese-style inns – while in Tsumago area, Kiso Fukushima and Narai. These traditional inns may be in modern concrete or older wooden buildings, but will all be Japanese style with Tatami (straw) matting floors and futons laid out for sleeping.

Some Ryokans will have en-suite bathrooms, though older buildings generally offer shared facilities. Smaller inns offer domestic-scale bathing tubs used privately in turn by guests; larger inns offer communal spa-style baths, segregated by gender.

If, after acceptance, you need to withdraw your application before your final payment is due, Many Rivers will issue you a refund, minus $1000 USD.

If you withdraw after the final payment, Many Rivers will issue you a refund, minus the full deposit amount per person, only if we are able to fill your spot.

ARRIVAL
Participants will arrive in Kyoto via Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport and meet at a specified hotel where we enjoy the first dinner together.

DEPARTURE
The final day, guests will arrive in Tokyo. Guests are responsible for making their own hotel arrangements that evening.

All guests are responsible for making their own hotel arrangements in Tokyo on the final evening of the tour.

Hotels & Inns:
Hotels in Kyoto and Karuizawa are modern western-style hotels. All rooms have en-suite facilities, air conditioning, TV and refrigerators in the room.

Ryokans and Minshuku, Japanese-style inns may not have en-suite baths. All inns provide soap, shampoo, towels, slippers and cotton robes called “Yukata” which are worn inside after check-in. It is customary to to wear the Yukata to eat dinner, relax in your room or even walking outside. This enables all guests to travel and pack lightly during the tour.

Luggage: During the tour, larger items of luggage will be sent ahead to to make long-distance transfers by bus and train more relaxed; however, those larger items of luggage will not be available on the same day, so it is encouraged to pack a second smaller backpack or foldable bag to carry all necessary daily and overnight items.

Laundry: During the tour, you can wash small items discreetly in your room, or the guide will happily direct you to a self-service laundry option if the hotel or inn does not have its own facilities.

Each participant needs a passport valid for six months beyond their departure date from Japan. Some travelers may also need a travel Visa to enter Japan.  Please find more information on travel requirements for visiting Japan here.

We strongly advise participants to purchase travel insurance.

Most meals will be Japanese cuisine and may not be able to accommodate special dietary needs, due to the pervasiveness of fish-based stock dashi and the use of soy sauce and miso. Participants who require a strict vegetarian or gluten-free diets are encouraged to bring snacks in order to supplement their meals if they are unable to eat fish or gluten.

Lunches are not included and cost about JPY 1,500 – 2,500 / day.

Tips are not customary in restaurants or hotels, though your guide will suggest any exceptional occasion when a tip may be appropriate.