Japan Sacred Northern Lakes & Mountains Hiking
Tokyo, Japan to Tokyo, Japan
In Japan, mountains are objects of worship where powerful spirits reside. This itinerary explores Northern Honshu's revered mountain destinations, dripping with legend and tradition, bookended with tours of modern Tokyo and historic Nikko. From Nikko National Park's UNESCO-listed temples to the volcanic Hakkoda Mountains and Dewa Sanzan—home to sacred mountains and Shugendo's holiest shrines—experience the connection with nature that infuses Japanese life and culture. Hike along sparkling lakes and mountain streams, and rejuvenate in a charming onsen. Explore northern Japan's beautiful, sacred spaces on this specially crafted adventure!
- Escape to northern Japan and hike it's unspoiled lakes, high-altitude wetlands, and lush gorges
- Discover Japan's "mountain faith" - Shugendo, with deeply rooted spiritual traditions, in sacred Dewa Sanzan
- See Nikko's UNESCO-listed sites, unwind in natural hot springs, and overnight in traditional ryokans
Minimum Age: 13
- Adventure and Active
- Educational and Learning
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ID: 7965471
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ID: 8364329
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ID: 8364330
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ID: 8364331
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ID: 7965471
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ID: 8364329
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ID: 8364330
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ID: 8364331
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Naomi Honda
Naomi earned her master’s degree in sports tourism and marketing to complement her travel agency background and expand her knowledge of the tourism industry. During her study, she organized and managed events for international students for the purpose of cross-cultural exchange. In 2014, she passed the national tour guide exam and since then, she has been working as a guide. She is interested in Japanese history, food, culture and sports. Currently, she is studying to be qualified as a Kikisake-shi (Master of Sake).
Tomomi Shimazu
Tomomi was born and raised in Tokyo. After completing her degree in international relations, she studied in the UK and the US. Later she lived in Hawaii and Israel for years and traveled extensively in Europe, the US and Middle East. She now lives in Tokyo, close to its center and loves gardening, walking, cycling and yoga. Tomomi enjoys guiding and sharing her knowledge of both traditional and urban cultures of Japan. Meet Tomomi on MT Sobek's adventures in Japan.
Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage
Exclusions
International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
Reason #01
MT Sobek has been operating award-winning adventures in Asia since 1969, working with the best local guides to ensure an immersive and unforgettable adventure.
Reason #02This well-paced 13-day hiking adventure takes you from Tokyo to Nikko, combining rewarding valley and mountain hikes with the wonders of cultural touring. Carry only your daypack on the trail!
Reason #03Our local expert guides go the extra mile and are the perfect travel companions. Gain a unique understanding of the Japanese relationship with mountains and how this imbues Shintoism and the Shugendo faith.
ActivitiesModerately paced hikes up to 8 miles a day on paved and dirt trails, cultural touring, and scenic train rides. Includes a ride on a bullet train.
LodgingRejuvenate at traditional ryokans (inns) — many with onsen (hot springs) — set in scenic mountain locations.
ClimateLate July to September is very hot (75°F to 95°F) and humid. The weather can be cooler in the mountains.
Who will meet me on arrival?You will take a limousine bus to the hotel, where your MT Sobek guide will meet you in the evening for a trip briefing and dinner.
What days will I be without my luggage during this trip?You will be without your luggage, carrying your essentials in your daypack, on days 2, 5, 8 and 10. Your luggage will be transported by courier to your accommodation on the following day.
Can I still travel to Japan if I’m gluten-free?Yes, you can, but please let us know as soon as possible so we can manage your request.
Can I travel to Japan if I’m allergic to fish or shellfish?Fish is a more challenging allergy to manage due to the ubiquitous nature of dashi (fish broth), but we will relay your request to the cooks along the way.
What is staying in a ryokan or minshuku like?The ryokans vary significantly, but usually have tatami mats for flooring and futon beds that are laid out each night. Baths may be communal and divided by gender.
What is the minimum age for this trip?The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.Will I need to bring hiking poles?
Yes, hiking poles are recommended for several days of hiking.
Naomi Honda
Naomi earned her master’s degree in sports tourism and marketing to complement her travel agency background and expand her knowledge of the tourism industry. During her study, she organized and managed events for international students for the purpose of cross-cultural exchange. In 2014, she passed the national tour guide exam and since then, she has been working as a guide. She is interested in Japanese history, food, culture and sports. Currently, she is studying to be qualified as a Kikisake-shi (Master of Sake).
Tomomi Shimazu
Tomomi was born and raised in Tokyo. After completing her degree in international relations, she studied in the UK and the US. Later she lived in Hawaii and Israel for years and traveled extensively in Europe, the US and Middle East. She now lives in Tokyo, close to its center and loves gardening, walking, cycling and yoga. Tomomi enjoys guiding and sharing her knowledge of both traditional and urban cultures of Japan. Meet Tomomi on MT Sobek's adventures in Japan.
Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage
Exclusions
International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
Reason #01
MT Sobek has been operating award-winning adventures in Asia since 1969, working with the best local guides to ensure an immersive and unforgettable adventure.
Reason #02This well-paced 13-day hiking adventure takes you from Tokyo to Nikko, combining rewarding valley and mountain hikes with the wonders of cultural touring. Carry only your daypack on the trail!
Reason #03Our local expert guides go the extra mile and are the perfect travel companions. Gain a unique understanding of the Japanese relationship with mountains and how this imbues Shintoism and the Shugendo faith.
ActivitiesModerately paced hikes up to 8 miles a day on paved and dirt trails, cultural touring, and scenic train rides. Includes a ride on a bullet train.
LodgingRejuvenate at traditional ryokans (inns) — many with onsen (hot springs) — set in scenic mountain locations.
ClimateLate July to September is very hot (75°F to 95°F) and humid. The weather can be cooler in the mountains.
Who will meet me on arrival?You will take a limousine bus to the hotel, where your MT Sobek guide will meet you in the evening for a trip briefing and dinner.
What days will I be without my luggage during this trip?You will be without your luggage, carrying your essentials in your daypack, on days 2, 5, 8 and 10. Your luggage will be transported by courier to your accommodation on the following day.
Can I still travel to Japan if I’m gluten-free?Yes, you can, but please let us know as soon as possible so we can manage your request.
Can I travel to Japan if I’m allergic to fish or shellfish?Fish is a more challenging allergy to manage due to the ubiquitous nature of dashi (fish broth), but we will relay your request to the cooks along the way.
What is staying in a ryokan or minshuku like?The ryokans vary significantly, but usually have tatami mats for flooring and futon beds that are laid out each night. Baths may be communal and divided by gender.
What is the minimum age for this trip?The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our private trip options for families and groups with younger guests.Will I need to bring hiking poles?
Yes, hiking poles are recommended for several days of hiking.
About MT Sobek
To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go.
Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.
We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.
About MT Sobek
To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go.
Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.
We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.
