Kumano Kodo Autumn Leaves Tour

25th October 2012 – 8th November 2012

Thur 25th October Arrive Narita International Terminal After clearing Immigration and Customs formalities we proceed to Tokyo and the Shiba Park Hotel for our three nights stay:
Accommodation: Shiba Park Hotel Tokyo In 25th October - Out 28th October

Fri 26th October Day at leisure. Your tour escort is available for suggestions and assistance. Optional tours available and recommended to prebook prior to departure Australia.

Sat 27th October Day at leisure. Optional tours available and recommended to prebook prior to departure Australia.

Sun 28th October Tokyo – Nara This morning please have your large luggage at the Concierge in the Foyer of the Shiba Park Hotel no later than 7:00am for transfer through to our Kyoto accommodation. Make our way to Tokyo Station and board the Shinkansen “Bullet” train to Kyoto and change to local line for Nara. Check-in to our accommodation and visit Nara Park and Todaiji Temple.
Accommodation: Ryokan Matsumae In 28th October – Out 29th October

Mon 29th October Nara – Koyasan This morning we take the train to Gokurakubashi where we change and take the Cable Car to Koyasan. It is a complex of temples, monasteries and assembly buildings amid 900m high mountains. This Holy place is designated as World Heritage. (D)
Accommodation: Temple Lodging Eko-in Koyasan or similar In 29th October – Out 30th October

Tue 30th October Koyasan – Ryujin Onsen Today we attend morning Buddhist Ceremony, breakfast and meet our guide who will take us sightseeing. Lunch in Koyasan and depart around 2:30pm to Ryujin Onsen (Ryokan Experience) for our overnight stay. It is one of Japan’s three famous “Beautifying Hot Springs”. Enjoy traditional Japanese dinner this evening (B/D)
Accommodation: Kamigoten Ryokan..Ryujin In 30th October – Out 31st October

Wed 31st October Ryujin Onsen – Kawayu Onsen Breakfast this morning and drive to Takahara and hike Kumano Kodo Takahara to Chikatsuyu-Oji (9.3kms)*. Picnic lunch in the mountains. Drive to Kawayu Onsen for two night stay and bath in the hot springs (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Kawayu Midoriya Onsen In 31st October – Out 2nd November Kawayu Midoriya Onsen

Thur 1st November Kawayu Onsen – Kumano Kodo – Kawayu Onsen After breakfast this morning visit the Visitor Centre and then walk Kumano Kodo Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (7kms)**. Drive to Yunomine Onsen from Hongu (3.4kms) and visit Yunomine Onsen which is only one of two World Heritage Listed Hot Springs. Drive to Kawayu Onsen and enjoy Taiko (Japanese Drums) tonight. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Kawayu Midoriya Onsen

Fri 2nd November Kawayu Onsen – Katsuura After breakfast this morning drive to boat launch and enjoy traditional boat ride on Kumano River. Drive to Katsuura for lunch and onto Daimonzaka and 1km walk*** to Kumano Nachi Taisha and waterfall. (B/D)
Accommodation: Hotel Urashima Katsuura In 2nd November – Out 3rd November

Sat 3rd November Katsuura – Tanabe Breakfast and then this morning visit the Tuna Fish Market and local sightseeing to Tanabe. Evening at Izakaya Pub. (B/D)
Accommodation: Hotel Altier or similar In 3rd November – Out 4th November

Sun 4th November Tanabe – Kyoto Breakfast this morning and an 8:30am departure by train for Kyoto with remainder of day free. Your Tour Escort will be available to assist with suggestions. (B)
Accommodation: Kyoto Karasuma Hotel In 4th November – Out 8th November

Mon 5th November Kyoto This morning we will be met by our local Tour guide and private coach for a full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto. Visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), the famous Ryoanji Zen Sand Garden, Nijo Castle. Lunch at local Machiya House restaurant hosted by Japan Holidays. After lunch travel to Fushimi which is renowned for its more than 10,000 vermillion torii gates. Evening at leisure. (B/L)

Tue 6th November Kyoto Transfer by train to Arashiyama. Travel into the mountains on the “romance” train and return to Arashiyama down the gentle white water rapids. Remainder of afternoon at leisure to stroll Arashiyama or return to Kyoto. (B)

Wed 7th November Kyoto Day at leisure. Free time to wander this beautiful city or maybe to return to some of the above sights to enjoy more time. Your Tour Escort will be available at 9:00am in the foyer for assistance. Evening at leisure. (B)

Thur 8th November Kyoto – Kansai Airport – Departure Free day until departure for Kansai International Airport today. (B)

*…….On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the hardest, this days walk is 4.5. Alternative
arrangements are available for those not wishing to walk.
**…..On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the hardest, this days walk is a 3. Alternative
arrangements are available for those not wishing to walk.
***…On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the hardest, this 1km walk is a 1.5. If you walk the full
distance there are approximately 800 steps for the most part they are quite wide. The bus is
available to take you as far as the bus stop from where you can walk the last sector.

Meals Included: 10 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners