As seen on
Japan: Kiso Forests, Ise & the Okihiki Festival
Japan
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Duration:
9 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Witness the Okihiki Festival in Ise
- Walk among the ancient cypress forests of Kiso
- Follow the historic Nakasendo trail
- Explore the sacred shrines of Ise
- Trace Japan's craftsmanship and culinary traditions
Follow the story of Japan’s sacred timber from the ancient forests of Kiso to the traditional Okihiki festival and the historic shrines of Ise
At the heart of this journey is the Okihiki, a remarkable Japanese tradition that takes place only once every 20 years as part of preparations for the rebuilding of Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine complexes. Witness this extraordinary event as local participants pull enormous logs of sacred timber through the streets and along the river towards the shrines, accompanied by traditional customs and a powerful sense of shared purpose. Rooted in centuries of religious practice and craftsmanship, the Okihiki offers a rare opportunity to witness a living tradition that connects generations of Japanese people with their spiritual heritage.
Our journey follows the story behind this remarkable ceremony, from the ancient cypress forests of the Kiso Valley, where timber for the shrines is harvested, to the skilled craftsmanship that transforms the wood into sacred architecture. Walk part of the historic Nakasendo, the old route between Edo and Kyoto, explore forests of centuries old cypress trees and discover how these landscapes have played a vital role in Japan’s cultural and spiritual life.
Along the way, visit Nagoya to admire the intricate wooden interiors of its historic castle, meet traditional sake and miso producers, and explore Kuwana’s historic trading routes and festival traditions. In Ise, visit the revered Inner and Outer Shrines, learn about the remarkable 20 year rebuilding cycle at the Sengukan Museum and explore the coastal shrines of Futami, where pilgrims traditionally prepared for their visit to Ise Jingu.
Finishing in Osaka, with its bustling markets, historic castle and lively riverside streets, this journey brings together Japan’s forest landscapes, traditional craftsmanship and enduring spiritual customs. More than a tour of famous sights, it offers a chance to understand the people, places and traditions behind one of Japan’s most significant cultural events.
Day 1: 18th Jul - Arrival in Tokyo
Transfer
4 star hotel
Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel by shared transfer service.
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Day 2: 19th Jul - Tokyo Sightseeing
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
4 star hotel
Today we explore some of Tokyo's history and culture with a private guide and private coach.
We begin at the Edo Tokyo Museum, which traces the development of the city from the Edo period through to modern Tokyo. We then enjoy a traditional chanko nabe lunch. This hearty hot pot is closely associated with sumo wrestlers and makes a fitting introduction to the food culture of Japan.
In the afternoon, stroll through Kyu Yasuda Garden, a small Edo period style garden in the Ryogoku area, before continuing to Asakusa and Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. There will be time to explore the surrounding streets and Nakamise shopping area.
We finish at Tokyo Skytree, where the Tembo Deck at 350 metres offers wide views across the city.
Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Day 3: 20th Jul - Tokyo to Kiso
Train
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
We leave Tokyo behind and travel towards the Kiso Valley, following part of the historic Nakasendo, the old route between Edo and Kyoto.
Luggage will be transferred from Tokyo to Nagoya for delivery the following day, so you will need to prepare an overnight bag for your stay in Kiso.
From Shinjuku, we take the express train before continuing by local train to Narai.
From Narai we walk the Nakasendo to Yabuhara, crossing the forested Torii Pass at 1,197 metres. This is a particularly interesting section of the old route, passing through woodland and following the same mountain corridor once used by travellers between the post towns of the Kiso Valley. The walk is around 6 kilometres and takes approximately three to three and a half hours, with some sustained uphill and downhill sections.
From Yabuhara we continue by local train to Kiso Fukushima.
Accommodation: Tsutaya Tokinoyado Kazari or similar
Day 4: 21st Jul - Tsukechi and Nagoya
Train
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Our exploration of the timber story continues today in the forests of Kiso and nearby Tsukechi.
At Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest, we take a walk through the protected Kiso cypress woodland. Many of the trees here are more than 300 years old, and the forest has a long association with the sacred timber used to rebuild Ise Jingu.
This is also the site of the 1985 Misoma Hajime Sai, one of the ceremonies connected with the Shikinen Sengu. The remains of the sacred trees felled for that ceremony can still be seen within the forest.
We continue to Tsukechi, an area of Nakatsugawa with a long history of producing high quality timber, including wood used in the rebuilding of Ise Jingu.
We then make our way to Nakatsugawa before continuing to Nagoya.
Accommodation: Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel or similar
Day 5: 22nd Jul - Nagoya
Train
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Today we continue the story of Kiso timber and Japanese craftsmanship in Nagoya.
At Nagoya Castle, we visit the reconstructed Honmaru Palace, where Kiso and Ura Kiso cypress was used extensively in the restoration. Seeing the timber in such an intricate building brings the connection between the forests of central Japan and the craftsmanship of the cities to life.
We then visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, housed in the former birthplace of the Toyota Group. Its displays explore the development of Japanese industry through textiles, machinery and automobile production.
Later, we visit a sake brewery to learn more about one of Japan's best known traditional drinks, followed by a visit to a miso producer and an introduction to the importance of fermented foods in Japanese cuisine.
Accommodation: Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel or similar
Day 6: 23rd Jul - Kuwana and Ise
Train
Breakfast
3 star hotel
We leave Nagoya and travel towards Ise, stopping in Kuwana to explore its connection with the historic pilgrimage route.
At Shichiri no Watashi, the former Seven Ri Crossing, we visit the landing place where travellers once arrived by boat after crossing the approximately 28 kilometre route from Atsuta. The large torii here marks the historic entrance to Ise Province and has an unusual connection with Ise Jingu: timber from the shrine's rebuilding cycle is reused in the torii after completing its previous role at Uji Bridge.
At Rokkaen, we explore the former residence and gardens of a wealthy Kuwana merchant, where Western and traditional Japanese architecture sit alongside one another.
We continue to the Ishidori Festival Museum, which introduces the large floats used in Kuwana's Ishidori Festival. The festival is one of the traditional float festivals included within UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage listing.
We finish with a walk along Teramachi Street before continuing to Ise.
Accommodation: Ise Pearl Pier Hotel or similar
Day 7: 24th Jul - Ise and Okahiki Festival
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
3 star hotel
Today we explore some of the places traditionally associated with the Ise pilgrimage.
Luggage will be transferred to from Ise to Osaka for delivery the following day, so you will need to prepare an overnight bag for your second night in Ise
At Futaminoura Bay, we visit Meotoiwa, the famous Wedded Rocks, and Futamiokitama Shrine. Futami has long been associated with purification before visiting Ise Jingu, making it an appropriate starting point for our exploration of the pilgrimage route.
We then visit the Ise Kawasaki Merchant Hall, a restored former sake wholesaler in Kawasaki, an area once known as the "Kitchen of Ise" because it supplied goods to the many pilgrims visiting the shrine.
Later, we have the opportunity to watch the Okihiki, the traditional pulling of sacred timber towards Ise Jingu.
Accommodation: Ise Pearl Pier Hotel or similar
Day 8: 25th Jul - Ise and the Okihiki Festival
Train
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Today we continue exploring Ise and its connection with the Shikinen Sengu.
We visit the Outer Shrine, Geku, before continuing to the Sengukan Museum, which explains the history, rituals and craftsmanship associated with the Shikinen Sengu and the rebuilding of Ise Jingu.
We also have the opportunity to watch the Kawabiki, in which sacred timber is pulled along the Isuzu River towards the Inner Shrine. The Okihiki forms part of the preparations for the next Shikinen Sengu, a cycle of renewal that takes place every 20 years.
There will also be time to explore Okage Yokocho, a traditional style shopping and dining area beside the Inner Shrine, before visiting Ise Jingu's Inner Shrine, Naiku.
Later, we travel by train to Osaka.
Accommodation: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
Day 9: 26th Jul - Osaka
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
Our final full day takes us into the heart of Osaka.
We begin at the Umeda Sky Building, followed by a visit to Kuromon Market, where we can browse the stalls and see some of the ingredients and foods that are important to Osaka's culinary culture.
We continue to Osaka Castle before finishing with a 20 minute Tombori River Cruise along the Dotonbori River, offering a different perspective on the lively streets of Minami.
Accommodation: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar
Day 10: Departure
Transfer
Breakfast
Our Japanese adventure comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport by shared transfer service for your onward journey.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights & airport taxes
- Visas
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Public transport costs during independent 'leisure' time. You will use your pre-paid Suica card (JPY 1,500) for shorter journeys. Any top ups to the Suica card will be at your own expense. Your guide will help you with the top up.
- Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary and drinks during meals
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism and recognise the value of using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventure really accentuates your experience and the mixture of hotels you will be staying in is very representative of the contrasts found in Japan. We feel that using different types of hotels helps deliver to you the complexity of Japan. It is a crazy patchwork of ancient & modern, corporate & family businesses, nature and urban, all of which coexist peacefully side by side. To authentically represent Japan, we have included as many of these as we can!
Having said that, there are themes with the various types of accommodation, and they will all be chosen for cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel which in Japan can be very expensive) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us.
Please be aware that in areas where tourism is still developing, and in more rural or remote areas, we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of familiar culture and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflect the country we are visiting.
In our itinerary we list our first choice of accommodation for this adventure. Where hotels are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced local, English speaking Japanese guide with a good knowledge of the areas visited.
We work closely with our Japanese Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit enough?
This adventure is a fabulous mix of sightseeing using public transport, and exploring on foot.
To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be in good physical health, and enjoy walking as a way of exploring an area. You do not need to be an experienced hiker as the walks on the itinerary are taken at a leisurely pace (to enable wildlife spotting and photography) on well trodden paths, for short or intermediate periods of time (max of 3hrs) and with regular stops. You will be carrying just a day pack and bottle of water (bottled water) when walking or sightseeing.
Walking shoes or lightweight walking boots are more appropriate for this trip than hard and heavy walking boots.
Please note that you need to have an open mind to adventure travel, and experiencing different cultures to your own, first hand. You need to be happy using local buses and trains, as well as bullet trains. We believe this gives you a far more immersive adventure, as well as a much better value one.
Travel & Arrival
Your YellowWood adventure begins at your start hotel in Tokyo and finishes in Osaka. International flights are not included, and we recommend flying into Tokyo and home from Osaka.
Shared shuttle transfers between Narita or Haneda Airport and your start hotel, and between your end hotel and Kansai International Airport, are included on the official arrival and departure dates only. Transfers on other dates are not included, but we can help arrange additional transfers and accommodation on request.
Once booked, you will be asked to complete a travel information form with your flight details so we can coordinate your transfers. Further information about meeting points and timings will be provided before departure.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your adventure, and you are responsible for booking the correct flights. We are happy to offer advice if needed. You can compare options using Skyscanner or Momondo.
If you plan to travel elsewhere in Japan before or after the tour, Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA may offer discounted domestic fares for international visitors. Check their websites for current eligibility and booking conditions.
Please check with your airline for luggage and check in requirements if you are connecting between flights.
Foreign travel advice
Before travelling, check the latest FCDO travel advice for Japan, including entry requirements, passport and visa information, local laws and safety advice. Please ensure you meet all entry requirements before departure.
Arrival in Tokyo
The shared shuttle transfer operates from both Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport. After immigration, baggage reclaim and customs, follow the arrival instructions provided before departure. Details of your meeting point and transfer arrangements will be sent nearer the time.
Departure from Osaka
Your included shared shuttle transfer will take you from your end hotel to Kansai International Airport (KIX) on the official departure date.
Shinkansen trains and luggage
On Shinkansen bullet trains, luggage with combined dimensions of up to 160 cm (length, width and height) can be carried without an additional luggage reservation or supplement. Larger luggage may require a special seat reservation. Please check the latest requirements before travelling.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
General information on Japan
For information on Japan, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- US$ or GB£ to exchange for local currency
- Passport and Insurance Documents
- Credit / Debit Cards (for use in ATMs in cities only)
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Mosquito repellent
- Hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) & min of 2 reusable & 10 disposable face coverings
- Day rucksack for walking / sightseeing (approx 20L)
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Sunglasses & Sun cream (high factor)
- Plug adaptor
Clothing
- Socks & underwear
- PJs / nightwear
- Light tops that can be layered for day time - long and short sleeved tops (av trip temp: low 14ºC, high 28ºC)
- Trousers, shorts & skirts as required
- Warm layer: fleece or jacket
- Waterproof jacket (good quality)
- Good hiking shoes with non slip soles or lightweight walking boots (worn in)
- Sandals or trainers
- Swimwear & quick drying towel for hot springs & Onsen
Optional
Optional
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Ear plugs (if sharing, in case of snorers!)
- Head torch & batteries
- Umbrella
- Phone & Charging cables / plug
- Sun hat / baseball cap
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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