Hiking/Ryokan Combo: Tokyo/Kyoto-areas or in Between
Jul 29th, 2024, 09:35 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hiking/Ryokan Combo: Tokyo/Kyoto-areas or in Between
Hello Friends!
Apologies if I shouldn't have created a separate thread for this but I figured it was okay to get a more specific request looked into here for clarity. My partner and I have our trip to Japan booked 8/9-8/23 (Yes, I know not peak hiking times but we live on the east coast of the US so humidity is quite familiar). As we build out itinerary we were curious about staying in a ryokan a bit more immersed in nature. We also LOVE hiking and want at least one day with a good emphasis on hiking, perhaps with the chance of seeing Mt. Fuji (if summer clouds will cooperate, yes our expectations are set).
What recommendations do you have for a day of hiking and a ryokan nearby that could be an amazing way to unwind after the activities? This would likely be in between our Tokyo and Kyoto segments of the trip. It could also be closer to one of the two cities. It seems like it would be a nice way to break up two city segments of the trip. We did receive really strong recommendations on Ginyu Ryokan in Hakone but don't know if that makes the most sense. I think serenity is one of the most desirable attributes of the ryokan as well as delicious food.
Logistically, we will be taking the train most places and not renting a car. How logical is this for getting to hiking? What are public transit options? I know this is SO vague to request since there are so many variables.
We did read some nice things about Kurama to Kibune as far as hiking. We would be looking to hike for anywhere from 4-8 hours give or take. We also heard great things about hiking around Kamakura and no doubt want to see that as a possible day trip from Tokyo, but don't necessarily need to hike around there.
Let me know if I can provide any clarity and apologies for the bit of a rambling style of post. I appreciate you all!
Apologies if I shouldn't have created a separate thread for this but I figured it was okay to get a more specific request looked into here for clarity. My partner and I have our trip to Japan booked 8/9-8/23 (Yes, I know not peak hiking times but we live on the east coast of the US so humidity is quite familiar). As we build out itinerary we were curious about staying in a ryokan a bit more immersed in nature. We also LOVE hiking and want at least one day with a good emphasis on hiking, perhaps with the chance of seeing Mt. Fuji (if summer clouds will cooperate, yes our expectations are set).
What recommendations do you have for a day of hiking and a ryokan nearby that could be an amazing way to unwind after the activities? This would likely be in between our Tokyo and Kyoto segments of the trip. It could also be closer to one of the two cities. It seems like it would be a nice way to break up two city segments of the trip. We did receive really strong recommendations on Ginyu Ryokan in Hakone but don't know if that makes the most sense. I think serenity is one of the most desirable attributes of the ryokan as well as delicious food.
Logistically, we will be taking the train most places and not renting a car. How logical is this for getting to hiking? What are public transit options? I know this is SO vague to request since there are so many variables.
We did read some nice things about Kurama to Kibune as far as hiking. We would be looking to hike for anywhere from 4-8 hours give or take. We also heard great things about hiking around Kamakura and no doubt want to see that as a possible day trip from Tokyo, but don't necessarily need to hike around there.
Let me know if I can provide any clarity and apologies for the bit of a rambling style of post. I appreciate you all!
Jul 29th, 2024, 11:05 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just saw a tv special on NHK about the Nakasendo way, which looked really lovely. Maybe you can find some ryokan connected to this walk...? Or baggage transfer? I'd love to do this myself!
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/4026204/
https://www.japan-guide.com/ad/nakasendo/
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/4026204/
https://www.japan-guide.com/ad/nakasendo/
Jul 29th, 2024, 11:23 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,249
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did that walk from Magome to Tsumago many years ago. They had a luggage delivery system as well. And then I stayed over in a ryokan in Tsumago...
I think I had spent the previous night in Nagoya....
I think I had spent the previous night in Nagoya....
Jul 29th, 2024, 07:46 PM
#4
>> I figured it was okay
You figured correctly as this is a different topic. But you two threads are out of the context of your plan. You could help us by giving us your plan, indicating what parts are tentative or as yet unplanned. So far, I understand that you are going Tokyo- somewhere- Kyoto and Miyajima to Kyoto. Don't know how long you might give to that somewhere stop.
You can do what Mara did if departing from Tokyo early enough.And/or you can find more nature elsewhere in Kiso Valley that would not be as popular as walking the Nakasendo. Easy to get to Kyoto next day, Hiroshima ok Miyajima maybe a bit too far.
Kiso Valley Travel Guide - What to do in the Kisoji (japan-guide.com)
Walking the Historic Nakasendo Samurai Trail (japan-guide.com)
nearby is Kamikochi which has some walking and serious hiking and climbing:
Kamikochi Travel Guide - What to do in Kamikochi (japan-guide.com)
progol reported on a town in Kiso Valley just south of Matsumoto but I forget the name or if there was hiking
I read about some hiking around Hachioji which is not far from Tokyo (something about a ropeway, restaurant on top of mountain, and some hiking, IIRC)
Hakone or Fujigoko would probably work for you. The authorities have gotten serious about climbing Fujisan because of over-crowding and a few tourist deaths and emergencies.
You could search japan-guide.com for hiking.
You figured correctly as this is a different topic. But you two threads are out of the context of your plan. You could help us by giving us your plan, indicating what parts are tentative or as yet unplanned. So far, I understand that you are going Tokyo- somewhere- Kyoto and Miyajima to Kyoto. Don't know how long you might give to that somewhere stop.
You can do what Mara did if departing from Tokyo early enough.And/or you can find more nature elsewhere in Kiso Valley that would not be as popular as walking the Nakasendo. Easy to get to Kyoto next day, Hiroshima ok Miyajima maybe a bit too far.
Kiso Valley Travel Guide - What to do in the Kisoji (japan-guide.com)
Walking the Historic Nakasendo Samurai Trail (japan-guide.com)
nearby is Kamikochi which has some walking and serious hiking and climbing:
Kamikochi Travel Guide - What to do in Kamikochi (japan-guide.com)
progol reported on a town in Kiso Valley just south of Matsumoto but I forget the name or if there was hiking
I read about some hiking around Hachioji which is not far from Tokyo (something about a ropeway, restaurant on top of mountain, and some hiking, IIRC)
Hakone or Fujigoko would probably work for you. The authorities have gotten serious about climbing Fujisan because of over-crowding and a few tourist deaths and emergencies.
You could search japan-guide.com for hiking.
Jul 29th, 2024, 10:30 PM
#5
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Are you going to Miyajima? It has ryokan and hiking trails....
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3451.html
or Nikko and surrounds?
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3800.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3451.html
or Nikko and surrounds?
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3800.html
Last edited by kja; Jul 29th, 2024 at 10:36 PM.
Jul 30th, 2024, 06:02 AM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
>> I figured it was okay
You figured correctly as this is a different topic. But you two threads are out of the context of your plan. You could help us by giving us your plan, indicating what parts are tentative or as yet unplanned. So far, I understand that you are going Tokyo- somewhere- Kyoto and Miyajima to Kyoto. Don't know how long you might give to that somewhere stop.
You can do what Mara did if departing from Tokyo early enough.And/or you can find more nature elsewhere in Kiso Valley that would not be as popular as walking the Nakasendo. Easy to get to Kyoto next day, Hiroshima ok Miyajima maybe a bit too far.
.
You figured correctly as this is a different topic. But you two threads are out of the context of your plan. You could help us by giving us your plan, indicating what parts are tentative or as yet unplanned. So far, I understand that you are going Tokyo- somewhere- Kyoto and Miyajima to Kyoto. Don't know how long you might give to that somewhere stop.
You can do what Mara did if departing from Tokyo early enough.And/or you can find more nature elsewhere in Kiso Valley that would not be as popular as walking the Nakasendo. Easy to get to Kyoto next day, Hiroshima ok Miyajima maybe a bit too far.
.
Fly In: 8/9-8/10
Tokyo: 4 Days
Kyoto: 4 Days
Hokkaido 3 Days
Fly Out: 8/24
With 1.5 days built in free to add anywhere. Probably between Tokyo and Kyoto legs would be best for the hiking/ryokan stay. Perhaps start hiking 7am and be at Ryokan around 4pm. Hope this provides some clarity. I will look into all of the suggestions in this thread.
Jul 30th, 2024, 07:53 AM
#7
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Consider flying into KIX (near Kyoto) and out of NRT (near Tokyo) or vice versa and then put those cities at the start and end of your trip. As good as Japan's rail system is -- and it is wonderful! -- I, personally, would want to be near the city out of which I'm flying the night before my trip home.
Most of us find it helpful to think in terms of nights, not days because it helps account for transportation / relocation time. To have 4 days in a place, you generally need 5 nights. By that thinking, your trip is already "full" with 5 nights in each of Tokyo and Kyoto and 4 nights in Hokkaido. And don't underestimate how much time you will take to adjust to jet lag -- that first day in Japan will likely be "lost."
Most of us find it helpful to think in terms of nights, not days because it helps account for transportation / relocation time. To have 4 days in a place, you generally need 5 nights. By that thinking, your trip is already "full" with 5 nights in each of Tokyo and Kyoto and 4 nights in Hokkaido. And don't underestimate how much time you will take to adjust to jet lag -- that first day in Japan will likely be "lost."
Trending Topics
Jul 30th, 2024, 10:57 AM
#8
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jul 30th, 2024, 11:04 AM
#9
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
JNTO has pdf guides on Hiking around Tokyo
https://partners-pamph.jnto.go.jp/simg/pamph/1574.pdf
and walks in Kyoto
https://partners-pamph.jnto.go.jp/simg/pamph/623.pdf
Index to 416 other gudes here:
https://www.japan.travel/brochures/eng/index.php?
https://partners-pamph.jnto.go.jp/simg/pamph/1574.pdf
and walks in Kyoto
https://partners-pamph.jnto.go.jp/simg/pamph/623.pdf
Index to 416 other gudes here:
https://www.japan.travel/brochures/eng/index.php?
Jul 30th, 2024, 11:42 AM
#10
Yes, I mixed up your 'separate thread' with the one by Lucybee123;
Arrive 8/10 and depart 8/24.
Am counting 14 nights, 13 full days in Japan.
You allocated 11 full days and have ~2 intra-Japan travel days.
Arrive 8/10 and depart 8/24.
Am counting 14 nights, 13 full days in Japan.
You allocated 11 full days and have ~2 intra-Japan travel days.
Jul 30th, 2024, 11:58 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I guess the summarize the most crucial things we are looking for is a one night stay in a ryokan with onset that has beautiful views. The ryokan would be accessible for those without a car and looking to get 4 hours (plus or minus) or hiking in that morning.
Perhaps it is a little bold to look for. Hakone has been on our most searched areas of ryokan but unsure if getting to one from a hiking-focused day makes sense.
Perhaps it is a little bold to look for. Hakone has been on our most searched areas of ryokan but unsure if getting to one from a hiking-focused day makes sense.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tahl
Asia
19
Sep 12th, 2008 06:41 PM
