flyingbaran

This will be my second trip to Japan. I'm hoping to be in late October to November -- Tokyo and Kyoto for a few days (missed a few things the first time), Nikko, Nara and I'm not sure what else.

Last time I went to the Arashiyama bamboo grove and really enjoyed it! I'm looking for more nature walks or hikes. It can be day hikes or longer hikes if accommodations are available nearby. Areas accessible via public transportation are prefered. Will I be in time for the fall foliage?


I poked around japan guide for ideas.

-Nikko / Lake Chuzenji
-Kamikochi / Alpine Route / Northern Alps
-Mount Koya
-Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails
-Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail (too urban?)
-Yakushima


Suggestions? Advice?
I realize some of those are out of the way or the timing is near winter closing.

Kathie

We also loved Arashimaya. I haven't been to the places you listed, but I would suggest you consider Hakone, It's a beautiful area, with great views of Fuji. and plenty of walking available.

Hopefully, you'll see some of the koyo. We were there in November two years ago and managed to see the height of the koyo in Kyoto.

flyingbaran

I went to Hakone and Mt Fuji on my first trip. I didn't get to spent much time there but I don't feel drawn to that area to return. Perhaps the tour bus soured the day trip.

Kathie

lol - a tour bus would sour my day trip!

flyingbaran

I found this blog post:
http://rurousha.blogspot.com/2013/09...-kamakura.html


It's the Tenen Trail in Kamakura, which is not far from Tokyo. It looks like a neat walk.

russ_in_LA

Since you mentioned Mount Koya, here is a link to possibly my favorite walk of our entire 4 weeks in Japan over two trips:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4901.html

It's not exactly a nature walk or hike, although you will be out in nature. It will be chilly that time of the year, but well worth it. We did it during the day and again at night. The trail is lit with lanterns and very atmospheric after dark!

russ_in_LA

Oh, I forgot to mention above, Koyasan in late Oct/early Nov also has the benefit of the Koyo (Autumn Leaves) turning, which should be fantastic! Here is a link to all Koyo date ranges in case you want to plan your nature walks accordingly:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014_when.html

kja

@ russ_in_LA: I just recommended Okunoin to flyingbaran on her other thread! It's a great walk.

mrwunrfl

I like this post of yours better than the other one because this one doesn't try to squeeze in Kyushu.

I stopped in Kamikochi and took the easy stroll around. Very nice. There is a visitor's center near the bus stop, some lodging, restaurants, and at least one place to have a soak. I would have like to spend the night there even though I am not a hiker. If you want to do something more difficult than the a mall-walk then it might take some more planning than the K-A Route.

I noticed that you don't have Nakasendo/Kiso Valley as an option.

flyingbaran

@ Russ and Kja, Okunoin is definitely a reason to go. : )

@mrwunrfl, Nakasendo/Kiso Valley got lost in the mix. I made note of it somewhere... Have you visited? Is there a specific route or place to visit?

rkkwan

My wife and I spent part of our honeymoon on Yakushima over New Year 2013. We did some day-hike. If you decide to go there, I maybe able to answer some of your questions.

flyingbaran

@rkkwan, I was looking at Yakushima but thought it might be too far for hiking. If you have a trip report/blog I'd like to read more about it.

rkkwan

What do mean by "too far for hiking"?

Trip report: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-to-kyushu.cfm

Yakushima near the end. Since you mentioned Kurokawa in your other post, it's in the middle,

leslieq

We did several nice walks/hikes in April, including the Nakasendo Way. You can click on my name for my trip report with lots of details.

Have fun.

ayalranne

Wow, most of the items listed are not easy to go. For example it needs at least three or four days for the entire trip from Tokyo/Osaka to the islands. I hope to go there someday too ;-)

Among them I recommend you to go Nikko area. Take an express 'Spacia' train from Shinjuku or Asakusa station to Nikko station (about 2hrs / some JPY4,000?) Then take a bus to Senjogahara (about 50min). You can take a hike and see lots of coloured leaves there in October/November. Make sure to check the timetable of train/buses before you go, since Nikko is rural area compared to big city Kyoto.


(ticket to Nikko) http://tobutoptours.com/en/
(Nikko) http://nikko-travel.jp/english/attract/sightseeing.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/koyo...021_nikko.html

Have a great trip!

flyingbaran

@rkkwan, I meant "too far" as I need to decide whether I want to go as far as Kurokawa and Yakushima or choose something else nearer to the other places I'm visiting. There's a lot to choose from. I admit my interest in Yakushima is hiking and Ghibli inspired atmosphere.

flyingbaran

Anyone compare Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo? I'm wondering which to lean towards...

someotherguy

I've walked the Nakasendo from Magome to Tsumago and did not find it very interesting. I think it's worthwhile only if you stay overnight in one of the villages (I did not do that).

I've not hiked the Kumano Kodo but I have travelled around the Kii penisular and find it very attractive. The Ise Shrines are a great trip. What is particularly cool is that you are not allowed to see them! So you have to use detective work to figure it all out. Nearby, Meoto Iwa, the "Wedded Rocks," are quintessential kawaii.

There's a lot to see around Nara. Iga-Ueno, home of the ninjas and of the poet Basho, is a very scenic train ride and a great day trip. Uji has the most famous building in Japan, the oldest shrine, and the new Genji museum.

As well as Horyu-ji (with the oldest wooden buildings in the world), there are several other really fine and ancient temples (e.g., Yakushuji) to the south west. Even older are the Kofun (keyhole tumuli) further south and in Sakai.

In Nara itself, there's a lot of interest just off the beaten path, such as the Nigatsudo and Sangatsudo (February and March halls) of Todaiji (up the hill behind the Daibutsuden) which have great views and spectacular statues, respectively. Then there are the various ponds (ike) that offer more fine views.

I think the Kii peninsular could give you most of what you want to see and do while keeping travel to a minimum (it will be slow, though). Please report back if you do some of the Kumano Kodo as it will be new to most. Apart from Nara and Koyasan, I doubt you'll see another westerner.