Compare Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak by Intrepid Travel vs Walking Western Japan: Mountain Paths and Hidden Temples by Road Scholar

Day 1 Tokyo

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – bursting with contemporary urban culture, this colourful city is home to many museums, world-class shopping strips, neighbourhoods full of restaurants and countless karaoke bars. As this trip spends very little time in Tokyo, it’s recommended that you arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience its best. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, but if you arrive early you might like to check out the mania of Shibuya Crossing or stroll around the hip Harajuku neighbourhood. After the meeting, why not get some of your group together for an optional dinner at a local restaurant – your group leader will know the best spots.

Day 2 Nakasendo (Hiking)

Say goodbye to Tokyo this morning and hop on a train towards the Nakasendo Way – a historic network that connected shukuba (post stations) between Tokyo and Kyoto in the Edo period. When you arrive, you’ll head out to walk a section of the Way between Tsumago and Magome. Take a well-maintained and marked trail through forested countryside past traditional houses reminiscent of the time. Both Tsumago and Magome were towns where weary travellers would rest during their journey along the Nakasendo Way, and tonight you’ll stay in a local guesthouse in town, replicating their experience. Before checking into the guesthouse, visit the Toson Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to the life and works of writer Shimazaki Tōson.

Day 3 Nakasendo / Onomichi (Hiking)

An early morning start today takes you on a short hike along another section of the Nakasendo trail to Nagiso station. After, take a regional train and then a shinkansen (bullet train) to Furukawa, connecting to a local train bound for Onomichi. Onomichi marks the beginning of the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling track and the town is associated with a great number of Japanese literary figures. There are various temples, pagodas and parks you can explore while you’re here – the most popular walk being Temple Way. You could also head to Senkoji Park for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the Inland Sea. If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan in the springtime, cherry blossoms bloom in the parks here! Tonight, why not head into town and grab a ramen dinner in one of the laneway restaurants – these delicious soupy noodles are what Onomichi is known for.

Day 4 Shimanami Kaido / Onomichi (Cycling & Kayaking)

Wake up this morning ready take on a section of the Shimanami Kaido. This 60 km cycle path connects six small islands on the Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. Today, you’ll ride across three of the connecting islands, arriving on Ikuchijima around midday. The cycling paths are well established, and you’ll pass by cafes, shrines, small beaches and gorgeous vistas of the dotted islands and tiny fishing villages along the Setouchi Inland Sea. In the afternoon, swap your bike for a kayak and start paddling from the Sunshine Beach area of the island. Later, catch a ferry back through to Onomichi Port before a free evening.

Day 5 Kyoto (Hiking)

This morning, take a local train and shinkansen to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (translating to the tranquillity and peace capital) in AD794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years before the emperor and government relocated to Tokyo. Because of this, Kyoto is rich in history, with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens. After dropping your bags off at the accommodation, head out with your group to Fushimi Inari Shrine – one of the quintessential images of Japan. Famous for its thousands of reddish coloured torii gates, get lost in one of the networks of trails, and be sure to snap a few shots of this iconic spot. Your leader will take you ona hike up the hill, away from most of the crowds, so you can get the best views and most peaceful feel of the place. Later, visit to the historic Gion area, where you might spot a geisha.

Day 6 Kyoto (Hiking)

Head with your group to Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion. Built more than 500 years ago, this structure is surrounded by intricate Japanese landscape architecture and was modelled off the Golden Pavilion, Kinakuji. From Ginkakuji, you’ll hike up Mt Daimonji-yama – one of the best short hikes in Kyoto. From the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the city and on a clear day, all the way over to Yoshida-yama Hill. When you’re back in town, the afternoon is yours to choose your own adventure. Maybe check out Kyoto’s Kitchen at Nishiki food markets, visit Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace, or get lost in the zigzagging lanes of the traditional Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka districts. If you prefer a bit of relaxation, rest up in one of the sentos (traditional bath houses) in the city – a must-do experience at least once in Japan!

Day 7 Kyoto (Cycling)

Today it’s time to jump back on two wheels. Pick up your rental bikes and start exploring Kyoto. Cycle along the beautiful Kamogawa River to Demachiyanangi, stopping at Daitokuji Temple. Learn about Zen Buddhism and find a dose of peace before hopping back on the saddle and continuing to the Kinkakuji Temple – also known as the Golden Pavilion. Heading back along Kamogawa River, finish your cycling adventure and head back to the bike shop. Tonight you’re free to find the best feed – your leader always has the best recommendations!

Day 8 Shingu/Koguchi

This morning, hop on the train to Shingu. Visit Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine – one of the three main shrines part of the Kumano Kodo network. After you've had a look around, visit Kamikura Shrine – one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Shingu. This shrine has a stunning view over Shingu city out to the Pacific Ocean. Change to a local public bus to Koguchi, where you’ll rest for the night and get ready for tomorrow's hike.

Day 9 Koguchi/Kii Katsuura (Hiking)

Today is an early start as you head out to hike part of the famous Kumano Kodo – one of the only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrim routes in the world. The Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient routes that connect three major religious sites – known collectively as the Kumano Sanzan. Throughout the centuries, the pilgrim route has been used by imperial families, nobility, warriors and common folk alike as part of their spiritual practice. For the first couple of hours it's an uphill climb that rises over 800 m. After reaching the Echizen-toge Pass, follow the forest ridge for another couple of kilometres until you reach the highest point – Funami-jaya teahouse at 868 m. From here, head mostly downhill to Nachi Taisha – another of the three Kumano shrines. See the Nachi Falls along the way, too, then take a bus down to Kii Katsuura for the night.

Day 10 Toba

Take the train to Toba today. Toba is the perfect place to wind down after a few days of hiking, cycling and kayaking. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk in the old town of Toba and give you the option to have a fresh seafood barbecue for lunch – oysters, anyone? In the afternoon, visit the famous Mikimoto Pearl Island Museum. Toba's claim to fame is it’s the birthplace of the cultured pearl industry and here, you'll be able to witness how Ama divers (female pearl divers) collect pearls in the traditional way. In the evening, maybe check out the onsen in your hotel – there's no better way to relax tense muscles than soaking yourself in the hot springs with an amazing view over the bay area ahead.

Day 11 Osaka

In the morning, hop back on the train and return to Osaka. Arrive at around lunch time and go on a walking tour with your leader to the famous Dotombori district, which is popular for its shopping, food and entertainment. At night, this place is lit by hundreds of neon lights and signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign. If the mood strikes, why not join your group for a final dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants and toast to a trip well travelled!

Day 12 Osaka

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrival Fukuoka, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Fukuoka

Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

After some time to relax and get settled at the hotel, we’ll meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant where we have booked a private room for a general program orientation and dinner. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This small-group walking program will be accompanied by one Group Leader, who will handle logistics and lead most lectures and field trips, unless otherwise specified. Everyone will handle their own luggage for transfers throughout the program. Meals will include water and tea with other beverages will be available for purchase, unless otherwise noted. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal, with tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Fukuoka – Japan's Gateway to Asia Yabakei

Walking approximately 3 miles throughout the day. Use of transportation including assorted rail and subway transfers; about 2 hours total; some stairs, flat city streets, elevators/escalators sometimes available. Everyone will handle their own luggage for transfers.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll set out with our Group Leader to stretch our legs on a morning exploration of this lively city, known as “Japan's gateway to Asia." Our first stop will be Sumiyoshi Shrine, a site of worship for sea travelers bound for ancient China and Korea. It is an appropriate place to consider the relationship between Japan and Asia at large with two millennia of cultural flows between them. We’ll walk onward to Yanagibashi Market where we’ll walk around the market, see the produce, and take in the bustling communal atmosphere. Started in the 1920s, the market is an important center of fresh produce for the locals. Finally, we make a short stop at a small local museum to learn more about the rich history of the Hakata area.

After making our way to Hakata Station, we’ll transfer on the Sonic Express train to Nakatsu in Oita Prefecture. From here, we’ll travel an additional short distance by private-hire vehicle to Yabakei where we’ll stay the night in the surroundings of a delightful, onsen thermal hot spring accommodation. Yabakei is known for its picturesque valleys, verdant forests, sparkling streams and, of course, its many hot springs. Upon our arrival, we’ll take some time to learn the vital dos and don’ts of living in traditional Japanese style from our Group Leader. Where do we take off our shoes? Where are the beds? How do we use the baths? The lessons learned here are important, and will be vital throughout the program as we stay at a variety of traditional Japanese accommodation.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a breakfast buffet with juice, coffee, tea, water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

At our accommodation, we’ll enjoy the first of a number of formal Japanese plated meals.

Day 4 Rakkan-Ji, Mountain Temples & Old Roads Hita

Driving about 25 miles; approx. 2 hours total. Walking approx. 3.5 miles total; about 2 hours throughout the day; country lanes, forest trails, mountain paths and some steep steps. Total elevation gain of approx. 250 feet. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

Checking out after breakfast, we’ll make a short transfer to Ao-no-domon in the heart of the Yabakei region and start our walk to Rakkan-ji, a temple spectacularly sited high up on the side of Mt. Rakkan. Those not wishing to make the climb on foot over steps hewn out of the rock may use a chairlift up to the temple’s main buildings, which are interwoven into caves. A second section of the chairlift will bring us to the summit, affording a spectacular panorama over Yabakei. At the top, our Group Leader will provide informative commentary about the area and its history before leading us inside the temple.

Our afternoon excursion first takes us to Sarutobi Keikoku gorge, a small but very scenic canyon found in bucolic surroundings, followed by a visit to Ontayaki Pottery Village, which has a history dating back to the 18th Century. Afterwards, we transfer to Hita, a town at the geographical heart of Kyushu that once served as the shogun’s most important stronghold on the island. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the old town and learn about its strategic importance. Checking into our hotel, we’ll relax in the local onsen hot spring baths before venturing out for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At our inn, we’ll have plated meals, plus tea and water included.

At a local café, we’ll enjoy a tasty bento box lunch.

At a local restaurant, we’ll settle in for a delicious family-style meal, with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 The Kuju Mountains, "Fizzy" Bathing! Nagayu Onsen

Driving approx. 50 miles; about 2 hours total, with stops. Walking approx. 3.5 miles total; about 2 hours; mostly gentle ascent on forest and grassland trails. Total elevation gain of about 400 feet. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

Once checked out, we’ll make our way to Yume-no-Ohashi, a suspension footbridge. The bridge spans a gorge into which two waterfalls flow. We then transfer to the Chojabaru Kuju visitors centre where we will learn about this important mountain range. We’ll then continue along a leisurely path through the picturesque Tadewara marsh lands, grasslands, and forests.

Our vehicle takes us along the roads around the Kuju Mountains to our accommodation, a delightful inn beside a river at Nagayu Onsen. Upon arrival, we’ll check in and have some time to relax and settle in for the next two nights. We have the added attraction of nearby Lamune Onsen, which is known for its unusual, fizzy waters. A fantastic spectacle, the baths themselves are housed in equally intriguing buildings designed by Terunobu Fujimori, one of Japan’s lesser-known but no less great architects.

At leisure to enjoy the inn.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant along our walk, we’ll have plated meals, plus tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Inn plated meal.

Day 6 Ancient Carvings, Hilltop Citadel Nagayu Onsen

Driving approx. 20 miles; about 2 hours. Walking approx. 7.5 miles total; about 6 hours; country lanes, forest trails; some short steep sections. Total elevation gain of 1,217 feet. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

Boarding taxis, our route today will take us through hilly countryside, past paddy and arable fields, farmhouses with their well-tended gardens, and alongside water courses that disappear and reappear through tunnels carved into rock. Arriving at Fuko-ji Temple, the scenery suddenly opens up to a giant, fearsome Fudo-Myo deity that was carved into a cliff face long ago. Continuing, we’ll reach the remains of nearby Oka-jo Castle, which offers a striking contrast to our otherwise rural excursion. Only the ramparts remain, but their scale and impressiveness allude to the power that this hilltop citadel once had.

We’ll then have time to explore and relax in Taketa, the small town that developed at the foot of the castle to serve it. Besides some pleasant cafés, Taketa also has some interesting boutiques with locally-made crafts, which we’ll get to see before transferring back by taxi to the inn in Nagayu Onsen.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Inn plated meal.

Depending on the weather, we may have a picnic lunch or we will dine in a local restaurant.

Inn plated meal.

Day 7 Geo Park, Sake Brewery, Beppu, Hot Spring Capital of Japan Beppu

Driving approx. 45 miles total; about 2.5 hours, with stops. Walking approx. 4.5 miles total; about 2 hours country lanes, forest trails. Total elevation gain of about 341 feet. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

After a transfer to the start of our walk, we’ll make our way on foot to Bungo Ono, a rural district with such a wealth of geologically interesting sites that it has been designated a Geo Park by the Japanese Government. Our first destination will be a shrine overlooking horseshoe-shaped waterfalls that are celebrated as a local deity. Crossing the falls, we’ll join part of the Himuku Kaido, an old highway through the area. Today, it has become a quiet, local road, but the buildings along it and the general ambience radiate the feeling of an older age. Upon arrival at a saké brewery, the owner will join us and explain the brewing process while encouraging us to sample her excellent range of brews. For those who would rather not imbibe, the delicious water, which is drawn up from their well and is an essential ingredient in her products, is also available on tap. From here, we will transfer by our vehicle to a deep gorge where, weather permitting, we may cool our feet in the limpid waters.

Continuing our transfer, we’ll make our way to Beppu, a city with more hot springs than anywhere else in Japan. As such, it takes the crown as the nation’s top onsen destination. While here on foot, we’ll explore the old quarter of Kannawa where onsen literally surround us. Steam emanates from grills in the streets, and above us from towering vents. Locals can be seen throughout the day “to-ing and fro-ing” with towels in hand to the many public baths in the neighborhood. We’ll check into the hotel in the mid-afternoon.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At our inn.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals, plus tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Beppu. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 8 The Kunisaki Peninsula – Land's End, Kumano Magaibutsu Kitsuki

Driving approx. 50 miles; about 2.5 hours. Walking approx. 2.5 miles total; about 3 hours; mostly level paths in Usa Shrine area; lengthy, steep, uneven flight of steps to reach the Kumano Magaibutsu. Total elevation gain of approx. 500 feet. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll transfer to the Oita Prefectural History Museum for an expert-led field trip to see the exhibits, and enjoy a comprehensive introduction to the Kunisaki Peninsula given by a curator. Traveling on, we’ll visit Usa Jingu, one of Japan’s grandest shrines and our next destination. The shrine deifies the protector god of Japan, Hachiman, and was also instrumental in the development of the unique Buddhist culture that developed on the Kunisaki Peninsula.

A short vehicle transfer will bring us to the impressive Kumano Magaibutsu, a group of some of the largest Buddha relief carvings in Japan. Despite their commanding presence, they are little known outside of the immediate region. Perhaps the short but steep climb through a deep forest to see them precludes visits by many. The effort, though, is well worth it. Our accommodation is located a short distance away, which we will get to by bus, at a small onsen thermal hot spring resort popular with the locals. We’ll check in upon arrival with some time to relax before dinner.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

Local restaurant plated meal.

Inn plated meal.

Day 9 Traditional Life in Rural Japan, Makiodo Bungo Takada

Driving approx. 12 miles; about 1 hour total. Walking approx. 2.5 miles total; country lanes, forest trails; one short, steep, and rocky section. Total elevation gain of approx. 500 feet. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll take a short transfer and start our morning activity at Makiodo, a treasure house of Buddhist relics saved from some of the temples, which over the centuries have fallen into ruin on Kunisaki. A gentle stroll from here will take us through Tashibu-no-sho, a charming village with some of the most picturesque countryside found in Japan. Along the way, we’ll come across stone and wooden Buddhist statues perched in caves overlooking farmland scenery that seems to have changed little since Kunisaki’s origins as a Buddhist center some 1,200 years ago. We’ll then transfer to Bungo-takada and go for a stroll with our Group Leader around the small town, which has a pleasant post-war period charm.

Following lunch, we will be divided into small groups to meet local families, whom we will be staying with in their homes until tomorrow morning. This is always a great opportunity for getting to know some local people and really learning through exposure to Japanese culture first hand.

At leisure.

At the inn.

Local restaurant plated meal.

At home with your hosts.

Day 10 Fuki-ji Temple – A National Treasure Bungo Takada

Driving approx. 10 miles; about 1/2 hour total. Walking approx. 4 miles total; about 2.5 hours; country lanes, forest trails, occasionally steep for short sections. Total elevation gain of approx. 750 feet. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

Rendezvousing in the mid-morning, we’ll gather with our host families in Bungo-Takada for a farewell ceremony, after which we’ll transfer back to Tashibu-no-Sho to continue our countryside walking.

Our winding path will take us through forests, over a low mountain ridge, along the edges of paddy fields and past the carefully tended gardens of the local farm houses before we eventually end up at our accommodation for tonight in the hamlet of Fuki. With a secluded location adjacent to Kyushu's oldest wooden building (also a designated national treasure), Fuki-ji Temple, there are few more tranquil places in Japan to pass the time, and we will spend two nights here.

At leisure.

At home with your hosts.

At a rural café restaurant, we’ll have buffet meals with tea and water.

At the inn, we’ll have plated meals with tea and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 11 Ancient Religion in Rural Japan, Meditation, Kunisaki Bungo Takada

Pre-breakfast meditation in Amida Hall of Fuki-ji Temple. Walking approx. 4.5 miles total; about 3 hours; mostly country lanes and uneven forest trails, some sections of stone steps, can be slippery in damp conditions. Total elevation gain of approx. 1,770 feet. Driving approx. 35 miles; about 2.5 hours total. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

Before breakfast, for those who wish, morning meditation will take place in the Amida Hall of Fuki-ji next door to our accommodation. This is a unique opportunity and strongly recommended. In the event of inclement weather, we will have our meditation in a different temple building. After breakfast, we’ll then return to Fuki-ji Temple, immediately adjacent to our accommodation, for a visit. Its main building is a simple, refined wooden structure and, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful in Japan. We’ll soak up the serene atmosphere here before transferring to Coton-mura, a lakeside park, where we begin our hike today. Our walk will take us past the dam holding back the lake, through forest and a quiet hamlet, which is followed by a climb up and around the side of Yayama, an imposing tent-shaped mountain, and finally to Choan-ji, which was once the most powerful temple in Kunisaki. A castle once dominated the area high above on Mt. Yayama, the well-tended garden is also renowned in the area for its flowers, which bloom throughout the year, as well as autumn leaves. We’ll then head next door to make a quick visit at Tennen-ji Temple. The last resident priest has long gone but the locals maintain the thatched main building that is built into the side of a high cliff.

After lunch, we will board the bus again, and head to Itsutsu-ji Fudo, a small temple structure set into the side of a giant rock outcrop. On a clear day, from here we’ll be able to enjoy views across Kunisaki to the Seto Inland Sea and beyond to Honshu and Shikoku, respectively Japan’s first and fourth main islands. Next we transfer by vehicle to Imi, an attractive, little port town known for its growing population of artists. Upon arrival here, we’ll take time to explore the quiet streets and visit a sake brewer’s house, which has been lovingly restored to serve as a gallery and café. We’ll then return to our accommodation at Fuki-ji.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Inn plated meal.

Local restaurant plated meal.

Inn plated meal.

Day 12 Kitsuki, Castle Town Yufuin

Driving about 40 miles; approx. 2.5 hours. Walking approx. 3.5 miles total; about 2 hours; country lanes, forest trails with a few short, steep sections. Total elevation gain of approx. 300 feet. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

Setting out from the inn after check-out, we’ll travel by vehicle a short distance through the valleys at the heart of Kunisaki and get off the vehicle to begin our walk to visit a quiet rural district on old trails, past farmhouses, kitchen gardens, paddy fields and through forests for an intimate exploration of rural life in modern Japan. En route, we will almost inevitably meet some of the local farmers who work on sustaining and reviving the area, and spend some time chatting with them. Carrying on, we’ll head to Kitsuki aboard our vehicle, once the seat of Kunisaki’s daimyo baron. Now a quiet, elegant town, Kitsuki still retains an air of its feudal past. We’ll stroll through its streets, stopping at one at a former samurai residence, where we will learn about, and join in a tea ceremony. We’ll even get to make some ourselves before heading to lunch.

After our repast, we’ll transfer via motorcoach to Yufuin, another of Japan’s elegant onsen towns, and check in to our accommodation.

At leisure.

Inn plated meal.

Local restaurant plated meal.

Inn plated meal.

Day 13 The Slopes of Mount Yufu Yufuin

Driving about 8 miles; approx. 1/2 hour total. Walking approx. 6 miles total; about 5 hours; mountain paths, steep and rocky in places. Total elevation gain of approx. 2,620 feet. Be sure to bring some extra, warm clothing – hats, windproof jacket, gloves, etc. – as it is likely to be cold at the higher altitudes. Please see the walking charts and trail data towards the end of the document for more detail.

Heading out from the inn, we’ll transfer (with a stop en route at a local food shop) to the start of our climb of Mt. Yufu-dake at 5,193 feet and make our ascent throughout the morning. A grand panorama from its slopes across Kyushu to an active volcano and Beppu Bay awaits us, and it makes for a wondrous backdrop during lunch. For those who would like a more leisurely time today, Yufuin has many galleries, cafés, shops and restaurants, and is a pleasant place to relax on one’s own whilst the others climb Mt. Yufu.

After spending some time enjoying the vista from Mt. Yufu's slopes, we’ll then descend and make our way back to Yufuin and our accommodations to enjoy the thermal hot spring bath.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Inn plated meal.

On the way to the trailhead, we will stop at a store where we will buy our own lunches. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like.

We’ll enjoy a celebratory final dinner with tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Day 14 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 10:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Inn plated meal.