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Welcome to the new epyic, rebuilt with love.
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Fukushima, Japan
Starts 23 October 2027 at 18:30 GMT+9
Ends 30 October 2027 at 15:00 GMT+9
23 October 2027 at 18:30 GMT+9 to 30 October 2027 at 15:00 GMT+9
What makes this Life’s An Adventure walking tour truly unique are the “wow-mazing” experiences carefully woven into the journey. These include a Shirogama and Okumatsushima Boat cruise, a traditional dance performance, meet Bonsai artist Mr. Abe at his home and see how he draws inspiration from nature in his creations, and a traditional Shinto ritual at the Dewa Sanzan shrine. We also include a special overnight stay in the World Heritage town of Ginza Onsen (pictured above). Our thoughtfully designed tour includes private transfers between walks, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of flexible walking options without the constraints of train schedules. Choose to walk as much or as little as you like each day, making for a relaxed and personalised adventure.
Getting there: Guests will need to make their own way from Tokyo to Fukushima. The best way to get to Fukushima is by Shinkansen (Bullet train), which takes 1.5 hours from Tokyo. (trains run every 30 minutes). A shuttle bus is available for pickup from the train station to your hotel.
Itinerary: Arrive at the charming Sansuiso, a charming traditional ryokan nestled in the scenic Tsuchiyu Onsen area. It offers guests an authentic Japanese experience, where modern comforts blend seamlessly with timeless traditions. Known for its soothing hot spring baths and meticulously prepared local cuisine, Sansuiso provides a tranquil retreat from everyday life. At 6.30pm meet your guide in the foyer of the hotel for a relaxing welcome dinner featuring local cuisine and wine.
Terrain: The trail features well-maintained paths, with a mix of paved and natural surfaces, providing a comfortable and scenic walk through beautiful bonsai gardens and landscapes. Note: this walk may be harder in Spring (April/May) as some parts of the trail may still be covered in snow.
Walk Grade: 6.6km | 3 hours | Elevation Gain: 380m The Bonsai Trail is a moderate to hard walk, suitable for most fitness levels. It offers a leisurely pace with occasional gentle inclines.
Flexible Walking Option: For those not wanting to complete the full walk, a shorter 4km (2-hour) option to Lake Kamanuma is available (elevation gain 200m). If time permits, guests may also join an additional 2.5km walk (elevation gain 110m) to Mt Azuma-Kofuji, an iconic crater peak.
Itinerary: This morning at 8:00am enjoy a warm welcome from our guides at the hotel. From there, you’ll embark on a scenic journey south, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, we visit the home of Bonsai Abe, where you’ll delve into the family’s rich tradition and philosophy of bonsai artistry. Learn about the intricate techniques and creative vision that have made the Abe family renowned in the bonsai world and see how he draws inspiration from nature, shaping his creations to reflect the elements like rain, wind, snow, and erosion in his creations. Afterwards, we step into the landscapes that inspire this artistry, beginning our walk up Mt Issaikyozan, a peaceful yet dramatic route through alpine forest. As we ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Mt Azuma-Kofuji, an extinct volcano with a striking crater, often likened to Mt Fuji in form. Its symmetrical cone and sweeping views of the surrounding highlands make it a highlight of the day. The trail also leads us to the enchanting Goshikinuma Pond, famous for its mystical blue and green hues created by volcanic minerals. This serene lake is framed by vibrant seasonal foliage, offering a picture-perfect moment and a chance for quiet reflection. This walk is a deep dive into the natural forces that shape the landscape and, in turn, the Japanese artistic spirit. After the walk, we transfer to Sansuiso, a welcoming traditional ryokan, where you can relax, soak in an onsen bath, and enjoy the calm elegance of Japanese hospitality. Later we enjoy a superb dinner featuring local produce and wine.
WALK GRADE: 6.6kms, with option to add an extra walk to make 10kms. 5 hours. Some sections involve steady ascents and require stamina.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Shorter and longer walk options are available this day.
TERRAIN: The trail combines rocky, uneven paths with forested areas, and exposed sections as you approach the summit. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, making it a memorable and invigorating adventure for those seeking a more strenuous mountain experience.
ITINERARY: We start our day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Sansuiso. Afterwards, we transfer to the starting point of the Onsen Trail. Today’s journey takes us deep into Bandai-Asahi National Park, following the scenic Onsen Trail as we walk through lush forests and rolling foothills toward the historic hot spring town of Dake Onsen. Along the way, we’ll be surrounded by impressive mountain landscapes and craters larger than Mount Fuji. Dake Onsen has been a cherished retreat for over 1,200 years, a place where generations have come to soak in its mineral-rich waters and experience the healing power of the land. Our walk offers a unique opportunity to uncover the connection between the onsen’s natural hot springs and the surrounding environment, as we follow in the footsteps of travelers from centuries past who sought rest and renewal in these very waters. As we approach the town, we’ll delve into its rich history, learning how Dake Onsen flourished during the Edo period under the Nihonmatsu domain. This was a time when visitors travelled from afar, and the area became known not only for its soothing baths but also for its exceptional sake culture. Our walk leads us to the source of the hot spring, where we can witness the journey of the water before it reaches the baths, travelling 8km through Japan’s longest onsen pipeline. Finally, we’ll unwind with a well-earned soak in the rejuvenating waters of Dake Onsen, allowing the warmth to soothe our muscles after a day of walking. After your hike, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, offering a taste of regional cuisine. From here we transfer back to our accommodation, where you can relax and unwind. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner, where we savour seasonal dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients, completing our day of exploration and relaxation.
TERRAIN: The route includes a mix of moderate and easy terrain: starting with a gently sloping path to Zuigan-Ji Temple’s historic caves, moving to the flat and accessible gardens of Entsu-in Temple, and concluding with a scenic walk across the slightly inclined Fukuurabashi Bridge to Fukuurajima Island. Overall, it offers a varied yet manageable walking experience. FLEXIBLE WALKING: Flexible walking options are available today. Basho Trail – Road to the North Walk (Naruko)
ITINERARY:The day begins with a delightful breakfast at Sansuiso. From Fukushima, we journey to Shiogama, where we board a boat for the breathtaking Matsushima Bay route, a scenic voyage through a bay adorned with countless pine-covered islands, one of Japan’s celebrated “Three Views.” After marvelling at the bay’s beauty, we visit the historic Zuigan-ji Temple. Here, you’ll explore ancient caves carved into the rock, once used by monks for ascetic retreats, offering a glimpse into their spiritual lives. Next, we make our way to the enchanting Entsu-in Temple, renowned for its exquisite gardens, including a serene heart-shaped pond that embodies tranquillity and harmony. The journey continues to Fukuurajima Island, where you’ll enjoy an outstanding view accessed via the picturesque red-lacquered Fukuurabashi Bridge, a sight as charming as it is serene. As the day winds down, we head to Hotel Mutsushima Taikanso for dinner served with a glass of wine or a refreshing soft drink while reflecting on the day’s rich experiences.
WALK GRADE: 10.8kms. This walk is graded as moderate, suitable for hikers with average fitness levels.
TERRAIN: Mix of well-maintained paths, forested trails, and some gentle inclines. Some sections may be uneven or slightly hilly.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Flexible walking options are available today for those not wanting to do the whole walk.
ITINERARY: This morning, enjoy breakfast before setting out on our day’s adventure. We begin with a scenic 90-minute boat cruise along Genbikei Gorge, where towering cliffs and tranquil waters create a serene introduction to the region’s natural beauty. After disembarking, we begin our walk through the Hiraizumi World UNESCO Heritage Area. As we follow the trail, we’ll stop first at Motsu-Ji Temple, renowned for its tranquil twelfth-century Pure Land Buddhist garden, an elegant reflection of the temple’s former grandeur. We then continue to Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamondo, a striking temple carved directly into the rock face and dedicated to Bishamonten, the Buddhist god of war. Our walk through Genbikei Gorge itself offers picturesque river views and lush surrounds, setting a peaceful tone for the day. Continuing onwards, we arrive at Chuson-Ji Temple, a site that once formed the spiritual heart of the region. Here, the magnificent Golden Hall and exquisite temple architecture offer insight into the glory of Hiraizumi, a city that once rivalled Kyoto in its cultural importance. You’ll also hear the tale of the powerful Fujiwara clan, who ruled from 866 to 1184, leaving behind these rich legacies. It’s here that the poet Basho composed his famous haiku: “The summer’s grass – is all that remains – of warriors’ dreams.” After this immersive journey through nature, history and poetry, we transfer to our next accommodation, Kajitsu no Mori, where we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner of local Japanese fare served with sake, beer, or soft drinks. Our evening concludes with a traditional dance performance at Ichinoseki Onsen Yamazakura Momonoyu, a memorable end to a culturally rich day.
WALK GRADE: 10kms. 4 hours of walking, including breaks. 150m elevation gain. Easy to moderate
TERRAIN: Well-formed village paths, quiet rural roads and forest trails
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Flexible walking options available today.
ITINERARY: After a hearty breakfast, we transfer to Naruka Onsen Station, where our first walk begins. From here, we set off on a gentle 5-kilometre walk to the charming village of Mogomi. The trail meanders through a tapestry of lush countryside, passing rice paddies and small farmhouses, with the scent of cedar forests lingering in the air. Our walk brings us to the Naruka Gorge Rest House, where we pause to have lunch while soaking up the spectacular views of the gorge. After lunch, we transfer to Kawahata Shrine, a peaceful and atmospheric site tucked among towering trees. From the shrine, we follow the historic trail to Sakaida. This 5-kilometre route traces the footsteps of travellers from centuries past, weaving through moss-covered stone paths, shaded forest canopies, and open ridgelines where glimpses of distant mountains appear between the trees. At the end of the walk, we transfer to our accommodation for the night, Shukubo Daishinbo, a traditional temple lodging. This unique stay offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of temple life, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the mountain landscape. In the evening, we come together for a delicious dinner at the temple, showcasing the delicate flavours of the region.
WALK GRADE: 8kms. This walk is graded as moderate to challenging.
TERRAIN: Mix of well-maintained paths, stone steps, and some uneven sections. The descent includes a series of steep and sometimes rocky segments.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Flexible walking options available today.
ITINERARY: This morning we enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we start our day. Next, we’ll wander through the ancient cedar forest along 2,446 stone steps on what is known as “the mountain of the present,” Mt. Haguro. As one of the three sacred peaks of the Dewa Sanzan, Mt. Haguro has been a pilgrimage site for over 1,400 years, symbolizing a journey of spiritual rebirth. As we ascend, you’ll delve into the rich history and mysteries of this revered land, making your way to the Dewa Sanzan Shrine at the summit. Here, we will pause for a moment of prayer and enjoy Shojin Ryori, the traditional vegetarian cuisine of the Yamabushi monks, who still train in these mountains. The trail up Mt. Haguro winds through a peaceful forest of ancient cedar trees, with the stone steps guiding you on this spiritual ascent, immersing you in the deep cultural heritage of the Dewa Sanzan and Yamabushi traditions. In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to our accommodation at Ginzan Onsen for a relaxing stay at Gizanso. There, you’ll be treated to dining featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in an elegant atmosphere. Unwind from a day of discovery.
TERRAIN: Relatively flat and well-paved terrain. The pathways are generally smooth and accessible, with few inclines or uneven surfaces. The area is designed for easy walking, with paved streets and pedestrian-friendly walkways.
WALK GRADE: 4kms. This walk is graded as easy. Suitable for all fitness levels.
FLEXIBLE WALKING: Flexible walking options available today.
ITINERARY: Enjoy breakfast at the Ginzanso, before we enjoy a scenic walk through the town. You will feel like you have travelled back-in-time to classical Japan, the town is home to wooden hot spring inns lining each side of the Ginzan River and old-fashioned gas street lights. Walking along the town’s streets visitors will admire colourful pictures known as Kote-e on the walls of hot spring inns and snowflake designs on tiles on the roads. Relax your feet in hot spring water rising directly from its source at the “Warashiyu” footbaths along the Ginzan River while exploring the town. The compact town is the perfect place to stroll around with its array of cafes and gift shops. After you’ve had time to explore this amazing town, we will enjoy a celebratory final lunch together in Ginza before heading back to Sendai where our amazing tour concludes. at approximately 3.00 pm.
Fukushima, Japan
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Narrabeen, NSW
Walking is only part of the adventure on our award winning tours which include Wowmazing experiences.
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Narrabeen, NSW
