Cherry Blossom Walking Tour 2020 - Kuroko Boutique Tours

Cherry Blossom Walking Tour 2020

Cherry Blossom Walking Tour - Nakasendo Trail

Walk through the ancient highway


March 30  - April 8, 2020  3 seats remaining

The tour starts from an old port city, Otsu, a short train ride away from an ancient capital Kyoto.

Walk through rural countryside deep into the mountains of Japan’s Central Alps to well-preserved charming post towns, which have somehow survived into the modern world. We stay at traditional and modern inns and enjoy hearty farmhouse cuisine.

Our last walk will be at Lake Kawaguchi to witness Japan’s holy mountain, Mt. Fuji before reaching the glistening, modern capital Tokyo.

Guided Tour to Nakasendo Details

It is a fully guided tour suitable for anyone who enjoys walking.

In general, the route is gently undulating but also includes some short, steeper climbs. This is a walking tour, not a trek. The average walking distance is 3 - 8 km. Transport, however, can be arranged for those who desire a more relaxed day.

Our main baggage is sent on a walking day so that we need only take what we need for each day in a small backpack. We climb several passes, but they have mostly gentle inclines and can be taken at a comfortable pace.

"A very special tour. Extremely well-organised to perfection and lots of fun. I would gladly recommend Rika. Special moments." - Christina Buri

​Tour Overview

March 30  - April 8, 2020

  • DAY 1
  • DAY 2
  • DAY 3
  • DAY 4
  • DAY 5
  • DAY 6
  • DAY 7
  • DAY 8
  • DAY 9
  • DAY 10

Wednesday, 1 April


Take a cable car and hike up to Mt. Hiei (3.1km, 2h30min).


Stay in Otsu.

  • 10 days 9 nights tour
  • All in-land transportation
  • Daily breakfast, 5 dinners and 1 lunch included
  • 1-day excursion to Kyoto, Omi Hachiman and Kiso Fukushima
  • 4 leisurely walks
  • 5 Onsen experiences
  • Fully guided, small-group tour (max 8 travellers)
  • Any fitness levels welcome

Get Itinerary

Testimonials

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I have now done two of Rika's tours to Japan. Both have been a delight and I think a third will take me back to Kyoto to indulge in a longer stay. I enjoyed her very professional weaving of nature and culture and particularly the incredible choice of venues for such a wonderful variety of Japanese style cooking and meals. I really felt so well looked after. Any special request she willingly obliged. Which made the tours special just for me. A private tea ceremony, a fun experience of elegant entertaining geisha, and traditional wagashi sweet making class. I highly recommend Rika and her tours to everyone.

Ray Flanagan

Rika had a sixth sense as to where to bring us to capture iconic as well as unique images of the country and its people.

I just returned from a two week customized photography-centred tour of Japan with Rika and a small group of photography friends. Although not a photographer herself, Rika had a sixth sense as to where to bring us to capture iconic as well as unique images of the country and its people.   She also ensured that we experienced the culture through stays at such places as a boathouse in a remote fishing village and in a World Heritage site monastery in Koyasan.   She is a warm, funny and lovely person filled with enthusiasm for her work and a passion to make sure her clients are always satisfied. I recommend her highly.

David Altschul

Travelling with Rika in her native Japan was an opportunity for a cultural experience like no other.

Imagine having a friend who seamlessly moves between two languages and who is able to help you interpret the traditional and contemporary customs of the Japanese way of life. Rika brings a quiet, respectful and unassuming demeanour to her responsibility as a guide and helps the mystery of Japan unfold.

Judy Packington

Our tour to Japan was the best and most stress-free holiday we've ever had.

It was exceptionally well-organised by Rika. We learnt so much of Japan. I have always been a bit wary of tours. In fact, this was my first. It was small and personal, very much boutique style, very much my style. Rika actively sought out our wishes and preferences before and during the tour and where possible, built them in. It was fabulous having Rika there to sort out the arrangements, to smooth the way, to translate on-the-spot and to be a delightful and engaging part of the group. It was so relaxing and a lot of fun. All I dream of now is our next Japanese adventure. Next destination? Kyoto, 2018, here we come.

Andrew Smith

I have joined Rika's guided tour. Her service was exceptional. It was the best trip ever and such a luxurious way to enjoy Japan. She took me right down to the core of Japanese culture. I felt like I was a part of their culture. It was magical. Also, she really knows where to go for good local food. I highly recommend her tour especially to people like me want to travel in own pace and don't enjoy seeing only touristy sights. Thank you, Rika for your wonderful tour and I am sure I will join you again.

Judith Nash

Thank you for the excellent tour of Japan. This was one of the best holidays we have ever been on. This was not only due to the amazing weather, the unexpected surprises around every corner and how welcoming we found the people and food but to the effort, you made to make us all feel welcome. As a group, we all got on well and with time we became friends. There were plenty of highlights and these were often the unexpected things that happen when you are in a strange land. The Autumn colours and light were stunning. The food was far better than our expectations. For 2 weeks, we were completely immersed in Japan, its people, culture and heritage. Without Rika, I am sure that our holiday would not have been so rich or complete.

John Gourley

Culture, food, sightseeing, and lots of fun.

Definitely 5 star service. Rika fine-tuned and honed a tour that offers a unique opportunity to experience Japan on so many levels. Culture, food, sightseeing and lots of fun being part of a special group of people. Well done Rika and Kuroko Boutique Tours.

Ann Alexander


Ray Flanagan

​

I have now done two of Rika's tours to Japan.  Both have been a delight and I think a third will take me back to Kyoto to indulge in a longer stay.  I enjoyed her very professional weaving of nature and culture and particularly the incredible choice of venues for such a wonderful variety of Japanese style cooking and meals. I really felt so well looked after.  Any special request she willingly obliged.  Which made the tours special just for me.  A private tea ceremony, a fun experience of elegant entertaining geisha, and traditional wagashi sweet making class. I highly recommend Rika and her tours to everyone.

Andrew Smith

​

We learnt so much of Japan. I have always been a bit wary of tours. In fact, this was my first. It was small and personal, very much boutique style, very much my style.  Rika actively sought out our wishes and preferences before and during the tour and where possible, built them in.  It was fabulous having Rika there to sort out the arrangements, to smooth the way, to translate on-the-spot and to be a delightful and engaging part of the group. It was so relaxing and a lot of fun.  All I dream of now is our next Japanese adventure.  Next destination? Kyoto, 2018, here we come.  

Previous Tour Photos

Head to our gallery for a peak at what's in store. All photos are taken by Kuroko or our customers while on our guided tours. 

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