Day 2

Today is a chance to explore Kyoto's Arashiyama District and settle in before your journey down the Kii Peninsula begins. Before breakfast, you may wish to join a special tour of nearby Tenryu-ji Temple before it opens to the public. This exclusive experience provides access to the ``Unryuzu'' in the Buddhist temple hall and lets you enjoy the serene Sogenchi garden before the crowds (additional fee applies, advance booking required). After returning to the hotel, enjoy a Japanese or Western breakfast at Muni La Terrasse, overlooking the Katsura River. Other recommended options today include a walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a short stroll from the hotel, and crossing the famous Togetsukyō Bridge to visit Arashiyama Park on Nakanoshima. From here you can hike up the winding stone steps to Senkō-ji, a zen temple that offers impressive views of Kyoto. Another experience to consider is a visit to the adjacent gallery to view local Kyoto artwork, with entry complimentary to Muni Kyoto guests. Tonight, enjoy one of the nearby Kyoto cafes serving Kaiseki cuisine, visit the food stalls or dine at the hotel (pre-booking recommended).

Included: B

Day 3

After breakfast, your local English-speaking guide will collect you to take you into central Kyoto to visit a temple or two - Kiyomizu-dera 'Pure Water' Temple is recommended. Next explore the renowned Gion district, home to many small shops and traditional teahouses where geiko (Kyoto's geisha) and maiko (apprentices) frequent. Many well-preserved machiya houses line the narrow walkways here. Your local driver-guide will recommend a suitable spot to enjoy a light lunch before you continue to Kyoto's Higashiyama district wher you have the option to walk a section of the Philosopher's Path, a scenic stone walkway passing through groves of cherry trees that create a vibrant display of pink and white blossoms in Spring. Later you will be transferred to Fufu Nara, your luxury base for the next two nights. Set on the edge of Nara Park, Fufu is surrounded by temples, lush natural landscapes and the friendly local deer. Tonight, head to Tekisui restaurant for a unique teppanyaki dinner prepared by your personal master chef at the counter bar.

Included: B - D

Today's private tour of Kyoto is a guide only, and can be tailored to your preferences in consultation with your driver on the day

Day 4

After starting the day with a Japanese-style breakfast in Fufu Nara's restaurant, your guide will meet you for today's walk to Todaiji Temple in Nara Park. As you stroll through the park, you’ll be greeted by friendly deer who have roamed here freely for centuries. Now designated a national treasure, they were considered sacred messengers of the gods in local folklore. Other highlights include Todaiji's impressive Great Southern Gate and the temple's giant bronzed Daibutsu – one of the world’s largest Buddha statues. This afternoon is yours to explore more of Nara Park or Fufu Nara's private bamboo gardens at your leisure. Alternatively, you may relax in your private Onsen bath or indulge in a massage at the exceptional onsite day spa before a traditional kaiseki-style dinner at Tekisui restaurant tonight.

Included: B - D

Day 5

Farewelling Nara after breakfast, today's adventure takes you to Yoshino, a picturesque mountain town known for its 30,000 cherry trees - Yoshino is also one of Japan's most famous hanami 'flower viewing' spots. Explore the natural beauty and historic sites of Mt. Yoshino today on a private guided walk starting at Miyataki Falls. Learn of the origins of one of the Kumano Kodo pilgrim paths, the Omine-Okugake trail, and view the great Omine mountain range from the top of Mount Yoshino. Starting from Miyataki Falls, your guide will lead you through a village and ancient cedar forests, where you’ll hear the "elephant stream" - as mentioned in the renowned Manyoshu poetry - before reaching Takataki Falls and unique Sakuragi Shrine. From here you will continue until you emerge on Mt Yoshino proper, where the view from the top offers glimpses of the rugged Omine ranges. Learn about the fascinating 'yamabushi' mountain hermits of the Shugendo religion - which mixes Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, and has been practiced on Yoshinoyama for centuries. An undoubted highlight of your day is visit to Chikurin-in gardens and World-Heritage listed Kipusenji Temple - home to Japan's second-largest wooden structure. Later you'll be transferred to Sanso Amanosoto, a secluded villa hotel in the countryside surrounding Koyasan. Enjoy a soak in the hotel's natural hot spring baths, before a multi-course dinner tonight.

Walk distance: Approximately 8km, five hours with stops

Included: B - D

Day 6

An early breakfast at Sanso Amanosato will prepare you for a full day exploring the ancient pilgrim trails and temples of Mt Koya, considered one of the most sacred sites in Japan. Starting at Daimon-Gate, a two-story tall, crimson gate that marks the traditional entrance to Koyasan, your local guide will lead you on a custom tour taking in a section of the Nyonin-Michi pilgrim trail, which takes you into the hills above the town of Koyasan. At Rokura Pass you will discover the trailhead for the Kohechi route of the Kumano Kodo and learn how the mountainous trail winds south from Koyasan all the way to Hongu Taisha. After lunch, visit World-heritage listed Kongobu-ji Temple, and follow in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi on a guided walk through Okunoin Cemetery, finishing at the Lantern Hall. This deeply moving day will stay with you long after you leave Japan. It's then a short walk to Eko-in, your Shukubo 'Temple Lodge', where you can relax in the unique zen gardens before dinner. Tonight, enjoy a multi-course banquet of vegetarian Ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine) served in the privacy of your room. After dark you may wish to take a stroll through Okunoin Cemetery to see the lantern-lit paths at night.

Walk distance: Approximately 6km; up to three hours (including Okunoin)

Included: B - D

Day 7

One of the special aspects of staying at Eko-in is the opportunity to experience Buddhist temple life. Join the monks for the short morning service at the temple main hall, followed by the Goma Fire Ritual. Performed by a monk for the benefit of all sentient beings, the flames are believed to burn away suffering and help fulfil wishes. After, enjoy the wholesome vegetarian breakfast before meeting your driver to continue your journey south. On the drive to Hosshinmon-Oji, you will stop at the Tanise Suspension Bridge where you can take in the spectacular Kii mountain views and stretch your legs on this mid-way point on your three-hour drive. Today's walk from Hosshinmon-Oji to Hongu Taisha follows one of the best sections of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route, with a mix of rural mountaintop villages, sacred sites and forested trails. On the way you will reach the Fushiogami-oji viewpoint, which offers an birds-eye view down to Japan's largest Torii gate at Oyunohara; the original site of Hongu Taisha. This afternoon you'll be transferred to Kii-Katsuura Port where you will board a short boat ride to Kumano-Bettei on Nakanoshima Island, tonight's lodging. Enjoy a sunset soak in the hotel's open-air Onsen and a local seafood kaiseki dinner on your final evening on the Kii Peninsula.

Walk distance: Approximately 10km; up to four hours

Included: B - L - D

Day 8

Start the day with a Japanese-style breakfast before returning to the mainland by boat to meet your driver. It's then a short drive to Nachi Falls where you'll enjoy a self-guided walk up the Daimon-zaka cobblestone stairs to the base of Nachi Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan (Grand Shines). The highlight of the walk, and perhaps your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, is the majestic view of Nachi Falls standing at its base. Nachi is Japan’s tallest waterfall cascading 133 metres in a powerful display. We recommend purchasing some soba noodles for lunch at one of the small cafes near the base of the falls before your transfer to Osaka, where you'll spend your final evening at Cuvee J2 Osaka. The world's first "champagne hotel", this is the perfect spot for a celebratory drink. Tonight is a free evening to dine at the hotel, or d discover Osaka's vibrant nightlife on Dotonbori Street, which is15-minutes walk from the hotel. For an extra special finale to your trip, you may wish to try Cuvée J2 Hôtel's exclusive sushi dinner with champagne matches at AWA Sushi.

Walk distance: Approximately 3km, two-hours

Included: B

Day 9

Your journey concludes after breakfast and check-out this morning, with a transfer to Shin-Osaka Station (or alternative location, at cost).

Extend your time in Japan by combining your Kii Peninsula journey with the Nakasendo Trail.