*The times represent the approximate time needed to travel between major spots.
Day 1–8
Mountains, islands! Encounter Tokyo's natural wonders
Tokyo has a very urban image, but it actually has a wealth of wild environments including mountains and offshore islands.
Tourists in Tokyo will often see water-buses crusing the waterways. Tokyo is in fact a city of rivers and harbor. Board a Sumida River Cruise to see Tokyo from the water!
Did you know about the islands of Tokyo? The Izu islands lie off the coast. Go island-hopping to explore the varied scenery of each island.
Once you have explored the seascapes of the Izu chain, visit the mountainous Okutama district for a hike or drive. Get into the wilds of Tokyo!
1
Sumida River Cruising (Hotaluna)
Take a Sumida River Cruise on the
Hotaluna water bus, which connects key sightseeing spot Asakusa with Odaiba and Hinode Pier. The
Hotaluna was designed by
anime master Leiji Matsumoto to resemble a spaceship, its sleek silver-metallic body featuring gullwing doors. The roof deck affords excellent outside viewing (the roof deck is opened between Hinode Pier and Odaiba, but closed if raining). A glimpse of her sister boats
Himiko and
Emeraldas also lift the spirits with their futuristic designs.
105 minutes by high-speed boat
2
Island hopping through the Izu Islands
Starting from Izu Oshima, which is reached in around 2 hours by high-speed jetboat from Tokyo Takeshiba Wharf, try island-hopping to Niijima and Shikinejima. Each island has its own pleasures. Izu Oshima has the unique form of a volcanic island, its sights best enjoyed hiking or cycling. If you go up Mt. Mihara, you can get very close to the crater. At Niijima, surfing and boogie boarding are highly popular. Shikinejima's indented coastline and gentle waves draw visitors to snorkelling, kayaking and wilderness onsen.
140 minutes by high-speed boat
120 minutes by train(JR)
20 minutes by bus
3
Okutama roaming
Okutama is an area easily accessed from downtown, blessed with mountains, rivers, ravines, waterfalls and more. It is ideal for a range of activities from hiking and cycling to fishing, canyoning and rafting. The autumn colors peak between mid-October and mid-November, a beauty that attracts thousands of visitors for their annual fix. Plentiful tourist spots like limestone caves, hot springs, shrines and temples make a random trip very rewarding.
20 minutes by bus
130 minutes by train(JR)
15 minutes by train(non-JR lines)
30 minutes by highway bus
85 minutes by train(JR)
Day 9–10
Enjoy Shikoku's varied rivers, from rapids to kayaking on expansive waters
Shikoku as a whole is a mecca for outdoor activities. Get your fill of scenic beauty and wilderness by rafting on the gushing Yoshino River or trekking Mt. Ishizuchi, west Japan's highest peak.
Start with Tokushima, a prefecture blessed with magnificent nature. Make its rivers and mountains your playground. Raft the mighty Yoshino for all the thrills and spills you can handle.
The next stop is Kochi. On the crystal clear and languid waters of the Shimanto River, enjoy a relaxing canoe trip.
4
Yoshino River rafting
The Yoshino River is considered one of the three wildest rivers of Japan, based on its rapid flow. Take on the challenge of rafting it. The ravine of Oboke-Koboke, which runs around 8 km and was formed over 200 million years by the flow of the Yoshino River, is renowned worldwide as a rafting hotspot. Get your thrills and spills among the sheer sculptured cliffs and the wild beauty of the surrounds in all seasons.
180 minutes by car
5
Shimanto River canoe and kayak
Shimanto River is the longest river in Shikoku and is so clear, known as "Japan's last remaining limpid stream." This is a great place to canoe and kayak. There are places up and down the river offering canoes and kayaks for hire. Beginners and families with small children can have fun too, with boats for beginners and kids widely available. Some of the rental shops are attached to campgrounds, so doing some camping on your trip would be a fine option.
40 minutes by car
Day 11–12
Canyoning and trekking amid scenic wonders
Traveling from Kochi to Ehime, visit one of Japan's best canyoning spots on the first day, Nametoko Gorge. Get wet with the natural waterslides and plunge pool jumps!
On the last day, trek Mt. Ishizuchi and indulge in its spectacular views.
Go wild.
6
Nametoko Gorge Canyoning
The Nametoko Gorge, hewn from granite layers in Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park, is one of Japan's top canyoning spots. The smooth rocks are a unique feature, providing natural slides. But the star of the show is the plunge pool at Yukiwa Falls, one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. At first, the 40-meter high slide looks terrifying, but once you've tried it, you will want to go again. Other options offered in the gorge are rappelling, using a rope to clamber down and "shower climbing" up the river.
240 minutes by car
7
Mt. Ishizuchi trekking
At 1982m, Mt. Ishizuchi (lit. "stone hammer") is the tallest peak in western Japan. It is a popular destination for the amazing views as much as for its sacred status - the mountain itself was worshipped as god. For those less inclined to a full trek, a ropeway and sightseeing lift take you to halfway up the mountain, from which it is about 10 minutes' walk to Chugu Jojusha Shrine. The views are memorable, whether it is just the surrounding peaks you can see or on a clear day, the Seto Inland Sea and the Chugoku region beyond.
This is a tour full of nature activities in Tokyo, the Izu islands and Shikoku. Means of transportation are provided for your reference, but it is always a good idea to take a stroll at your leisure around the locations mentioned.
*The information provided here is as of March 2022.
*Transportation information does not include the number of transfers or transfer time.
*Admission fees may be charged depending on the spot/facility. For the latest information on business hours, days when spots/facilities are reguarly closed, and prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.
