Longer Itineraries
From Tokyo to one of Japan's least-explored regions for uncrowded nature activities
Surrounded by the sea and mountainous across two thirds of its land area, Japan is a treasure trove of wild nature activities. Start in Tokyo with natural encounters close to the city and enjoy marine opportunities around its islands.
Then, discover Shikoku, an island of wild splendor and some of Japan's best-hidden secrets. Away from the crowds and bustle of the cities, you will find great refreshment in abandoning yourself to the mountains, rivers and valleys here.
Then, discover Shikoku, an island of wild splendor and some of Japan's best-hidden secrets. Away from the crowds and bustle of the cities, you will find great refreshment in abandoning yourself to the mountains, rivers and valleys here.
*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!
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)
Hotaluna has a metallic silver, streamlined body, made in the image of a spacecraft, with gullwing doors and a promenade deck on the roof, allowing people to enjoy the view from outside the boat. Moreover, the glass windows at the back of the boat emit a pale light, lighting up Sumida River like a firefly through the night from dusk.
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)
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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.
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's headwaters are in the town of Ino, in Kochi Prefecture, and the river flows to the east from the Shikoku Mountains. Known as one of the three whitewater rivers of Japan, it is famous for rafting. Rafting the continuous rapids of the Yoshino River makes for a thrilling adventure.
180 minutes by car
5
Shimanto River canoe and kayak
The Shimanto River is known as “Japan’s last remaining clear stream.” The many submersible Chinkabashi (bridges without balustrades made so that they sink and are not swept away when the river floods) that can be found along the river, give the Shimanto River its poetic charm.These bridges are still used by residents to this day. You can also enjoy various activities along the Shimanto River such as canoeing, yakatabune boat rides,and cycling.
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.
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, Mount Ishizuchi is the highest mountain peak in western Japan. One of Japan’s Seven Holy Mountains, it has been known as a spiritual mountain since ancient times. During the "O-yamabiraki" event in July, Shugendo practitioners gather from all over the country to pay their respects. For those who don't feel confident enough to aim for the peak, it is recommended to use the ropeway or chairlift when hiking.
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 regularly closed, prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.
*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 regularly closed, prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.