Active Japan: Kyoto & Okinawa Island Hopping

Active Japan: Kyoto & Okinawa Island Hopping

• Trip code: 437X015
• Dauer: 10
• Stil: Active

It’s easy to forget that Japan stretches over 2,000 miles, and there’s way more to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. This 10-day island-hopping adventure kicks off in Kyoto before heading southwest to the paradise of Ishigaki Island. After soaking in the history and charm of Kyoto, make your way to Okinawa for thrilling day hikes, sea kayaking, and cycling through Yambaru National Park, Taketomi, and Iriomote Islands. Recharge with Okinawa’s famous lifestyle and delicious cuisine — known for helping locals live some of the longest, healthiest lives on the planet. Get ready to explore Japan in a whole new way.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotel (9nts)

Checklist

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

Group Size Notes

Max 16, avg. 14

Highlights

Trek through Kyoto on the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine hike, Kayak to white sand islands off the coast of Yanbaru National Park, Ride on a traditional Sabani boat through the crystal blue water of Okinawa

Introduction

It’s easy to forget that Japan stretches over 2,000 miles, and there’s way more to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. This 10-day island-hopping adventure kicks off in Kyoto before heading southwest to the paradise of Ishigaki Island. After soaking in the history and charm of Kyoto, make your way to Okinawa for thrilling day hikes, sea kayaking, and cycling through Yambaru National Park, Taketomi, and Iriomote Islands. Recharge with Okinawa’s famous lifestyle and delicious cuisine — known for helping locals live some of the longest, healthiest lives on the planet. Get ready to explore Japan in a whole new way

Meals Included

9 Frühstück, 1 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD340-445 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Kyoto
- Besuch der Burg Nijō und ihrer Gärten (600JPY pro Person)
- Besuch des Kinkaku-ji („Goldener Pavillon“) (500JPY pro Person)
- Zen-Garten des Ryōan-ji (500JPY pro Person)

Start / Finish

Kyoto nach Ishigaki

Transport

Plane, local train, walking, private vehicle, gondola, public bus, bicycle, local metro

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen. Kurama to Kibune trek & shrine visits. Fushimi Inari Taisha hike. Ibe-dake Forest Trail Trek. Yasuda Sea Kayaking excursion. Traditional Sabani Boat tour. Taketomi island cycling excursion. Mangrove kayak and hike on Iriomote Island. Internal flights. All transportation to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Kyoto

Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome briefing and an optional dinner in Kyoto

Day 2 Kyoto

Start your Kyoto based explorations with one of the iconic hikes outside the Kyoto downtown area. Hike from Kurama village to Kibune-two villages that mark the start and endpoint of the hike. As you wind your way through the canopied forest, visit the Yuki shrine and Kurama-dera temple

Day 3 Kyoto

The final day in Kyoto begins with the iconic visit to Fushimi Inari shrine. Walk for around 2 hours under the vibrant torii gates as you make your way along the various trails. Although this is a popular activity, it's worth it for the expansive views across Southern Kyoto

Day 4 Kyoto to Yanbaru National Park

Let the island hopping begin. Board a domestic flight bound for Naha airport, in Okinawa. Naha is the main gateway for travelers in and out of Okinawa. Upon arrival, hop onto a private transport and make your way north towards Yanbaru National Park. This area is not popular on the tourist route due to its more remote location, and indeed feels a bit like a hidden gem

Day 5 Yanbaru National Park

Embark on a guided walk through part of Yambaru Forest, spotting native flora and fauna on the Ibe-dake Forest Trail Trek. After a picnic lunch, head towards to the seaside and join your local guide on a guided sea kayaking excursion to Yasuda island. After a busy day, enjoy a dinner out together

Day 6 Kunigami/Ishigaki

Another day, another island. Today, head even further south to Ishigaki island. Still part of Okinawa, Ishigaki technically sits closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan. Join your CEO and fellow travelers for a delicious dinner sampling famous Okinawan ryōri (food)

Day 7 Ishigaki

In the Hirakubo Peninsula in northern Ishigaki, hop aboard a Sabani, the traditional Okinawan sailboat, and cruise along the shores of the peninsula. Hop into the water to snorkel if you choose, or just admire the stunning untouched environment. These boats are hand carved in the traditional way from hollowed logs, and only hold 6 persons per boat. Enjoy this rare opportunity to enjoy a piece of Okinawan cultural heritage. During the paddle, we'll jump out of the boat for a chance to snorkel out above the coral reef

Day 8 Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park

The island hopping continues as you head west again towards Iriomote island. Spend the day kayaking in a mangrove area, spotting birds and local flora you can only find in this area. After an epic day exploring the island, choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner back in Ishigaki

Day 9 Taketomi Island

Just off the coast of the Ishigaki Port area is Taketomi Island, part of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park. Surrounded by coral reef, the island is actually constructed of coral walls and structures, creating a unique architectural look within Japan. The central Ryukyu village is the most well known feature of the island, full of red tiled roof buildings and tropical flowers. There are plenty of ways to explore Taketomi, but in true G Adventures style we opt for a bicycle to be able to zip around and see as much as possible

Day 10 Ishigaki

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kyoto

Day 2 Kyoto

Day 3 Kyoto

Spend the afternoon at leisure in Kyoto.

Day 4 Kyoto to Yanbaru National Park

Day 5 Yanbaru National Park

Day 6 Kunigami/Ishigaki

Day 7 Ishigaki

Day 8 Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park

Day 9 Taketomi Island

Day 10 Ishigaki