Active Fun in Kawane, 5 days

Nested in the middle of the Shizuoka prefecture of Japan, the Kawane region is covered in forest and mountains. Within its valleys lie plenty of green tea fields, hot spring villages, farm to table experiences and nature walks rivalled by few. A self-guided nature exploration awaits.

With the Oigawa River running through the nature-rich region of Kawane surrounded by green tea fields and mountains, embark on a nature exploration with steam train rides and mountain railways.

Home to one of the highest quality of green tea produced in Shizuoka prefecture, stand back in time and walk through tea fields, beautiful valleys, and by the flowing river. Spend the nights with a local family in a farmhouse and relax in onsen ryokan, enjoy the interaction with the local and gaze at sky with endless stars.

Duration: 5 days

This trip can be customised to suit your requirements or the needs of your group, < Make En Enquiry > and tell us your requests.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Tokyo – Shizuoka City

Welcome to Japan! Take the airport express to Tokyo Main Station and transfer to Shizuoka Station via Shinkansen (bullet train).

Upon arrival at Shizuoka Station, meet and greet by our Representative who will brief you on the experiences for the next few days. There is time for lunch before taking the complimentary shuttle transfer to the hotel.

A perfect escape away from the city, Nippondaira Hotel offers panoramic views of the ever-changing sky and Mt Fuji.

Later in the day, take a walk up a hill to visit Nihondaira – a scenic nature park with some of the best view of Mount Fuji, and the surrounding Shizuoka and Suraga Bay. You may take the cable car (own expense) up to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, designated as a national treasure. Immerse in historical romance and the tranquility in the area.

Travel light for the next 3 days, pack and bring essentials that is required for your nature exploration in the Kawane region.

Accommodation: Nippondaira Hotel.

Meal: Nil

Day 2 Shizuoka City – Senzu Farm Stay

After breakfast, take the complimentary shuttle transfer back to Shizuoka Station. Drop off your luggage at the Shizuoka Hotel before catching the train to Shin Kanaya Station to begin the Kawane active fun adventure.

If time permits, visit the Loco Museum (free entrance) to see old locomotives and passenger cars on exhibition. Get onboard and do take great pictures with the old-style trains. Grab some souvenirs and lunch boxes is a must. Pack away food and lunch boxes made with products from Shizuoka prefecture like green tea and shrimps.

Board the Oigawa Railway – the only railway line with steam engine trains. A journey as if you go back in time from the smell of coal to the sound of the puffing steam and the whistles. Enjoy the 1-hour ride as the train runs through vast green tea fields along the Oi River which flows from the Southern Alps, admire old fashion traditional Japanese style train stations while listening to the wheels squeaking along the track.

Upon arrival at Senzu Station, meet and greet the farm owner who will be waiting for you. Follow the farmer and join the family as they bring you around the green tea plantation and learn about tea cultivation. Relax in the farmhouse with a green tea experience before rolling up your sleeves and join them in the fields for some tea leaves or vegetable harvesting.

Get to know the art of Japanese home cooking as you join the family in the kitchen assisting them to prepare a delicious dinner for the evening.

Kawane is known for its clear starry skies. Do look up into the sky this evening and enjoy some star watching here (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Farmstay

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Senzu Farm Stay – Sumatakyo Onsen Village

Bid farewell to the family and the farm owner will send you to Senzu Station.

Pack some food and lunch boxes at the Station before boarding the train.

Today’s train ride will take you on Shizuoka’s Southern Alps Railway. It will travel along some of Japan’s steepest railway route! As the train pulls between Ichishiro Station and Nagashima Dam Station, the train will switch to the ABT system. The train gets connected to the ABT locomotive, which supports the ascent on the slope. The ABT system was developed for mountain railways. You may get off the train to take a closer look on how the change takes place.

Get off at Okuoikojo Station, located between two bridges, surrounded by the beautiful emerald green lake. Begin the highlight of the day as you cross the track and walk along the promenade parallel to the railway track. At the end of the railway track, hike up the hill to a view stop where you will see a panorama vista of Okuoikojo Station and its iconic rainbow bridge. The train station appears to float on the lake from here. Continue our hike crossing a total of 7 bridges offering scenic views of the mountainous Kawane countryside. Your hike will end as you arrive at Sessokyo Onsen Station.

Catch the train to return to Senzu Station. Transfer to the public bus to take you to Sumatakyo Onsen Village. Surrounded by the Southern Alps, this hot spring location feels secret and unexplored. The water from these hot springs also makes the skin smooth and silky. You may relax in an open air hot bath while enjoying the mountain view.

This evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner prepared by the Ryokan.

Accommodation: Ryokan

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Hiking Distance: 3 KM approx. Hiking Duration: 2 – 3 hours approx.

Optional

Guided Hiking in Kawane: Get off at Nagashima Dam Station, meet an English-Speaking guide for a walk down the hill through some old tunnels to reach Ichishiro Station. Then continue the ABT train line from Ichishiro Station to Okuoikojo Station. Follow your guide, take a walk along the bridge and up a hill to a viewpoint to admire the panorama vista of Okuoikojo Station and its iconic rainbow bridge. Then walk back to the station for your return journey to Senzu Station. This 3-hour guided walk includes a bento lunch set.

Guided Kayaking Experience: Get off at Hiranda Station for a 2-hour guided kayaking on the emerald green coloured Oigawa River to Sesso Lake with an English-Speaking instructor.

Day 4 Sumatakyo Onsen Village – Shizuoka City

After a hearty breakfast, take a walk to the Yume no Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge.

The beauty of the sparkling emerald green lake attracts the hearts of many people. The magnificent and captivating view that you shouldn’t miss at all. The 90-metre long suspension bridge crosses the lushy green Sumatakyo Gorge. At a height of 8 metres from the bottom of the lake, experience the thrill of the bridge shaking when you cross it. It is also believed that prayers made in the middle of the bridge will come true.

Take the public bus back to Senzu Station and board the steam engine train southwards to Kadode Station. Located very close to the train station, Kadoda Ooigawa offers a “Eat, Drink, Shop” experience based food park full of highlights from Oigawa River basin. The area is brimming with a Farmer’s Market, restaurants, cafes and a kid’s play area.

Thereafter, continue the train journey and arrive into Shizuoka City via Kanaya Station by late afternoon. Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Associa Shizuoka Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 5 Depart Shizuoka City

Simply rest and relax until it’s time for check out and the tour concludes.

Meal: Breakfast

Recommendation: extend your stay in Shizuoka prefecture, Tokyo or other parts of Japan

Inclusions

~ 2 nights stay in hotel accommodation basing on twin sharing;

~ 1 night stay in a farmhouse, tatami style basing on twin sharing;

~ 1 night stay in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) basing on twin sharing;

~ 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners;

~ return transfers from Senzu Station >< Farmhouse on day 2 and day 3;

~ rail and bus transportation mentioned on day 2 to day 4;

~ entrance fee to Nihondaira;

~ service support from English-Speaking Local Representative.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Tokyo, Japan;

~ rail transportation from Tokyo Airport to Shizuoka Station on day 1;

~ visa arrangement;

~ any expenditure of personal effects;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ anything not specified or mentioned in the itinerary.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 20% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ 1 person to go. Maximum group size is 8 persons.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Japan, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because hiking requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for participants with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike/walk.

~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ All hikers need to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered hiking shoes) and attire. Hikers may be denied hiking if not dressed appropriately.

~ Option to extend your stay in Shizuoka prefecture, Tokyo or other parts of Japan.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Hiking, More Interest
Country	Japan
Hiking Grade	Grade 1 – Novice
Season	04 – April, 05 – May, 06 – June, 07 – July, 08 – August, 09 – September, 10 – October, 11 – November

Active Fun in Kawane, 5 days