An Exploratory Tour of the Kii Peninsula
Okay, we shouldn't be biased but... Japan might be one of our favourite countries to visit! For the first 4 days of this tour we will be exploring the Kii Peninsula where ancient Buddhist pilgrimage routes crisscross through forested mountains, quiet agricultural villages and hot onsen spa towns. During this time we will run the length of the famous Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, finishing at Nachisan, the Grand Shrine. Our last few days will be spent exploring the Buddhist monasteries, ancient cemeteries, gardens and rolling mountains of Koya-san.
From earliest times, the Japanese believe that the wilds regions of the Kii Peninsula were inhabited by kami or Shinto deities. When Buddhism enveloped Japan in the 6th century, these kami become gongen, or manifestations of the Buddha, therefore giving rise to the dual Shinto faith. Japan’s early emperors pilgrimaged to the area from Kyoto to Osaka, and then on to Tanabe on the Kii Peninsula’s Western coastline before crossing the mountains to the Eastern coastline via the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail. We will be retracing their steps, starting in Osaka and finishing in Koya-san, a small mountainous area famous for its Buddhist culture & heritage.
Over the duration of our tour you will have access to our expert guides and coaches who always strive to facilitate an environment of education and learning for all elements of trail running. We are eager to share our knowledge on gear, equipment, nutrition, wilderness safety and conservation, adventure or race planning, local environmental and cultural significance and running techniques tips and tricks that will have you dancing, thriving and keeping safe on the trails. This tour is one not to be missed!
From earliest times, the Japanese believe that the wilds regions of the Kii Peninsula were inhabited by kami or Shinto deities. When Buddhism enveloped Japan in the 6th century, these kami become gongen, or manifestations of the Buddha, therefore giving rise to the dual Shinto faith. Japan’s early emperors pilgrimaged to the area from Kyoto to Osaka, and then on to Tanabe on the Kii Peninsula’s Western coastline before crossing the mountains to the Eastern coastline via the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail. We will be retracing their steps, starting in Osaka and finishing in Koya-san, a small mountainous area famous for its Buddhist culture & heritage.
Over the duration of our tour you will have access to our expert guides and coaches who always strive to facilitate an environment of education and learning for all elements of trail running. We are eager to share our knowledge on gear, equipment, nutrition, wilderness safety and conservation, adventure or race planning, local environmental and cultural significance and running techniques tips and tricks that will have you dancing, thriving and keeping safe on the trails. This tour is one not to be missed!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Traverse the famous pilgrimage routes of the Kii Peninsula, running between your accommodation each day whilst your luggage is transported for you
- Enjoy diverse accommodation from Organic Farmstays to traditional Ryokans and Buddhist Monasteries
- Immerse yourself for three days in Japanese Buddhist culture, staying at a traditional and active Buddhist Monastery
- Participate in morning meditation at the Koya-san monastery complex
- Indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine in the company of your new trail running friends
- Sip hot green tea after a day on the trails
- Learn to explore wilder with Hanny Allston & Graham Hammond
Many thanks Hanny - and Graham! - for putting together such an amazing trip. I enjoyed every single minute of it - exploring beautiful trails with a great group, eating such yummy food, staying in lovely inns, and experiencing all that Japanese 'stuff' - it was my perfect holiday!!
Even though it wasn't a training camp, my running technique was definitely improved by your tips and I'm looking forward to getting out on some hills tomorrow for some little sparrow - Karen
TOUR DETAILS
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION |
Osaka Kansai International Airport |
DEPARTURE TIME |
10am after being introduced to your guides and the group |
RETURN TIME |
5pm return to Osaka Kansai International Airport |
ACCOMMODATION |
7 nights in: Western Airport Hotel, traditional Ryokan, Buddhist Monastery, organic farmstay and 'very Japanese' accommodation |
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE |
10 guests |
INCLUDED |
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NOT INCLUDED |
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COST |
$3990* * A $400 booking deposit is required to secure your place on this tour |
RUN DETAILS* |
Minimum Run Duration: 8km/75min
Maximum Run Duration: 36km/6hrs (running & hiking) Technical Difficulty: Moderate - Advanced (trail experience required) Steepness: Gentle to steeper rolling mountain slopes & some urban terrain * Our tours are a holiday involving trail running. Our guides will craft each days’ runs to meet your individual needs and en route will frequently stop to soak up the ambience and to take plenty of photos. Therefore, running distances noted in this itinerary can vary to differentiate between guest abilities and make your Find Your Feet Tour a rich experience. |
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