53telephone: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only)international telephone: +44 1453 844 400www.mountainkingdoms.comW e start our adventure in remarkable Tokyo, where we explore parks, temples and museums. We visit the shogun capital, Kamakura, and from the hot spring town of Hakone there are excellent views of Mount Fuji. We then travel by bullet train to historic Kyoto, which was the Japanese capital until 1868. There is much to see and do in Kyoto; markets, traditional craft shops, former palaces, temples and shrines, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites.Our hotels have been carefully selected and include a stay in an old-fashioned, traditional inn (ryokan) and a couple of nights in an elegant temple lodging at Mount Koya. Finally we visit Hiroshima, now a bustling city once more, for a sobering reminder of man's inhumanity to man.O ur trek follows historic kaido (roads) that twist their way through mountainous country from imperial capital to provincial town, stopping at villages along the way. The walking is gentle in nature and allows us to immerse ourselves in the beautiful scenery and traditional rural life of Japan. Walking days are interspersed with days spent exploring some of Japan's most important cultural centres such as Kyoto and Nara. Here we visit temples, shrines and parks and gain an insight into Japan's fascinating heritage.Whilst on trek we stay in small traditional inns called ryokan or minshuku, and even in temple lodgings for one night. Hot spring baths, futons and delectable Japanese food await the weary traveller and offer welcome relaxation at the end of the day.B etween 1020 and 1220, four of Japan's emperors undertook a total of nearly one hundred pilgrimages to the Kumano shrines in the southern reaches of the mountainous Kii Peninsula. We spend the first week exploring these sacred mountains, staying in Buddhist temples and ryokan (comfortable family run guest houses), before travelling north to visit the ancient capitals of Asuka, Nara and Kyoto. Travel in Japan is a joy - we will eat delicious Japanese food and sleep in the traditional way on tatami mats. The Imperial Pilgrimage trek takes place in spring, when rhododendrons flower and fresh green foliage cloaks the mountains, and autumn, when the maples turn scarlet. Cultural Highlights of JapanA fascinating tour providing a genuine insight into ancient and modern Japan.Old Trails of Japan Delightful walking along ancient Japanese trails combined with historical Kyoto and stylish Tokyo.The Imperial Pilgrimage Route A mountain trek into the spiritual and cultural heartland of Japan.£3,150£3,885£2,995£3,895£4,595£3,775Land OnlyLand OnlyLand OnlyFlight IncludedFlight IncludedFlight IncludedSun 08 May - Mon 23 May 11Sun 30 Oct - Mon 14 Nov 11Sat 16 Apr - Sat 30 Apr 11Sat 22 Oct - Sat 05 Nov 11Sat 07 May - Sun 22 May 11Sat 15 Oct - Sun 30 Oct 11Sat 31 Mar - Sun 15 Apr 12Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 10 Lodge/ Ryokan/ Temple/ Minshuku: 4Optional: Single Room £495Insurance: £132Day Walks: 7Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 8 Lodge/ Ryokan/ Temple/ Minshuku: 5Optional: Single Room £395Insurance: £150On Trek: 5 days Day Walks: 2 Local LeaderAccommodation (nts): Hotels: 4 Lodge/ Ryokan/ Temple/ Minshuku: 9Optional: Single Room £175Insurance: £150Trek | Duration: 15 DaysCultural Tour | Duration: 16 DaysTrek | Duration: 16 DaysGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clientsGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clientsGuaranteed to run for a minimum of 5 clientsGrade: Gentle Grade: Moderate Mount Fuji, reflections, JNTOFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comFor detailed itineraries see www.mountainkingdoms.comJapan Modern Japan presents a bustling, high-tech image to the outside world. However, away from the ultra-modern tower blocks exists an unhurried land of mountains and monasteries linked by winding trails, where traditional Japan can still be experienced. Other cultural tours - pages 12, 13, 20, 26, 41, 42, 43, 47, 50, 51 & 58

North America North America holds some of the most diverse and stunning natural landscapes on earth. Vast canyons, towering waterfalls, arid deserts and lush forests provide a magnificent backdrop for exploration on foot. Our treks take in the premier national parks in the west but go beyond the well trodden trails for a unique perspective on this stunning natural world.54Download holiday itineraries fromwww.mountainkingdoms.come: info@mountainkingdoms.comUpper and Lower Yosemite Falls, Steve Harbert