Paddle the waters surrounding the sacred island of Miyajima
Hawks and white cranes soar overhead, while sacred deer and monkeys wander about the primordial forest of the island
Optional hike up Mt. Misen, rising 500 meters vertically from the sea, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding islands
Traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Enjoy soaking in Japanese onsen (hot baths)
Exploring the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara and visit Himeji Castle, a Unesco World Heritage site
Stay in traditional Japanese Minshiku and Ryokans
Sample fresh oysters, eel and delicacies of the Inland sea harvested daily and prepared artistically and with great pride at the Inn
Full Description
Step through the Torii Gate into a world beyond. Japan is a land of contrasts; a place where complexity and simplicity, peaceful tranquility, and frenetic action meet.
This is the country of Miyamoto Musashi, fabled swordsman and author of “The Book of Five Rings”, Kabuki and Noh plays, the intricately constructed Washi, that famous textured paper, and of course, filmaker Akiro Kurasawa and his actor of choice, Toshiro Mifune, both who have sadly passed away. Sumo, geisha, origami, sushi, onsen, from sport to art, from art to detail, and to rest from the details, and from the details the art of relaxation, a continuous thread of cultural complexity based on simplicity.
Islands surrounded by a great expanse of sea, spectacular shorelines with dramatic relief dotted with delicate flora that grows in the direction of the wind. These waters are the draw for adventurous paddlers and, as part of the adventure the culture and the people will become the “Whole Experience”. Come with us to Nippon and gain a perspective on the harmony of opposites as we wander through the islands by kayak, high-speed train, and on foot.
Jeff and Cathy have explored Japan extensively and the culture, architecture, and people have been an interest of Jeff’s for over 30 years. On these trips we not only have the chance to paddle but we’ll have the chance to experience the essence of this island nation from country villages to the Japanese megalopolis. We’ll step back in time visiting the holy precincts of Kyoto and the ancient town of Nara.
Relax in natural hot springs located in towns and villages whose sole heat source comes from this vast thermal resource from deep underground. We’ll walk the ancient hallways of one of Japan’s most famous castles and view the collection of swords, spears, armor, calligraphy and other works of art. Of course we’ll enjoy an incredible diversity of food as we steep ourselves in the traditions of this foreign land.
Includes:
All accommodations in Japan as noted on itinerary
Meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All transportation once in Osaka and as outlined in itinerary
All kayaking gear and safety equipment
Qualified and highly trained kayak guides
Excludes:
International airfare (U.S. to Osaka)
Airport departure taxes
Additional hotel nights that may be needed due to airline schedule changes or other factors
Insurance of any kind
Excess baggage charges
Items of a personal nature (clothing, sodas, liquor, snack foods, etc)
Fees for optional activities
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1, Wednesday
International flight to Japan.
Day 2, Thursday
Arrive in Japan and stay at the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, which offers western comfort and Japanese hospitality.
Day 3, Friday
We’ll meet at 7:30 a.m. in the lobby of the hotel and then proceed to the dining area for a buffet breakfast offering an assortment of Japanese and Western choices. We’ll spend our one day in Kyoto exploring the Nishijin district of Kyoto learning about Kyoto’s textile industry and then finish off our day wandering the
narrow streets of Gion enjoying the architectural design of the O-chaya (teahouses) that cluster together in
this famous neighborhood. Topping off our day will be dinner at at Shabu-shabu restaurant in the Gion district.
(B, L, D)
Day 4, Saturday
Once we have gotten a feel for the country and our internal clocks are on track, we’ll begin the journey to
the Inland Sea with a stop at Himeji Castle along the way. Himeji Castle is one of the few original remaining castles in Japan that was not destroyed by fires, earthquakes or wars and is both a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Widely considered as Japan’s most spectacular castle, it originated as a fort in the 14th century, evolved over the centuries into the castle complex it became in 1609 and remains to this day. After a short visit here we’ll continue on to the island temple precinct of Miyajima. Miyajima is the site of the famous red Torii gate rising out of the sea separating the everyday world from the spiritual realm of the adjoining “floating temple” compound, the Itsukushima Jinja shrine, a symbol of Japanese culture and spirit. Upon arrival we’ll check in to our Inn and then spend some time exploring the village, the temple compound, and wandering through Momiji-dani park, noted for the beauty of its maple trees in autumn and the cherry blossoms in spring.
(B, L, D)
Day 5, Sunday
After a good night’s sleep and a Japanese breakfast, we’ll be ready to hit the water and view this sacred temple compound from the unique perspective of our kayak’s cockpit. Once we have had the chance to take a few photos and loosen up in the kayak, we’ll pack our picnic lunch and venture along the shore exploring secluded coves,pocket beaches, and oyster farms scattered throughout the bay. A lunch stop along the way will provide opportunities for a quick dip in the sea, a nap on the beach, or simply a chance to relax and enjoy the view. Once back at the Inn, we’ll freshen up, sit back and enjoy one of our host’s magnificent multi-course Japanese dinners.
(B, L, D)
Day 6, Monday
We’ll continue our paddling adventures by exploring the remote southern side of this sacred and magical island, absorbing the peacefulness and breath-taking beauty of the primeval forests blanketing this part of the island. As we paddle along the rocky shoreline, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for the smaller shrines associated with the Itsukushima shrine, that have been placed at intervals around the island further defining its sacred geography. Lunch will be served on the shore of our “own” private pocket beach; time to rest our muscles, snap some pictures, and enjoy the serenity of the moment before paddling back to our Inn. An
evening soak at the local onsen, (bath house), will provide just the right amount of relaxation before our
magnificent multi course Japanese dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 7, Tuesday
Towering 1739 feet above the quaint village of Miyajima is Mt. Misen, offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the distant mountain ranges of Shikoku. We’ll start the day with a hike up one of the three footpaths to the summit, encountering hundreds of domesticated deer along the forested trail and wild monkeys at the summit. Nestled in the peaceful forests near the top of Mt. Misen are several small temples, including the Gumonjido, founded in the early 9th century by the great sage Kobo Daishi, who lit the flame within the temple that has burned continually since its dedication. Further down the trail, we’ll take the time to explore the Daishoin Temple, the religious center of the Omuro sect of Buddhist Shingonshu devotees. After a relaxing lunch on the slopes of the wooded mountainside, we’ll head back to
the inn, freshen up, and then experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, a custom introduced to Japan
in the 9th century and practiced quite often today.
(B, L, D)
Day 8, Wednesday
Having had a break from the seat of a cockpit, we’ll jump back into the kayaks and continue our exploration of this area by water. Weather and conditions permitting, we’ll explore some of smaller islands near Miyajima, enjoying a Bento box picnic lunch along the way.
Day 9, Thursday
Today we’ll visit the mainland, our destination the world renowned “City of Peace”, Hiroshima. Our first stop will be the Peace Memorial Park dedicated on the site of the horrific atomic bomb blast that leveled the city during WWII. The ruin of the atomic bomb dome stands in stark contrast to the lush green of the gardens and the grounds of the Peace Memorial itself. A UNESCO world heritage site, it provides us with perspective in these troubled times. After lunch we’ll visit the famous Sukkeien Gardens, originally designed in 1620 by Naga-Akira Asano, the feudal lord who ruled this district. The gardens are situated on the Kyobashi River whose waters are diverted to create streams and ponds within the garden proper. The latter part of the day we’ll find us exploring Hiroshima’s busy downtown.
(B, L, D)
Day, 10 Friday
After a leisurely morning we will bid farewell to Miyajima and travel to the Nara, ancient capital of Japan, for our final two nights. Here we will stay at a very traditional Ryokan located in one of the older sections of Nara, and within walking distance of Nara Park. A soak in the onsens, a nap and a visit to a nearby local’s favorite for dinner will prime us for an evening wandering around the temples, enjoying the solitude and peacefulness without the crowds.
(B, L, D)
Day, 11 Saturday
Today we’ll visit Uji city, and within its confines discover the small village of Uji known for its famous green tea market. Reputed to be Japan’s finest tea, we’ll be able to sip our tea in the tranquility of the wooded and hilled terrain. In the heart of the city is the renowned Byodo-in and its famous Phoenix Hall, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 950 year-old building is one of the few remaining pieces of architecture from the Heian period and it holds two of the original phoenix carvings from the ancient roof pediment. Inside we’ll also see the original temple bell along with original carvings from the past. Stroll along the river, explore winding trails leading to hidden shrines and temples, or just sit and enjoy the ambiance of the cafes along the riverside. Once back in Kyoto we’ll enjoy a traditional Japanese meal, perhaps drink a little sake, and turn in for the evening.
(B, L, D)
Day, 12 Sunday
Depart for US (B)
NOTE: We try to be as accurate as we can with our itineraries but certain factors out of our control can cause the itinerary to change. We appreciate your flexibility and trust in us to provide you with a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience.
About The Operator:
H2Outfitters
Headquarters:
Orr's Island, Maine
Established:
January 1982
H2Outfitters is recognized as the East Coast’s original sea kayak outfitter and as “One of the World’s Best Adventure Travel Companies” by National Geographic Adventure magazine.Established in 1982 the company has had many “firsts” in the areas of kayak instruction, safety, leadership as well as trips and outfitting.The company’s principals, Cathy Piffath and Jeff Cooper, are recognized as leaders in their field.Of particular note, Cathy has been recognized as one of the “finest technical paddlers in the country” and has been featured in such magazines as Shape, Paddler, Self, Downeast, and Yankee among others.Her partner, and H2Outfitters’ Director of Fun, Jeff Cooper was described by Men’s Journal as “arguably the finest kayak instructor on the East Coast…” and has himself been a topic of discussion in publications ranging from the Financial Times to National Geographic Adventure magazine.
Cathy & Jeff have been prominent figures nationally in the kayak instructional arena with the American Canoe Association and the British Canoe Union.They served as the first ACA instructor trainer educators on the East Coast and wrote the first national curriculum for sea kayaking in the early 90s. H2Outfitters has been an innovator in outdoor education as well as its marketing within the industry here and abroad. Consequently, H2O’s reputation for excellence is recognized around the globe.
The company’s International Adventures for a Lifetime trip program has been recognized nationally as offering some of the most unique and exciting excursions in adventure travel.Combining cultural and historic perspectives with the hands-on aspect of sea kayaking, H2Outfitters has taken the Seven Seas and made them accessible in a fun and educational manner to people of all ages.Japan’s Inland Sea, the Amalfi Coast of Italy, Iceland’s West Fjords, and Italy’s Tuscan Island Archipelago are but a few of the trip’s they offer to adventurous travelers.The company has worked closely with travel writers and authors worldwide in the development of their trips; Tony Perrottet, Dario Castagno, Steve Jermanok, and Isamu Tatsuno to name a few.
Some H2Outfitters’ Highlights
-Pioneers of sea kayak instruction in the US
-Principals recognized as the best and finest in their field
-Cutting edge programming, distinctive adventures
-Company takes the interactive “getting off the bus” approach to international travel
H2Outfitters’ Mission Statement:
At H2Outfitters, we firmly believe that skills development is the best insurance for all kayaking activities. It provides a foundation on which to build a secure paddling future for a relatively small investments. Your ability to paddle, and paddle well, allows you to make intelligent decisions that range from buying a boat and judging its characteristics, to selecting the river or ocean trip that suits your needs. Instruction is not hype, doesn’t need a sales pitch, and is, in fact, and investment in your futures. Take it seriously because it ensures Serious Fun!
This mission statement still holds as true today as it did when we established it in 1982.
H2Outfitters is committed to high-quality kayaking instruction. Our instructors are selected not only for their kayaking skills, but also for their teaching skills and group management ability. Our staff is dedicated to making sure you have Serious Fun!
