TRAVEL FROM TOKYO TO ENA
Take the Tokaido Line Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya—approximately 1 ¾ hr travel time.
You can get tickets from the JR ticket window just before the Shinkansen barrier gates. Even if you have a JR Rail Pass (which covers the cost of all JR line travel), you will need to show some ticket to indicate your seat.
Tip 1 – Try to get a window seat on the right-hand side of the train for possible views of Mt Fuji on a clear day.
Tip 2 – if you have not invested in a JR Rail Pass (only available outside Japan), you can save some money by buying a Non-Reserved Seat on the Shinkansen rather than a Reserved Seat. The price is approx. AUD $60 difference. Total cost for Non-Reserved seats from Tokyo to Nagoya approx. AUD$140.
Then, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) from Nagoya to Ena. The Rapid service stops less often than the local service. Both are the same price and stop in Ena. The approximate travel time is 1 ¼ hr. The cost (if no JR Rail Pass) is approximately AUD$10.
See Japan Rail Map for additional details. The free “Japan Direct” rail app is very useful. Enter your station of origin and destination and all services, travel times, and costs are displayed. There is also an option to select routes when travelling “with Japan Rail Pass”, too. The Rapid service stops less often than the local service. Both are the same price and stop in Ena. The approximate travel time is 1 ¼ hr. The cost (if no JR Rail Pass) is approximately AUD$10.
HIGH SEASON CHARGES
In Japan, there are some periods when locals travel en masse as they are on holiday. These times are best avoided as the accommodation costs escalate considerably (more than double). It would make a lot of sense if you could avoid these times. Otherwise, see below for high-season periods. This could lead to the cost of the trip increasing by 30% or more.
NEW YEAR PERIOD – 30TH DECEMBER TO 4TH OF JANUARY
GOLDEN WEEK – GENERALLY BETWEEN 29TH APRIL TO 5TH MAY
OBON PERIOD – MID-AUGUST ( BETWEEN THE 10TH TO 20TH OF AUGUST)
Please speak to the office to get a quote for the above times
DEPARTING FROM YOKOKAWA OR KARUIZAWA TO TOKYO
DEPARTING FROM YOKOKAWA OR KARUIZAWA TO TOKYO
At the end of your holiday, you will have details for travelling back to Tokyo from either Yokokawa Train Station or Karuizawa by train.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
On this walk, you will need to catch some buses and have the option of catching them to shorten some walk days. Most of these rides will be very short. You won’t be able to pre-book any of these rides but catching them on the day is a seamless process. These bus fares are at your own cost.
LUGGAGE TRANSFERS
This walk has the luggage transferred most days; we will let you know when we can’t move the bags due to the remoteness. The luggage will be waiting for you at the following accommodation. In the evenings, you will be supplied with a yukata (Japanese Gown) to wear so you will need to carry only essential items on those days when your luggage isn’t available.
AVAILABILITY
Autumn and Spring are the best times to walk. Summer is Ok and it is possible to take a swim as you walk. Winter can be quite problematic, but it is still possible. You will need snow gear and be warned some accommodations close down from late November to February.
WEATHER
From the end of March, the temperature begins to increase. In summer it’s quite warm and humid but still good for walking, particularly if you enjoy warmer temperatures and taking a dip in a stream.
The walk is offered in winter, but bring some warm clothes and good rain gear. The area is just as beautiful, if not more and is not busy at all. Soaking in an outside onsen in the cool of the night is one of those real authentic Japanese experiences that you can look forward to after a big day on the track.
As walkers, we believe spring and autumn to be the best time as the weather is perfect for walking.
See the weather information about the local average weather at different times of the year.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips requiring international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years, we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know that you’ll have many more questions even with that in mind. You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks from departure outlining all the fine details and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.
SELF GUIDED
6 DAYS
Moderate
