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Mount Bandai and Hibara Lake

Trek Japan - NEW for 2026 11 days • Japan

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About the Challenge

Three-quarters of Japan’s terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, yet many of us know more about the country’s unique culture and advanced technology than its natural beauty … this challenging mountain trek aims to change that!

We base ourselves in the Bandai area, a scenic region of volcanic mountains rising above lush green forests, traditional rice-fields, and stunning multi-coloured lakes. We tackle three of these volcanic peaks – including Mount Bandai (1816m), known as a ‘mountain full of treasures’ in a traditional Japanese folk song – where our efforts on the steep slopes are rewarded with fabulous views over volcanic craters and the surrounding landscapes. Interspersed with the most challenging days are gentler hikes discovering the colourful variety of the lowlands.

The trip culminates at the historic castle town of Aizu-Wakamatsu, known for its samurai heritage, where we can enjoy the cultural delights, and soak our deserving muscles in the hot springs of our traditional ryokan accommodation.

Watch this space for our extension option coming soon!

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Trek Japan


OPEN • 11 DAYS

  • We arrive in Tokyo and transfer into the Shinagawa District by train, which is a great cultural introduction to this fast-paced modern city. After checking into our hotel, we have time to relax before dinner in a local restaurant. Night hotel.

    (Lunch not included)

  • Today we head north into the countryside by train. At Koriyama station, our bus will meet us to take us to the small town of Bandai, and the area that will both test and delight us over the coming week. This afternoon we enjoy a short, beautiful walk along Goshikinuma Nature Trail, which passes through forest and along a series of multi-coloured lakes formed by volcanic activity. The colours are created by different minerals in the water, and can vary from deep blue to turquoise, green and even red. It’s a great afternoon walk to stretch our legs, get accustomed to the scenery and climate, and whet our appetites for the days to come. Night hotel.

    Travel approx. 3-4 hours; Trek approx. 2-3 hours

  • Our first full day of walking takes us up Mount Bandai, one of Japan’s ‘100 famous mountains’, and a recognisable landmark of the region. After an early breakfast, a short transfer takes us to our trailhead (840m). From most directions, Bandai appears as a perfect conical shape, but from our northern start-point, it is scarred by a huge eruption that took place in 1888. This eruption changed the landscape around Bandai, and formed many of the surrounding lakes. We follow the relatively gentle uphill trail through ski slopes and forest rich in birdlife, before reaching the huge erupted wall. The path then becomes steeper, but the views over the surrounding landscape of peaks, forest and lakes keep us motivated. After a final steep push via Kobo Spring, we reach the summit (1816m). We have ascended almost 1000m in elevation, and should feel rightly proud of our efforts! We soak up the panoramic views across to Mount Azuma and Mount Adatara, and down to Lake Inawashiro, Japan’s fourth-largest lake: we’ll be immersing ourselves in these landscapes during the coming days. We descend by a different route, via Lake Dounuma, enjoying different views and vegetation, and head back to our accommodation to relax. Night hotel.

    Trek approx. 6-7 hours; height gain approx. 976m

  • A day of two halves today! This morning, we walk the shores of Lake Hibara – a beautiful, relatively-level walk, which will limber up any aching muscles before tomorrow’s mountain day. Hibara is the largest of the lakes formed by the natural dams created by Bandai’s 1888 eruption. Now home to many birds and other wildlife, the lake is known for the still reflection of the surrounding trees in the crystal-clear water. This afternoon our adventure takes a more cultural turn, as we take part in soba noodle-making and miso preparation, learning traditional methods rooted in the local community. It’s a fun, hands-on experience and we’ll appreciate the self-sufficiency of many rural communities. Night hotel.

    Trek approx. 3 hours; culinary workshop approx. 2 hours

  • Our goal today is the summit of Mount Adatara (1700m), an active volcano also on the ‘100 famous mountains’ list. Its slopes are marked by plenty of hot springs and steam vents. A short transfer takes us to our trailhead (1120m), and we set off on a gently-ascending trail through quiet forest and fields of flowers. As we gain height, we are treated to ever-expanding views across to Mount Azuma, Lake Inawashiro, and the now-familiar slopes of Mount Bandai. Along the ridge, we can enjoy the views over Numa-no-taira, a white volcanic basin with fumaroles giving off the distinctive smell of sulphur. This contrast between the white crater, the surrounding vegetation, and (if we’re lucky) blue skies, make for a remarkable landscape. We continue to the summit, which affords fantastic views over the highlands. We descend via Adatara’s ropeway (cable-car), which offers fantastic views over the forests. Night hotel.

    Trek approx. 4-5 hours; height gain approx. 580m

  • Our third mountain summit awaits us today, and the highest point of our week’s trekking! Another short transfer takes us to Jododaira, our trailhead on a high plateau of the Azuma Mountain range. We start our trek through sub-alpine wetlands, rich with lush plants and sweeping views, before a steep slope takes us via a mountain hut at Sugadeira. From here we head uphill to the summit of Mount Issaikyo (1949m); not a long ascent, but it becomes more barren and exposed, and takes us over some scree patches. The highlight of the summit is the view down over the vibrant blue crater lake of Goshikinuma, or ‘Witch’s eye’. We descend the same way to Sugadeira, then take a different path via Kamanuma lake and marshlands, continuing through grass plateau often rich with alpine flowers. Our vehicles bring us back to our hotel for our final night in this fantastic trekking region. Night hotel.

    Trek approx. 5 hours; height gain approx. 370m

     

  • Today we leave Bandai behind, and drive (approx. 1 hour) to Aizu-Wakamatsu. One of Japan’s most historic castle towns, Aizu is steeped in samurai heritage, and forms a cultural contrast to the natural beauty we’ve become accustomed to. Here we have time to visit Tsuruga Castle, and wander the traditional kura storehouses, cafés and artisan shops of Nanomakachi Street, known for its traditional crafts. We stay the night in a lovely ryokan with traditional onsen (hot springs), where you can enjoy a well-earned soak in the mineral-rich baths. Night ryokan.

    (Lunch not included)

  • A scenic drive takes us from Aizu along the foothills of the mountains back to Koriyama station, where we travel by train back to Tokyo and our hotel in Shinagawa. On board the train, we’ll enjoy a classic ekiben meal – a station bento box which showcases local ingredients and flavours, and is an authentic part of Japanese train travel. In Tokyo, we’ll enjoy a last group dinner together, and celebrate all our achievements this past week. Night hotel.

    Travel approx. 3-4 hours

     

  • Depending on our departure time, we may have some free time to shop or explore, before returning to the airport for our international flight home.

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Dates & Prices

Prices may vary depending on date.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Return flights from London to Tokyo
  • All known airline taxes
  • All transport and transfers as part of itinerary
  • All accommodation in hotels on a twin-share basis
  • All meals except where specified
  • Discover Adventure crew (number dependent on group size)
  • Local mountain guide
  • Local support team and back-up equipment
  • Entrance to any sites visited as part of the itinerary
  • We offset 100% of the carbon emissions from your trip, including flights booked with us

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

  • Travel insurance
  • Any meals specified 'not included' in the itinerary
  • Personal spending money, souvenirs and drinks, including tips for the local guides / support crew
  • Fees for any optional sites, attractions or activities
  • Any applicable surcharges as per Terms and Conditions

On the Trip

  • Your trip will be led by experienced Discover Adventure leaders. Our leaders are selected for their experience in harsh wilderness environments, knowledge of travel in remote areas, friendliness and approachability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises. They are also trained in expedition first aid. You are in very safe hands with a Discover Adventure leader. Usually leaders are based in the UK or other English-speaking countries and lead for us regularly throughout the year in many different countries. In some instances, trips are led by in-country guides with a wealth of knowledge about the region; they have been trained by us to provide the level of support expected on a Discover Adventure trip.

  • An expedition doctor or medic accompanies the group (dependent on group size.) Their role is to look after the well-being of the whole group and deal with any medical incidents. They help the crew to ensure the trip runs smoothly, and encourage you when things get tough. The total number of crew looking after you will depend on the final size of your group.

  • Our local support crew is made up of local guides, assisted by drivers, porters, cooks and other support staff, depending on the type of trip. Local guides know the area well, and are a great source of knowledge about local lifestyles. The Discover Adventure crew work closely with the local crew to ensure your trip runs smoothly and safely. In some destinations we work together as a team with local guides to help set up or break camp, or prepare meals. Your leader will arrange a collection of tips for the local support crew at the end of your trek, and you will be provided with a guideline amount in advance. Tipping is not obligatory, but once you see how hard they work on your behalf you will be happy to donate something!

  • Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with communication devices (eg phones, radios and/or emergency satellite phones), medical kit and other safety apparatus appropriate to the destination. Our leaders always have access to our 24-hour emergency UK back-up. They are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary, should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration - such as medical questionnaires and travel insurance as appropriate - is all done with your safety in mind.

  • Group flights usually leave from London Heathrow or Gatwick on scheduled airlines and are booked through Discover Adventure Ltd under ATOL licence 5636. By travelling with Discover Adventure you are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

    Your journey may involve a transit en route; details of route and flight times will be confirmed several months before departure.  We do not always use the same airline for each destination; if you wish to know the probable carrier and flight times, please call for details. You will usually receive confirmed flight details several months before departure. Our itineraries are always based on current flight schedules and are therefore subject to change by the airline. If you prefer to book your own flights please ask us for a land-only cost.

  • Accommodation varies from a small guesthouse-style hotel in the heart of our trekking area, to a traditional ryokan (inn) with onsen (hot springs), and a tourist-class city hotel in Tokyo. Facilities are gerenally very good with friendly hosts.

  • Our trips are sold on a shared accommodation basis, usually twin-share. Occasionally we may use hostel-style accommodation.
    You can tell us if you are travelling with someone else on the trip when you book or within your passenger portal, and we will do all we can to accommodate this request. It is important that both people complete the room share request on their bookings. For customers booking and travelling together, including same-sex couples, a double bed can be requested if available.
    If you're not familiar with anyone in the group, rest assured, we always pair you with someone of the same gender (as per the information you provided when booking, or passport markers), and a similar age where possible. We're actively working to improve our system's gender restrictions to be more inclusive, and we've recently made significant strides in this area. If you identify differently from the gender marker on your passport and would like to discuss this before booking, please feel free to reach out to us.

  • In most standard hotels, we can usually offer a limited number of single rooms. This is upon request, on a first-come, first-served basis, and additional charges apply. In more communal accommodation, single rooms are rarely an option.
    We do not charge a single supplement if you are a solo traveller in a shared room.

  • The food provided is plentiful, often local in style and freshly-cooked, and will give you plenty of energy. Sometimes we enjoy a buffet-style lunch-stop, other times we might have packed lunches. On some trips we stop at small local restaurants. Dinners are generally eaten at our accommodation each evening. In some regions there may be less variety than you are used to, and in others fresh meat or produce can be harder to come by. Any meals not included are listed in the itinerary and are generally on travel / free days, giving you the opportunity to explore and try other culinary experiences! There is always something to suit different budgets.

    Being vegetarian or having other dietary requirements is not usually a problem provided you let us know well in advance. Please do not expect as much variety as you would have access to at home – we may be in very rural or remote areas, or among people of a different culture who may not understand your requirements, however willing they are to help. If you know there are plenty of foods you cannot eat we strongly recommend you bring extra snacks from home so you can top up your energy supply. Please feel free to ask us for advice.

  • For much of the trekking time, you will stay in the same accommodation and your main luggage therefore stays there. Where night-stops change, your luggage is transported for you, usually by vehicle. Space is often limited, so keep your luggage as small and practical as possible. You should also bring a small daypack to carry for items needed during the day as you will not have access to your main luggage until the evening.

Preparing for the Challenge

  • GRADE | ORANGE

    All our trips are designed to provide a challenge. Trips are graded Yellow, Orange or Red, in increasing level of challenge. This trip lies within the ORANGE range.

    Orange colour

    The grade is determined by factors such as terrain, distance, climate, altitude, etc. Each colour grade has a spectrum which reflects the difficulty of these factors. Trip duration, accommodation and living conditions are also taken into account. Some sections will feel more challenging than others, but the grade reflects the overall trip. Unusual weather conditions can also have a significant impact.

    The Accommodation icon indicates the living conditions while trekking/cycling. While there are usually several factors that present a challenge, the Challenge icon indicates the trip's most challenging element, for most people.

    Trip grading explained

  • This is designed to be a challenge, and it is vital that you train sufficiently for it. We will supply you with a thorough training guide once you have registered. We expect all participants to train hard in advance, but we respect everyone’s limits and do not expect everyone to maintain the same pace. Inadequate training is likely to have an impact not just on your chances of completing the challenge, but enjoying it too - and we want you to have the time of your life!

    Our challenges attract people of all levels of experience, fitness and ability as well as all ages and backgrounds. We design our challenges so that everyone can go at their own pace: this is not a race. If you have concerns about your fitness or if you have reduced mobility please do contact us for a confidential chat about whether this challenge is appropriate for you.

    For logistical and safety reasons we sometimes need to re-group, so the front-runners may find themselves waiting for the slower ones. Please relax, and remember that this is a team effort that enables people to achieve their personal goals and earn sponsorship.

  • You will be trekking through valleys and forest, and on mountain paths; above the tree-line the terrain is more rocky, exposed and barren. Paths are rough underfoot in places, and may be slippery after rain. There are steep sections, and possible light scrambling, though providing you are fit and mobile, this should pose no problem. Mountain days are interspersed with less challenging days at lower levels to aid recovery, but should not be underestimated: one day involves ascending (and descending!) 1000m. The maximum elevation reached is 1949m; we would not expect altitude to impact on your efforts.

  • We plan our trips around the optimal weather conditions, but could still be exposed to bad weather at any time. It is vital you are prepared for all conditions. We provide you with a detailed packing kit-list on registration, with plenty of information, and we are always available if you need advice.

  • Entry requirements vary depending on your destination and nationality. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid, and any visas are obtained in good time. Check the FCO’s advice on entry requirements for your destination to be sure. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to apply for your visa; we will provide you will all necessary information 6 weeks prior to depature to assist with your application.

    Your routine UK schedule of vaccinations should be up-to-date (especially tetanus). We recommend you check Fit For Travel for further details. You should always check with a GP or travel clinic for up-to-date travel health advice as it does change.

  • For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

  • Travel Insurance is compulsory on all of our challenges outside of the UK; we strongly suggest that you arrange insurance cover as soon as your booking with us is confirmed, or as soon as you're able to purchase some, and at least 8 months prior to travel. Should you need to cancel prior to departure, you will need insurance to cover the costs involved (registration fee and any trip costs depending on cancellation date). 

    We all hope never to need it, and thankfully most of the time we don't, but on those rare occasions when you do, you want it to cover you as best it can. Whilst it's a fairly boring admin task relating to your trip of a lifetime, it is really important you ensure that you have adequate cover for the type of challenge you are taking part in as well as medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation, so make sure you're happy with the level of cover. There are lots of suppliers out there, with a wide range in levels of cover; generally speaking, you get what you pay for! Get and pay for the right level of cover and then you can go on your adventure not having to worry about the what-if's. For more details click here.

    Once your travel insurance is arranged, just remember to let us know the policy number and 24-hr medical emergency phone number provided by your insurers.

     

  • In the unfortunate circumstance that you need to cancel your booking, we would ask that you notify us in writing either by email or post.  Your cancellation will be considered effective from the date the notice is received. Registration, administration and amendment fees are non refundable and, depending on your payment option and how close it is to your challenge departure date, you may be liable for a cancellation charge.

    Full details of all cancellation charges may be found in the Terms and Conditions of booking.

  • Your booking is part of a group challenge, and the tour costs and fundraising targets listed on our website are based on a minimum number of participants which is shown on the challenge  Our typical groups run with approximately 15-25 participants; however you may find your group is smaller or larger than this.

    We will confirm at least 12 weeks prior to departure that your challenge is guaranteed to run. Occasionally it may be possible to still run the challenge with less than the minimum numbers, subject to a small group supplement.  If we think a small group supplement may be necessary, we will discuss this with you as soon as possible, usually 5 months before your departure date. 

    Minimum numbers and groups sizes may vary on Bespoke Charity challenges.  If you are booked onto a bespoke challenge please contact your charity for full details.

  • We have a Passenger Portal which will give you more details of the challenge itself. It also enables you to see any outstanding information we need, the countdown to your challenge departure, see your outstanding balance, make payments and update your contact details. You can access this via the following link - Passenger Portal Log in.

The DA Ethos

  • We believe that travel is a force for good, and it should be safe and accessible for everyone to take on any of our adventures, regardless of sexuality, gender, race or religion. We are committed to ensuring our travellers face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. However, we operate in some parts of the world that are less accepting. We encourage customers to be aware of local laws and customs in their destinations for their safety and comfort.
    We don’t tolerate any form of discrimination, violence or harassment, either between travellers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. Any behaviour that disrespects our customers, leaders or local communities, makes others feel unsafe or breaks local laws may result in removal from a trip or denying their booking.

  • For most people, the main attraction of travelling to a different country is to see new sights and enjoy new experiences. Sometimes those new experiences can make life harder or more inconvenient than you may like, such as toilet hygiene or different food, or simply a different attitude to solving problems. This is all part of the challenge you are signing up for! We are very privileged to live in a country with a high standard of living, and travelling exposes us to different challenges – all of which help broaden our horizons. We can guarantee that coming face-to-face with experiences outside your normal ‘comfort zone’ will help you bond with your fellow participants and provide you with plenty of things to laugh about! A sense of humour and sense of adventure are two of the most important things to bring with you!

  • We are committed to an ethos of responsible travel here at Discover Adventure; this means sustainable tourism, ethical travel, community engagement, cultural respect, wildlife protection, fair trade practices, carbon footprint reduction and more. We have been on a 30-year journey with this as one of our core principles, and it continues to evolve; you can keep up to date with what we are up to and what all of this translates into on a DA trip here.
    From 2024, we will offset our entire carbon footprint, including the flights, via a carbon credit scheme (see more here). We must do all we can to be on the right side of history. Our offsetting brings peace of mind to many of our customers, but we think it is essential that our customers are aware of their impact; with this in mind, we encourage our participants to donate to World Land Trust’s Buy an Acre project when they book an adventure.

  • Our brilliant group dynamic is fundamental to us. We have become synonymous with it over our 30 years of adventure: the supportive nature and group camaraderie are always listed as one of the trip highlights in our feedback. You’ll meet people of widely varying backgrounds, motivations and experiences. Under these unique circumstances, you are more likely to open up about your story and form lifelong friendships. You’ll likely find something that resonates with everyone in the group. This is a unique way of travelling, after all, and that’s what brings you all together.
    We have travellers from 18 – 80 across all of our challenges, with the average age of our participants being in the mid-40s.
  • Many people opt to take on our adventures on their own – maybe they are keen to do something for themselves, love to travel this way or feel that this is an important part of the challenge. The great news is, you’re never really a ‘solo traveller’ when you travel with us as you’re travelling with a group of like-minded people, all ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime by your side.
    Unlike many travel companies, we do not apply a single supplement to your booking unless you request a single room. You will be placed into a room-share arrangement with someone of the same gender (as per the information you provided when booking, or passport markers), and a similar age where possible.

  • Over the years, people with wide-ranging abilities have achieved personal goals on our adventures that they may have previously assumed were out of their reach.
    We must be aware of any circumstances that may affect your ability to take on the trip, whether you have concerns about fitness, health conditions or disability. This way, we can ensure we are providing the best advice and support. You will be asked to sign a medical declaration upon booking.

    Whilst we will always try our best for you, by the nature of adventure, not all of our challenges are accessible, and we are not an operator specifically offering adapted adventures. If you would like to have a confidential chat with the team about anything before booking, please give us a call or an email; we will be more than happy to help.

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