Japan - The Backroads
Wander off the beaten path away from Japan's big cities and popular sites with this 11-day tour that takes you to destinations that are often overlooked. Visit the treasured castle of Matsumoto and learn about samurai culture, relax in a traditional hot spring-fed onsen, explore the quaint city of Hagi by bicycle, and settle in at a community homestay to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Of course, there's time before and after to explore Tokyo and Kyoto, making this trip a well-rounded glimpse into Japan's past and present.
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Day 1 - Tokyo
There are no planned activities until early evening when you have the opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards.
Accommodation
- The B Ikebukuro Tokyo (or similar)
Day 2 - Tokyo
Take a CEO-led walking tour of eclectic and modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through to Harajuku. The rest of the day is free for exploring more of the city.
Explore this exciting city at your own pace in the free afternoon.
Accommodation
- The B Ikebukuro Tokyo (or similar)
Optional Activities
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit - Tokyo
Visit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and wander the grounds along the wide walking paths.
Sensō-ji Temple Visit - Asakusa
Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs.
Day 3 - Tokyo/Nagano
Journey to Nagano, located in the Japanese Alps and host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Discover the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and watch Japanese snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs.
Bullet Train transport - Tokyo – Nagano, 3h - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Jigokudani Monkey Park Visit - Nagano
Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild snow monkeys can be seen bathing in the natural hot springs. The pool where most of the monkey’s soak is man-made, fed by the hot springs. Along the walking paths up to the pools other monkeys tend to stop and watch visitors curiously.
Accommodation
- Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 - Nagano
Enjoy a day-trip to quaint Matsumoto and visit one of Japan's most treasured castles. Return to Nagano and explore historic Zenkoji Temple.
Local Train transport - Nagano – Matsumoto, 1h30m-2h - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Matsumoto Castle - Matsumoto
Stop at the castle of Matsumoto one of Japan's most treasured castles, maintaining it's original wooden interior and stone exterior. Explore this castle where 16th century Samurai once roamed before venturing out with the group to wander Matsumoto's ancient streets and or dine in a traditional storehouse.
Local Train transport - Matsumoto – Nagano, 1h30m-2h - Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Zenkō-ji Temple - Nagano
Visit the Buddhist temple of Zenkō-ji, one of the last remaining pilgrimage sites. Built in the 7th century, the city of Nagano was built around the already standing structure.
Accommodation
- Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 - Nagano/Otsu
Travel to Otsu in Shiga prefecture. Located on the banks of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, the area is known for the Ogoto Onsens. Settle in and relax with a dip in the healing waters of these Japanese style hot springs, and dine on traditional fare.
Train transport - Nagano – Ōtsu, 4h30m - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
- Biwako Grand Hotel (or similar)
Meals included
Day 6 - Otsu/Hagi
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Ryokan this morning before a long travel day. In the late afternoon, arrive in the quaint city of Hagi, a former castle town that boasts feudal architecture. Take part in a welcome ceremony with the local residents, and meet your host family at a community homestay, a G Adventures for Good project. Get to know each other as you enjoy dinner together.
Please note that before leaving Ōtsu, you'll need to prepare your day pack/overnight bag for a two-night stay in Hagi, as your main luggage will be sent on to Tottori. Remember to include comfortable clothing for a cycling excursion and two nights at the homestay. If you're travelling during the cold weather season, please refer to your Packing List.
Train transport - Ōtsu – Hagi, 6h30m - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Hagi Community Homestay
Get to know a local family at this G Adventures for Good-supported community homestay in Hagi, a farming, fishing and historical heritage town. In recent years, due to the rapidly aging population and limited income opportunities in many of the rural areas of Japan, many community members have had to leave Hagi in order to make a living. Learn about local history and customs, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with your hosts.
Accommodation
- Homestay in Hagi (or similar)
Meals included
Day 7 - Hagi
Explore rural Hagi on a guided morning cycle, spotting samurai architecture along the way. On return, experience authentic Japanese countryside life by partaking in seasonal activities with the community. Return to your homestay in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner with your host family.
Hagi Cycling Excursion 3h - Explore Hagi on a cycling excursion led by your CEO. Enjoy the slow pace of life as you pedal past the city's samurai era architecture, and cycle along the Japanese Sea.
Hagi Community Homestay
Get to know a local family at this Good-supported community homestay in Hagi, a farming, fishing and historical heritage town. In recent years, due to the rapidly aging population and limited income opportunities in many of the rural areas of Japan, many community members have had to leave Hagi in order to make a living. Learn about local history and customs, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with your hosts.
Accommodation
- Homestay in Hagi (or similar)
Meals included
Day 8 - Hagi/Tottori
Bid farewell to your host family after enjoying breakfast together. Later, travel to Miho-misumi by train, taking in scenic views along the way. Learn the art of making "washi," a UNESCO-recognized traditional Japanese paper before continuing to the seaside town of Tottori.
Train transport - Hagi – Mihomisumi, 2h - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Traditional Paper-making Lesson, 2h30m
Learn the traditional art of "washi" paper making. Take home your handmade washi as a memento.
Train transport - Mihomisumi – Tottori, 4h - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
- New Otani Tottori (or similar)
Meals included
Day 9 - Tottori/Kyoto
Spend the morning exploring Tottori's scenic sand dunes, some reaching 50m (164 ft) in height. After, visit the local fish market and opt for a fresh seafood lunch. In the late afternoon, travel to Kyoto for two nights in the traditional heart of Japan.
Tottori Sand Dunes Visit activity
Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the Tottori Sand Dunes (or "Tottori Sakyu") were formed thousands of years ago when sand was washed away from a nearby river. Walk amongst the dunes and opt to climb one to take in scenic views of the coastline.
Tottori Fish Market Visit activity
Check out Tottori's harbour fish market, home to fresh seafood and some of Japan's best crab. Walk amongst the stalls and watch the locals in action. Opt to try a tasty dish in the market's restaurant section.
Train transport - Tottori – Kyoto, 3h - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation
- The b Kyoto Sanjo (or similar)
Day 10 - Kyoto
Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples, including some of the most magnificent in the country, dating back centuries. Use free time to continue exploring, the options are endless – the city also boasts museums, castles, and traditional gardens – or opt to visit neighbouring Nara or Osaka.
Want to feel like a real Samurai? Pre-book the Samurai Spirit Full Kembu Lesson book this optional activity with your travel agent.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit - Kyoto
Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to explore more of this cultural hub.
Accommodation
- The b Kyoto Sanjo (or similar)
Optional Activities
Gion Walk - Kyoto
Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.
Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit - Kyoto
Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit - Kyoto
Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view.
Kiyomizu Temple Visit - Kyoto
Visit the Kiyomizu Temple, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto and part of Kyoto's UNESCO listed sights. Originally built in 798, the current structures were built in 1633 without the use of a single nail.
Samurai Spirit Full Kembu Lesson - Kyoto
An authentic course which allows you to experience the Samurai Spirit through performing “Kembu,” a traditional Japanese art. Learn basic techniques of Kembu such as handling a Japanese sword, performing slashing techniques, and various samurai actions. Compete for your session by performing with your sword on stage, accompanied by a song written by a samurai.
Day 11 - Kyoto
Your amazing tour of Japan’s backroads ends this morning, there are no activities today. Make your way to the airport for a flight back to the UK.
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