Kyoto Adventure Tours 2024/2025

“We recently undertook a Backroads of Japan tour with this tour company. This is the third time we have used this company having undertaken both their Mont Blanc seven day trek from Chamonix and their Canadian Rockies tour. They have all been great but this Japanese trip was extraordinary. Well balanced it provided the opportunity for us to experience the main cities Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka but with a focus on the Backroads country from the Nakasendo path - the ancient pilgrim trail connecting Tokyo and Kyoto- with some stunning experiences in lesser known places around Nara and Osaka e.g. Yoshino and Dorogawa. We experienced ancient villages; stayed in authentic ryokans dating back 300-400 years; visited some truly moving shrines and temple and experienced excellent Japanese cuisine in homely settings; tracked through beautiful mountains and forests and enjoyed marvelous relaxing onsens. Our guide was superb and made us all feel at home as she enthusiastically provided us with a locals view of this beautiful country. Highly recommended!!!”

“An amazing way to experience Japan in a short trip for your first time. Being able to meet people all over the world and share the experience was perfect. For the price and freedom to explore when not busy was worth every cent. Almost overwhelming how much you get to see and do in the prettiest place in the world. Felt safe and if I needed anything my guide was able to help. Met so many amazing people that I consider valued friends in just 10 days of fun. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”

“This was our first group tour - a lovely bunch of people. Hayley, our tour guide, has been a gem! She is very knowledgeable about Japan and kept us entertained. She made sure we had enough suggestions of activities to enjoy in our spare time. She was quick on her feet when we encountered issues far beyond anyone's control on the bullet train and kept her cool when plans needed to change. Hayley is very respectful of the Japanese culture and manners Things to bear in mind when considering this tour: Definitely forward your luggage from Tokyo to Kyoto - but that means bring a small carry on so you can have 3 days worth of clothing to take to Hakone and Takayama. For traveling after that - a backpack is the way to go. Leave enough space in your luggage for all the gifts you will be buying. Rooms are often shared - with the majority of bathrooms being shared. If a couple - bear in mind that the pods are separated by gendered dorms. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes - there is a lot of walking and climbing stairs Some of the experiences that have made an impact on me during this trip have included staying in a temple and having a meditation session with a monk while it was snowing outside. A Kendo class with a 4th generation Sumarai descendant. Learning how to make our own sushi and embracing the Japanese way of life”