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Back Roads of Japan

5.0Based on
11 days
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11 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants
15 peopleMaximum group size
12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Spot snow monkeys in Nagano.

Explore a 16th-century samurai castle.

Cycle through the rural town of Hagi.

Experience a homestay in a traditional Japanese community.

Itinerary

Step off the tourist trail and dive into Japan’s hidden gems with the "Back Roads of Japan" national parks tour. Over 11 days, you’ll journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, weaving through destinations often overlooked by the crowds. Explore the historic Matsumoto Castle, immerse yourself in samurai culture, and pedal through the charming city of Hagi.

A highlight is an authentic community homestay, where you’ll experience Japanese life from the inside out. With time to explore vibrant Tokyo and serene Kyoto before and after, this trip offers a unique blend of Japan’s past and present.

USP: The chance to truly immerse yourself in local culture through a homestay and explore regions most travelers miss—ideal for those seeking a deeper, more personal Japanese adventure.

day 1Tokyo

Arrive to your start hotel before 4:00 pm and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm.
There are no activities planned today until your evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.

Accomodation
Hotel En Michi (or similar)
Included Activity
Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2Tokyo

day 3Tokyo/Nagano

day 4Nagano

day 5Nagano/Otsu

day 6Otsu/Hagi

day 7Hagi

day 8Hagi/Tottori

day 9Tottori/Kyoto

day 10Kyoto

day 11Kyoto

What's Included

Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts), homestay (2 nts, multi-share).
Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Note: Allow USD450-585 for meals not included.
Transport
Bus, bullet train, local train, bicycle, subway, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Included activities
Your G for Good Moment: Hagi Community Homestay, HagiYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Hands-On Moment: Traditional Paper-making Lesson, MihomisumiModern Tokyo walking tourZenkoji Temple visit (Nagano)Jigokudani Monkey Park visit (Nagano)Matsumoto Castle visitHagi Community Homestay welcome ceremonyHagi cycling tourTottori sand dunes visitTottori fish market visitFushimi Inari Taisha shrine visitJapan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.
Jane Andersen
Sine
Rasmus Juul Olsen

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