Backroads of Japan Tour with 35 Reviews by World Expeditions

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

14 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Ends

Tokyo, Japan

Osaka, Japan

Select Date

Best price guaranteed

No credit card or booking fees

Carbon offset tours

Highlights

Walk along ancient trade and pilgrimage routes including the Nakasendo and Yamanobe no Michi

Explore Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka on foot, from temple paths to neon-lit backstreets and discover quiet rural regions like Asuka and Dorogawa, rich in early Japanese history

Stay in family-run ryokans and countryside inns with warm hospitality and onsen baths

Savour regional cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques

Gain deeper insight from an expert bilingual guide who brings Japan’s history, geology and culture to life.

Itinerary

Set your sights on Japan’s lesser-known wonders with the "Backroads of Japan" tour—a 15-day trekking adventure crafted for experienced travelers and seniors with a love for both hiking and history. From Tokyo’s urban maze to the spiritual trails of Mt Fuji and the Kiso Valley, this journey blends ancient pilgrimage routes, family-run inns, and modern cities.

Hike through sacred mountains, explore Kyoto’s artistic treasures, and immerse yourself in the bohemian culture of Osaka. The itinerary balances rural tranquility with urban excitement, peppered with encounters with local traditions, cuisine, and crafts.

The USP of this trip package is its deep-dive into Japan’s hinterland, revealing a side of the country rarely seen by tourists. With accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance included, this walking tour offers both physical challenge and cultural enrichment—an unbeatable combination for those seeking authentic Japanese experiences.

day 1JoinTokyo

On arrival in Tokyo, make your own way to the group hotel. This evening there will be an important trip briefing at approximately 6.00pm. Please confirm the exact time and location with reception.
After the briefing, your leader will offer the option to head out to a local restaurant for dinner followed by an optional evening walk through areas such as Shinjuku and or Shibuya to experience Tokyo’s famous neon-lit streets. Transport for the evening is at your own cost.
First impressions of Tokyo’s outer suburbs offer little hint of the natural and cultural richness to come. Beneath the elevated highways and dense cityscape lies one of the most energetic and fascinating cities in the world. If you have time, there are many free attractions worth exploring, including the Imperial Palace East Garden, the Sumo Museum and the Ryogoku Fireworks Museum.
Overnight: Sunroute Asakusa or similar

Meals

Dinner

day 2Explore Tokyo, to Fuji Five Lakes

day 3Hiking in the Kawaguchiko area approx. 4.5km (2.8mi) over 1.5 hours, or up to 12km (7.5mi) over 4 hours

day 4Travel to Kiso Valley

day 5Old Nakasendo Highway, train to Kyoto

day 6Kyoto temples and city walking

day 7Hike Mount Daimonji approx. 3km (1.9mi), 2 hours

day 8In Kyoto free exploration

day 9Hike approx. 16km (10mi), 5 hours & train to Asuka -

day 10Hike Japan's oldest path in Asuka approx. 6km (3.7mi), 3 hours

day 11Hike approx. 9km (5.6mi), 4 hours & bus to Dorogawa

day 12Hiking around Dorogawa

day 13Hike Mitarai Gorge approx. 7.5km (4.7mi), 3 hours, travel to Osaka

day 14In Osaka

day 15In Osaka, trip concludes

What's Included

Accommodation

Traditional ryokan accommodation on a twin share basis

Meals

9 dinners, 3 lunches, 14 breakfasts

Transport

All transportation by public train, public bus and taxi as per the itinerary

Guide

Expert bilingual guide

Others

Luggage transfers (one piece per person) as listed in the itinerarySightseeing and entry fees as listed in the itineraryMedical kit

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.8

based on 35 reviews

Availability

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions relating to this tour or destination.

What is the maximum group size for the Backroads of Japan tours?

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.

Why Book with Bookmundi

No credit card or booking fees.

Best price guaranteed.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 846 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Guillia put a great self-drive tour together for us and Susana looked after us as we travelled. (Even when we got lost) The car and accommodation was good and the guides patient and informative. Only issue we had was parking in small villages, garages, and cities. Apart from the parking we had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, thank you.

3 weeks ago

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights