Back Roads of Japan - 11 Days
Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female61%
- Male39%
Average age
Start / End
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 15Meals included
7Highlights
- 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.
Talk to a travel expert
Our experts are ready to perfect your trip with personalised advice on itineraries, transfers, and local tips.
Email UsCall Us: 0208 004 8886
Free Brochure
Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.
Summary
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, 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.
Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo
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.
Day 2
Tokyo
Take a CEO-led walking tour of eclectic modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through to Harajuku.
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.
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.
Day 5
Nagano/Otsu
Travel to Otsu in Shiga prefecture, located on the banks of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. Settle in and relax with a stroll around this picturesque lake before heading out to enjoy a delicious bowl of Ramen for dinner.
Day 6
Otsu/Hagi
Grab a quick breakfast before heading off, on 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 the tour operator for Good project. Get to know each other as you enjoy dinner together.
Day 7
Hagi
Explore rural Hagi on a guided morning cycle, spotting samurai architecture along the way. On return, experience authentic Japanese countryside life. Return to your homestay in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner with your host family.
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, then enjoy a Japanese lunch along the beautiful coastline before continuing to the seaside town of Tottori.
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.
Day 10
Kyoto
Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famed for an impressive 10,000 red torii gates. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this picturesque city. Opt to experience zen gardens, teahouses, shrines, and local gift shops – and maybe even spot a real-life geisha. 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.
Day 11
Kyoto
Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-nights to explore more of this beautiful city.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts), Homestay (2 nts, multi-share).
Meals
Breakfasts: 3, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 3
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Mar 2026
from £2,613Apr 2026
from £3,104May 2026
from £3,484Jun 2026
from £3,484Jul 2026
from £3,484Aug 2026
from £3,484Sep 2026
from £3,682Oct 2026
from £3,682Nov 2026
from £3,197Dec 2026
from £3,197Jan 2027
from £3,197Feb 2027
from £3,197Mar 2027
from £3,484Apr 2027
from £3,682May 2027
from £3,484Jun 2027
from £3,484Jul 2027
from £3,484Aug 2027
from £3,484Sep 2027
from £3,682Oct 2027
from £3,682Nov 2027
from £3,197Dec 2027
from £3,197Jan 2028
from £3,197Feb 2028
from £3,197Mar 2028
from £3,197Apr 2028
from £3,197May 2028
from £3,197Jun 2028
from £3,197Jul 2028
from £3,197Aug 2028
from £3,197Sep 2028
from £3,197Oct 2028
from £3,197Nov 2028
from £3,197Dec 2028
from £3,197
- Save 26%Sat 7 Mar 2026 > Tue 17 Mar 2026Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 15 left£3,519Best offer£2,613
- Save 26%Sat 21 Mar 2026 > Tue 31 Mar 2026Guaranteed Departure£3,919£2,910
- Save 1%Sat 28 Mar 2026 > Tue 7 Apr 2026Guaranteed Departure🔥2 spaces of 15 left£3,919£3,880
Customer reviews & ratings
It was a wonderful trip. I loved the fact that we were able to leave the tourist crowds behind and that we were able to see some of the 'real' Japan. I loved the small towns. It was a wonderful experience. I like that it is a small group with a guide that is local and knows how the people really live.
Michele Jul, 2025 VerifiedAn amazing tour, a way to see lots of Japan in a relatively short period of time. It was good to see some of the 'real' Japan, the back roads and countryside was a privilege. The homestay in Haji was amazing and I would go back there on holiday to that town. I've been on 2 G Adventures tours including this one and both have been exceptional experiences.
Karen Oct, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Still have questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Why book with us
Help Change The World
We collaborate with local businesses and communities.
Best Price Guaranteed
We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!
You're In Good Hands
We work with trusted tour operators around the world.
You're spoilt for choice
We have the best choice of adventures on the market.
