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
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
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
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
Aug 25
from £3,351Sep 25
from £3,527Oct 25
from £2,645Nov 25
from £2,785Dec 25
from £2,848Feb 26
from £3,164Mar 26
from £3,351Apr 26
from £3,527May 26
from £3,351Jun 26
from £3,351Jul 26
from £3,351Aug 26
from £3,351Sep 26
from £3,527Oct 26
from £3,527Nov 26
from £3,164Dec 26
from £3,164Jan 27
from £3,164Feb 27
from £3,164Mar 27
from £3,164Apr 27
from £3,164May 27
from £3,164Jun 27
from £3,164Jul 27
from £3,164Aug 27
from £3,164Sep 27
from £3,164Oct 27
from £3,164Nov 27
from £3,164Dec 27
from £3,164Jan 28
from £3,164Feb 28
from £3,164Mar 28
from £3,164Apr 28
from £3,164May 28
from £3,164Jun 28
from £3,164Jul 28
from £3,164Aug 28
from £3,164Sep 28
from £3,164Oct 28
from £3,164Nov 28
from £3,164Dec 28
from £3,164
- Save 27%Sat 4 Oct 2025 > Tue 14 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥1 space of 15 left£3,599Best offer£2,645
- Save 2%Wed 15 Oct 2025 > Sat 25 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥1 space of 15 left£3,599£3,527
- Save 2%Sat 25 Oct 2025 > Tue 4 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure4 spaces of 15 left£3,599£3,527
Customer reviews & ratings
An 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 VerifiedJapan is amazing! Technology there just blew our minds. The food is so diverse and inexpensive and the people are so lovely and helpful. the trips are organized, great people, great guides and interesting itineraries.
Gayle 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.
