Backroads of Japan

Day 1 Tokyo

Arrive at any time.

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group.

After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

 

Day 2 Tokyo

Take a CEO-led walking tour of eclectic modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through to Harajuku.

The rest of the day is free for exploring more of the city.

Optional Activities 

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit Shibuya-ku Free-1000JPY per person

Visit this shrine dedicated to the 123st emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and wander the grounds along the wide walking paths.

Sensō-ji Temple Visit Asakusa Free

Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs.

 

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.

Bullet train Tokyo – Nagano3h

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of flight (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Jigokudani Monkey Park Visit Nagano

Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild snow monkeys can be seen bathing in the natural hot springs. The pool where most of the monkeys soak is man made, fed by the hot springs.

Along the walking paths up to the pools other monkeys tend to stop and watch visitors curiously.

 

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.

Train Nagano – Matsumoto1h30m-2h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto

Stop at the castle of Matsumoto one of Japan's most treasured castles, maintaining it's original wooden interior and stone exterior.

Explore this castle where 16th century Samurai once roamed before venturing out with the group to wander Matsumoto's ancient streets and or dine in a traditional storehouse.

Train Matsumoto – Nagano1h30m-2h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Zenkō-ji Temple Nagano

Visit the Buddhist temple of Zenkō-ji, one of the last remaining pilgrimage sites. Built in the 7th century, the city of Nagano was built around the already standing structure.

 

Day 5 Nagano/Otsu

Travel to Otsu in Shiga prefecture. Located on the banks of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, the area is known for the Ogoto Onsens.

Settle in and relax with a dip in the healing waters of these Japanese style hot springs, and dine on traditional fare.

Train Nagano – Ōtsu4h30m

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meals included: Dinner

 

Day 6 Otsu/Hagi

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Ryokan this morning before a long travel day. In the early evening, arrive in the quaint city of Hagi, a former castle town that boasts feudal architecture.

Get to know this beautiful town on an orientation walk with your CEO.

Train Ōtsu – Hagi6h30m

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Hagi Orientation Walk Hagi

Let your CEO guide you around this former castle town known for it's well-preserved old samurai quarter and some of the finest pottery in Japan.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

Day 7 Hagi

Explore rural Hagi on a guided morning cycle and spot samurai architecture along the way.

Later, travel to your community homestay, Meet your host family and get to know each other as you enjoy dinner together.

Hagi Cycling Excursion

Explore Hagi on a cycling excursion led by your CEO. Enjoy the slow pace of life as you pedal past the city's samurai era architecture, and cycle along the Japanese Sea.

Get to know a local family at this community homestay in Hagi, a farming, fishing and historical heritage town.

In recent years, due to the rapidly aging population and limited income opportunities in many of the rural areas of Japan, many community members have had to leave Hagi in order to make a living.

Learn about local history and customs, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with your hosts.

Meals included: Dinner

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 before continuing to the seaside town of Tottori.

Train Hagi – Mihomisumi-eki 2h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Your Hands-On Moment: Traditional Paper-making Lesson

Learn the traditional art of "washi" paper making. Take home your handmade washi as a memento.

Train Mihomisumi-eki – Tottori 4h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

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.

Tottori Sand Dunes Visit

Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the Tottori Sand Dunes (or "Tottori Sakyu") were formed thousands of years ago when sand was washed away from a nearby river.

Walk amongst the dunes and opt to climb one to take in scenic views of the coastline.

Tottori Fish Market Visit

Check out Tottori's harbour fish market, home to fresh seafood and some of Japan's best crab. Walk amongst the stalls and watch the locals in action.

Opt to try a tasty dish in the market's restaurant section.

Train Tottori – Kyoto 3h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

 

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.

Free Time KyotoAfternoon

Explore more of this cultural hub.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit

Kyoto Pay a visit to Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.

 

Day 11 Kyoto

Depart at any time.

We highly recommend booking post-nights to explore more of this beautiful city.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.