Back Roads of Japan

11 Days | Japan To Japan | From: CAD 4059.30

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.

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.

What's Included

• Your G for Good Moment: Hagi Community Homestay, Hagi Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Hands-On Moment: Traditional Paper-making Lesson, Mihomisumi
• Modern Tokyo walking tour
• Zenkoji Temple visit (Nagano)
• Jigokudani Monkey Park visit (Nagano)
• Matsumoto Castle visit
• Hagi Community Homestay welcome ceremony
• Hagi cycling tour
• Tottori sand dunes visit
• Tottori fish market visit
• Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine visit
• Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Places Visited Japan, 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.

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 G Adventures for Good project. Get to know each other as you cook 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.

Day 11: Kyoto

Depart at any time.