Backroads of Japan

From$3099USD
12 days,Tokyo to Kyoto
Trip Code: AJMS

Experiencing the bustle of modern Tokyo, visiting the Zenkoji temple in the Japanese Alps, discovering the snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs, cycling the Kibi Plains, exploring Kyoto's temples.

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Offer valid for new bookings only with international air travel originating in North America added to a land booking. Not valid with any other discount, offer or promotion. Subject to availability. Must book by May 31, 2013, for travel by February 1, 2014. Subject to airline regulations and restrictions.

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Tokyo and Kyoto—the modern and imperial capitals of Japan, respectively—represent the perfect merger of the ancient and the contemporary. On this trip, you’ll thoroughly explore both, and everything in between, from traditional villages and miles of rice fields to ancient temples and the stunning vistas of the Japanese Alps. Snow monkeys, geishas, the teeming pedestrian scrambles of Tokyo’s Shibuya district and the impossibly friendly staff of your traditional ryokan are just a few of the locals you’ll meet and never, ever forget. Time travel is possible; let a bicycle be your time machine.

What's Included

  • 7 day Japan Rail pass, Modern Tokyo Walking Tour, Jigokudani Monkey Hot Springs, Zenkoji Temple, Matsumoto castle, Kibi Plains Bike Ride, Kyoto Temples.
  • 1 dinner (Allow USD400-500 for meals not included.)
  • Hotels and traditional guesthouses/onsens (11 nights).
  • Taxis, buses, bullet trains, local trains, bikes.
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.
Map of the route for Backroads of Japan Click to enlarge
Places Visited
  • Japan
Day 1 Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo at any time.

Days 2-3 Tokyo

Join your CEO for a walking tour of eclectic modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through Yoyogi Park and Harajuku. Enjoy a free day to experience Tokyo in a more personalized way or venture out to Mt Fuji.

Day 4 Nagano

Journey to the Japanese Alps and Nagano, host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics, visit the historic Zenkoji Temple.

Day 5 Matsumoto

Discover the world famous Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can watch Japanese snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs.

Days 6-7 Takayama (1D)

Explore Matsumoto's breathtaking 'Black Crow' Matsumoto Castle and continue to the traditional alpine market town of Takayama, known as 'Little Kyoto' where you can experience sites such as the Hida No Sato traditional folk village, sake breweries and craft shops.

Days 8-9 Kurashiki

We get a real glimpse of old Japan at Kurashiki, a picturesque town in central Japan which has retained much of its old world charm with beautifully preserved black and white walled merchants’ homes and storehouses. An amazing bike ride takes us through the Kibi Plains, surrounded by rice fields and ancient burial grounds.

Days 10-11 Kyoto

Spend two nights in the traditional heart of Japan, which gives you plenty of time to experience some of the many great walks through temples, teahouses, shrines and shops and maybe even spot a real life geisha!

Day 12 Kyoto

Depart at any time.

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