Back Roads of Japan
11 days, Tokyo to Kyoto
Itinerary Notes
Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards
All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1Tokyo
Arrive at any time 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.
The most convenient way to get around Japan is by public transportation and on foot. The country's train system is often considered one of the best in the entire world so the majority of our trips utilize this efficient train network. In this tour, you will need to be able to spend the majority of the day on your feet and carry your luggage through busy train stations and streets. On average, tours in Japan walk about 15,000 steps a day. Please ensure you are fit enough to carry your own luggage and spend most of the day on your feet.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Tokyo
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.
Orientation Walk
Join your group for a guided orientation walk as you explore eclectic and modern Tokyo.
Free Time
Explore this exciting city.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Sensō-ji Temple Visit
FreeExplore 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.
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit
Free-1000JPY per personVisit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd 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.
Day 3Tokyo/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.
While we ride the bullet train, your main luggage will be sent on Japan’s takkyubin service (luggage transfer) to the next destination. Please note, you will NOT have access to your main luggage for approximately 24 hours. You must pack an overnight bag with everything you’ll need until you’re reunited with your luggage the following day. Only one bag per passenger is permitted on the luggage transfer. If you have more, there will be an additional charge at the traveler's expense.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Jigokudani Monkey Park Visit
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 4Nagano
Enjoy a day-trip to quaint Matsumoto and visit one of Japan's most treasured castles. Return to Nagano and explore historic Zenkoji Temple.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Matsumoto Castle
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.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Zenkō-ji Temple
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 5Nagano/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
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 6Otsu/Hagi
Please note that you will be required to pack an overnight bag as your main luggage will be sent on to Tottori on the morning of Day 7.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Hagi Orientation Walk
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:
BreakfastDay 7Hagi
Explore rural Hagi on a guided morning cycle and spot samurai architecture along the way. Later, travel to your community homestay, a G Adventures for Good project. 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.
Your G for Good Moment: Hagi Community Homestay
Get to know a local family at this G Adventures for Good-supported 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:
DinnerDay 8Hagi/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.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Your Hands-On Moment: Traditional Paper-making Lesson
Learn the traditional art of "washi" paper making. Take home your handmade washi as a memento.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Tottori/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
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 10Kyoto
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.
Want to feel like a real Samurai? Pre-book the Samurai Spirit Full Kembu Lesson on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit
Visit the 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.
Free Time
Explore more of this cultural hub.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit
600JPY per personVisit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.
Day Trip to Nara
Take a train excursion to the peaceful gardens and ancient temples of Nara, home of Japan's largest Buddha, and a number of cute and docile deer that are the sacred symbol of the Kasuga Taisha shrine.
Philosopher's Walk
FreeThis stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. These trees come to life during a period known as "Hanami", generally from the end of March to early May. Their iconic pink blossoms are one of the most famous symbols of Japan.
Day Trip to Osaka
Take a train excursion to the creative, funky and bustling metropolis of Osaka. The city is known for its friendly locals and delicious cuisine. Head to the Osaka Aquarium, one of the best in the world, or visit the castle Osaka-jō.
Chion-in Temple Visit
300-500JPY per personThe Chion-in Temple is the headquarters of the Jodo-Shu Sect of Buddhism. Visit the temple to marvel at the beautiful architecture and learn more about this form of Buddhism.
Gion Walk
FreeWalk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.
Kiyomizu Temple Visit
400JPY per personVisit the Kiyomizu Temple, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto and part of Kyoto's UNESCO listed sights. Originally built in 798, the current structures were built in 1633 without the use of a single nail.
Samurai Spirit Full Kembu Lesson
An authentic course which allows you to experience the Samurai Spirit through performing “Kembu,” a traditional Japanese art. Learn basic techniques of Kembu such as handling a Japanese sword, performing slashing techniques, and various samurai actions. Compete for your session by performing with your sword on stage, accompanied by a song written by a samurai.
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit
500JPY per personExplore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view.
Day 11Kyoto
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.