Region Overviews: Japan Travel Guide: Overview
From bubbling hot springs and white-sand beaches to ornate temples and metropolitan chaos, Japan is a land of almost mythic beauty and diversity.
Walking & Hiking
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Japan Walking & Hiking Tour
Imperial Kyoto to the Alps
In Japan, the line between ancient and modern is often so blurred that one becomes a traveler through time. Seventh-century shrines and vibrant traditional markets. Alpine scenery and tidy remote tea houses. A world of natural beauty combined with ancient culture—grace and tradition unlike anywhere else.
THIS ITINERARY: 8 days, 7 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$8,999 pp dbl occ
($2,260 for sgl occ)
Japan
Start Kyoto / End Toyama
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Visit ancient shrines, sacred temples, historic mountain villages and the sublime Kamikochi National Park
- Dive deep into Japanese culture with our local guides as they introduce you to traditional customs and ceremonies, including a private maiko performance
- Savor the delicate flavors of fresh edamame, mochi, soba noodles, sushi and sake—and pick tea leaves straight from the plant
- Admire the stunning Alps and stay in a traditional ryokan with open-air hot tubs and tatami-matted flooring
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Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
8 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Walk through quiet forests and pass by bright orange torii, the iconic gates found at the entrance to sacred Shinto sites | Behold views of Kyoto from a summit above the city | Be entertained by a maiko (apprentice geisha) during a Japanese lunch.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
| Premiere Hotel Fusuma panels, paper lanterns and lacquerware are among the artisanal elements at this refined property in the well-preserved Higashiyama District. (pool, spa)
Days 2-3
In Wazuka, hike amid lush tea plantations, then enjoy a tea tasting | Stroll to Nara's city park and visit the World Heritage Tōdai-ji temple | Embrace Japanese culture with a traditional Shinto blessing | Follow a 7th-century road through quaint villages and bucolic terrain dotted with temples and shrines.
Noborioji Hotel
Nara
| Premiere Hotel An intimate boutique hotel overlooking picturesque parkland at the foot of Kōfuku-ji Temple. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
Days 4-5
Take a scenic journey to the Japanese Alps aboard a bullet train | Explore 17th- and 18th-century merchants' houses and shops in Takayama's old quarter | Experience unique hospitality and atmosphere at a superb ryokan | Peruse Takayama's bustling street market stalls for a one-of-a-kind souvenir | Hike on the famed Utsueshijuhatsu Falls trail, where 48 unique cascading falls await | You're in for a treat with a private sake tasting and brewery tour | Enjoy a relaxing soak in an open-air hot tub.
Hidatei Hanaougi
Takayama
| Premiere Hotel Highlights of this ryokan include beautiful timber architecture, traditional hospitality and natural hot spring baths.
Days 6-8
Explore the breathtaking alpine landscape of Kamikōchi, a spectacular slice of Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, keeping an eye out for antelope, monkeys and bears | Take in the gorgeous setting of traditional mountain villages | Hike amid the ever-changing scenery of the Northern Alps in the beautiful Tateyama Mountains | Along the forested trail, stop in at a charming century-old folk house | Sip green tea during a time-honored tea ceremony.
Kamikōchi Hotel Shirakabaso
Kamikōchi
| Premiere Hotel A one-of-a-kind alpine oasis nestled alongside the luminous Azusa river, with unforgettable views of the Hotaka mountain range.
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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Activity Level: 1-3
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: The terrain on this trip includes dirt trails, cobblestones and paved footpaths. It is relatively level to rolling, with some steeper inclines.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Accommodations
Even at five-star, Western-style hotels in Japan, the local preference for ordered, austere aesthetics is prioritized. This means simple rooms with fewer amenities than one might find at a typical Backroads Premiere Hotel and an emphasis on tranquility and refined onsen (Japanese-style spas).
Meals
A typical Japanese meal is comprised of several small plates with a range of vegetables, meat and seafood, with a focus on seafood. It is not common in Japanese restaurants to make substitutions and in most cases restaurants do not offer additional choices beyond their set menus. You'll find that Japanese cuisine is not well-suited to celiac or vegetarian diets.
Shuttle Time
In order to access the scenic and culturally significant hiking routes and points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into our daily itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle—though always to reach a worthwhile destination! On one occasion we even combine shuttling with a high-speed train to reach the Japanese Alps—think of it as a cultural experience plus a chance to enjoy the beauty of the countryside!
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