Japan Walking & Hiking Tour

Imperial Kyoto to the Alps

From $8,999 - $9,599 pp dbl. occ. | 8 days / 7 nights

(+$2,260 for sgl. occ.)

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 mountain ridges covered in thousands of cherry trees. A world of natural beauty combined with ancient culture—grace and tradition unlike anywhere else.

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

Japan

Start Kyoto / End Toyama

Itinerary

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 | Discover the Philosopher's Walk, a tranquil tree-lined path | Be entertained by a maiko (apprentice geisha) during a Japanese lunch.

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 water blessing | Follow a 7th-century road through quaint villages and bucolic terrain dotted with temples and shrines.

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 | You're in for a treat with a private sake tasting | Enjoy a relaxing soak in an open-air hot tub.

Days 6-8 Explore Chūbu-Sangaku National Park's breathtaking alpine landscape, 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 | Marvel at a mesmerizing array of glasswork at Toyama Glass Art Museum.

Next: 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.

If you must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the policy outlined below. Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather, terrorism, civil unrest or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Private room or tent, bike rental and internal air charges are considered part of the total trip cost and are subject to cancellation fees. Percentage charges are calculated on total trip cost.

Cancellation Fees (Per Person)
Days Prior to Trip Start	Scheduled Trips	Private Trips	Custom Trips
126+ days	$200**	$600	30%
95-125	$200**	30%	50%
61-95 days	30%	50%	75%
31-60 days	60%	75%	100%
0-30 days	100%	100%	100%

** Rather than paying the cancellation fees, you may choose to keep your trip deposit ($600) in a holding account to use on a future Backroads trip with no expiration date.

Bike Cancellation Policies: If you are renting a Specialized Roubaix, Ruby, eBike or Co-Motion Tandem, a full cancellation fee will apply in the event you cancel your trip reservation inside 30 days.

Transfers: You may transfer from one trip to another up to 95 days before trip departure without penalty—except Private or Custom Trips.

Release of Liability: Guests are required to provide a signed Release of Liability, Assumption of All Risks, and Arbitration Agreement and a completed Personal Information forms prior to trip departure; you will receive these materials shortly after reserving your trip. You may also complete your forms online. We are unable to allow guests to participate in any aspect of a Backroads trip without a signed release form.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

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C Classic Dates

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. Call or email us to reserve your date.

Private Trip Pricing

10 or more Guests: from $8,999 pp dbl occ

9 Guests: from $10,249 pp dbl occ

8 Guests: from $11,199 pp dbl occ
2-7 Guests: Give us a call or reach out here!

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

2+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 2 or more guests
8+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
16+ AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2020 September

8+ 9/25–10/2

View Scheduled Dates

Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOM TRIP NOW

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Dates

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2020
Apr
May
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Oct

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Prices

From $8,999 - $9,599 pp dbl. occ.
8 days / 7 nights

(+$2,260 for sgl. occ.)

Reviews

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Premiere Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto (1 night)

Noborioji Hotel

Nara (2 nights)

Hidatei Hanaougi

Takayama (2 nights)

River Retreat Garaku

Toyama (2 nights)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 1-3

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Japan

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

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Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

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Next: Lodging

Premiere Hotels

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto (1 night)

Fusuma panels, paper lanterns and lacquerware are among the artisanal elements at this refined property in the well-preserved Higashiyama District. (pool, spa)

Noborioji Hotel

Nara (2 nights)

An intimate boutique hotel overlooking picturesque parkland at the foot of Kōfuku-ji Temple. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.

Hidatei Hanaougi

Takayama (2 nights)

Highlights of this ryokan include beautiful timber architecture, traditional hospitality and natural hot spring baths.

River Retreat Garaku

Toyama (2 nights)

Modern luxury and artistry of design abound at this riverside inn nestled in the Northern Alps. (spa)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 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.

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 4		Level 5
	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain
1	2	500
1	Philosopher's Walk
2	3	0			6	300
2	3	200
3			4*	500	8	900
3	Water Blessing Ceremony (1 Hour)
4			4	500	5	500
5	3	700			5	1300
	Takayama Market Visit (1 Hour)
	Private Sake Tasting & Brewery Tour (1 Hour)
6			5	300	7	400
7	3	400	4	1100
7	Tea Ceremony & Art Tour (1 Hour)
8	Toyama Art Museum Visit (2 Hours)

Note: The terrain on this trip includes dirt trails, cobblestones and paved footpaths. It is relatively level to rolling, with some steeper inclines.

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies and other external factors.

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Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners

Also Included

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

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Straight Talk

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

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

Japanese cuisine is renowned for its freshness and variety. A typical meal is comprised of several small plates with a range of vegetables, meat and seafood; however, fish is often the staple. It is not common in Japanese restaurants to make substitutions and in most cases restaurants do not offer additional choices beyond their set menus.

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!

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Japan

More Leaders to Support You

On our Japan trips we have an extra leader supporting you along the trail—for a total of three, compared to the industry standard two. So we can be in more places at once, giving personal attention to guests traveling at their own pace. Here's more on our Trip Leaders.

Only the Best Hotels

On this trip featuring Premiere Hotels, you can count on the best lodgings Japan has to offer. In fact, the hotels we've chosen in this region have higher retail room rates than those offered by any other active travel company—even when their trips cost more.

The Right Local Pairings

Our Trip Leaders combine deep local expertise with a firm grasp of North American expectations around quality of service. By the same token, we pair experienced Backroads leaders with local guides who know how to cater to your needs while cracking open the culture or natural history in ways that are meaningful, memorable and often magical.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our Japan trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

We Stand Behind Our Trips

Most companies' trips in Japan are run by local operators. At Backroads we manage our own trips; we would never subcontract your precious vacation to a third party. So as you enjoy the support of your seasoned Trip Leaders, along with our expert local guides and drivers, you have the confidence of knowing we're with you every step of the way.

A Variety of Routes Each Day

In Japan you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.

Experts with Secrets to Share

In choosing the ideal experts to enrich your travel experience, we look for people with a wealth of local knowledge, but also the ability to convey their insights in English. Too often travelers find themselves smiling politely, not quite understanding what they're being told. Our experts share intriguing facts, anecdotes and inside stories that stay with you forever.

We've Set the Standard

For nearly four decades we've worked to earn and maintain our right to call Backroads the world's #1 active travel company. In pursuing that vision on behalf of our guests, we believe we've set the standard for our industry—captured in the Backroads Quality Guide, which clearly sets out the benchmarks of excellence, choice and support that we live by

Previous: Straight Talk

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

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Walking on Backroads Japan Walking & Hiking Tour

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Japan Travel Guide

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.

Japan Walking & Hiking Tour