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. Mountain ridges covered in thousands of cherry trees. A world of natural beauty combined with ancient culture—grace and tradition unlike anywhere else.
Days 1-2 Walk through quiet forests, visit ancient shrines and pass by bright orange torii, the traditional gates found at the entrance to sacred Shinto sites | Behold views of peaceful Kyoto from a summit above the city | Sip green tea during a traditional tea ceremony | Discover the Philosopher's Walk, a tranquil treelined path | Sample local figs, fresh edamame and soba noodle soup.
Days 3-4 Hike in the peaceful hills above Nara, then visit its vibrant markets | Take a scenic journey aboard a Japanese bullet train | You're in for a treat with a private sake tasting | Explore 17th- and 18th-century merchants' houses and shops in Takayama's old quarter | Experience unique hospitality and atmosphere at a superb ryokan.
Days 5-6 Relish a quiet morning in the Shogawa Valley, home to World Heritage site Shirakawa-go | Enjoy a relaxing soak in an open-air hot tub | Take in the gorgeous setting of traditional mountain villages | Discover Old Japan in Narai, where well-preserved Edo-period architecture is set against rolling hills and beech forests | Meet members of the Tezuka family, who have lived in Narai for 22 generations.
Days 7-8 Explore the breathtaking alpine landscape above Matsumoto, keeping an eye out for antelope, monkeys and bears | Be mesmerized by the stone and woodwork at Matsumoto Castle.
Japan has beautifully woven its threads of history and tradition into the tapestry of 21st-century progress. On this unforgettable walking & hiking trip we'll immerse you in a landscape as rich and fascinating as the country's incredible culture. You'll hike on centuries-old paths as forests and misty hillsides unfurl before you like an ancient Asuka scroll. You'll visit shrines and sacred temples, soak in an open-air tub, marvel at historic architecture and savor the luxury and comfort of a traditional ryokan-inspired hotel. We hope to welcome you in Japan this year!- Asia
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. Read the 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.
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Fusuma panels, paper lanterns and lacquerware are among the tasteful artisanal elements at this new property in the well-preserved Higashiyama District. (pool, spa)
An intimate boutique hotel overlooking picturesque parkland at the foot of Kōfuku-ji Temple. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
Highlights of this ryokan include beautiful timber architecture, traditional hospitality and natural hot spring baths.
A historic hotel surrounded by national parkland, with a serene forest setting. A Relais & Châteaux member. (spa)
There's no better way to find out about Backroads than by hearing it from the people who have traveled with us. For more about the Backroads Experience, read our Guest Testimonials.
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Comments about Japan Walking & Hiking Tour:
Japan has beautifully woven its threads of history and tradition into the tapestry of 21st-century progress. On this unforgettable walking & hiking trip we'll immerse you in a landscape as rich and fascinating as the country's incredible culture. You'll hike on centuries-old paths as forests and misty hillsides unfurl before you like an ancient Asuka scroll. You'll visit shrines and sacred temples, soak in an open-air tub, marvel at historic architecture and savor the luxury and comfort of a traditional ryokan-inspired hotel. We hope to welcome you in Japan this year!
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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.
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
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AVAILABLE TO BOOKi GOING FASTi CONTACT USi PRIVATE TRIP - RESERVEDi
Interested in a Private Trip? Check out the Make It Private tab for private dates available, or call us at 800-462-2848.
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.
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| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 | 500 | ||||||||
| Philosopher's Walk & Traditional Tea Ceremony (2 Hours) | ||||||||||
| 2 | 3 | 500 | 7 | 2000 | ||||||
| 3 | 5* | 800 | ||||||||
| 4 | 5 | 700 | ||||||||
| 5 | Takayama Market Visit (1 Hour) | |||||||||
| Shirikawa-go Cultural Walk (2 Hours) | ||||||||||
| 6 | 1 | 300 | 5 | 1400 | ||||||
| 7 | 8 | 2800 | ||||||||
| 8 | Matsumoto Castle 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 levels and fully support a range of abilities and interests.
Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources (such as Map My Ride and Garmin devices) may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies. Readings from a Garmin or a smart phone are influenced by other factors such as air pressure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group; some dates are only available for 16 or more guests while other dates are available for 8 or more guests. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.
Click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK FOR 8 OR MORE GUESTS 16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK FOR 16 OR MORE GUESTS RESERVED
Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date! i
Invite your family and friends on an adventure that's entirely your own - for your group of 8 or more. Find out more
I simply can't imagine a better way to immerse yourself in the life of a region, to explore hidden corners and appreciate nuances while enjoying the benefits and enormous satisfaction of traveling under your own power. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus. Active travel is, at its heart, a way of connecting more authentically with the world. Sure, Backroads provides amazing leaders, superb accommodations and meals, and opportunities you could never arrange on your own. But all of our comprehensive planning and support is aimed at something far simpler: bringing you the immediate, highly personal satisfaction of discovering a new world on your own terms.
— Tom Hale, Founder & President
