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
The Alps to Imperial Kyoto
Couples, Friends & Solos
8 days 7 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $9,499 - $10,549 pp dbl occ
($3,000 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 hiking in Japan and tidy remote tea houses. A world of natural beauty combined with ancient culture—grace and tradition unlike anywhere else. Experience this incredible country on our Japan Walking & Hiking Tour.
Japan Walking and Hiking Tour
Japan
Start Karuizawa / End Kyoto
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 and sushi—and sip superb sake at a favorite brewery
- Hike the stunning Alps and stay in a traditional ryokan with open-air hot tubs and tatami-matted flooring
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
8 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Day 1
Description
Hike among lush forest and rocky outcroppings on Mount Asama, a stratovolcano that towers above historic Karuizawa | Stunning views of the volcano's peak and the Japanese Alps await | Keep an eye out for Japanese serows and Asian black bears.
Accommodations
Kyukaruizawa Kikyo
Karuizawa
| Premiere Hotel Set amid mountain scenery, this sophisticated hotel features a traditional onsen and peaceful ambiance.
Days 2-3
Description
Go hiking in Japan amid the ever-changing scenery of the Northern Alps | Explore the breathtaking alpine landscape of Kamikōchi, a spectacular slice of Chūbu-Sangaku National Park | Take in the gorgeous setting of traditional mountain villages | With a backdrop of dense birch and larch forests and soaring snow-blanketed peaks, this landscape is among Japan's most celebrated | Savor a delicious kaiseki-style dinner | Walk along beautifully crafted wooden suspension bridges that span rushing streams | Visit the serene Myojin Pond, whose emerald waters are steeped in legend.
Accommodations
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.
Day 4
Description
Walk 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 (or onsen) | Experience unique hospitality and atmosphere at a superb ryokan.
Accommodations
Hidatei Hanaougi
Takayama
| Premiere Hotel Highlights of this ryokan include beautiful timber architecture, traditional hospitality and natural hot spring baths.
Days 5-6
Description
Explore 17th- and 18th-century merchants' houses and shops in Takayama's old quarter | Peruse Takayama's bustling street market stalls for a one-of-a-kind souvenir | Take a scenic journey to Kyoto aboard a bullet train | Follow a scenic wooded path along the crystal-clear Kiyotaki River | Visit superb Buddhist temples and a beautiful Shinto shrine | Partake in a traditional tea ceremony.
Accommodations
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
Ukyo-Ku
| Premiere Hotel An intimate Japanese-style haven set along the serene Hozu River and surrounded by woodland. (spa)
Days 7-8
Description
Behold views of Kyoto from a summit above the city | Be entertained by a maiko (apprentice geisha) during a Japanese lunch | Walk through quiet forests and pass by bright orange torii, the iconic gates found at the entrance to sacred Shinto sites.
Accommodations
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)
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.
May 2023
May 7 - May 14
Sold out
May 15 - May 22
Sold out
May 29 - Jun 5
Sold out
September 2023
November 2023
From our Guests
Share your adventure
#MyBackroadsTrip
Share your adventure #MyBackroadsTrip
Activity Level: 2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
The terrain on this trip includes dirt trails, cobblestones and paved footpaths. It is relatively level to rolling, with some steeper inclines.
Daily Route Options
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 6 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
- All breakfasts, 6 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.
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.
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