11D10N Back Roads of Japan by G Adventures

Arrive at any time.
We highly recommend booking pre- or post-accommodation in Tokyo to take full advantage of this spectacular city.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting – 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.

Hotel
Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho (or similar)

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
Tokyo
Let your CEO guide you around eclectic and modern Tokyo.

Free Time
Tokyo Half Day
Explore this exciting city.

Hotel
Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho (or similar)

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.

Bullet Train
Tokyo – Nagano 3h
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
Nagano
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.

Hotel
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Higashiguchi (or similar)

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
Nagano – Matsumoto 1h30m-2h
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto
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
Matsumoto – Nagano 1h30m-2h
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Zenkō-ji Temple
Nagano
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.

Hotel
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Higashiguchi (or similar)

Travel to Otsu in Shiga prefecture, located on the banks of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Settle in and relax with a stroll around this picturesque lake before heading out to enjoy a delicious bowl of Ramen for dinner.

Train
Nagano – Ōtsu 4h30m
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meals included: Dinner

Hotel
Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel (or similar)

Grab a quick breakfast before heading off, on a long travel day. In the late afternoon, arrive in the quaint city of Hagi, a former castle town that boasts feudal architecture. Take part in a welcome ceremony with the local residents, and meet your host family at a community homestay, a G Adventures for Good project. Get to know each other as you enjoy dinner together.

Please note that before leaving Ōtsu, you’ll need to prepare your day pack/overnight bag for a two-night stay in Hagi, as your main luggage will be sent on to Tottori. Remember to include comfortable clothing for a cycling excursion and two nights at the homestay. If you’re travelling during the cold weather season, please refer to your Packing List.

Train
Ōtsu – Hagi 6h30m
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

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: Breakfast | Dinner

Homestay
Homestay in Hagi (or similar)

Explore rural Hagi on a guided morning cycle, spotting samurai architecture along the way. On return, experience authentic Japanese countryside life by partaking in seasonal activities with the community. Return to your homestay in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner with your host family.

Hagi Cycling Excursion
3h
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: Breakfast | Dinner

Homestay
Homestay in Hagi (or similar)

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 before continuing to the seaside town of Tottori.

Train
Hagi – Mihomisumi 2h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Your Hands-On Moment: Traditional Paper-making Lesson
Mihomisumi 2h30m
Learn the traditional art of “washi” paper making. Take home your handmade washi as a memento.

Train
Mihomisumi – Tottori 4h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meals included: Breakfast

Hotel
New Otani Tottori (or similar)

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
Tottori – Kyoto 3h
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Hotel
Agora Kyoto Karasuma (or similar)

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.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit
Kyoto
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
Kyoto Afternoon
Explore more of this cultural hub.

Hotel
Agora Kyoto Karasuma (or similar)

Depart at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-nights to explore more of this beautiful city.
For travellers flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), please find the public transit options below
(please note that taxis can become quite expensive in the late hours)

1) By train – departing from Kyoto station, the limited express “Haruka” Train goes directly to the airport. The last train to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 20:30.

2) By bus – departing from Kyoto station, with several stops along the way. The last bus to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 22:10.

Timetable Reference: http://www.hyperdia.com

Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.