Backroads of Japan

Walk ancient trade and pilgrim trails through forests, valleys and heritage towns
Explore Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka on foot, uncovering hidden streets and cultural icons
Stay in traditional ryokans and inns with warm hospitality and onsen baths
Journey in a small group with expert local guidance for a deeper, more authentic Japan experience
Enjoy cultural highlights like temples, tea houses, local markets and scenic train rides
Savour dishes that celebrate Japan’s seasonal ingredients and culinary heritage
14 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 8 dinnersComfortable accommodation on twin share basisTraditional 'ryokan' innsExpert bilingual guideLuggage transfers as listed in the itinerarySightseeing and entry fees as listed in itineraryAll transportation by public train, public bus and taxiMedical kitWorld Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we cannot match you up, we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The single supplement on this trip can be applied to 9 of the nights in 4 destinations only - Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto, Osaka and is subject to availability. Please refer to our website for the additional cost.In the countryside we stay in atmospheric, family-run inns, with comfortable western-style hotels in the major cities. The Japanese “ryokan” is such a delicate environment, with compact spaces and displayed heirlooms, that for the first encounter something of a bull-in-a-china-shop feeling is inevitable - especially in the entrance as shoes are put on and removed. But this reaction normalises as we and the innkeepers get used to each others ways. Traditional-style accommodation means sleeping on “futon” bedding laid out on tatami floors. In the mountains it is usual for groups to sleep together in the same room, modified by sliding partitions. Our inns understand that westerners may be more comfortable with privacy, and assign two-person rooms when there are few other guests. But privacy throughout is difficult to guarantee without paying a premium. Please check with our office staff if you require more information on this.
Double rooms may be available on request, however please note these are typically smaller than twin bedded rooms and once booked, cannot be changed without cost during the trip. We recommend twin bedded rooms if you require space whilst sleeping, double beds in Japan are not standard western size.
Please note that hot showers and tub bathing is at the end of the day when a communal bath is heated (women and men are separated), but usually only wash basins are available in the morning. Japanese love bathing together, communing as they soak. This is a surprisingly good opportunity to meet the locals. However, if privacy is an issue this may be arranged by careful scheduling within the group.
Group Size: 4 - 14
Hiking