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Backroads of Japan
12 days, Tokyo to Kyoto
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Tokyo and Kyoto—the modern and imperial capitals of Japan, respectively—represent the perfect merger of the ancient and the contemporary. On this trip, you’ll thoroughly explore both and everything in between, from traditional villages and miles of rice fields to ancient temples and the stunning vistas of the Japanese Alps. Snow monkeys, geishas, the teeming pedestrian scrambles of Tokyo’s Shibuya district, and the impossibly friendly staff of your traditional ryokan are just a few of the locals you’ll meet and never forget.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 15, avg 12
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements tool12 days
Tokyo to Kyoto
Sold Out
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Trip Code: AJMS
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More from Backroads of Japan
Itinerary
Day 1Tokyo
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Tokyo
Take a CEO-led walking tour of eclectic modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.
Day 3Tokyo
Enjoy a free day to experience the city or venture out to Mt Fuji.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Discover MomentDay 4Tokyo/Nagano
Journey to the Japanese Alps and Nagano, host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Visit the historic Zenkoji Temple.
Day 5Nagano/Matsumoto
Discover the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and watch Japanese snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs. Continue to Matsumoto.
Day 6Matsumoto/Takayama
Explore Matsumoto's breathtaking 'Black Crow' Castle and continue to the traditional alpine market town of Takayama, known as 'Little Kyoto'.
Day 7Takayama
Visit the Hida No Sato traditional folk village, sake breweries and craft shops. With free time walk through the forest, go for a bike ride or relax at an onsen spa.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 8Takayama/Kurashiki
Travel to picturesque Kurashiki, retaining its old world charm with black and white buildings.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Kurashiki
Enjoy a bike tour through the Kibi Plains, surrounded by rice fields and ancient burial grounds. On this scenic ride, glide past shrines and temples and get a glimpse of rural Japanese life.
Day 10Kurashiki/Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto for two nights in the traditional heart of Japan. Arrive in the afternoon and hike up Fushimi Inari through 10,000 stunning torii gates.
Day 11Kyoto
Visit the impressive Kiyomizu-dera, and take in the breathtaking Chion-in temple. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this lovely city. Experience some of the many great walks through zen gardens, teahouses, shrines and shops and maybe even spot a real-life geisha.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Kyoto
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: Tokyo
- Modern Tokyo walking tour
- Zenkoji Temple visit (Nagano)
- Jigokudani Monkey Park visit (Matsumoto)
- Matsumoto Castle visit
- Hida No Sato folk village visit (Takayama)
- Sake street visit
- Kibi Plains bike ride (outside Kurashiki)
- Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine visit
- Visits to Kiyomizu and Chion-in temples
- Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels and traditional guesthouses/onsens (9 nts), traditional inns (2 nts, shared facilities).
Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Allow USD570-745 for meals not included.
Transportation
Bus, bullet train, local train, bicycle, walking.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.