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Group | Back Roads of Japan | Nov.21-Dec.1 2026

Nov 21 - Dec 1, 2026

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Sydney Roussel

House of Travel

sydney@houseoftravel.org

2257515600

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Full Itinerary Daily Overview Pricing

Overview

Back Roads of Japan – AJBR: 11 days from Tokyo to Kyoto, featuring modern Tokyo, Nagano’s snow monkeys and Zenkoji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, Lake Biwa, a two-night Hagi community homestay with cycling, a traditional washi paper-making lesson, Tottori’s sand dunes and fish market, and Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and historic districts, travelling primarily by Japan Rail and public transport.

Trip Details

Tour Map

Day 1 · Sat, Nov 21 · Tokyo

Arrival in Tokyo and welcome meeting

6:00PM

Arrive in Tokyo at any time and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm. There are no activities planned today until your evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bri...

Tokyo hotel stay – Hotel En Michi (or similar)

Nov 21 – Nov 23

2-25 Miyamotocho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture,

Accommodation in Tokyo: Hotel En Michi (or similar) Hotel

Day 2 · Sun, Nov 22 · Tokyo

Modern Tokyo walking tour and optional sightseeing

9:00AM

Take a CEO-led walking tour of eclectic modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through to Harajuku. Please note that the new JR Pass validation policy asks travellers to come to the office counter to activate their JR Pass. Orientation W...

Day 3 · Mon, Nov 23 · Nagano

Bullet train from Tokyo to Nagano

Depart

9:00AM

3hr

Arrive

12:00PM

Bullet Train – Tokyo to Nagano (3h) Get to your next destination aboard a high-speed train.

Jigokudani Monkey Park visit

12:00AM

Discover the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and watch Japanese snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs. Jigokudani Monkey Park Visit – Nagano Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild snow monkeys can be seen bathing in the natural...

Nagano hotel stay – Hotel Nagano Avenue (or similar)

Nov 23 – Nov 25

2-8-5 Minamichitose, Nagano-shi 380-0823, Nagano, Japan

Accommodation in Nagano: Hotel Nagano Avenue (or similar) Hotel

Day 4 · Tue, Nov 24 · Nagano

Local trains between Nagano and Matsumoto

Depart

9:00AM

9hr

Arrive

6:00PM

Enjoy a day-trip to quaint Matsumoto and return to Nagano in the evening. Local Train – Nagano to Matsumoto (1h30m–2h) Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do. Local Train – Matsumoto to Nagano (1h30m–2h) Climb aboard, take...

Matsumoto Castle visit

10:00AM

Matsumoto Castle – Matsumoto Stop at the castle of Matsumoto, one of Japan's most treasured castles, maintaining its original wooden interior and stone exterior. Explore this castle where 16th century Samurai once roamed before venturing out with ...

Zenkō-ji Temple visit in Nagano

12:00AM

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.

Day 5 · Wed, Nov 25 · Ōtsu

Train from Nagano to Ōtsu

Depart

11:00AM

4hr 30min

Arrive

3:30PM

Travel to Ōtsu in Shiga prefecture, located on the banks of Lake Biwa. Train – Nagano to Ōtsu (4h30m) Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Arrival in Ōtsu and Lake Biwa evening

12:00AM

Arrive in Ōtsu, 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 bowl of ramen for dinner. Meals included: Dinner

Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel (or similar)

Nov 25 – Nov 26

4-7-7 Nionohama, Otsu 520-8520, Siga, Japan

Accommodation in Ōtsu: Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel (or similar) Hotel Additional details Location This hotel welcomes guests in Ōtsu. Facilities The hotel has a lift and features 520 rooms. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to ans...

Day 6 · Thu, Nov 26 · Hagi

Train from Ōtsu to Hagi

Depart

11:00AM

6hr 30min

Arrive

5:30PM

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. Before leaving Ōtsu, prepare your day pack/overnight bag for a two-nigh...

Hagi Community Homestay welcome ceremony and dinner

6:00PM

Take part in a welcome ceremony with the local residents, and meet your host family at a community homestay. Your G for Good Moment: Hagi Community Homestay Get to know a local family at this community homestay in Hagi, a farming, fishing and hist...

Homestay in Hagi (or similar) – first night

Nov 26 – Nov 28

Accommodation in Hagi: Homestay in Hagi (or similar) Homestay, multi-share. Two-night community homestay experience with local host families.

Day 7 · Fri, Nov 27 · Hagi

Hagi cycling excursion and homestay experience

9:00AM

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

Day 8 · Sat, Nov 28 · Tottori

Farewell to hosts and washi paper-making lesson

9:00AM

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, then enjoy a Japanese...

Bullet trains from Hagi to Mihomisumi and on to Tottori

Depart

12:00PM

2hr

Arrive

2:00PM

Bullet Train – Hagi to Mihomisumi (2h) Get to your next destination aboard a high-speed train. Bullet Train – Mihomisumi to Tottori (4h) Continue by high-speed train along the coast to Tottori.

New Otani Tottori (or similar)

Nov 28 – Nov 29

2-153 Imamachi, Tottori 680-0822, Japan

Accommodation in Tottori: New Otani Tottori (or similar) Hotel Additional details Location This hotel is located in Tottori. The nearest airport is Tottori (TTJ). Facilities The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any question...

Day 9 · Sun, Nov 29 · Kyoto

Tottori sand dunes and fish market visits

9:00AM

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. Tottori Sand Dunes Visit Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, the Tottori ...

Train from Tottori to Kyoto

Depart

2:00PM

3hr

Arrive

5:00PM

In the late afternoon, travel to Kyoto for two nights in the traditional heart of Japan. Train – Tottori to Kyoto (3h) Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya (or similar) – first night

Nov 29 – Dec 1

521 Shijo-dori, Karatsuyacho, Horikawanishiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8499, Japan

Accommodation in Kyoto: Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya (or similar) Hotel Additional details Location This hotel warmly welcomes guests in Kyoto. Facilities The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Services a...

Day 10 · Mon, Nov 30 · Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine visit and free time in Kyoto

9:00AM

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...

Day 11 · Tue, Dec 1 · Kyoto

Departure from Kyoto and airport transportation options

Depart Kyoto at any time. It is recommended to book post-nights to explore more of this beautiful city. For travellers flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), public transit options include: By train – departing from Kyoto station, the l...