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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.
Start Time
Nov 24 12:00AM JST
Back to Trip Details
Nov 21 - Dec 1, 2026
Sydney Roussel
House of Travel
sydney@houseoftravel.org
2257515600
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.
View details
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...
Nov 21 – Nov 23
Accommodation in Tokyo: Hotel En Michi (or similar) Hotel
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...
Depart
3hr
Arrive
12:00PM
Bullet Train – Tokyo to Nagano (3h) Get to your next destination aboard a high-speed train.
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...
Nov 23 – Nov 25
Accommodation in Nagano: Hotel Nagano Avenue (or similar) Hotel
9hr
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...
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 ...
11:00AM
4hr 30min
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.
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
Nov 25 – Nov 26
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...
6hr 30min
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...
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...
Nov 26 – Nov 28
Accommodation in Hagi: Homestay in Hagi (or similar) Homestay, multi-share. Two-night community homestay experience with local host families.
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...
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...
2hr
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.
Nov 28 – Nov 29
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...
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 ...
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.
Nov 29 – Dec 1
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...
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...
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...