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

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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...

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...

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

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...

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 – 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 – 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.

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

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...

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...

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.

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 ...

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.

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...