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Central Japan, comprised of prefectures such as Nagano and Gifu, is an expansive region of tall mountain ranges and fast-flowing rivers. Many remote villages could not be easily accessed until as of recently, making these places well-preserved. During spring, the weather throughout Japan begins to warm and the stunning cherry blossoms can be seen blooming throughout the country. All Japan Tours takes you to places on this tour that let you feel as if you have stepped back during the Edo pe... View More
Central Japan, comprised of prefectures such as
Nagano and Gifu, is an expansive region of tall
mountain ranges and fast-flowing rivers. Many remote
villages could not be easily accessed until as of
recently, making these places well-preserved. During
spring, the weather throughout Japan begins to warm
and the stunning cherry blossoms can be seen
blooming throughout the country. All Japan Tours
takes you to places on this tour that let you feel as if
you have stepped back during the Edo period. From
modern Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s feudal
era, journey all the way to Kyoto, Japan’s former
capital for over 1000 years where most of the
countries cultural heritage resides.
Start your tour in Tokyo, where we will explore historic
landmarks before heading towards Yudanaka Onsen
hot spring. Here, we can spot the famous “snow
monkeys” enjoying the natural hot spring baths. We
will then visit one of the best-preserved portions in the
Kiso Valley where the charming villages of Tsumago
and Magome have been immaculately revived. We will
then venture to the Japanese Alps to visit Takayama
and Shirakawa-go. These quaint villages provide
insight into the past of rural Japan. From there we will
take the train to Kyoto, an ancient city and once
Japan's capital. Enjoy some free time in the city to
take in the sites, or relax underneath the cherry
blossom trees. Take a day trip to Nara, then travel
onward to Mount Koya, where you will have the
special opportunity to stay overnight at temple lodging.
Enjoy morning meditation with the monks before
taking the high-speed bullet train back to Tokyo, where
your tour will end. Enjoy traditional meals and local
cuisine throughout your trip as well as the chance to
bathe in your hotel's hot spring onsen.
Activity Level: Moderate
On our moderate walking tours, you will be on your
feet for much of the day to experience the sights listed
in the itinerary.
Who is a Moderate tour designed for?
- We recommend moderate tours for anyone who is
able to climb stairs and is happy to walk about 1
mile/1.6 km per day.
- If you do not exercise regularly, please practice
walking for two to three hours a day about three to six
months prior to the tour in order to get the most out of
your trip.
Accommodations
This itinerary contains overnight stays at Western
Hotels, Ryokans, Minshukus, and Shukubo Temple
Lodgings. Ryokans and Minshukus are traditional
accommodations, with a more casual hospitality than
you will find at a hotel. At both a Ryokan and a
Minshuku, you will stay in a simply furnished room and
sleep on a futon, which is laid on a tatami mat. A
Shukubo is a lodging at a Buddhist temple, and, similar
to a Ryokan, rooms are simply laid with futon bedding.
Some Ryokans may have private bathrooms
attached to your room, but others only have public
bathrooms used by all the guests. At a Minshuku and
Shukubo, however, there are only public bathrooms –
meaning either a smaller bathroom used one guest at a
time, or larger bathrooms separated by gender (male &
female), and designed to be used by multiple guests at
once.
