Girls in Kimonos at Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto | Felipe Romero Beltran

Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji | Felipe Romero Beltran

Traditional wooden houses line the Nakasendo Way

Stunning view of Mt Fuji on our Backroads of Japan

Fresh seafood at Tsukiji Fish Market | Felipe Romero Beltran

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Backroads of Japan

Name: Backroads of Japan
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: BOJ
Rating: 4.66 (143 reviews)

Discover Japan on foot – from Mt Fuji and forest trails to Kyoto’s temples and Osaka’s markets.

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143 reviews

15 Days from

$6291 USD

$6990 USD

Trip Code: BOJ

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Backroads of Japan - Single Supplement - (9 nights - subject to availability)

$750 USD

Duration

15 Days

Activities

6 day hikes

Accommodation

9 nights hotel
5 nights traditional inns

Meals

8 Dinners
3 Lunches
14 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint

43kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(601kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Backroads of Japan Trip highlights

Walk along ancient trade and pilgrimage routes including the Nakasendo and Yamanobe no Michi
Explore Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka on foot, from temple paths to neon-lit backstreets and discover quiet rural regions like Asuka and Dorogawa, rich in early Japanese history
Stay in family-run ryokans and countryside inns with warm hospitality and onsen baths
Savour regional cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques

Overview

This immersive journey reveals the soul of Japan from sacred mountain trails and serene valleys to bustling temple markets and lantern-lit alleyways. You’ll explore the country on foot, following quiet forest paths, stone-paved post roads, and ancient routes once used by monks, merchants, and emperors.

Start in Tokyo’s hidden corners, then walk in the shadow of Mount Fuji before travelling deep into the Kiso Valley. Here, heritage towns like Tsumago and Magome preserve the feel of Edo-period Japan. In Kyoto and Osaka, discover temples, tea houses, and lively food districts that bring tradition and modernity face to face.

Across 15 days, you’ll climb scenic peaks, stroll riverside trails, visit tomb mounds and sacred shrines, and experience Japan’s famed hospitality in countryside ryokans and local minshuku. With expert local guidance and seamless logistics, this small group adventure lets you go beyond the usual and truly connect with Japan’s natural and cultural heritage one step at a time.

Itinerary

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On arrival in Tokyo, make your own way to the group hotel. This evening there will be an important trip briefing at approximately 6.00pm. Please confirm the exact time and location with reception. After the briefing, your leader will offer the option to head out to a local restaurant for dinner at your own expense, followed by an optional evening walk through areas such as Shinjuku and or Shibuya to experience Tokyo’s famous neon-lit streets. Transport for the evening is at your own cost. First impressions of Tokyo’s outer suburbs offer little hint of the natural and cultural richness to come. Beneath the elevated highways and dense cityscape lies one of the most energetic and fascinating cities in the world. If you have time, there are many free attractions worth exploring, including the Imperial Palace East Garden, the Sumo Museum and the Ryogoku Fireworks Museum. Overnight: Sunroute Asakusa or similar

Meals: Nil

After breakfast, we begin exploring Tokyo by public transport. Our walk includes a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market, followed by time in the historic downtown area near the Sumida River. Here we visit Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and stroll along Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with traditional stores dating back to the Edo period. In the early afternoon, we collect our luggage and travel by train and bus to Lake Kawaguchi in the Fuji Five Lakes region, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Set beneath Mount Fuji, this area is renowned for its classic views of Japan’s most sacred mountain, although cloud cover can never be guaranteed. Overnight: Route Inn Kawaguchiko or similar

Meals: B,D

Today we enjoy a guided hike in the Kawaguchiko region. Your leader will select the most suitable route based on weather and group ability. Options may include trails around the lower slopes of Mount Fuji or nearby hills offering scenic viewpoints. Mount Fuji rises to 3,776m (12,388ft) and remains a sacred site for many pilgrims. While climbing the mountain itself is not part of this trip, walking in its foothills offers excellent photo opportunities when conditions allow. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. You may choose to visit local hot springs, temples and shrines, explore one of the region’s museums, walk around one of the nearby lakes or hire a bicycle. Overnight: Route Inn Kawaguchiko or similar

Meals: B,D

This morning we travel by train into the mountainous Kiso Valley, a historic trade route linking Kyoto and Tokyo. After arriving at Nagiso Station, we begin our first walk along the Nakasendo Trail toward the beautifully preserved town of Tsumago. Tsumago is maintained much as it appeared in the 18th century, with wooden buildings, stone paths and traditional inns. After time exploring the town, we continue to our accommodation. Depending on accommodation arrangements, today’s walk will vary. From Nagiso Station to Tsumago, approximately 4–5km (2.5–3.1mi), about 1–1.5 hours or from Tsumago to Magome, approximately 8km (5mi). Your main luggage will be forwarded to Kyoto. You will need a small overnight bag for tonight. Overnight: Hanaya ryokan OR Onn Nakatsugawa or simlar

Meals: B,D

Today we continue walking along the ancient Nakasendo Way, passing through forested hills and historic post towns such as Magome and Tsumago. These beautifully preserved settlements are lined with traditional shops selling local foods and handicrafts. Walking distances depend on the previous night’s accommodation: Approx. 12km (7.5mi), with an option to extend to 15km (9.3mi) Or approx. 9km (5.6mi) In the afternoon, we travel by train through the Central Alps to Nagoya, then board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and cultural heart. Overnight: Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today is devoted to exploring Kyoto with your leader. The itinerary may be adjusted to suit weather conditions or local events. We visit at least two Buddhist temples, potentially including sites tucked into the forested hills east of the city, and enjoy walking through central Kyoto to gain an orientation of this remarkable city. Overnight: Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo Hotel or similar

Meals: B

This morning we take a guided walk up Mount Daimonji, part of Kyoto’s eastern mountain range. The climb takes about 60 minutes and rewards us with sweeping views across Kyoto and, on clear days, as far as Osaka. Those who prefer a gentler option may choose to walk independently along the Philosopher’s Path. The remainder of the day is free for personal exploration, with your leader available to offer suggestions. Overnight: Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo Hotel or similar

Meals: B

Today is free for independent exploration in Kyoto. You may wish to visit additional temples and shrines, enjoy riverside walks along the Kamo River, shop, or take a day trip to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. Overnight: Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast, we travel by train to the Nara Basin, where walking begins along the ancient Yamanobe Road, Japan’s oldest recorded route. The trail winds through farmland, rice paddies and bamboo groves near sacred Mount Miwa. In the late afternoon, we travel onward to Asuka, a region central to the formation of early Japanese civilisation. Your main luggage will be sent ahead to Dorogawa. Overnight: Minshuku Wakimoto or Route Inn Sakurai

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we continue walking through Asuka, visiting archaeological sites, ancient tombs and early temples. In the afternoon, we travel to Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage–listed town long associated with pilgrimage and mountain worship. Overnight: Kam Kam ryokan or similar

Meals: B,D

Today’s walk follows a historic pilgrim trail through forested mountains toward Omine. We pass shrines, mountain passes and rural landscapes before travelling by bus to Dorogawa, a small onsen village known for its clear spring water and traditional remedies. Overnight: Hanaya Tokubei ryokan or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today offers flexible walking options around Dorogawa. Your leader will suggest routes based on weather and group preference, or you may choose to relax and enjoy the slow pace of village life and the onsen facilities. Overnight: Hanaya Tokubei ryokan or similar

Meals: B,D

This morning we walk through scenic Mitarai Gorge, following the river across bridges and forest paths. Seasonal colours make this a particularly striking walk. After lunch, we travel by bus and train to Osaka. On arrival, we enjoy a guided orientation walk through the city, including the lively Dotonbori area. Overnight: Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L

This morning we explore parts of Osaka on foot, such as Kuromon Market or the specialist shopping streets of Namba. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing before we gather in the evening for a final farewell dinner. Overnight: Dormy Inn Osaka Tanimachi, or Hearton Hotel Osaka Nishi Umeda, or similar

Meals: B,D

The trip concludes after breakfast. Kansai International Airport is approximately 90 minutes away by public transport. Travel to Tokyo Narita Airport takes approximately 5 hours.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

14 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 8 dinners
Comfortable accommodation on twin share basis
Traditional 'ryokan' inns
Expert bilingual guide
Luggage transfers (1 piece per person) as listed in the itinerary
Sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
All transportation by public train, public bus and taxi
Medical kit

Not included

International airfare, visa and travel insurance (compulsory)
Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc
Arrival and departure transfers

Adventure Highlighted Video - Backroads of Japan

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Reviews (143)

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Extra trip info

Tokyo Accommodation

In the cities we use modern, centrally located 3 star hotels. A typical hotel we frequently use in Tokyo is the Sunroute Asakusa as pictured. This hotel is close to Asakusa, one of Tokyo's most famous tourist spots, a very convenient location for you to visit areas such as Sensoji, Kaminari-mon, Kappabashi street and so on. Also Tokyo Skytree is one station away from Tobu-Asakusa Station and there are also many excellent eating options in the surrounding area. Offering simple but comfortable rooms, with free wi-fi and excellent service, this hotel is an ideal base for your exploration of Tokyo.

Osaka Accommodation

In Osaka we use the Shin Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel. Just a minute’s walk from Esaka Subway Station exits 4 & 9. This is a modern, centrally located property with comfortable, simply furnished rooms offering western en-suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, tea & coffee facilities, satellite TV and a restaurant offering a buffet breakfast. Umeda Station is just a 9 minute walk and from nearby Esaka Station, Shin-Osaka Shinkansen Station is a 4min subway ride. Tarumi Shrine is a 20min walk and Osaka Itami Airport is a 15min drive. The area also offers many great eateries within easy walking distance.

Traditional Ryokan Accommodation

In the countryside we stay in atmospheric, family-run inns, with comfortable western-style hotels in the major cities. The Japanese “ryokan” is such a delicate environment, with compact spaces and displayed heirlooms, that for the first encounter something of a bull-in-a-china-shop feeling is inevitable - especially in the entrance as shoes are put on and removed. But this reaction normalises as we and the innkeepers get used to each others ways. Traditional-style accommodation means sleeping on “futon” bedding laid out on tatami floors.

Traditional Ryokan Accommodation