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Local Cuisine
Handpicked Hotels
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12 days 11 nights
fromUSD $4420.00 (Limit to 13 guests)
Single Supplement: USD $1125.00
Single Room
Single room types are rooms for
single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the
hotel room throughout the tour.
Twin Room
Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.
Double Room
A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.
Triple Room
A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.
Japanese Style Room
A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.
Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.
The Nakasendo Trail was one of two routes that
connected Kyoto to Tokyo during Japan’s feudal era.
While the other route, Tokaido route, spanned the
Pacific coast, the Nakasendo Trail was the ‘road
through the mountains’ and was traveled by feudal
lords, samurai, merchants, and travelers. Along the
route were 69 ‘post towns’ where tired travelers would
rest before continuing onto their travels. Along with the
great weather of autumn, feel at ease as you walk
through the beautiful ember colors of the autumn
leaves and different beautiful scenery. Allow yourself
the chance to see hills and mountains covered in red
and gold colors as All Japan Tours takes you to the
highlights along this historical trail, providing valuable
insight into each town and attraction.
Our journey on this tour will begin in Tokyo, also
known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the
Shoguns. Enjoy exploring this marvelous city, visiitng
Japan Bridge and the Meiji Shrine. We will then spend
four days walking along the Nakasendo Trail. During
the day, we will walk through the ancient route as it
passes through beautifully-preserved villages along an
easy path, while during the evening we will stay in
traditional country inns. Enjoy delectable regional
cuisine prepared from the freshest ingredients, soak in
natural hot springs, and enjoy the warm hospitality of
our hosts. One of the most beautiful walks you will
experience on this trip will be from Tsumago to
Magome, as the reds and yellows of autumn decorate
the trails. You will be able to relax and unwind in the
refreshing hot spring water after a long day of hiking
trails and sightseeing! Visit the sacred Mt. Koya for
insight into a Buddhist Monk's lifestyle, enjoying
morning meditation and an overnight stay at a temple.
For those looking to explore a few popular places
while also exploring roads less traveled by, this tour is
a perfect option.
Note: this is an intense rated hiking trip with
some steady steep ascents and hikes over 4 hours.
Activity Level: Intense
Our Intense tours generally have dedicated days of
trail walking, with some days of over four hours and
with some ascent and/or descent.
Who is an Intense tour designed for?
- We recommend our Intense tours for anyone who
does regular walking or hiking, and is comfortable
walking a full day with some climbing and descending.
- If you do not exercise regularly, please practice
walking for three to four hours, 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.
2025
Start Date | End Date | Twin/Triple | Start City | End City | Style | Save | Status |
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Please Note:
All prices are per person, based on twin (double on
request) or triple occupancy.
International flights are
not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to
choose your own departure and get the best value for your
money!
We can arrange international flights for
US customers if needed, please ask for details.
A 20% deposit is required to hold the space at time of booking and final payment is due 2 months prior to departure. At least 4 passengers minimum are required to guarantee the tour’s departure. Booked passengers will be informed 3 months before the starting date if the tour is not guaranteed, and they will have the option to either cancel and refund the amount already paid, or transfer the payment to another tour.
Public transportation
For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX).
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.
Airport meet and greet and airport transfers are NOT included, but we will provide with full instructions in advance.
Click here for detailed itinerary
Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice
Welcome to Tokyo!
Meet your guide and tour group at your hotel in Central
Tokyo. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Shiba Park Hotel or similar class (Western Hotel)
On our first full day in Japan, we will experience a walking tour of Tokyo. Start at Nihonbashi, which translates to ‘Japan Bridge’ and served as a focal point for all of Japan’s main roads. Afterwards, we will visit Ueno and the Tokyo National Museum to see exhibits that showcase Japan during the Edo era. During Edo, the Nakasendo Trail was used for travelers, as it connected Tokyo and Kyoto. If the museum is closed due to a national holiday, we will visit the Kappabashi district, famous for selling kitchenware, small plastic models of food, and other goods for restaurants. Continue on to Meiji Shrine and the very fashionable and fun Harajuku district. In the evening, you are free to select your own dinner. Whether you dine at local restaurants, fast-food, or seek suggestions from your tour guide, Tokyo has much to offer when it comes to cuisine.
Shiba Park Hotel or similar class (Western Hotel)
Our expedition through rural Japan begins today, as
we journey from Tokyo to the remote Kiso valley. Over
the next three days we will walk from village to village,
lodging in small, family-run country inns such as
ryokan and minshuku. Travel to Kiso-Hirasawa, where
you may have the chance to see craftsmen who
specialize in locally produced lacquerware. You can
find several shops here offering stunningly crafted
lacquerware of all types. Head onwards from Kiso-
Hirasawa to Narai, where we will stay for the night.
Narai is a beautifully preserved post-town, which
marked the halfway point from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo)
and was known as the most wealthy post town in Kiso
Valley. Enjoy your night stay at an atmospheric and
traditional Minshuku, a family-run guesthouse.
Walking distance: 2.5 km / 1.6 miles
Elevation gain: negligible ascent
and descent
Time required: 1 hour
Minshuku Shimada or similar class (Minshuku)
For our second day trekking the Nakasendo Trail, we
will walk from Narai to Yabuhara over the Torii Pass.
Yabuhara was another post town on the Nakasendo
Trail, but has become a city that lies off the beaten
path. Continue by train to Kiso-Fukushima, which
served as a checkpoint for merchants to have their
goods inspected. We will stay a night at this town at a
charming, yet traditional ryokan with its own natural
hot spring. Tonight, refresh yourselves and soak in the
indoor baths made of cypress wood or try the outdoor
baths surrounded by the deep forests.
Walking distance: 6.2 km / 3.9
miles
Elevation gain: 270 m / 885 feet
ascent; 344 m / 1,128 feet descent
Time required: 3 hours
Nukumorino-yado Komanoyu or similar class (Onsen Ryokan)
In the morning, we will transfer by train from Kiso-
Fukushima to Nojiri, then take a short taxi ride to the
Nenoue-Toge pass. We will walk along a stunning
portion of the Nakasendo Trail through small
settlements and rice fields and onwards to Tsumago.
Only a few decades ago, Tsumago was neglected and
falling apart, however, thanks to the efforts of the local
residents, it has been saved and restored. Today, cars
are not allowed on the main road and power lines are
hidden, making visitors feel as if they have gone back
in time. Many people see Tsumago as a living
museum; one which is still inhabited by local
residents. We will arrive in the afternoon, then check
in at our minshuku.
Walking distance: 14 km / 8.7
miles
Elevation gain: 344 m / 1,129 feet
ascent; 723 m / 2,275 feet descent
Time required: 4.5 hours
Minshuku Tsutamuraya or similar class (Minshuku)
From Tsumago, we will begin our day with a walk
towards Magome, our last stop in the Kiso Valley. The
trail from Tsumago to Magome is the most beautiful
and best-preserved portion of the Nakasendo Trail.
You will have the chance to see waterfalls, rice
paddies, and several small villages. Once we arrive in
Magome, you will have some time to eat lunch and
explore the many small shops along the charming
main street. Consider trying a popular snack, gohei-
mochi, which is skewered sticky rice covered in a
sweet paste of miso, sesame and walnuts. In the
afternoon, travel by regular train, then trasnfer onto a
shinkansen, or bullet train. We will head to Kyoto on
the bullet train, then continue on a connecting train to
Nara, where we will stay at a western-style hotel.
Walking distance: 8.3km / 5.2
miles
Elevation gain: 430 m / 1,410 feet
ascent; 326 m / 1069 feet of descent
Time required: 3 hours
Hotel Nikko Nara or similar class (Western Hotel)
Today, we will start by enjoying a guided walk through the city of Nara. Nara is home to many of Japan’s greatest cultural treasures and an astounding eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will visit two of these World Heritage sites, one of them being Kasuga Taisha and the other Todaiji Temple, located near the home to the thousand or more free-roaming deer at Nara Park. While strolling the park, you can purchase rice crackers to feed the deer before heading to Todaiji Temple. The temple is among the largest wooden buildings in the world, housing a 16-meter tall statue of Rushana Buddha in both bronze and gold. Make your way to Kasuga Taisha, Nara's most celebrated shrine and known for its many lanterns donated by worshipers. We will also have some free time to relax, visit a Japanese garden, or wander through the old town.
Hotel Nikko Nara or similar class (Western Hotel)
We depart Nara today and journey to the ridge-top village of Yoshino. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Yoshino is one of the most famous places in all of Japan for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring. The flowering cherry trees were planted in four groves at different altitudes, allowing them to bloom at different times throughout spring. We will visit Yoshimizu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to historical figures such as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Emperor Godaigo, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. We will explore the area before heading to our comfortable ryokan for the night.
Ryokan Kato or similar class (Ryokan)
In the morning, we will take a scenic train ride to Mount Koya, located in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula and surrounded by towering cedar trees. Mount Koya has been a place of religious devotion and ceremony since the 9th century and is known as the center of Shingon Buddhism. Today, there are well over 100 monasteries, many of which have shukubo (temple lodgings). Tonight, we will stay in one of the marvelous temples and feast on shojin-ryori, a Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Afterwards, we will visit Kongo-buji temple, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to commemorate the death of his mother. We will then take a walk through the Okuno-in Cemetery, considered one of the most sacred places in Japan. Tomorrow morning, there will be an opportunity to join the Buddhist morning prayer service.
Yochiin or similar class (Shukubo Temple Lodging)
We will begin our day by taking the train to Kyoto and checking into our accommodation that we will stay in tonight. While the capital of Japan today is Tokyo, Kyoto was once the capital for many centuries. Today, it is still thought of as Japan’s cultural heart due to the long history that the city holds. In the evening, we will enjoy an ample walk through Kyoto’s geisha district, Gion, where, if we are lucky, we may be able to see a geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) walk through the streets of the traditional former capital.
Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar class (Western Hotel)
Today, we will have a half-day guided walking tour of this marvelous city. Our tour begins with a visit to the western end of the Nakasendo Trail, the Sanjo-ohashi Bridge. From there we will move onwards towards Nanzenji, an enchantingly tranquil Zen Buddhist temple with a history that goes back to the mid-13th century. We will walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. You can find charming craft shops, cafes, even shrines and temples running next to the crystal-clear waters of the small canal, which is especially beautiful during early April when the cherry blossoms bloom. The path ends near the Silver Pavilion, also known in Japanese as ‘Ginkakuji’. In the afternoon, there will be down time for you to explore the area before joining a farewell dinner with your guide in the evening.
Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar class (Western Hotel)
After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Your guide will be happy to offer assistance and advice for getting to the airport if you have a flight to catch, or for onward travel if you are extending your stay in Japan.
PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.
Destinations
Tokyo / Kiso-Hirasawa / Narai / Yabuhara / Kiso- Fukushima / Tsumago / Magome / Nara / Yoshino / Mt Koya / Kyoto
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Group Tour Style | Budget | Deluxe | Deluxe-Plus | Signature | Active |
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< View Tours | < View Tours | < View Tours | < View Tours | < View Tours | |
Feature | Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. | Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort. | Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations. | Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture. | Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. |
Advantage | Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you. | Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences. | Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you. | Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art. | Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes. |
Group Size | 20 to 45 people | 10 to 35 people | 6 to 24 people | 4 to 16 people | 4 to 13 people |
Fully-escorted | Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide | Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities | |||
Pace | Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan | Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan | More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own | ||
Airport Transfers | Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified | Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports) | Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour | Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour | Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified |
Transfer between cities | Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary | Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary | Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical | ||
Sightseeing | Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide | Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide | Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides | ||
Admission fees and activities | All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included | ||||
Luggage Transfers | Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours | Separate luggage transfers are included | |||
Meals | Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged) | ||||
Accommodation | Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans | Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans | Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination |
Ages | 4 years old and above | 6 years old and above | |||
Health & Activity | In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. | These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination. |