Others

Your G for Good Moment: Hagi Community Homestay, Hagi Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Hands-On Moment: Traditional Paper-making Lesson, Mihomisumi. Modern Tokyo walking tour. Zenkoji Temple visit (Nagano). Jigokudani Monkey Park visit (Nagano). Matsumoto Castle visit. Hagi Community Homestay welcome ceremony. Hagi cycling tour. Tottori sand dunes visit. Tottori fish market visit. Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine visit. Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Meals

3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours.  The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour.  There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour.  Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 below** Travel with Confidence & Vaccinated Tours As we continue to see vaccine mandates shifting and countries evolving COVID-19 policies, we have continued to monitor and adjust our policies in line. Based on this, we will be making some adjustments to our Vaccinated Tours and Travel with Confidence policy in 2023. Tours departing on or after March 31, 2023 we will no longer be requiring all travellers to be vaccinated to travel with G Adventures. However, we still strongly recommend that all travellers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to travelling. As per our existing policy, it is the travellers responsibility to ensure they are aware of and adhere to the regulations of the country they are visiting. Please remember to ensure that your travellers have adequate travel insurance to protect them should their travel plans change, this should include trip disruption and COVID-19 coverage. Our National Geographic Journeys, National Geographic Family Journeys and G Expedition will remain fully vaccinated for all departures . You can read more about these policies here: https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  Leading up to March 31, 2023 our tours will continue to be Vaccinated Tours and you can look for the Vaccinated Tours icon to indicate which departures are vaccinated and which will not require a vaccination as we move forward with this change. You can find more information on our Travel with Confidence landing page https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/  or as well as on Sherpa.  Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these updates. ** Updated Vaccine Mandate Changes as of 16 December 2022 above**

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nts), Homestay (2 nts, multi-share).

Transport

Bus, bullet train, local train, bicycle, walking.

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Every traveler must have suitable travel insurance to take part in this tour.

Others

1. Japan Rail Pass Please note that only foreigners traveling as a tourist are able to use a Japan Rail Pass. If you are a Japanese citizen/resident or traveling on a student/business/military/diplomatic visa, please advise us at time of booking as you will not be able to take advantage of the rail pass. 2. Tattoos Tattoos are not common or widely accepted in Japan. There is no cause for concern, but do your best to cover your tattoos when possible and note that you may not be permitted to enter public spas or onsens (hot springs). 3. Overnight Bag Please note that you’ll need to prepare a overnight bag for a two-night stay in Hagi, as your main luggage will be sent on to Tottori. 4. Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments. We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information. 5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.Asakusa - Sensō-ji Temple Visit (Free) Tokyo - Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit (Free-1000JPY per person) Kyoto - Kiyomizu Temple Visit (400JPY per person) - Gion Walk (Free) - Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit (600JPY per person) - Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit (500JPY per person)

Flights

Flights are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Tokyo

Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Included Activities:
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Day 2 Day 2: Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Tokyo

Take a CEO-led walking tour of eclectic modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through to Harajuku.

Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk

Additional Notes: Please note that the new JR Pass validation policy asks travellers to come to the office counter to activate their JR Pass.
Day 3 Day 3: Tokyo/Nagano
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Tokyo/Nagano

Journey to Nagano, located in the Japanese Alps and host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Discover the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and watch Japanese snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs.

Transport:
- Bullet Train 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Jigokudani Monkey Park Visit
Day 4 Day 4: Nagano
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Nagano

Enjoy a day-trip to quaint Matsumoto and visit one of Japan’s most treasured castles. Return to Nagano and explore historic Zenkoji Temple.

Transport:
- Bullet Train 01:30 - 02:00 Hr(s)
- Local Train 01:30 - 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Matsumoto Castle
- Zenkō-ji Temple
Day 5 Day 5: Nagano/Otsu (1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Nagano/Otsu (1D)

Travel to Otsu in Shiga prefecture, 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 delicious bowl of Ramen for dinner.

Meals Included:
- Dinner

Transport:
- Train 04:30 Hr(s)
Day 6 Day 6: Otsu/Hagi (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Otsu/Hagi (1B, 1D)

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. Take part in a welcome ceremony with the local residents, and meet your host family at a community homestay, a G Adventures for Good project. Get to know each other as you enjoy dinner together.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Train 06:30 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Hagi Community Homestay

Additional Notes: Please note that before leaving Ōtsu, you’ll need to prepare your day pack/overnight bag for a two-night stay in Hagi, as your main luggage will be sent on to Tottori. Remember to include comfortable clothing for a cycling excursion and two nights at the homestay. If you’re travelling during the cold weather season, please refer to your Packing List.
Day 7 Day 7: Hagi (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Hagi (1B, 1D)

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.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Included Activities:
- Hagi Cycling Excursion
- Hagi Community Homestay
Day 8 Day 8: Hagi/Tottori (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Hagi/Tottori (1B, 1L)

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 lunch along the beautiful coastline before continuing to the seaside town of Tottori.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Bullet Train 04:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Traditional Paper-making Lesson
Day 9 Day 9: Tottori/Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Tottori/Kyoto

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. In the late afternoon, travel to Kyoto for two nights in the traditional heart of Japan.

Transport:
- Train 03:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Tottori Sand Dunes Visit
- Tottori Fish Market Visit
Day 10 Day 10: Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Kyoto

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 real-life geisha.
Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples, including some of the most magnificent in the country, dating back centuries. Use free time to continue exploring, the options are endless – the city also boasts museums, castles, and traditional gardens – or opt to visit neighbouring Nara or Osaka.

Included Activities:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit
Day 11 Day 11: Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Kyoto

Depart at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-nights to explore more of this beautiful city.

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

Additional Notes: For travellers flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), please find the public transit options below (please note that taxis can become quite expensive in the late hours)

1) By train - departing from Kyoto station, the limited express "Haruka" Train goes directly to the airport. The last train to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 20:30.
2) By bus - departing from Kyoto station, with several stops along the way. The last bus to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 22:10.

Timetable Reference: http://www.hyperdia.com

11 days tour

Back Roads Of Japan

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Back Roads Of Japan

Day 1: Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo/Nagano

Day 4: Nagano

Day 5: Nagano/Otsu (1D)

Day 6: Otsu/Hagi (1B, 1D)

Day 7: Hagi (1B, 1D)

Day 8: Hagi/Tottori (1B, 1L)

Day 9: Tottori/Kyoto

Day 10: Kyoto

Day 11: Kyoto

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