Central Japan is a region of tall mountain ranges and fast-flowing rivers and this small-group tour takes you there. It wasn’t until recently that roads reached the remoter villages, and today many remain remarkably well-preserved and evocative of centuries past. Our journey takes us through Japanese history from modern Tokyo, known as Edo during Japan’s period of rule by the Shoguns, to end near Kyoto, Japan’s capital for 400 years and the repository of much of the country’s cultural heritage.
From Tokyo, we head first to Yudanaka Onsen hot spring where the famous “snow monkeys” come to enjoy the natural hot spring baths just like humans. In feudal times people traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo would use the Nakasendo way – the road through the central mountains – one of a network of ancient highways. We will visit one of the best-preserved sections in the Kiso Valley, where the lovely villages of Tsumago and Magome have been immaculately restored.
October 31 to November 13, 2023
February 13 to February 26, 2024
March 26 to April 8, 2024
April 13 to April 26, 2024
May 17 to May 30, 2024
September 6 to September 19, 2024
October 15 to October 28, 2024
November 5 to November 18, 2024
Starting from US$4930.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)