Hokkaido is the second-largest of Japan’s islands and long regarded as a remote wilderness by other residents of the Japanese archipelago. Known in feudal times as Ezo, Hokkaido was originally inhabited only by the indigenous Ainu people. Today it attracts nature lovers and is a pristine paradise of mountain ranges, lush forests, and indescribably beautiful crater lakes produced by volcanic activity.
Join our small-group guided tour on a wonderful journey from Kushiro on Hokkaido’s eastern Pacific coast, through to the Shiretoko Peninsula stretching out into the Sea of Okhotsk. See untouched nature, visit UNESCO wetland nature reserves, experience spectacular landscapes formed by volcanoes, and enjoy flora and fauna special to Hokkaido. Y
ou have the chance to spot abundant wildlife as we walk the trails – watch for foxes, deer, and numerous species of birds. After each day’s walk, we relax in Onsen hot springs, a delightful by-product of the region’s geothermal activity. Another highlight of the tour is Hokkaido’s wonderful regional cuisine, some of the freshest in Japan with local specialties found at every stage of our journey. Hokkaido covers too large an area to explore on just one visit, but this tour brings you to the very best locations on the island.
Your adventure begins in the fishing port of Kushiro, famous for some of the best seafood in Japan and home to a unique fishing culture that invented the Robatayaki style of cooking on an open grill. From Kushiro, we visit Hokkaido’s largest marshland area and continue to Lake Akan, the only place where the famous spherical Marimo algae can be spotted.
At Ainu Kotan village, home to the largest remaining Ainu community in Hokkaido, we view a traditional dance performance. Our journey also brings us to Lake Mashu, one of the clearest lakes in the world, and finally onwards to the Onsen town of Utoro on the Sea of Okhotsk. If the weather is kind, we take a boat ride from the Shiretoko Peninsula with the chance to glimpse waterfalls visible only be seen from the sea and Hokkaido brown bears searching for fish with their cubs. Shiretoko is the very end of Japan – a remote area of truly untouched nature.
Available from June to October
July 30 to August 7, 2022
September 2 to September 10, 2022
September 9 to September 17, 2022
September 19 to September 27, 2022
Starting from US$3965.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
Tour Themes:
Cultural
Traditional
Walking
Rural Japan
Contact Us for Availability and Price
This tour is an invitation to enjoy cycling and discover rural Japan at your own pace around Lake Biwa near Kyoto. Firstly this journey will start in Kyoto. The ancient capital offers countless attractions that you will explore with a private local guide. Then on the third day, you will take the direction of lake Biwa, the largest Japanese lake. You will pick up your bicycles for a 5-day self-guided ride. We can reserve almost any kind of bicycle, so talk to your Japan Travel Expert for more details. Join this cycling adventure to experience the rustic, rural beauty and culture of Japan.
You will firstly start by exploring Omi-Hachiman and its traditional merchant town. Then you will stop in Hikone, famous for its well-preserved Castle. Next, you will reach Maibara where you will pick up your bicycles. Your first cycling day will be an easy 11 km (7 miles) bicycle ride up to Nagahama where you will board for a cruise to visit the sacred Island of Chikubushima, known to be a source of great spiritual energy on lake Biwa.
You will follow the eastern shore of the lake up to Kinomoto where you will have dinner and spend the night. It’s a 35 km (about 21 miles) ride. Cycle at your own pace through beautiful natural scenery and rural landscapes: stunning lake views, vast rice fields, discover ancient Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.
Visit hidden Lake Yogo, known as the “mirror lake”, and enjoy the view from Shizugatake hill-top. Then you will head for Sugaura a picturesque lakeside village with a rich local history where you will rest for the night.
Take it easy! Omimaiko Beach is the most famous one with white sand and groves of shady pines.
An easy ride to Omi-Maiko where you drop off your bicycles. The ride is about 22 km long (13 miles). Don’t miss the Shirahige Shrine Torii gate it’s a must in the region! You will then take a train to go back to Kyoto.
Additionally this tour is a chance to appreciate spectacular views and traditional Japanese architecture. Meet local people, taste regional cuisine, and stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).
Finally, you will come back to Kyoto before visiting Nara, the other ancient capital, and its great Buddha. This is a tailor-made tour so feel free to ask any request to our Japan Travel Expert. At Rediscover Tours we will make sure you get the best cycling experience!
Tour Themes:
Cultural
Traditional
Cycling
Rural Japan
The price of your tour will vary depending on what you want to do, where you want to go and other details. For help estimating your budget please see
https://www.rediscovertours.com/private-tour-pricing/
Take this journey as an invitation to discover the beauty of traditional Japan and the less touristy island of Shodoshima. Starting in Osaka and then heading to Miyajima, Hiroshima, Kurashiki,… you will appreciate the Japanese culture and spirituality. To balance sightseeing days with some good rest you will stay at a hot spring ryokan in Iya Valley. You will have 3 days and 2 nights to fully enjoy Shodoshima, the Japanese Olive Island. Finally, you will have 3 days to enjoy Kyoto, the ancient capital at your pace before returning home with great memories.
Tour Themes:
Cultural
Traditional
Rural Japan
This tour can be fully customized.
The below itinerary is an example of a Classical custom tour.
Price per person based on double occupancy for two travelers:
Classical: from US$5,720
Superior: from US$8,890
Luxury: price upon request
Request a Quote
The journey starts in Tokyo; the seat of the Japanese government since the Edo Period (1603 to 1868). On the second day of your trip, a Private Local Guide will show you around the largest city in the world. Tokyo is a vibrant metropolis overflowing with many fascinating sights, sounds, and experiences for you to enjoy. During your trip, you may wish to visit some of the different neighborhoods like Akihabara, Shinjuku, Ginza, Harajuku, Shibuya, and the like.
You will then head to Kanazawa by Shinkansen Bullet Train. Kanazawa presents historical attractions such as restored samurai residences and geisha districts, as well as modern museums. Kanazawa’s most popular attraction is Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens” and by many considered the most beautiful one. The next day, after breakfast you will take a bus to Takayama via Shirakawa-go to see a well-preserved merchant street and morning market.
Then you will travel to Gero Onsen where you will stay at a Hot Spring Ryokan. Your ryokan will serve you a traditional kaiseki dinner and you will relax in their hot spring baths. Once you are completely relaxed you will head to Osaka known as the kitchen of Japan and its friendly people. To discover Japan more in-depth we invite you for a bicycle ride from the center of Osaka to Minoh and its beautiful forest where you might find wild monkeys.
Your next destination will be Kyoto, the imperial capital. Here you will explore the streets where the emperor and other aristocrats played and worshiped. For your second day in Kyoto, a Private Local Guide will pick you up at your hotel and show you the best sites in Kyoto. Then you will take a day trip to Nara which was the first capital of Japan. Next, you will ride bicycles around Lake Biwa near Kyoto to discover this rural area at your own pace. You will then head back to Tokyo to prepare for your flight home.
Tour Themes:
Cultural
Traditional
Cycling
Rural Japan
This tour can be fully customized.
The below itinerary is an example of a Classical custom tour.
Price per person based on double occupancy for two travelers:
Classical: from US$6,060
Superior: from US$8,860
Luxury: price upon request
Request a Quote
This unique tour will lead you to the most beautiful spots of Tohoku (Northern Japan). You will first start in Tokyo and soon head to Nikko. Nikko’s colorful shrines and temples and its national park offer visitors a wonderful combination of both Japanese history and natural beauty.
The next day to will take a train to Aizu-Wakamatsu. This castle town is well known for its sake and samurai tradition because the Aizu clan remained loyal to the shogun even after the feudal leader was removed from power during the Meiji Restoration in 1868. While staying in Aizu-Wakamatsu we suggest you visit Ouchijuku a beautiful post town, Tsuruga Castle and Aizu Bukeyashiki (a large reconstructed samurai house), Suehiro Sake Brewery,… During the last day of your stay in Aizu-Wakamatsu, you will explore the beautiful and off-the-beaten-path area of Urabandai by charter taxi. The taxi drivers are very knowledgeable and can introduce you to the tasty food spots that only locals know about.
Your next destination will be Matsushima to appreciate one of the most beautiful views of the country. After breakfast, you will head to the mysterious temple of Yamadera. Today’s highlight after climbing about 1000 steps will be the Godaido Hall. After some good sleep, you will then head to Ginzan Onsen to rest in its hot spring baths. From Ginzan Onsen you will take a bus and a train to Kakunodate a small and traditional samurai town. Finally, it will be time to reach Nyuto Onsen: one of the most beautiful Japanese hot spring resorts.
Tour Themes:
Cultural
Traditional
Rural Japan
This tour can be fully customized.
The below itinerary is an example of a Classical custom tour.
Price per person based on double occupancy for two travelers:
Classical: from US$4,810
Superior: from US$8,100
Luxury: price upon request
Request a Quote
You will start by exploring Japan’s capital city of Tokyo before heading north to the hot spring town of Yudanaka. During the winter in Japan snow monkeys keep warm by bathing in a natural hot spring. Their antics and cuteness have traveled the world and make a popular travel destinations. You will then head back to Tokyo where you will base your exploration of Japan with day trips to Nikko and Kamakura.
Tour Themes:
Cultural
Traditional
Rural Japan
Wildlife
This tour can be fully customized.
The below itinerary is an example of a Classical custom tour.
Price per person based on double occupancy for two travelers:
Classical: from US$3,490
Superior: from US$4,950
Luxury: price upon request
Request a Quote
Our Rural Discovery Independent Tour will introduce you to rural Japan and its people while staying with a Japanese family. Of course, you will see some amazing sights but the point is to sit down and talk with Japanese people, learn how Japanese live, and experience something beyond traditional sightseeing. Our rural home-stay tour will give you stories that you will remember long after your photos have faded.
*Learn to cook traditional Japanese dishes
*Explore the village by bicycle or on foot, visit Izumo Daijingu Shrine and the Anao Temple which usually do not welcome tourists
*Experience a traditional tea ceremony, try Japanese ikebana (flower arrangement), write Japanese calligraphy, and try to play the Koto (traditional Japanese stringed instrument) with our local cultural experts and artisans
*Ride riverboats through the Honzu River Gorge, an ancient trade route to Kyoto
*Tour a local sake brewery, a tofu maker, a pottery studio, a antique shop
*Relax at the Hiyoshi Hot Springs, treat yourself to a Shiatsu massage
*Bonsai workshop
*Visit the world’s best whetstone excavation site
*Journey through rice paddies and farmlands to the historic mountain village of Miyama
This tour can be fully customized.
The below itinerary is an example of a Classical custom tour.
Price per person based on double occupancy for two travelers:
Classical: from US$2,710
Superior: from US$3,810
Luxury: price upon request
Request a Quote
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After exploring famous sites in the bustling city of Tokyo, the route extends north, where the countryside is mountainous and picturesque. You will stay in one of Japan’s most scenic regions, relax in the quiet atmosphere of secluded hot springs, and experience the vibrancy of one community’s cultural revival.
Our North Central Exploration Tour is a 13-day private tour that will give you a chance to see Tokyo and visit beautiful mountainous destinations on the main island of Honshu. Since this is a private tour you will not have to worry about visiting places you have no interest in or sightseeing at a pace that is not right for you.
Tour Themes:
Cultural
Traditional
Food & Spirits
Rural Japan
This tour can be fully customized.
The below itinerary is an example of a Classical custom tour.
Price per person based on double occupancy for two travelers:
Classical: from US$5,570
Superior: from US$8,390
Luxury: price upon request
Request a Quote
This small-group tour takes you to the fourth-largest of Japan’s islands, Shikoku is home to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail. Fascinating aspects of this deeply spiritual route include how little is known of its origins, and its mysterious connection with Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Pilgrims have walked the trails for 1200 years and even today we will see pilgrims in their distinctive attire and white cloaks throughout the island. The full pilgrimage route encircles Shikoku and connects 88 Buddhist temples, covering more than a thousand kilometers. Pilgrims, known in Japanese as Ohenro, traditionally did the journey from temple to temple on foot over many weeks.
Our tour selects the best of the walking trails through lovely landscapes. We visit all four of Shikoku’s prefectures – Tokushima in the east, Kagawa in the north, Ehime in the west, and Kochi in the south. Each region has its own distinctive character, foods, and scenery. In addition to the pilgrimage trail, our journey includes the remote Iya Valley, deep in the heart of Shikoku. We begin our journey with a stay on Mount Koya, the hilltop temple complex on Honshu established by Kobo Daishi, and an important location for Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage devotees. Public transport in the rural areas of Shikoku is limited and we will travel mainly by private chartered vehicle, but we will still enjoy walking along the ancient route from temple to temple through countryside and forest. We will stay in traditional country inns enjoying regional cuisine prepared from local ingredients from the island, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy the exceptional hospitality of our hosts.
Available from May to November
May 8 to May 20, 2022
Starting from US$4875.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
Tour Themes:
Cultural
Traditional
Walking
Rural Japan
This small-group tour shows you the Kumano Kodo, or Kumano Ancient Trail, which is a pilgrimage route to Kumano, part of the mountainous Kii Peninsula which stretches south from the Kansai cities of Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. The well-maintained trail threads its way through deep valleys, mountains, and small villages to offer a wonderfully-varied hike over four days.
Stay at comfortable family-run inns with excellent food, soak in natural hot springs, and visit the shrines along the way. The pilgrimage routes to the three great Kumano Shrines – Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Hayatama Taisha – were popularized during and after the Heian Period (794-1185), when the Imperial family and nobility began to seek salvation in sangaku shinko (a belief in the supernatural power of mountains), rather than through common religious practices. Emperor Gotoba (1180-1239) made no fewer than thirty pilgrimages to Kumano, recording his thoughts and feelings in the Kumano poems.
Our journey begins in the modern city of Kyoto, and we travel south by train along the coast and spend four days hiking the Nakahechi, one of the Kumano Kodo trails, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is a day mid-way to relax, with a gentle ride along the Kumano River to the Hayatama Taisha Shrine. We cross the Kii Peninsula on foot to its eastern coast, and the fishing town of Katsuura, with two nights at a hot-spring hotel and a further optional day of hiking. We finish by traveling on to Kyoto by train. On small-group guided tours, your guide takes care of luggage arrangements for you.
Available from April to November
April 11 to April 19, 2022
May 11 to May 19, 2022
June 2 to June 10, 2022
October 5 to October 13, 2022
October 19 to October 27, 2022
November 9 to November 17, 2022
Starting from US$3395.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)
Tour Themes:
Cultural
Traditional
Walking
Rural Japan