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 15 to October 28, 2024 – full
November 5 to November 18, 2024 – full
February 11 to February 24, 2025
March 25 to April 7, 2025
April 12 to April 25, 2025
May 16 to May 29, 2025
September 3 to September 16, 2025
October 7 to October 20, 2025
November 4 to November 17, 2025
Starting from US$4,930.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)