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.
2025
September 3 to September 16, 2025
October 7 to October 20, 2025
November 4 to November 17, 2025
2026
February 12 to February 25, 2026
March 25 to April 7, 2026
April 11 to April 24, 2026
May 21 to June 3, 2026
September 4 to September 17, 2026
October 14 to October 27, 2026
November 5 to November 18, 2026
Starting from US$6,555.00 based on double occupancy (subject to change without notice)