Japan Travel Insights
Hike Japan's Nakasendo Trail - 5 Days
Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature on this five-day hiking trip along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Feudal lords and samurai once walked this mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, stopping to rest in historic jukus, or Edo-era post towns, each night. You'll follow in their footsteps as you trek through picturesque valleys, explore idyllic villages, sleep in traditional inns, and relax in the thermal waters of hot springs along the hike.
Highlights & Hiking in Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days
This active tour of Japan combines modern cities with outdoor adventures, including five days of hiking along the famous Nakasendo Trail. You'll start in Kyoto, visiting the famed red torii gates of Fushimi Inari and watching a live geisha performance. Then, set out on foot along one of the major traveling routes of the Edo period—traversing bamboo forests in Nojiri, the peaks of Torii Pass, and the plateaus of Usui-toge. End in Tokyo for city views from the Tokyo Skytree and a tranquil visit to Asakusa Shrine.
Natural Wonders of Japan - 10 Days
Just as fascinating as Japan's ultra-modern urban culture is its spectacular natural scenery. On this 10-day adventure, you'll venture beyond the glittering cities to explore Japan's stunning natural wonders and learn about the country's ancient cultural traditions. Visit ancient shrines, climb mountain peaks, wander through lush bamboo forests, learn about geisha culture and fine arts customs, and marvel at the country's most prized landscape garden. You'll end the journey in quiet Kyoto, enjoying a boat cruise on the Hozugawa River past vibrant cherry blossoms.
Hiking Japan's Kumano Kodo - 11 Days
Get off the beaten path and onto the Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails in the remote Kii Peninsula. Trek to grand shrines and thermal hot springs on this self-guided trip, great for those looking to challenge themselves with full-day hikes through hilly terrain. You'll be rewarded, however, with unforgettable experiences as you follow in the footsteps of emperors.
Winter in Japan: Skiing, Sumo, Sake & More - 14 Days
Ski, snowboard, and sip sake on this two-week adventure around Japan's wintry landscapes. From Kyoto to Tokyo, this active journey will give you the opportunity to see both the modern and traditional sides of Japan. You'll also see futuristic art and have some fun on the slopes of Niigata, dipping in the nearby natural hot springs afterward.
Culture & History of Japan - 14 days
Embark on a journey through Japan’s cultural past with this immersive two-week itinerary. Starting in the modern capital of Tokyo, you’ll travel north to traditional mountain hot springs before making your way through the historic post towns of the ancient Nakasendo Trail. Wander through the 16th-century architecture of Takayama, discover the alpine valleys and traditional thatched-roof farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, and step back in time in the imperial capital of Kyoto. Spend a night with Buddhist monks at the mountaintop temples of Mount Koya before returning to Tokyo for a final evening in the city that never sleeps.
How it works
Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Step 3
Securely book your trip
Meet our Local Travel Specialists
Leny Vergara
Hello! I'm Leny. Travel is my passion, and if you're anything like me, you believe the best adventures happen off the beaten path. Japan is the first country I lived in, and I fell in love with it....
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Sandy Ren
I have been working as a travel specialist since graduating from college twenty years ago. Travel is my lifelong passion. It was such a thrilling thing to venture into a new world full of unknown...
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Shona Zhang
With strong passion for traveling,I worked as an English-speaking guide for 10 years with travel agent.I love to travel and communicate with different tourists from all corners of the...
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Ben Tanaka
I am a seasoned travel professional with a degree in Tourism Management and 27 years of extensive experience in the travel industry. My career has taken me from guiding tours to managing office...
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Trip Reviews for Japan
Great one-week stop-over - three city exposure of Japan
Japan
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Apr 14 - Apr 21, 2026
Phenomenal cherry blossom trip 🌸
Japan
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Apr 3 - Apr 13, 2026
Hi Jody，
Thank you again for sharing your feedback—I really appreciate it.
I’m very glad to hear that your cherry blossom trip overall was memorable. At the same time, I’m sorry that your stay in Karuizawa and at Karuizawa Hotel Longing House didn’t meet your expectations. I completely understand your concerns, especially given the high standard you experienced elsewhere in Japan.
Based on your feedback, we will no longer recommend this hotel for future trips.
Thank you again for your honest comments—they truly help us improve.
Warm regards,
Ada
This was a must going alone to Japan for the ...
Japan
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Apr 5 - Apr 17, 2026
This was a must going alone to Japan for the first time. Greg made everything super easy and even changed my trip when I had a major delay.
