Japan Tours
Shoguns and Samurai Japan Tour
Explore Japan's cultural heritage on this 14 day guided tour.
A Voyage Through Japan's History
Central Japan is a land of rugged mountains and rushing rivers. Because of its terrain, many villages remained isolated until very recently. As a result, they preserved a way of life that's centuries old. Our trip is a voyage through Japanese history, beginning in bustling Tokyo. The city was once called Edo, when powerful shoguns ruled the nation. Finally, the trip ends near Kyoto, the ancient capital that safeguards much of Japan's cultural legacy.
Our adventure takes us first to Yudanaka Onsen, where you'll see "snow monkeys" relaxing in the natural hot springs. During ancient times, travellers journeyed between Kyoto and Tokyo along the Nakasendo Way. This mountain route was part of a vast network of old highways. We'll therefore explore a beautifully preserved section of this road in the Kiso Valley. Here we visit the lovingly restored villages of Tsumago and Magome.
This tour is a fantastic introduction to Japan for the first-time visitor. It is also ideal for those who have visited the country previously but want a more in-depth cultural experience.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Tokyo
Meet your guide and other group members at the tour hotel in central Tokyo in the evening. Then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. An airport transfer is not included. However, we can add one on request.
Overnight in Tokyo Hotel · Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2
Walking Tour of Tokyo
Enjoy a walking adventure through the vibrant heart of Tokyo. First, begin at the serene Hama-Rikyu Gardens near the mouth of the Sumida River. Then continue to Nihonbashi, the historic "Japan Bridge" and symbolic centre point of the country. After that, walk through the elegant Ginza shopping district. Finally, reach the majestic Meiji Shrine near the vibrant Harajuku district.
Overnight in Tokyo Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Obuse and Yudanaka Hot Spring
Visit Obuse, a charming town in the Nagano Prefecture. It was the adopted home of the legendary artist Hokusai in his later years. Therefore, you explore his legacy at the Hokusai-kan Museum. Then continue to the Masuichi-Ichimura Sake Brewery. After that, travel to Yudanaka Onsen, a hot spring village famous for its Japanese macaques. These "snow monkeys" bathe in the outdoor hot springs year-round.
Overnight in Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 4
Matsumoto and Narai
Drive to Matsumoto to discover its historic 16th-century castle. Then continue into the Kiso Valley to the town of Narai. It was a vital post town on the ancient Nakasendo Way during the feudal period. This route connected Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). Narai also has meticulously preserved houses and former inns.
Overnight in Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 5
Tsumago and Magome
Spend a leisurely morning exploring Narai's local crafts, particularly lacquerware and woodworks. Then take a short train and bus journey to Tsumago. This is another beautifully preserved village along the Nakasendo Way, still inhabited by locals. Here you try the local "gohei mochi" delicacy and also visit the folk museum. Finally, continue to Magome, either by an 8km walk through forests and countryside or by local bus.
Overnight in Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 6
Takayama
Journey to Takayama, a city with well-preserved traditional architecture. It is also a haven for skilled craftspeople renowned for yew-wood carvings, Shunkei lacquerware, pottery and furniture. Later, soak in the hot springs and enjoy the local delicacy, Hida beef, paired with regional sake.
Overnight in Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 7
Explore Takayama
Spend the morning at the bustling local market. Afterwards, visit the Yoshijima Heritage House, a wonderful example of preserved wooden architecture. Then, in the afternoon, stroll through the San-machi district, where rows of timeworn merchant houses stand. Some are now museums, and there is time to explore at your own pace.
Overnight in Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 8
Travel to Shirakawa-go
Enjoy a few free hours in Takayama. For example, you could visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall. Then travel to the otherworldly village of Ogimachi in the Shirakawa-go region. This UNESCO World Heritage site has "gassho-zukuri" houses with steep thatched roofs. Their design defies the weight of harsh winter snows.
Overnight in Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 9
Bus and Train to Kyoto
Bid farewell to the mountains with a bus ride to Kanazawa, followed by a train to Kyoto. Then, at twilight, stroll through the captivating Gion district, renowned for its exclusive ryotei restaurants. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for geiko (Kyoto's geisha) or their maiko apprentices. Finally, visit the Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, the western terminus of the Nakasendo Trail.
Overnight in Kyoto Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Kyoto
A half-day walking tour of Kyoto begins at the legendary Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), built in the 14th century. After that comes the serene Ryoan-ji Temple. It is renowned for its rock garden of raked gravel and fifteen moss-covered boulders. Afterwards, the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace.
Overnight in Kyoto Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11
Nara
Take a day trip by short train to Nara, Japan's capital from 710 to 784. Here you visit Todai-ji Temple, said to be the world's largest wooden structure. It is also home to a colossal bronze Buddha statue. Then choose between the bustling Nara-machi district or a quiet walk to the mystical Kasuga Grand Shrine. Afterwards, return to Kyoto.
Overnight in Kyoto Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12
Mount Koya
Travel via Osaka and the scenic Nankai Railway Line to Mount Koya. It has been a sacred pilgrimage site since the 9th century. It also sits within a bowl-shaped valley of ancient cedars. Here you stay in a shukubo (temple lodging) and savour shojin ryori Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Finally, walk through the vast Okuno-in Cemetery.
Overnight in Shukubo (temple lodging) · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 13
Return to Tokyo
There is an optional 6am Buddhist temple service for early risers. Then, after breakfast, journey back via Osaka and the bullet train to Tokyo. Finally, gather for a farewell dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Tokyo Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 14
End of the Tour
The tour ends after breakfast. Your guide will then offer assistance and advice for travelling to the airport. Alternatively, if you are extending your stay, they can help with onward travel in Japan.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
13 nights in hotels and Japanese-style inns
Full-time services of an English-speaking tour guide
Daily breakfast and 8 dinners
All transportation between tour locations
Entrance to museums, temples and other sights on the itinerary
Forwarding of 1 item of luggage on 3 occasions
Sake brewery visit in Obuse
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start point – contact us for information and flight options
Arrival and departure transfers
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Single room supplement for solo travellers at hotels
Drinks and meals not shown on the itinerary
Items of a personal nature
Tour Map
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Dates & Prices
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Shoguns and Samurai Japan Tour.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy. Get in touch if you'd like to check availability. We can also discuss a private departure on different dates.
Good to Know
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Japan.
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