Rural Japan 15 day tour

Price

US $10499 excluding flights

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Duration

15 Days

Type

Tailor made

More info

This price is per person.
Our Luxury Travel Specialists tailor-make a bespoke itinerary to suit your tastes and personal preferences.

Description of Rural Japan 15 day tour

If you're looking for a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path alternative to Japan's futuristic cities, then you need to head out to the rewarding landscapes, epic mountains and tiny islands which make up the majority of this diverse country.

You'll start in Kyoto, a former ancient capital, with a Zazen meditation at Gesshin-In Temple. Then, you'll head south to Hiroshima; a city with a tragic past, reborn into an up-and-coming city of students and young professionals.

Take the ferry to Miyajima Island for the symbolic "floating" torii gate at the island's Shinto shrine, then move onto Shikoku Island for hot spring onsen towns and stunning landscape gardens in Japan's lesser-known cities.

On Naoshima Island, you'll immerse yourself in the island-wide art project of exhibitions and displays, before heading off on a self-drive adventure around the breath-taking Iya Valley region.

Gaze up at the "White Heron" castle of Himeji, stay overnight with monks at a monastery on Mount Koya, then round off your trip with a street food safari through Osaka with a local guide.

This two-week itinerary takes you well off the beaten path, to experience another layer of Japan rarely seen by tourists and experience rural life in Japan.

Itinerary

Day 1:	Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Osaka, your private chauffeur will escort you on a seamless 90-minute journey to Kyoto, ensuring a relaxing start to your adventure. As the nation’s cultural soul, Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites and thousands of ancient temples and shrines. Spend your first evening settling into your elegant surroundings, ready to explore a city where timeless history meets sophisticated tradition.
Day 2:	Explore the cultural soul of Kyoto alongside a private local expert. With seventeen UNESCO sites to navigate, your guide provides a curated journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks and well-kept secrets. Stroll through tranquil gardens and the atmospheric teahouse district of Gion, where the sight of an elusive Geisha and the preserved architecture capture the essence of old Japan. Whether wandering under cherry blossoms or through silent shrines, your day is designed to reveal the intricate layers of this ancient capital.
Day 3:	Find serenity at Gesshin-in, a tranquil sub-temple nestled at the foot of the Higashiyama Mountains. Under the guidance of the Chief Priest, you will be introduced to the ancient practice of Zazen meditation, learning the delicate arts of mindful breathing and focus. Following sessions of silent contemplation punctuated by the resonant chime of the temple bell, enjoy a private audience with the priest. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the philosophy of Zen and discuss mindfulness and Japanese spirituality in a setting of profound peace.
Day 4:	Experience the speed and precision of the bullet train as you journey to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, you will be joined by a private local guide to explore the city’s poignant history and its remarkable evolution into a vibrant cultural and culinary hub. Your afternoon can be tailored to your interests: delve deeper into the city’s heritage or cross the water to the sacred island of Miyajima. Renowned for its iconic floating torii gate and serene mountain paths, the island offers a tranquil contrast to the city and a glimpse into Japan’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
Day 5:	Enjoy a day of independent discovery on the sacred island of Miyajima. Witness the iconic floating torii gate of the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine before ascending Mount Misen - either by foot or cable car - for breathtaking panoramas of the island-dotted Seto Inland Sea. For a more active exploration, cycle along the serene coastal paths to the pine-fringed white sands of Tsutsumigaura. Whether you are encountering native wildlife on the mountain peaks or enjoying the tranquil beauty of the shoreline, the day offers a perfect blend of spiritual heritage and natural wonder.
Day 6:	Arrive in Matsuyama, a refined castle town renowned for Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest and most storied hot spring. Mentioned in the nation’s earliest chronicles, this historic bathhouse offers a timeless experience, from its legendary architecture to its restorative mineral waters. During your stay, ascend to the town’s impressive samurai castle for panoramic views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.
Day 7:	Continue your journey to Takamatsu, a historic port city serving as a gateway to the island of Shikoku. The city’s centrepiece is Ritsurin Koen, a masterpiece of landscape design and one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens. Its meticulously manicured ponds and bridges are widely considered a rival to the nation's celebrated Big Three gardens. Beyond the greenery, explore the heritage of the region at Shikoku-Mura, an open-air museum featuring historic architecture from across the island, or ascend the distinctive plateau of Yashima for breathtaking views across the island-dotted Inland Sea.
Day 8:	Take the ferry to Naoshima, a world-renowned haven where visionary architecture and contemporary art converge with the serene beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. This picturesque island serves as a living gallery, featuring minimalist museums and open-air installations seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. Explore the island’s quiet coastal paths on foot or by bicycle, discovering curated spaces designed by the legendary Tadao Ando that host masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Turrell, and Warhol. It is an immersive cultural sanctuary where the boundaries between art, nature, and design beautifully dissolve.
Day 9:	Collect your rental car in Takamatsu and begin your journey into the Iya Valley, often described as one of Japan’s last hidden gems. For the most evocative experience, follow the historic Iya Highway, a scenic route that winds deep into the heart of the gorge. As you navigate this adventurous path, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of steep, emerald-green slopes and the untouched beauty of the valley floor below. This is a landscape where time seems to stand still - a sanctuary of dramatic cliffs and serene seclusion that serves as the perfect introduction to the wild, mysterious soul of Shikoku.
Day 10:	Today you have a free day to explore Shikoku’s Iya Valley at your own pace. Making the most of your rental car you'll be able to explore all the dramatic mountain scenery, historic vine bridges, hot springs and thatched-roof villages across this beautiful region. Most visitors only get to Kazurabashi vine bridge, while the other bridges are much quieter. So too is stunning Iya Gorge at the lower end of the valley which is still very undeveloped and known as one of the three 'hidden regions' of Japan. Ochiai Hamlet meanwhile boasts some of the prettiest traditional buildings and farmland.
Day 11:	Trace your way back through the scenic Iya Valley, perhaps pausing for a restorative soak at a secluded riverside onsen or a visit to the valley’s most whimsical hillside landmark. Your journey continues to Himeji, home to the magnificent White Heron Castle, the most spectacular and best-preserved original feudal fortress in Japan. After exploring the castle’s soaring white ramparts and dramatic keep, find a peaceful retreat in the neighbouring Koko-en gardens. Wander through a series of elegantly manicured landscapes before visiting the traditional tea house, where you can enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation overlooking the tranquil ponds and waterfalls.
Day 12:	Your journey continues to Mount Koya, one of Japan’s most sacred peaks and the spiritual heart of esoteric Shingon Buddhism. The ascent via a winding mountain train offers a scenic transition into a world of over 100 ancient temples and monasteries nestled within a peaceful, wooded plateau. Founded in the 9th century, this ethereal sanctuary remains a site of profound serenity and natural beauty. Wander through silent, forest-cloaked paths and soak in the magical atmosphere, a restorative retreat that offers a peaceful contrast to the vibrant pace of Japan’s modern cities.
Day 13:	Descend from the serenity of Mount Koya to the electric pulse of Osaka, Japan’s dynamic urban capital. Spend your afternoon exploring the towering ramparts of Osaka Castle or visiting the city’s world-class aquarium. As twilight descends, Osaka truly comes alive. Experience the city’s legendary culinary reputation - often called the nation’s kitchen - with a walk through the neon-lit Dotonbori canal district. From sampling local delicacies like Takoyaki to discovering sophisticated hidden bars in Nanba, Osaka offers a captivating immersion into the vibrant energy and modern soul of Japan.
Day 14:	Join a private expert for a guided three-hour cycling tour through the city’s scenic northern districts. Starting along the tranquil riverside paths of Nakanoshima Island, you’ll pedal past elegant pre-war architecture toward the grand ramparts of Osaka Castle. Conclude your ride at Utsubo Park, an impeccably manicured sanctuary of seasonal gardens and historic charm. With your guide and equipment fully prepared, it is a seamless and refreshing way to uncover Osaka’s landmarks and hidden green spaces from a new perspective.
Day 15:	Sadly your time in Japan must come to an end. You will be met at your hotel by your driver and will have a smooth transfer by private car to Osaka's Kansai International Airport. Journey time is around an hour, depending on traffic. We wish you a safe flight home.

Price information

US $10499 excluding flights

Convert currency:

This price is per person.
Our Luxury Travel Specialists tailor-make a bespoke itinerary to suit your tastes and personal preferences.

Contact Us

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one, we're very happy to help

01273 823 700

Call us tomorrow after 9am

Calling from outside the UK rosy@responsibletravel.com

Departure information

This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements

Contact Us

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one, we're very happy to help

01273 823 700

Call us tomorrow after 9am

Calling from outside the UK rosy@responsibletravel.com

Travel guides

2 minute summary Best time to go

From bullet trains to bubbling hot springs, we show you why Japan is such an interesting and unique country to visit.

2 minute summary Map & highlights

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Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.

Planet

This cultural tour makes the most of travelling around Japan via public transport, just as the locals do. This includes trips via train (including Japan's famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which are an attraction in themselves), subways, local buses, cable cars, boats and ferries, trams and also bikes, which are best for exploring rural Japan. Travelling this way reduces carbon emissions and road congestion, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

This tour also includes a three-hour cycling tour of Osaka with a local tour guide, which is both an eco-friendly and fun way to explore the city. Miyajima Island and Naoshima Island are also great places to explore via rental bike.

We only work with hotels and guesthouses which share our commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility, especially in terms of recycling and energy conservation initiatives.

To further keep up sustainable practices during your trip, we recommend you carry your own reusable, non-plastic chopsticks or cutlery, as Japan gets through 24 billion pairs of ‘waribashi’ (disposable chopsticks made of wood or bamboo) every year. That's 185 pairs for every person in Japan! There are also ample recycling facilities in the country and as tap water is drinkable, we urge you to use a refillable bottle rather than buying bottled water.

People

We are committed to responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism in Japan, and we’re proud to work with a fantastic local operator that shares our values with regards to responsible tourism. This tour of off-the-beaten-path Japan focuses on lesser-known destinations, thereby supporting the communities in areas which don't benefit from as many tourists as the more famous cities and towns.

Our tour activities focus on authentic cultural experiences, such as a Zazen meditation experience with Teramae Join, the head priest at Gesshin-in temple in the Higashiyama Mountains and a visit to the the charming and traditional Ochiai Hamlet in Iya Valley.

Your stays in rural Japan will also be a chance to support local communities, as this tour includes an overnight stay at a monastery at Mount Koya, where you will live how the monks do; as well as stays in traditional (and often family-run) Japanese ryokans, such as the historic Iwaso Ryokan in Hiroshima. In Iya Valley, you'll stay at the Iya Onsen Hotel, which prides itself on locally-sourced ingredients for its spectacular kaiseki meals.

We believe that the best way to learn about the culture of Japan is through immersive experiences like these, which often benefit the local community as well. By gaining a deeper understanding about Japan’s culture, traditions, rich heritage and religious beliefs you’re likely to have a much more interesting and meaningful travel experience.

Rural Japan 15 day tour