Japan

Central Japan is a region of tall mountain ranges and fast-flowing rivers. It wasn’t until recently that roads reached the more remote villages, and today many remain remarkably well-preserved, and evocative of centuries past. Our journey takes us through Japanese history, from modern Tokyo, 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 Fuji Hakone National Park, gateway to Mt Fuji. We visit Yudanaka Onsen hot spring where the famous 'snow monkeys' come to enjoy the natural hot spring baths, just like humans. In feudal times people travelling 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. We then continue on to Takayama with its delightfully historic Sanmachisuji district, and lively morning markets. Our travels bring us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago, before continuing on to Kanazawa, a vibrant city that retains its traditional charm in the form of gardens, samurai districts, and old teahouses. We continue on to Kyoto and Nara – the cultural heartlands of Japan and World Heritage Sites. We travel by bullet train once again to the modern city of Hiroshima, to learn about the city and its both tragic and triumphant history in the modern age. We return to Osaka to visit the city before we enjoy the special opportunity to stay at a shukubo, or Buddhist pilgrim’s lodgings, and enjoy an up-close experience of life in a Buddhist temple and discover the ancient capitals of Japan before a tour of modern Osaka.