During Japan’s pre-Meiji period five ancient roads existed to reach Edo (today’s Tokyo). The Nakasendo and Tokaido routes may well be the best known. The program allows you to experience a portion of the Nakasendo by walking it for two days. Use Kyoto as the starting point and immerse yourself in a bit of ancient Japan, its villages and post stations along these famous trails.

Stay in a Kokuya, a traditional Japanese-style hotel (ryokan) with a 400-year history. The ryokan has natural hot springs, which can benefit your muscles, joints, and skin. Visit Jigokudani Park, home to the famous Snow Monkeys. The Japanese Macaques like to soak in the hot springs, and it can be quite entertaining to watch their interactions.

Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest and northernmost island. It is often overlooked by visitors but has much to offer in nature and landscape. The island has cool summers and snowy winters. The Sapporo Snow Festival enjoys worldwide fame. This tour includes culture, important cities and visits several nature parks. You may access the island by air. The island can also be reached by Japan’s high speed rail through the Seikan Undersea Tunnel, one of the longest in the world.

Experience the Culture and Cuisine of Japan on this 12 day adventure: Visit the street markets in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and sample the local food; Interactive culinary experiences to learn how to make soba noodles, rolled sushi, and miso soup; Learn the traditions of Sake brewing and have a taste; Visit Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto, home to around 2,000 shrines and temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; And learn about Shingon Buddhism in Koyasan.