hero-banner-image-0
hero-banner-image-1
hero-banner-image-2
hero-banner-image-3
Small Group

Japan Walking

Wander through tea fields and traditional lands

7 Days, 6 Nights

Maximum Group Size

16

Activity Level:

B&R Activity Levels

Priced per person from

$10,995 USD

Single Supplement: $2,800 USD

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

logo
Carbon Neutral Trip

Stroll into rural Japan, where life slows deliciously, deer pose politely, and tea-drinking reaches spiritual heights. Wander serene rice terraces in Asuka, swap stories (and tea secrets) with local farmers, and let bamboo forests and moss gardens cure your big-city blues. Ride the whimsically named "Romantic Train," sip sake, slurp noodles, repeat as needed. Japan’s countryside: tranquillity, perfected.

Great Walks
Wander through Japan’s premium tea fields and learn about green tea from a local small-scale farmer.

Land of Striking Contrasts
Explore Japan’s diverse landscapes— from the historic city of Kanazawa to the countryside surrounding Asuka, the ancient capital of Japan.

Cultural Immersion
End your trip at a traditional ryokan in a mountain hot spring town, savouring a kaiseki dinner and a soak in the onsen.
hero-image

Preview the itinerary

No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.

Day 1

We’ll begin our journey in the beautifully maintained Asuka, enjoying a walk on quiet roads, through fruit orchards and terraced rice fields. Stop to visit a local soy sauce maker, then enjoy a lunch of Japanese French cuisine. Tonight, we’ll head into town for a typical Japanese izakaya.

Activity:

7 km (4 mi.) morning walk through the countryside 

4 km (2.48 mi.) afternoon walk

Slide 0
Slide 1

Day 2

Head to Nara Park—modelled after the famous deer park of Sarnath— and spend time with the herds of tame deer. Then, we’re off to visit temples, shrines and magnificent relics, before lunch at a famous noodle and sake spot. Tonight, we’ll walk to the historic Naramachi district for a fabulous dinner.

Activity:

8 km (5 mi.) of rich cultural walking through temples, parkland and a historic town

Slide 0
Slide 1

Day 3

We’re off to Wazuka, Japan’s oldest and most famous tea-producing region. Walk along paths of meticulously tended tea bushes with a local farmer who will share their knowledge of tea selection and processing. Enjoy lunch overlooking the tea plantation and spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the ambiance of our beautiful hotel.

Activity:

8 km (5 mi.) of walking on quiet roads and narrow paths through Wazuka's famed tea plantations 

Slide 0

Day 4

From the hotel, we’ll traverse through bamboo groves that give way to mossy gardens as we enter the city’s historic preservation neighbourhood. Board the “Romantic Train” for a ride to our next walk, then stop for a special lunch designed from centuries-old Buddhist recipes. Tonight, explore the town on your own.

Activity:

9 km (5 mi.) of walking in the midst of temples, bamboo groves and two lovely gorges 

Slide 0
Slide 1
Slide 2

Day 5

Head to Kiyomizu-dera temple and embark on a journey to one of Japan’s most recognizable symbols: Fushimi Inari. Hike through the colourful paths, passing ancient shrines and glittering lakes as we approach the summit for incredible views below. Then, we’re off to Yamanaka Onsen.

Activity:

7 km (4 mi.) walk along colourful hillside paths 

Slide 0
Slide 1

Day 6

We’re off to a secluded village to learn about Japan’s rural past, listening to incredible stories of our local guide’s ancestors’ past. This afternoon, relax at the ryokan or join a riverside walk to Yamanaka Onsen. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a final celebration dinner at the hotel.

Activity:

4-5 km (2-3 mi.) easygoing walk through rural Japan 

Slide 0
Slide 1
Slide 2

Day 7

Stroll through one of the most beautiful gardens in Kanazawa, complemented by a quintessential tea ceremony. We'll say our goodbyes in Kanazawa, where you can depart for your onward travels or stick around to discover this great city. Sayōnara.

Activity:

A morning walk through Kanazawa

Slide 0
Slide 1
Logo
Rendezvous

Airport City: Tokyo or Osaka

Trip Start: The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

Time: 8:00am

Logo
Farewell

Airport City: Tokyo

Trip End: Kanazawa Train Station

Time: 3:30pm

* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Trip Start and Trip End locations upon booking.

Featured stays

Itinerary

Shisui a Luxury Collection Hotel Nara

Location: Nara, Japan

Itinerary

Suiran Hotel Kyoto

Location: Kyoto, Japan

Itinerary

Kayotei

Location: Kaga Onsen, Japan

Dates & availability

Dates
Price

per person, double occupancy

+$NaN USD single supplement

Join

Join a group of up to 16 like-minded travellers.

Privatize

8+ people

Pricing depends on group size

Detailed Itinerary

Uniquely tailored for each date

Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to Privatize.

What's included

Accommodation & dining

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.

All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.

Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.

Active essentials

Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks and a backpack.

A resuable B&R water bottle.

Detailed GPS routes available via RideWithGPS.

Guided services & gratuities

Services of B&R guide(s).

All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.

All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.

Transportation & logistics

Transportation from pick up to drop off.

Baggage transportation.

Van support where trails permit.

What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.

logo

This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.

I could not imagine organizing a trip to Japan on my own that could compare.

I could not imagine organizing a trip to Japan on my own that could compare. The accommodation, restaurants and guide were excellent, and the walks and attractions were well chosen.

— Lenore W; Sackville, NB

Experience Designer

Good to know

Food
Food

We’ll indulge in a variety of incredible cuisine on this trip. However, it’s very difficult to accommodate gluten-free or vegan diets. For Japan specifically, a dietary form is required at the time of booking.

Accommodation
Accommodation

There is a ryokan stay on this trip, which is a traditional Japanese inn. Be prepared to sleep on futons on the floor, and indulge in the hotels restaurant and onsen.

Getting home
Getting home

The trains in Japan are high-speed and frequently. You can book your tickets in advance for an additional fee or ask the concierge at your first hotel to book your tickets.

Why choose a Small Group trip?

An Effortless Journey

Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.


Active Exploration

From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.


Friends for Life

Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.


Room for Surprises

We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it’s an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.

hero-image

Discover further

Similar trips you may like:

Related journal posts: