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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rendezvous
Airport City: Tokyo or Osaka
Trip Start: The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
Time: 8:00am
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
Shisui a Luxury Collection Hotel Nara
Location: Nara, Japan
Suiran Hotel Kyoto
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Kayotei
Location: Kaga Onsen, Japan
Dates & availability
Dates
Price
per person, double occupancy
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.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Experience Designer
Good to know
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
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
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.
