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Rural and Remote Tours of Japan
The 8-member 2023 Remote Japan Tours will let you discover Japan’s hidden rituals, unspoiled spectacular scenery and delightful Local people.
You will feel the warm hospitality of local people in remote and rural areas of Japan such as Kyushu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, the west coast or in Tohoku, the northern part of Honshu.
The range of themes from cherry blossoms to food offer exceptional exposure to Japan’s amazingly pristine nature, rural villages and countryside scenery. They will reward you with life-long memories.
Japan is much more than Tokyo, Kyoto, Takayama and Hiroshima. There are so many hidden treasures and unexplored destinations. Rural travel in Japan is expected to be even more popular in 2023. Journey to the East is best placed to take you on a remote Japan holiday, to experience the wonderful surprises of being off the beaten path and beyond popular tourist destinations.
You may not find cappuccino at breakfast, a convenience store at every corner or western style hotels and western restaurants in town. However, you may meet giggling school children on a way to school, friendly farmers happy to share fresh harvest with you or devout pilgrims at a sacred mountain.
For something special and unusual one of the Rural tours of Japan definitely the way to go.
Tour Type
Signature
Our Signature tours offer the most comprehensive cultural exposure.
Discovery
Our Discovery tours provide up-and-close encounters with traditional life and natural landscapes into the more remote regions of Japan.
Comfort
With a focus on comfort and ease, our Comfort tours deliver an authentic experience with a few extra creature comforts to make for a more relaxed and supported trip.
Seasons
Sort by Tour Type
13 day tour
2024 Cherry Blossom Tour of Northern Japan
Experience the late-blooming cherry blossoms on this spectacular journey through the rural heartland of Northern Japan in spring – discover the proud samurai heritage and unique traditions of Tohoku plus the stunning natural landscapes and old trading ports of Hokkaido
Next Departure 16th Apr, 2024
14 day tour
2024 Cherry Blossom Tour of Sea of Japan Coast
An exhilarating adventure along the spectacular Sea of Japan coast at cherry blossom time, packed full of unique immersive experiences during the trip.
Next Departure 31st Mar, 2024
13 day tour
2024 Food Tour of Hokkaido Japan
Seafood, dairy, wagyu beef, rice, fruit and vegetables, sake and whisky, from Michelin-starred restaurants to ramen and street food, the 2024 Food Tour of Hokkaido Japan has it all! The tour also includes many personal experiences such as cooking traditional dishes with fishermen’s wives. Definitely, the Hokkaido Tour to brag about!
Next Departure 4th Jun, 2024
13 day tour
2023 Food Tour of Kyushu, Japan in Autumn
A gastronomic adventure through the island of Kyushu, fast-becoming Japan’s foodie destination for its fresh produce and culinary tradition and innovation.
Next Departure 5th Nov, 2023
13 day tour
2023 Autumn Tour of Japan’s Wild West
See some of the most remote and rugged areas of Japan in the fall. Japanese National Parks, Japan Alps including Kamikochi etc. Experience the dramatic landscapes of Japan from the tallest mountains to the deepest gorge.
Next Departure 7th Oct, 2023
14 day tour
2023 Walking Tour of Japan Alps in Autumn
This tour takes you to one of the Japan’s most pristine and stunning remote landscapes with the Japan Alps high above you at the autumn’s peak. A variety of short walks (8-10km) through the national parks and small villages is the best way to absorb the brilliant autumn colours.
Next Departure 2nd Oct, 2023
13 day tour
2023 Autumn Tour of Northern Japan
Staged in Japan’s northern region of Tohoku, much less visited by international tourists, this tour offers the rural traditions and warm hospitality, intense autumn colours and stunning natural landscapes.
Next Departure 16th Oct, 2023
12 day tour
2023 Walking Tour of Central Japan in Autumn
An unforgettable hiking experience along the Nakasendo Way – Japan’s most famous walking route. You also delve deeper into less explored walks in the iconic cities of Kamakura, Kyoto and Takayama.
Next Departure 18th Nov, 2023
14 day tour
2024 Snow Spectacular Tour of Japan
This tour through Japan’s spectacular winter landscape has it all; the Sapporo Snow Festival, snow monkeys, dancing red-crested cranes, even an icebreaker ride.
Next Departure 24th Jan, 2024
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Remote Japan Tours Features
The Remote Japan tours are tours that may also appear under different sections (Autumn, Food, Walking etc). These trips are listed as Remote Japan Tours because they operate predominantly in parts of Japan that are not typically visited by large numbers of tourists or offer some unusual experiences peculiar to remote parts of Japan.
Why travel with us
At Journey to the East we are committed to providing authentic and most memorable experiences in Japan – for both Small Group Tours and custom-built Private Tours. Whether it is your first visit or you have been several times to Japan, you will always find something new and have special experiences with Journey to the East. Our travel style is chosen to immerse you in the culture and landscape of the country and expose you to a rich variety of unique experiences.
We do this by taking you beyond the tourist hotspots to explore the lesser-known parts of Japan. Our tours are designed to strike the right balance between the classic highlights and local secrets, the urban and the rural, the historic and the contemporary, and in doing so, reveal the true heart of Japan.
With Journey to the East, you will have fun and be safe on your deeply rewarding journey through this endlessly fascinating country!
We are specialists that just handle tours within one country, Japan. Whether you are from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand or beyond we meet you at the airport upon arrival into Japan and ensure a smooth and stress-free time in a foreign land.
Accommodation styles
Ryokans
Ryokans is a Japanese style accommodation, mostly consists of Japanese style rooms with tatami matt floor and futon bedding, and private ensuite. Some ryokans have a western style room with beds. A Japanese style room always has a low table and flat cushions to sit on, but the room may or may not have chairs. Most ryokans have an additional large public bath for guests and includes kaiseki style dinner. Breakfast can be Japanese style (rice, miso soup, fish etc.) or western style buffet.
Western Style Hotels
Size and standard vary from 5-star large international chains to regional small business hotels. Generally, in Japan twin rooms (two single beds) are more common than double rooms (one double bed), and some hotels in regional cities only have twin rooms. Room sizes are generally smaller in cities. Also beds and pillows tend to be firmer than those in western countries.
Minshuku
Size and standard vary from 5-star large international chains to regional small business hotels. Generally, in Japan twin rooms (two single beds) are more common than double rooms (one double bed), and some hotels in regional cities only have twin rooms. Room sizes are generally smaller in cities. Also beds and pillows tend to be firmer than those in western countries.
Shukubo (temple lodging)
The vast majority have Japanese style rooms and shared bathroom although there are limited number of temples with a western bedroom with ensuite. The stay at shukubo includes Buddhist vegetarian dinner and breakfast. Dinners are served early, around 5pm. They are run by monks, and facility and services are basic. Guests can attend morning service in the main hall.
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