Nakasendo Trail in Kiso Valley
We composed this unique insider tour utilizing our local knowledge of Japan’s most intimate regions to provide an inspirational journey that will lift the lid on culture and tradition.
Bangkok, Thailand (PRWEB) February 13, 2014
In Tokyo, the exclusive new luxury tour takes travelers to see the oft-overlooked Shitamachi (old town) area on the banks of the Sumida River, traveling by convenient subway along with a local Backyard Travel guide to lead the way.
While in Shitamachi, tour takers will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Drum Museum and the Edo Shitamachi Traditional Craft Museum before moving to Yanaka to see the Tennoji Temple and one of the oldest cemeteries in Tokyo.
Moving to the Nogano Prefecture, the insider tour then offers travelers the chance to visit the legendary local Matsumoto Castle, one of the best-preserved original castles still standing in Japan.
Next the luxury trip moves to the beautiful Kiso Valley region to allow the chance to follow in the footsteps of legendary samurais and noble lords with a hike along the old Nakasendo Trail, before resting up in a traditional Japanese minshuku – a family-run accommodation with delicate gardens, tatami mat flooring and welcoming onsen (hot spring baths).
The following morning, travelers then move to Takayama, a region renowned for producing some of Japan’s most skilled carpenters and craftsmen. Adding to Takayama’s allure is the fact the region has historically been isolated from the rest of the nation and as a result the area has developed a unique culture.
An area rarely seen by overseas visitors, the castle city of Kanazawa is the next stop where travelers can see the historical Edo Period buildings and spectacular Kenroku-en. Ranked one of the top three gardens in Japan, its breathtaking beauty shines through in any season.
Finally the insider tour of Japan climaxes with two nights in Kyoto, popularly thought of as Japan’s cultural capital. While in Kyoto, tour takers will relish the opportunity to take a class at a local cooking school housed in an authentic wooden house with the added bonus of being led around the market to shop for ingredients.
On the final full day of the insightful Japan tour, travelers will have the opportunity to investigate the majestic Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, travelers will be guided to Kinkakuji (also known as ‘Golden Pavilion Temple’), Daitoku-ji Zen temple complex and Kiyomizu temple before wandering the quaint alleyways and boutiques of the atmospheric Higashiyama District.
“Japan’s complicated culture is a much coveted element that travelers often aspire to understand,” said Backyard Travel’s General Manager Maeve Nolan. “We composed this unique insider tour utilizing our local knowledge of Japan’s most intimate regions to provide an inspirational journey that will lift the lid on culture and tradition.”
Prices for the new luxury Backyard Travel Japan tour start from US$2,619 per person (based on two sharing).
About Backyard Travel
Bangkok based Backyard Travel is an online travel company specializing in tailor-made tours to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan and China. For more information about Backyard Travel, visit http://www.backyardtravel.com or Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/BackyardTravel.