What to do and see in Gifu Prefecture, Chubu: The Best Rail Tours

Hike a section of the Nakasendo Trail on a 3- or 4-day self-guided tour from Tokyo or Kyoto that includes all rail transport. A series of forested trails and paved village paths linking the two cities comprise the Nakasendo, a trail among an ancient network of Japanese highways. Follow in the footsteps of travelers from the Edo period who walked this mountain route via the Kiso Valley. Stop in the best-preserved post towns — known as ‘juku’ — where you’ll stay overnight in local ‘minshuku’ (guest houses). Traditional Japanese dinners and breakfasts are included! Overnight accommodation is limited to 8 people on this independent tour, ensuring a personable experience with a small group of fellow travelers. This tour is self-guided - there is no attending guide - and is suitable for 1 to 8 travellers.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, 2 or 3 nights accommodation depends on your tour, Rail tickets to and from Kyoto/Tokyo and the trail

Exclusions: Drinks or other meals, guiding, Hotel Pick up or drop off, Solo supplement, Local bus fares (approximately 1200 JPY in value - payable locally)

This value-packed trip with a nationally/state licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Takayama! Takayama features an atmospheric townscape, with Meiji-era inns and hillside shrines in a riverside setting. In addition, many museums, galleries and temples make their home in the city's 17th century layout. Be sure to come see the Takayama Festival, held once in spring and once in autumn, but be prepared for the crowds as the festivals attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide), Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Private transportation

This value-packed trip with a nationally/state licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Takayama! Takayama features an atmospheric townscape, with Meiji-era inns and hillside shrines in a riverside setting. In addition, many museums, galleries and temples make their home in the city's 17th century layout. Be sure to come see the Takayama Festival, held once in spring and once in autumn, but be prepared for the crowds as the festivals attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide), Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Private transportation

Over the course of two days of an easy walk (self-guided tour) along the Nakasendo road and one overnight stay at a Minshuku (family run lodging), immerse yourself in Japan's folkloric landscapes between the villages of Nakatsugawa and Tsumago. During Japan's feudal period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo road was one of the five routes that linked the economic hub, Tokyo, to the imperial capital, Kyoto. Unlike the Tokaido road, which was replaced by today's Shinkansen train, the Nakasendo was saved from rampant modernization and still upholds an old-fashioned charm. Created by general Tokugawa in order to assert his political domination, the route spans a distance of 534 kilometers and includes 69 rest stops. Its name literally means "mountain road" and is a means of communication in case of a large flood on the Tokaido: the coastal road. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Inclusions: 1 night overnight accommodation at family run traditional Japanese inn, 1 Japanese breakfast, 1 Japanese dinner, Detailed day-by-day itinerary and directions (PDF), Detailed walking map (Google Map), Local support by telephone

Exclusions: Activities entrance fees, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guide, Drinks, Lunches, Travel insurance, Train tickets according to itinerary (*if NO TRAIN option selected), Luggage delivery

Japan is a magical place where old and new collide. A country full of incredible natural beauty, futuristic cities of neon, world-renowned food, and a culture steeped in tradition. Japan has a way of enveloping you from the moment you step off the plane. The unique culture and friendliness of the people will stay with you forever. From partying in the famous Shinjuku area of Tokyo to walking down the stone paths passing Geisha in the Gion district in Kyoto, One Life Adventures - Japan is a backpacking adventre tour and will show you the best of the country in 10 days. Starting in Tokyo and finishing in Osaka we explore the iconic areas of Japan plus some places off the tourist trail. By the end of the 10 days you would have lived and breathed the Land of the Rising Sun. Want longer in Japan? Try our 14 day tour! *Please note that this is an active, fast-paced, backpacking style tour with a lot of walking. Please make sure you're adequately prepared.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Exclusions: Tipping, Pre and post tour accommodation, Arrival and departure transfers, International Flights, Travel Insurance

Depart from Nagoya together with an English-speaking National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter who will tell you all about the post towns of Tsumago and Magome on this full-day tour! Listen to some historical anecdotes and learn about tasty local food. There's plenty of sightseeing to enjoy as the tour will spend at least 150 minutes at Magome and at least 100 minutes at Tsumago. The tour schedule is also convenient for those joining from Tokyo and Osaka. Public transportation and taxis are used for efficient transfers. The areas to be visited on this tour are post towns which still have some buildings from about 400 years ago. They are becoming popular among international travelers as they offer traditional scenescapes of Japan. Leave the urban scene of Nagoya and take a trip 400 years to the past. Keep your cellphone in your bag to spend a few hours away from the modern world taking a journey into towns from the days of old.

Inclusions: Transportation expenses during the tour, Nagisomachi Museum admission (Tsumago-juku Honjin & Waki Honjin Okuya), English Speaking Guide, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Transportation expenses to the meeting location, Food & Drink