Japan north to south vacation small group

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Throughout our time in Japan, our small group (max 12) travels overland by train, minibus and boat across the four island regions, eliminating the need for any domestic flights. 

Utilising train travel is a highlight of this trip with high-speed, express and local train used to journey between many of the towns and cities. The metro is also used for the city-sightseeing.

There are several opportunities to explore on foot, including a four-hour hike along the Michinoku Trail on Tashiro Island—fondly known as 'Cat Island'. We also venture along part of the 
famous Nakasendo Samurai Trail from Magome and Tsumago, a three-hour hike that will take us over the Magome Pass. 

We will also explore the small island of Naoshima, best known for its numerous contemporary art installations and museums, by e-bike; and sea kayak part of the Satsuma Peninsula.


ENVIRONMENT 

We visit the flowering gardens of Ueno Farm, an English-style garden that was started by a local farmer in 1906. Adapted to the climate of Hokkaido, the gardens are divided into 10 themed areas and are home to over 2,000 varieties of perennial plants and flowers.

Other park and garden visits include the Koraku-en Garden, revered as one of Japan’s top three traditional gardens with its origins dating back to 1700. Located on the banks of the Asahi River, its wonderful collection of lawns, ponds, tea houses and streams.

We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. We encourage our clients to reduce their personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle on the trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The tour includes a visit to Asahikawa, a city famed for its annual winter festival and its traditional ramen cuisine. Traditionally home to the indigenous Ainu people, on arrival we will have an opportunity to visit the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum in the company of an Ainu guide. This will be followed by an Ainu dance performance and a visit to the Ainu section of the Asahikawa City Museum. 

We also have the opportunity to learn about the ancient technique Mino Washi, a traditional style of Japanese paper that has been made in Mino for over 1,300 years. After the papermaking experience tour, we visit to the local Washi Akari Art Museum.

While traditional Japanese cuisine features heavily on a tour, we also indulge in tastings at the Nikka Whisky Distillery and a local black vinegar brewery.


EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY 

Local hosts, guides and drivers are employed throughout the trip, offering not only employment opportunities but a wealth of knowledge of their regions and country.

A donation is made on behalf of every traveler to our foundation, which supports education and community empowerment projects worldwide.