Skip the standard hotels and motels and European-style pensions. There's nothing more exotic than rising before the sun to attend a Buddhist prayer, or rolling down a futon on a tatami floor, or climbing into communal bath for the first time.

You’ll get a taste of all these and much more on any of our innovative Japanese itineraries where you can trek through time: exploring the contrasts of traditional and modern Japan on our BACKROADS OF JAPAN trip: Enjoy a cultural odyssey through the heart of Japan on our LANDSCAPES OF JAPAN journey, or gain a unique insight into Japan on JAPAN: NORTHERN JOURNEY trip - a cultural and literary journey that explores the hinterland of northern Japan.

Australian architect and writer and Kyoto resident for many years, Ian Perlman has designed our Japanese program, which reflects his expertise and enthusiasm for a country that he knows intimately. We stay in local inns, delight in and explore Japanese regional cuisine and discover the less frequented trails that lead to the heart of this fascinating country.

In designing our Japan program Perlman says that “the thing to do in Japan is spend quality time exploring the historic byways of the rural hinterland and limit city adventures to a few well-planned days. Going in the mild seasons - spring or autumn – means you can’t go wrong. The landscape is rich with blossoms or reddening foliage, precipitation levels are low, and the temperature is perfect for healthy hiking along historic pilgrimage paths and logging trails, or relaxed contemplation in landscaped gardens and craft houses.” Perlman has incorporated all these aspects of Japan into our three itineraries that range from 15 to 16 days.

Perlman says that “Journeyers have been following the old pilgrim routes since time immemorial, and over the centuries there has been an accumulation of poetry, literature and art about travelling in Japan. My aim, as guide, is to get you to all of the pleasurable spots, make good local recommendations that allow you to choose and explore without feeling you are being herded, and at the same time, put it all into a proper cultural perspective.”

For our complete program of Japan itineraries for 2004 order our 2004/05 Asia brochure. The season extends from May until November. Our group sizes are small and places fill quickly, so don’t miss out. Related Trips