Small Group Tour IJT Classic
Hidden Japan
12 Nights: from US$6965 Trip Code: HJ
Activity Rating: Active
If you're curious about the quieter, more traditional side of the country – from mountain temples to art islands and ryokan inns – Hidden Japan might just be your perfect tour. Read more >
It’s the only trip we run that starts and ends in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and cultural centre. There, in the historic Gion district, you’ll meet a trainee geisha (maiko) for tea and conversation. Your Insider guide will translate as you learn about her life, giving you the chance to ask questions, which customers tell us is a truly special way to start the tour.
From Kyoto, you’ll wind your way up to sacred Mount Koya, the centre of Shingon Buddhism. Walking the Okunoin cemetery, you’ll be among more than 200,000 tombstones. This is the final resting place of monks, shogun, Yakult and Nissan’s most loyal employees (!), and Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism – currently 'resting' in eternal meditation. That night, you’ll sleep in a temple lodging and wake early for morning prayers with the head monk – who’ll then take you behind the altar for a rare look at temple life, with all its statues and sculptures.
Crossing to the island of Shikoku by ferry, you’ll arrive in Tokushima – the proud origin of the exuberant Awa Odori dance festival. You'll catch a live performance – equal parts tradition and joyful chaos – and if the rhythm moves you (it will), you’re welcome to join in. Prizes are involved. You’ll also witness the rare art of bunraku, Japan’s centuries-old puppet theatre. While full performances can last for days, you’ll be treated to a select, drama-packed section.
In Takamatsu, you’ll visit Ritsurin Garden – quieter than its more famous counterparts, but no less elegant. Paths curve around ponds and bridges zigzag – your guide will explain why nothing here is ever laid out in straight lines. From the port, you’ll take a ferry to Naoshima, Japan’s celebrated art island. Beyond the famous pumpkin sculptures, you’ll explore Benesse House art and architecture museum, and smaller works that are transforming old houses, shrines and even a former dentist surgery.
Then, it’s on to Kotohira – a nostalgic town of udon shops, old sake breweries and one of Japan’s oldest kabuki theatres. But Kotohira’s true attraction for pilgrims and tourists alike is Konpirasan, a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist place of worship. If you’ve got the energy, climb the 785 stone steps for sweeping views of the valley. Later, you’ll go behind the scenes and beneath the stage boards at the kabuki theatre, learning how trapdoors and rotating stages create drama from below. Tonight, you’ll stay in a ryokan style hotel, with rotenburo (open-air baths) to enjoy – ideal after all those steps.
The Iya Valley is one of the most remote places on the itinerary – only recently connected by proper roads, it’s difficult to reach and plan for independently. Here, you’ll visit the Yokai Monster Museum (think Japanese folk spirits rather than friendly cartoon creatures), and cruise beneath jagged cliffs on the waters of the Oboke Gorge.
Staying with the quieter side of culture, Matsuyama is home to one of Japan’s twelve surviving original samurai castles – a hilltop fortress still intact from the Edo period – far less visited by touring crowds than other castles. Nearby is Dogo Onsen, said to be 3,000 years old and an inspiration for Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. You can bathe here if you choose – the interior is full of carved wood, ceramic tiles and quiet ritual, so if you’re going to choose to onsen anywhere, this is a great place to do so.
Back on the mainland, Hiroshima is both sobering and spirited. The Peace Memorial Museum and park offer thoughtful, detailed accounts of the events of 1945, but the city today is forward-looking and full of energy. You’ll try okonomiyaki – a rich, layered savoury pancake that’s a local point of pride (many guests go back for second helpings the next evening). Nearby Miyajima is known for its iconic floating torii gate and friendly deer that roam freely through the island’s streets.
The tour ends in a small community that truly encapsulates Hidden Japan – Joge. Expect a warm welcome on arrival to this quiet town: you might find everyone comes out to say hello. Walking the main street, with its Meiji Period and Taisho Era architecture, feels like a visit to old Japan. But during your visit, you’ll see life as it is lived today. You’ll join a kendo club for a lesson in traditional martial arts and step inside family-run businesses – from lacquerware to antique shops – that rarely see international visitors.
Hidden Japan is our behind-the-scenes dive into Japan’s more rural life away from the metropolis of Tokyo, through the lens of history, art, religion and nature. We’ve run this tour for over a decade with very few changes, and it remains popular for a reason: small communities, big welcomes, and cultural experiences you’ll remember long after you leave.
Is this tour for you?
What’s great
- We go into more remote rural areas and take part in experiences that are hard to organise yourself, like the Iya Valley and meeting the community of Joge.
- We stay in traditional accommodation but only one night on a futon bed (floor level) – it’s a great balance of authentic Japanese hospitality with the comforts of Western style for the majority of the nights.
- There’s lots of great food: okonomiyaki in Hiroshima (which fights for first place on the best with Osaka), kaiseki meals at a ryokan inn (multi-course, intricately prepared and presented Japanese food, carefully considered with the seasons).
- This tour is punctuated with arty experiences throughout: dance, theatre and contemporary art – so if you’re into your art, this could be your tour.
Things to consider
- This tour starts and ends in Kyoto and does not go to Tokyo – but it’s really easy to add a stop before or after the tour ends. Speak to us to arrange this when you book.
- Solo travellers will pay a single supplement.
- All accommodation is 3*-4*. The tour also includes a traditional shukubo temple lodging stay for one night with a futon bed (on floor level) and a ryokan style hotel for two nights, with Western beds and onsen baths.
- You’ll need to be able to carry your own luggage.
- For ease of transfer, large luggage will be forwarded between Kyoto and Tokushima and between Kotohira to Hiroshima - you'll have one night on Mount Koya and one night in Matsuyama with a smaller overnight bag.
What's included
- Full-time services of your InsideJapan tour leader
- 12 nights' accommodation
- Breakfast every day, four lunches and six evening meals
- Your InsideJapan Info-Pack
- Full-day private guide in Mount Koya including lunch & entrance fees
- Selected entrance fees & local transport in Kyoto
- Afternoon tea with a maiko in Kyoto
- All transport between destinations
- Airport transfers by private car
- Tickets to Awa Odori Kaikan Museum, Mount Bizan Ropeway, Awa Jurobe Yashiki Puppet Theatre & Ritsurin Gardens in Takamatsu
- Full-day private guide service in Naoshima including lunch at the Benesse House Museum
- Iya Valley sightseeing including entrance fees & lunch
- Hiroshima Peace Museum & Park
- Okonomiyaki dinner in Hiroshima
- Visit to Miyajima Island including entrance fees.
- Luggage forwarding from Kyoto to Tokushima and from Kotohira to Hiroshima
- Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip
What's NOT included:
- International flights
- Any local transport unless covered by the included transport passes
- Any entrance fees (including temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
- Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified - you will be expected to carry your own luggage
Tour Price Information
2025
- Tour Price: From US$6965
- Single Supplement: From US$854
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$182 pp Single From US$266 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$182 pp Single From US$266 pp
2026
- Tour Price: From US$6965
- Single Supplement: From US$728
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$154 pp Single From US$224 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$154 pp Single From US$224 pp
Tour Highlights
- Meet a maiko (geisha in training) in the historic district of Gion, for tea, games and a chance to ask questions
- Visit Naoshima art island
- Explore Iya Valley: cruise through jagged cliffs on the waters of the Oboke Gorge (and you may spot a macaque monkey or two)
- Visit Hiroshima – learn about its tragic past, but also experience its modern, forward-looking energy
- Connect with the community of Joge
- Stay on Mount Koya, the centre of Shingon Buddhism, in a traditional shukubo temple lodging
- Soak in hot spring rotenburo in Kotohira
- See one of Japan's twelve surviving original samurai castles – Matsuyama Castle
- Meet the Miyajima island deer
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379
What, where, when and how...
Hidden Japan - 13 Days

Destinations
Hidden Japan - 13 Days - Day by Day
Hidden Japan - 13 Days - Accommodation
Hidden Japan - 13 Days - Experiences
Hidden Japan - 13 Days - Booking
Single supplement from US$728
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Day 1-2
Take a tour of Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital for over one thousand years and home to an amazing 17 World Heritage Sites.
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Kansai or Itami International Airport you will be met by our representative and take a private car transfer to your hotel in Kyoto. Your tour leader will be waiting to greet you in the lobby, and this evening you'll convene with your group at a welcome meeting before you all head out for a delicious included meal at one of the area's fantastic restaurants.
Refreshed after a relaxing arrival day, your tour leader will take the group on an extensive tour of Kyoto using public transport. Aptly known as the “City of Ten Thousand Temples” - Kyoto is bursting with history, culture and incredible sights. Your tour leader will introduce you to their favourite locations and a number of entrance fees will be included today. Whether you stroll the Philosophers' Path, gaze on Ginkakuji's resplendent Silver Pavilion or take in the hustle & bustle of Nishiki Food Market you are sure to have a fascinating day. In the afternoon you will enjoy afternoon tea with a maiko (trainee geisha) in the traditional Gion district.Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
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Day 3
Discover sacred Koya, an atmospheric, mountaintop temple community where you'll visit the largest cemetery in Japan.
Today you will leave behind the beaten path and travel to Mount Koya, a remote mountaintop temple community and the spiritual home of Shingon Buddhism.
Mount Koya is located deep in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture and is home to a collection of ancient temples, shrines and pagodas – not to mention Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan. Located in a forest filled with towering cryptomeria trees, this atmospheric graveyard is a real wonder, seeming to go on interminably through the early morning mist.
Today you will have the services of a local guide to explain the history and significance of these sites, with lunch and entrance fees included. This evening you will be staying at a traditional Buddhist temple lodging, where you will have the chance to partake in shojin ryori - vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.Overnight: Renge-in Shukubo
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Day 4
Attend morning prayers at a traditional Buddhist temple lodging and catch a ferry to Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands.
Today you'll rise early in order to join the morning prayers at your temple lodging – a really special opportunity to witness ancient rituals being played out. After prayers you will enjoy a traditional Buddhist breakfast before jumping on a private bus to Wakayama Port, from where you will catch a ferry to Tokushima on Shikoku Island –the smallest of Japan's four main islands.
Tokushima is most famous as the location of the largest dance festival in Japan, Awa Odori. After your arrival today you'll visit the Awa Odori Kaikan Museum for some background on the festival and ride the cable car to the top of nearby Mount Bizan for fantastic views across the city.Overnight: Hotel Sunroute Tokushima
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Day 5-6
See traditional Japanese puppet theatre, explore Ritsurin Gardens and make a day trip to Naoshima, Japan's famous “Art Island”.
On the morning of day five you will take a half-day trip to the Awa Jurobe Yashiki puppet theatre, where you'll have the rare opportunity to see traditional bunraku puppet theatre in an authentic setting. Afterwards you'll make your way to Takamatsu, where you'll have plenty of time left to explore Ritsurin Gardens, some of the best landscape gardens in Japan.
On day six you will be making a day trip from Takamatsu to the nearby island of Naoshima, internationally known for world-class art set in beautiful natural scenery. You'll have the benefit of a local guide for your visit, who will explain the history of the island's art projects and introduce you to some of its most impressive sights.
For lunch you'll stop at a local island café. You will also visit both Benesse House and Chichu Art museums, home to works by famous artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Claude Monet. This evening you'll return to your hotel in Takamatsu.Overnight: JR Clement Hotel
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Day 7-8
Climb the 1,368 steps to the top of Shikoku's most important shrine and take a boat ride through the beautiful gorges of the Iya Valley.
Today you'll be making the scenic train ride from Takamatsu to Kotohira, a town best known as the location of Shikoku's largest shrine complex – Konpira-san. Tonight you'll be staying at a beautiful ryokan inn with its own hot spring baths and fabulous Japanese-style evening meals included on both nights of your stay.
In the afternoon of day seven you'll have the chance to scale the 1,368 steps to Konpira-san's inner shrine, a climb that's well worth the effort as you'll be rewarded with spectacular views across the area! There will also be time to visit the local sake brewery with its excellent little museum, as well as the chance to sample some rice wine.
On day eight you will board a private bus bound for the Iya Valley, a lush and undeveloped area of natural beauty, particularly famous for its vine bridges. Today you'll cross one of these bridges yourself, have a delicious included lunch and enjoy a boat ride through one of the area's gorges. We will also have time to visit a charming rural samurai residence before making our way back to Kotohira, where a second night of hot spring baths and feasting awaits.Overnight: Sakura-no-Sho
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Day 9
Explore an original samurai castle and soak in the restorative waters of Dogo Onsen, Japan's oldest hot spring baths.
Day nine and a train ride west across Shikoku Island brings you to Matsuyama, home to the oldest hot spring baths in Japan and one of the country's best original samurai castles. Later we will visit the castle and its grounds, then you'll have a free afternoon to explore the city at your leisure.
Dogo Onsen, the town's famous bathhouse, is conveniently located right next to your hotel. It is said to have existed for over 3,000 years, and currently undergoing a 7 year long restoration period for us to enjoy for many more generations to come. It is still accessibly by the public and even has a set of baths reserved exclusively for the use of the royal family. But don't worry – there are separate baths for common folk, so you'll also have a chance to bathe in the restorative waters this evening if you choose.Overnight: Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido
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Day 10-11
Pay your respects at Hiroshima's Peace Park and visit Miyajima Island, home to an abundance of friendly deer.
On day ten you will make your way by ferry from Matsuyama to Hiroshima, back on Japan's main island. Hiroshima will always be remembered for the tragic events of 1945, and today you will visit the inspiring Peace Park and sobering Museum for an insight into the dropping of the world's first atomic bomb. Informative and even-handed, this museum is a must-see on any visit to Hiroshima.
After a thought-provoking afternoon, the perfect antidote is to stroll the splendid riverside, take a waterside coffee, or hit lively Hondori shopping arcade to mix with the friendly locals. For our included evening meal, we'll opt for okonomiyaki, Hiroshima's best-known speciality food. Okonomiyaki is a kind of savoury noodle- or cabbage-based pancake, cooked on a hot plate in front of you. It always goes down a treat!
On day eleven you will make the short ferry ride across the bay from Hiroshima to Miyajima, a tiny island known for its friendly resident population of deer and for Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's most iconic views. We recommend hiking (or catching the cable car!) to the top of Mount Misen for fabulous views across the Seto Inland Sea.Overnight: Intergate Hiroshima
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Day 12-13
Return to the “City of Ten Thousand Temples” for some last-minute shopping, sightseeing and your final night in Japan.
Today you will take a side trip to Joge, a small historic town which has proved a perfect match for our 'Hidden Japan' concept. Little known to foreign tourists, Joge is renowned for its wonderful examples of original Meiji & Taisho era architecture and taking a walk down Joge's main street really does feel like you've stepped back in time. We've arranged a full day of cultural activities with local guides and you will have plenty of opportunities to meet and interact with members of the local community.
Late in the afternoon you'll be whisked back to Kyoto on a super-fast Nozomi shinkansen bullet train, leaving you time to freshen up and head out to a local izakaya for a farewell evening meal with your tour leader and group. We suggest an evening of karaoke to really see out the tour with a bang!
On day thirteen it's time to say goodbye and make your way back to the Airport by private car transfer for your flight home. We hope to see you next time!Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Tour Reviews
Read more >We had two excellent guides and well-chosen and well-planned itineraries.The accommodations were clean and comfortable, the food was delicious, and the people -- guides,…
Read more >Outstanding experience with Inside Japan and especially Fergal Fox. We had visited Japan once before with intrepid travel and our experience was much better this time.…
Tour Gallery
Tour Reviews
Read more >We had two excellent guides and well-chosen and well-planned itineraries.The accommodations were clean and comfortable, the food was delicious, and the people -- guides,…
Read more >Outstanding experience with Inside Japan and especially Fergal Fox. We had visited Japan once before with intrepid travel and our experience was much better this time.…
4.9 out of 5 from 87 reviews Show all Hidden Japan Reviews
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