New from Bangkok-based Backyard Travel: Japan Through Local Eyes is a luxury, insider tour that showcases some of Japan’s lesser-known destinations through the perspectives of expert local guides. In Tokyo, the itinerary explores Shitamachi, the city’s historic low-lying district along the Sumida River, where travelers visit the Drum Museum, Tennoji Temple and the Edo Shitamachi Traditional Craft Museum to gain an intimate understanding of the capital’s traditional crafts and neighborhood life.
The journey then moves to Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most picturesque feudal castles, before continuing into the Kiso Valley along the Nakasendo Trail—a historic route once traveled by samurai and members of the Japanese nobility. Along this route travelers stay overnight in a traditional minshuku guesthouse and can relax in natural onsen baths, experiencing authentic rural hospitality and regional cuisine.
From the Kiso Valley the tour travels to Takayama, a remote mountain town celebrated for its skilled carpenters and artisans whose woodworking and crafts reflect centuries of local tradition. The itinerary also includes Kanazawa, a well-preserved castle town known for its elegant Edo-period architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, giving visitors ample opportunities to explore traditional neighborhoods and cultural sites.
The tour concludes with two nights in Kyoto, where travelers take part in a cooking class and a market tour to learn about seasonal ingredients and local culinary techniques. Highlights in Kyoto include a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its historic architecture and beautifully painted interiors. Throughout the trip, itineraries can be tailored to match individual interests, whether focusing on history, craft, food or nature.
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