Japan Roads' Rural Discovery Independent Tour will introduce you to rural Japan and her people while staying with a Japanese family. Of course you will see some amazing sights but the point is to sit down and talk with Japanese people, learn how Japanese live, and experience something beyond traditional sightseeing. Our rural home-stay tour will give you stories that you will remember long after your photos have faded.

Destinations:
Himeji - Himeji Castle is one of the best remaining castles in Japan
Kameoka - Home-Stay in Rural town just north of Kyoto
Kyoto - Imperial Japan in a city founded in 794 AD with 17 World Heritage Sites

This 5 night 6 day tour begins and ends in Japan.

The price is US$ 1,825 per person (based on double occupancy) and includes transportation between destinations, accommodations, 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 evening meals. This tour can also be combined with stays at Mt. Koya, Nara or other destinations.

We hope the above has piqued your interest in this tour. If you have any questions or wish to sign up for a tour please Contact Us.

Rural Discovery Tour - Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Himeji - Western Style Hotel - Western Style Room
- Arrive at Kansai International Airport where you will be met by a member of our staff
- Travel to Himeji with our staff
- Stay in a city center hotel

After a long flight to Japan you will be met by one of Japan Roads staff who will take you to Himeji. If your plane arrive early in the day our staff will also take you around Himeji's main attraction, Himeji Castle.

Day 2, 3 and 4 – Kameoka - Home-Stay - Japanese Style Room
- In the afternoon travel by train to Kameoka
- Meet your home-stay

In Kameoka, a picturesque town near Kyoto, you can experience a Japanese home-stay in the home of our cultural liaison. With our liaison as your personal guide, the possibilities are endless: you can explore Kameoka by bicycle or on foot and also learn about Japanese cooking, flower arrangement, pottery, and much, much more. An excellent hostess, guide and cook, our liaison will immediately make you feel at home and will make this home-stay a truly unforgettable experience for you. This is really the best way to experience Japan.

Day 5 – Kyoto - Ryokan Lodging - Japanese Style Room
Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is in this city that the traditional Japanese 'high arts' flourished. For those interested in tea ceremony, calligraphy, poetry, philosophy and religion, Kyoto is the number one place to visit. Numerous temples and shrines are located throughout the city and walking along canals, next to traditional wooden houses and through the small streets really gives you an idea of the ancient Japanese imperial culture. Kyoto is not just about the high arts however. The city is also famous for its crafts: textile, kimono and pottery.

Day 6 – Tour Ends
Today is the last day of the tour. You can either go to the airport to catch your homeward flight, or continue on to other destinations you plan to visit. Please let us know if you need any help in making these arrangements. You are in a good location to visit Mt. Koya or Nara.

Tour Accommodation:
During the tour, you will have the chance to stay in Japanese style rooms as well as Western style rooms. By choosing the best accommodations possible and offering both traditional and modern lodging experiences, Japan Roads aims to give you a deeper insight into life in Japan and make you as comfortable as possible. In particular, the traditional accommodations will allow you to have close personal contact with the Japanese owners and staff of these places, thus deepening your cultural experiences. Also be aware that Japanese rooms do not have chairs so you will be sitting on the tatami mat flooring.

Sample Accommodations (may vary but will be of similar quality)
Himeji: Himeji Castle Hotel (Western Hotel)
Kameoka: Home-Stay Family
Kyoto: Monterey Kyoto (Western Hotel)

Cuisine:
To make sure you get the most out of your visit to Japan, Japan Roads tours offer a wide variety of Japanese cuisine to enjoy. You will have the chance to dine on local specialties as well as traditional gourmet food.

About Independent Tours:
The tour gives you the materials necessary to get to your destinations and see the most interesting sights available, while allowing you the flexibility and freedom to enjoy things at your own pace. We provide you with the train tickets, lodging reservations made in advance, rail and walking maps, general cultural and etiquette tips, a suggested itinerary, explanations and history of the places you will visit, as well as other information you may need. Furthermore, a cell phone provided for the duration of the tour will enable you to contact our office in Japan if you need assistance. Please note that you are responsible for taxi expenses to and from your accommodations.

This 6 day tour begins and ends in Japan.