Japan

Northern Japan: Ancient History and Scenic Beauty

Program No. 23090RJ
Experience a uniquely beautiful side of Japan as you venture back to its roots through ancient temples, elaborate shrines, and colorful gardens on expert-led excursions.

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At a Glance

Tucked in the shadows of silver skyscrapers and swept aside by bustling city dwellers live the ancient traditions that are sometimes forgotten amidst Japan’s modern lifestyle. Take a step back and enjoy Northern Japan’s famously colorful landscapes as you explore winding stone pathways that lead to a rich history of indigenous people who settled here centuries ago. Learn from local historians as you travel through wildflower gardens leading to intricate shrines and discover temples once belonging to monks in ascetic retreat. Time stands still as you experience a side of Japan few have seen and learn about the ancient history and untouched beauty that blends into the modern country we know today.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to 5 miles daily.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore the intricate shrine complex in Nikko and learn the history behind them with local experts.
  • Follow the route of the famous Edo-period poet, Matsuo Basho on a boat ride to Matsushima, one of the most beautiful places in Japan.
  • Discover one of the most elaborately decorated Buddhist structures in the country, the Chuson-ji temple.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
John McBride
After studying in Japan and Australia, John McBride began his career at the Australia-Japan Research Centre/Australian National University. He joined Ansett Australia and later became Chief Executive of News Corporation Japan. Returning to live in Sydney, John has continued his interest in matching texts about ancient, natural, and contemporary history with walking in both Australia and Japan. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his support of Australia-Japan cultural and business links, and for supporting young artists and arts institutions.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of John McBride
John McBride View biography
After studying in Japan and Australia, John McBride began his career at the Australia-Japan Research Centre/Australian National University. He joined Ansett Australia and later became Chief Executive of News Corporation Japan. Returning to live in Sydney, John has continued his interest in matching texts about ancient, natural, and contemporary history with walking in both Australia and Japan. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his support of Australia-Japan cultural and business links, and for supporting young artists and arts institutions.
Profile Image of Kathleen Aoki
Kathleen Aoki View biography
Kathleen Aoki majored in Latin American Studies, but an opportunity to teach English in Japan led her to discover her second home — Nagasaki. A twenty-five career at a major Japanese electronics manufacturer in Tokyo followed, where Kathleen learned the business culture of corporate Japan. During this time she married, raised a family and did her stint of PTA duty. With her kids almost grown, Kathleen decided to begin a career as an instructor making the most of her interest in travel and knowledge of Japan.
Profile Image of Shima Enomoto
Shima Enomoto View biography
Shima Enomoto was born and raised in Tokyo. She has a master’s from Columbia Business School, working in finance at global investment banks for twenty years. Wishing to spend more time with her family, Shima relocated to Durham, N.C., where her husband was a professor at Duke University. While living abroad, Shima realized she wanted to share her home country with others, joining Walk Japan in 2013 and Road Scholar in 2016. She loves promoting the appreciation and consumption of sake when in the U.S.
Profile Image of Kaori Irwin
Kaori Irwin View biography
Kaori was born in Kyoto City and lived in Gifu and Aomori Prefectures in her youth. She showed great interest in foreign cultures from an early age and studied English literature and education at Kansai Gaidai, a university in Osaka. She lives on the outskirts of Yamagata City with her Northern Irish husband; she has taught English at the secondary level and established a private English language school. She has a great love of cooking which stems from her days helping in her parents' restaurant.
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