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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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • 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.
  • Learn about the traditional festival culture of Japan through a visit to the Wa Rasse museum in Aomori

General Notes

Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian diets - The notion of vegetarianism is not commonly practised nor understood in Japan. Due to the essential and widespread use of dashi stock throughout Japanese cooking, which typically uses fish, or other stock with meat as its base, Road Scholar is unable to provide strict vegetarian or vegan meals on tour. With notice we will try to replace any fish or meat dishes with alternatives but we cannot replace dashi stock. Gluten Free diets - While Japanese culture is based above all on rice, gluten is found in certain ingredients throughout Japanese cuisine, most notably in soy sauce and miso. Although it may be possible to omit certain items that obviously contain gluten, such as bread or noodles, unfortunately Road Scholar is unable to provide fully gluten-free meals due to the use of certain staples that serve as the basis of so many dishes in Japanese cuisine.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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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 Yoko Ozawa
Yoko Ozawa View biography
Yoko Ozawa was born and raised in a suburb of Tokyo. She first traveled overseas as a university student staying in San Francisco. After a career at a securities company, Yoko decided to become a Japanese language teacher. She worked in Australia for two years, and upon returning to Japan, she took up studies at Yokohama National University and graduated with an M.A. in language education. Yoko and her family have lived overseas, for four years in the UK and another four in the U.S.A.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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