Discover Hidden Rural Japan An Exclusive Journey to Toyohashi

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Tokyo Station Marunouchi Ekimae Hiroba

   Your friendly guide will meet you at your hotel in central Tokyo in the morning. (If your hotel is located outside our designated pick-up area, we may still be able to arrange a pick-up for an additional fee.) Together, you will travel by subway or local train to Tokyo Station to board Japan's world-famous Shinkansen (bullet train). Sit back, relax, and enjoy the smooth, comfortable ride aboard one of the fastest trains in the world. You will travel on the Hikari Shinkansen, a high-speed service that skips many intermediate stations, allowing for a swift journey to Toyohashi. The ride takes approximately 80 minutes, offering a comfortable and scenic introduction to your adventure beyond Tokyo.

   90 minutes here · Admission included

2. Toyohashi Station East Exit Square Pedestrian Deck

   Located about 300 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Toyohashi has long been an important gateway between eastern and western Japan. During the feudal era, the city developed around Yoshida Castle, where samurai lords guarded the historic Tokaido route connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. Today, Toyohashi remains one of Japan's true hidden gems, rarely visited by international travelers. Away from the crowds, the region offers beautiful natural scenery, historic landmarks, and authentic cultural experiences. Accompanied by your friendly National Licensed Guide Interpreter, who was born and raised in this region, you will discover remarkable places that few visitors ever have the opportunity to see. These are genuine local treasures that cannot be found in typical guidebooks or on social media, offering a rare glimpse into the authentic heart of Japan.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Iwaya Kannon-do Temple

   According to tradition, the original temple was founded at the foot of the hill in the 8th century by the renowned Buddhist monk Gyoki. During the samurai era, a statue of Kannon (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) was enshrined on the top of the hill. For centuries, it has been worshipped by travelers, as the statue was visible from the historic Tokaido highway connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. Upon arriving at Toyohashi Station, your guide will arrange a private vehicle and drive you to the city's historical and cultural sites. Enjoy a short hike up the hill to reach the temple, where you will be rewarded with a close-up view of the impressive Kannon statue and peaceful surroundings.

   30 minutes here

4. Imo Swamp

   Imou Bog is a small yet remarkably diverse wetland, home to a wide variety of native wildflowers, plants, insects, and birds. Wooden boardwalks and peaceful walking trails wind through shallow ponds and gentle streams, allowing visitors to experience the changing beauty of the seasons up close. Unlike Oze Marsh, Japan's most famous wetland, Imou Bog remains quiet and largely undiscovered, with very few visitors and almost no international tourists. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility of nature, listen to the sounds of birds and flowing water, and experience the peaceful beauty of rural Japan away from the crowds.

   40 minutes here

5. If weather conditions permit, you will experience one of Toyohashi's most charming local traditions: the Ushikawa Ferry (Ushikawa-no-Watashi). This small wooden ferry, powered entirely by a boatman using a long pole, has connected the two sides of the Toyokawa River for generations where no nearby bridge exists. Even today, local residents and students regularly use the ferry as part of their daily commute. Crossing the river aboard this simple, human-powered boat offers a rare opportunity to experience a piece of everyday Japan that has remained largely unchanged for decades—a peaceful and authentic journey that few visitors ever have the chance to enjoy.

   40 minutes here

6. Toyohashi City Hall Observation Lobby

   With a population of approximately 360,000, Toyohashi is a vibrant regional city and home to around 22,000 international residents, many of whom have roots in Brazil and Peru. From the observation deck of Toyohashi City Hall, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the surrounding low mountains, and, on clear days, even the Pacific Ocean. Nearby, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy one of Toyohashi's local specialties, such as Toyohashi Curry Udon or Dengaku, a traditional dish featuring grilled tofu topped with a savory miso glaze. (Lunch is optional.)

   60 minutes here

7. Toyohashi Station East Exit Square Pedestrian Deck

   It is now time to return to Tokyo aboard the Hikari Shinkansen. While waiting on the platform, you may have the chance to witness the Nozomi Shinkansen speeding through the station without stopping—a spectacular sight as it passes at remarkable speed. The journey back to Tokyo Station takes approximately 80 minutes. Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you by subway or local JR train and drop you off at the station nearest your hotel, bringing your journey to a comfortable conclusion.

   90 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 6 travelers per booking

Operated by

Japan Gray Line

Know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• A subway or local JR train will be used after picking you up at your hotel, and the same applies for the drop-off service.
• If your hotel is situated outside our designated pick-up range and alternative transportation, such as a subway, is not feasible, guests are responsible for covering the fare. This includes the cost for both the guide's transportation to the first destination and from the last destination back to your hotel.
• Due to weather condition or other operational reasons, the itinerary may be subject to change or certain visits may be omitted or substituted. Even in such circumstances, the tour may not be canceled, and the tour fare will not be refunded.

Photos