In addition to exploring the more popular tourist destinations, venture to the countryside and discover the quiet charm of Japan’s small villages and hill towns. After spending two full days in Tokyo and Nikko, take the bullet train to Nagano; though best known outside Japan as the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics, this picturesque city is treasured by Japanese for its lovely location, surrounded by mountains in the heart of the Japanese Alps. From Nagano, head to Matsumoto, where the chief (but not only) attraction is the famous castle that dates from the 16th century. Continue to Takayama for a two-night stay; Takayama is a traditional old highland town with beautifully preserved wooden homes, teahouses, and shops in the Edo-era architectural style. Spend the following day at Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site that has over 100 intact Gassho-style houses. A night at the Asadaya Ryokan in Kanazawa will give visitors a sense of old Japan, with its traditional stylings and exquisite cuisine. Continue to Kyoto, where you will spend a full day on a private tour of the cultural heart of Japan as well as a morning on a day trip to Nara, famous for Todai-ji Temple and the wild deer that roam the grounds of scenic Nara Park.