Bangkok, Thailand (March 6, 2014) - Backyard Travel, the online boutique travel agency specializing in unique and insider tours to Asia, has just revealed details of a new trip taking travelers through the enchanting - and sometimes eccentric - artsy areas of Japan.

The ten-day, nine-night tour moves from Tokyo through Kyoto, Naoshima - dubbed 'Japan's Art Island' and finally Osaka, providing unique opportunities for travelers to unveil many aspects of Japan through various cultural experiences.

In Tokyo the tour offers the opportunity to unearth the old and embrace the new, moving around destinations that reflect Japan's past and present. Trip takers can visit the Shitamachi region and feel the echoes of the ancient Edo period before investigating the cutting edge 'Art District' in Roppongi.

The insightful Japan tour takes a look behind the scenes of the intriguing world of Sumo, an intrinsic part of Japanese culture with a visit to one of the top heyas (sumo 'stables') in Ryogoku to see the giant fighters train. 

Travelers can then discover another quintessential part of Japanese culture during a private session with one of Japan's most respected swordsmen and movie choreographer Tetsuro Shimaguchi as they learn about samurai.

In Kyoto travelers will have their imagination awakened by stunning architecture from ancient eras with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Daitoku-ji Zen Temple and Kiyomizu Temple.

They'll then have the chance to embrace local culture further at a meeting with a professional kimono dresser who will demonstrate how to wear the classic national dress. Travelers can also observe a traditional tea ceremony to study the symbolism of the charming ritual.

On Naoshima (nicknamed 'Japan's Art Island') you'll discover a former fishing village converted into a unique hub for Japan's most exciting artists. The enthralling tour climaxes in Osaka, still regarded as Japan's second most important city and home to many of the country's most important cultural landmarks as well as being renowned for boasting some of the best gastronomy in the country.

"Many travelers yearn to visit Japan because of the captivating culture they've seen in media and art," said Backyard Travel's General Manager Maeve Nolan. "This tour is designed to not only show travelers the spectacular artsy areas, but also allows them the chance to unearth society secrets through genuine experiences such as observing sumo training, taking part in a traditional tea ceremony and sword fighting class." 

Prices for the new Backyard Travel Japan tour start from US$4,105 per person (based on two sharing). For more information, please contact Maeve Nolan at info@backyardtravel.com.

About Backyard Travel

Bangkok based Backyard Travel is an online travel company specializing in tailor-made tours to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Japan and China. For more information about Backyard Travel, visit www.backyardtravel.com or Facebook page www.facebook.com/BackyardTravel.