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Beyond The Backstreets

With Tabi Trails

A Note from Our Team

For years, we have absolutely loved sharing the secret corners of Tokyo and Kyoto with you on our day tours. We’ve walked the narrow alleys, eaten incredible street food, and met wonderful local masters together.  But we often get asked: Where do Japanese guides go when we travel on our own?

To answer that, we decided to create something new for 2026!

 

Welcome to Tabi Trails

Tabi Trails is the next chapter for our team at The Backstreet Guides. We’ve taken everything you love about our day tours, the expert local guides, the hidden secrets, and the friendly atmosphere, and turned them into short, 4-day journeys into the heart of Japan.

 

⤷ Find Out More About Tabi Trails

 

What Makes Tabi Trails Special?

Truly Small Groups: We keep our groups to just 10 to 12 people. It feels less like a big tour bus and more like a road trip with friends.

The Insider’s Path: We are stepping away from the crowded tourist routes. These are the exact pathways, quiet forests, and hidden spots our team visits when we travel for ourselves.

Real Connection: We focus on slow, meaningful experiences. You will do things like hand-making soba noodles in a 200-year-old folk house and staying overnight at a peaceful mountain temple.

Zero Stress: We take care of all the logistics, the driving, and the planning. You just get to relax and enjoy the scenery.

 

Our First Two Journeys

Matsumoto Autumn Trail, Nov 2026: Walk ancient paths, visit family wineries, and explore a stunning 16th-century “Black Castle.”

Fuji 360 Winter Trail, Feb 2027: Experience Mt. Fuji from every angle, try traditional indigo dyeing, and listen to the morning chants of monks.

 

⤷ Find Out More About Tabi Trails

Testimonials

We bring the best experience

See what our past guests say about us. Travelers' Choice Award 2024 & 25!

  • star rating  The Best  - The Backstreet Kyoto Tour was amazing! Our guide Saki was such a knowledgeable and impressive tour guide. We visited and learned about all the major Kyoto sites. Also we had... read more

    avatar thumb Dan R
    October 3, 2025
  • star rating  I had a private tour scheduled when we arrived. We met our guide Mayu. She was So sweet and friendly that half way through the tour i booked her for... read more

    Marcthornton1
    December 4, 2019
  • star rating  Highly recommend this tour with Rie! - Rie was an excellent guide. Besides her knowledge about the sites visited, we learned a lot about Tokyo’s history. Highly recommend!

    avatar thumb Cari L
    October 10, 2025
  • star rating  Outstanding Tour by Rie  - Rie was an outstanding tour guide. She took us to two markets, two shrines, and other fascinating places. She was punctual, knowledgeable, patient with our slow pace of walking, and... read more

    avatar thumb Karen H
    October 16, 2025
  • star rating  Private Day Tour - Tokyo - Rie was the absolute best tour guide!! We thoroughly enjoyed our day, learned so much, and were able to partake in new and authentic experiences. Would recommend to anyone and... read more

    avatar thumb 865courtneyv
    November 2, 2025
  • star rating  Great day in Tokyo  - We had a wonderful day in Tokyo on the Market & Modern Culture tour with our guide, Rie. She showed us the best spots in Tsujiki market that locals... read more

    avatar thumb MTS55305
    March 23, 2026
  • star rating  The BEST Tokyo Guides - This was our second time booking with The Backstreet Guides. We had an amazing private tour with Rie! We were so grateful to have her with us for 3 days.... read more

    avatar thumb Daisy L
    March 31, 2026
  • star rating  Thumbs up Backstreet guides  - Met at our hotel by our guide Rie, we proceeded to travel around Tokyo suburbs trying amazing food,coffee and craft beer. Throw in a few temples,shrines and shops,it's a full... read more

    avatar thumb Curious28322482007
    March 2, 2026
  • star rating  Historic Tokyo Tour  - Our customized trip with Rie was perfect and efficient. Rie fit a lot in for a full city tour and explained so much of the context and history. 10/10 stars.

    avatar thumb 801lorenm
    June 1, 2025
  • star rating  Fabulous Personal Tour  - Great Tour Company. I inquired about a tour and got a response the very next day. As the tour date approached and I realized I needed to revise... read more

    avatar thumb King F
    November 22, 2024

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