Essential Japan Explorer - 13 Days

4.0Based on

Carbon neutral

13 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

17 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 55 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Ends

Osaka, Japan

Highlights

Tokyo - Create your own sushi with a professional chef, then explore the vibrant districts of Harajuku, Shibuya and the spiritual Meiji Shrine

Shimoyoshida - Hike to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine for stunning views of Mt. Fuji and explore the traditional village of Oshino Hakkai

Shimoda - Cruise around Shimoda Bay, stroll along Perry Road and uncover maritime history at the Museum of Black Ships

Kyoto - Experience a traditional tea ceremony, visit the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu Dera Temple and discover the historic Geisha district of Gion

Hiroshima - Visit the Peace Memorial Museum and A-Bomb Dome to learn about the city’s poignant wartime past

Miyajima - See the famous floating red torii gate and take the Miyajima Ropeway for panoramic views from Mount Misen

Okayama - Wander the Kurashiki Bikan Quarter and admire the landscaped beauty of Korakuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens

Osaka - Explore lively Shinsaibashi shopping district and enjoy a farewell dinner in Japan’s food capital

Miyajima - See the famous floating red torii gate and take the Miyajima Ropeway for panoramic views from Mount Misen

Okayama - Wander the Kurashiki Bikan Quarter and admire the landscaped beauty of Korakuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens

Osaka - Explore lively Shinsaibashi shopping district and enjoy a farewell dinner in Japan’s food capital

Itinerary

Looking to explore Japan’s highlights with a balance of adventure and affordability? The "Essential Japan Explorer - 13 Days" tour is your ticket to discovering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and beyond. Geared toward experienced travelers and seniors, this moderate-level sightseeing journey pairs hostel and guesthouse accommodations with immersive local experiences. Stroll the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo, brave the bustle of Shibuya Crossing, and hike to the towering bronze Buddha of Kotoku-in in Kamakura. Cycle through Kyoto’s atmospheric streets, relax in a Hakone onsen, and reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The USP of this tour lies in its combination of cultural depth and budget-conscious travel, offering unique opportunities like meditation sessions and market explorations, all while ensuring comfort and camaraderie in a small-group setting. This journey is perfect for those who want to see Japan’s best without breaking the bank—or missing out on its authentic spirit.

day 1 - Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! Arrive into either Narita or Haneda International Airport in Tokyo and independently travel by public transport into the city centre where you will be met by your tour leader and the rest of the group at the hostel.

Meet your Adventure Leader at 4:00 PM for a briefing on the itinerary, safety, and group introductions. Afterwards, we head out together for a welcome dinner and some drinks.

Meals:1 Dinner

OverNight:Tokyo

day 2 - Exploring Tokyo

This morning, we'll enjoy a hands-on sushi-making class with a professional chef, where you'll create and dine on your own sushi for lunch.

Later, we head to the Meiji Shrine, which is dedicated to the beloved emperor who defeated the samurai, brought an end to the shogunate, and thrust Japan into the industrial age. We also explore the Harajuku fashion district and pay a visit to the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world: Shibuya.

This evening, consider an optional Kartoon Karting expereince, where you can ride around the streets of Tokyo in a MarioKart experience - must be booked 6 weeks in advance and you need a valid driving license.

Meals:1 Lunch

OverNight:Tokyo

day 3 - Exploring Tokyo Continued

Today begins with a visit to Yanaka Ginza - an old-fashioned shopping street with more than 60 small shops, eateries, and local vendors. After some time to explore, we head to Akihabara, Tokyo's vibrant electronics and anime district. Here we can have a go at some of the arcade games, with just a hint of friendly competition.

You'll have the option to experience a “Maid in Tokyo” café before we make our way as a group to the Asakusa District to visit Sensō-Ji Temple, followed by free time to explore and have lunch. Optional activities include a sumo experience with lunch, a visit to the Sky Tree for panoramic views, a Sumida River Cruise, or the Samurai Museum.

OverNight:Tokyo

day 4 - Mt Fuji Views

Today, we'll embark on a journey from Tokyo to Shimoyoshida. On arrival, we hike up up to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and then take a local bus to Oshino Hakkai (30 mins). Oshino Hakkai is a beautiful and well-known traditional village in the Fuji Five Lakes area. It’s worth visiting in all four seasons, and on clear days, you may even have the chance to see Mt. Fuji from the village itself. There's free time for lunch here and to explore before we make the return journey to Tokyo. The evening is yours to relax or enjoy one last night out in Tokyo, perhaps with farewell drinks at a nearby bar.

OverNight:Tokyo

day 5 - Tokyo to Shimoda

Tokyo - Shimoda. Today we leave Tokyo, taking the train to Shimoda. This afternoon, enjoy an included Shimoda Bay Sightseeing Cruise, which takes us around the bay

with views of the coast - we'll also learn about the history of Shimoda.

Later, we'll explore the traditional stone paved street of Perry Road and visit the Museum of Black Ships, home to more than 3,000 artefacts. We visit the Ryosenji Temple and ride the Shimoda Ropeway for panoramic views over the city and the coast. We then head to our accommodation for the night, where you'll have the chance to experience a traditional Japanese onsen.

OverNight:Shimoda

day 6 - Shimoda to Kyoto

Shimoda - Atami - Kyoto. From Shimoda, we take the train to Atami this morning, a lesser-visited seaside city. There's free time to explore and enjoy some lunch before we continue by bullet train to ancient Kyoto. We'll drop off our luggage on arrival before a short orientation tour. This evening, what better way to start our time in Kyoto than with some karaoke?

OverNight:Kyoto

day 7 - Exploring Kyoto

Learn how to make matcha, the drink that is taking the world by storm, in this morning's included tea ceremony. We then take a stroll around the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu Dera Temple. The ancient temple is perched on the hillsides and offers panoramic views of Kyoto. Enjoy free time for lunch and a wander around Kiyomizu and then enjoy a guided tour of Gion, Kyoto's legendary Geisha district. After a busy day, you've got some free time this afternoon to further explore Kyoto at your own pace.

OverNight:Kyoto

day 8 - Kyoto at Leisure & Calligraphy Class

This morning is at leisure for you to further explore Kyoto at your own pace - perhaps visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest or rise early to hop on the train to Nara.

In the afternoon, master the art of calligraphy with an included lesson.

OverNight:Kyoto

day 9 - Kyoto Cycle, Golden Temple & Hiroshima

Kyoto - Hiroshima. Today we will cycle half day around Kyoto like a local! First, we ride over to a Zen temple where you can discover your inner peace with meditation led by a Buddhist monk, and take part in a tea ceremony.

We then pay a visit to the legendary Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-Ji, one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan.

After this, it's time to say goodbye to Kyoto, as we ride the bullet train west to Hiroshima. There's an optional okonomiyaki dinner this evening.

OverNight:Hiroshima

day 10 - Miyajima & Hiroshima

Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima. Today we make the short ferry trip to Miyajima Island, famous for the iconic red torii gate which appears to float on the water. Enjoy panoramic views of the island as we ride the Miyajima Ropeway cable car to the top of Mount Misen. There's free time for lunch and to further explore before we head back to the mainland.

Back in Hiroshima, we'll pay a sobering but fascinating visit to the Peace Memorial Museum and the A-Bomb Dome to learn more about the atomic bomb attack that occurred here in 1945. An audio guide is included. Your evening is at leisure.

OverNight:Hiroshima

day 11 - Okayama & Osaka

Hiroshima - Okayama - Osaka. This morning, we take the bullet train from Hiroshima to Okayama, where you can opt to store your luggage. From here, we visit the city's Kurashiki Bikan Quarter, a beautifully preserved Edo-period district with canal area, traditional streets lined with coffee shops, local sweets shops or souvenir shops.

We then visit the Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. After our visit, we head back to the train station and complete our journey to Osaka.

OverNight:Osaka

day 12 - Exploring Osaka

Enjoy a short orientation walk of Shinsaibashi, Osaka's lively shopping district. After the tour, the rest of the day is free - why not go and check out the impressive Osaka Castle?

In the evening, we gather as a group for an included farewell dinner (drinks not included).

Meals:1 Dinner

OverNight:Osaka

day 13 - Osaka

Today marks the end of your tour in Osaka. Take the morning to say goodbye to your group and reflect on the amazing adventures you’ve shared. Whether you're heading off to your next destination or making your way back home, we hope you’ve enjoyed your time in Japan!

Please contact us to arrange a train back to Tokyo or additional nights in Osaka.

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What's Included

Accommodation

12 nights hostel dorm rooms (room upgrade available on request, excluding Shimoda and Osaka)

Meals

1 lunch & 2 dinners

Transport

All transportation on public transport

Guide

Escorted by a bi-lingual adventure leader

Others

Sightseeing in Tokyo, Shimoda, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Okayama and Osaka, as per itinerarySushi making class in TokyoAkihabara arcade gamesOshino Hakkai visitShimoda Bay Sightseeing CruiseJapanese tea ceremonyCalligraphy classKyoto cycling tourMiyajima Island visitKurashiki Bikan Quarter & Korakuen Garden in Okayama

Entrance

Entrance fees to all included sites

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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