Japan Essentials – 9 Days

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9 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

22 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 45 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

Explore the endless incredible gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine without the crowds

Stroll down the famous bamboo forest

Stay in Hakone and seek out the incredible Mount Fuji

Marvel at Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion

Itinerary

Curious about Japan but want flexibility and great value? The "Japan Essentials – 9 Days" tour is built for young adults, combining the support of experienced guides with the freedom to shape your own adventure. Wander Tokyo’s vibrant markets, sample street food, and connect with fellow travelers from around the world. Highlights include iconic bullet train journeys, hostel stays, and a rich itinerary balancing must-see landmarks with hidden gems. The unique draw of this trip is its blend of affordability and autonomy, letting you dive into Japanese culture at your own pace while enjoying the camaraderie of a small group tour.

day 1 - Welcome to Japan! Tokyo Time

Your Japan adventure kicks off in Tokyo's historic Asakusa district! Drop your bags at tonights hostel and meet your guide, who'll introduce you to your new travel family over an epic Japanese feast.

As night falls and the crowds thin out, experience a traveller's secret: Senso-ji Temple after dark. The iconic red lanterns and ancient architecture hit different when they're lit up at night - perfect for your first taste of Tokyo's magic.

Accommodation: Multishare (mixed gender) dorms - Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Activities: Welcome Dinner, Senso-Ji Temple

Free Time Suggestions: Tokyo Skytree

Meals: Dinner

Physical Rating: Low

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Explore Tokyo, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park & Akihabara

Kick off your morning with a Japan Orientation Briefing, where you will learn about simple Japanese customs and phrases. After that, you will head to Harajuku, the birthplace of Japanese teen pop culture, followed by a visit to Yoyogi Park, which houses the beautiful Meiji Shrine.

Later in the day, you will be heading to Akihabara, also known as Tokyo's electric town. Here, you will be amazed by the neon lights and the variety of shops around the area. You can engage in arcade games, explore the famous Maid Cafes, or simply wander around the town. For those of you who want to try street go-karting*, this will be your chance! Take to the streets in a go-kart while wearing your favorite character costume.

*Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability. Customers needs to send their international driver's license at least 7 days before your tour, translated to English or Japanese.

Accommodation: Multishare (mixed gender) Dorms - Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Activities: Japan Orientation, Tokyo Districts

Free Time Suggestions: Maid Cafe

Meals: Breakfast

Physical Rating: Medium/High

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Explore Tokyo & Shibuya evening

This trip is all about travelling your way... So you have the first half of the day to yourself! Your guide will be available to assist you with your plans, but you could attend a sushi-making class*, visit the Imperial Palace, or simply wander around this enchanting city. Later in the evening, you will travel to Shinjuku, where you can take in an unparalleled view of Tokyo's skyline, explore the famous Omoide Yokocho Alley and have dinner before observing the iconic Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing.

*Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability.

Accommodation: Multishare (mixed) Dorms - Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Activities: Shibuya Crossing, city walks

Optional Extras: Sushi Class

Free Time Suggestions: TeamLab

Meals: Breakfast

Physical Rating: Medium

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Hakone, Mt Fuji Viewing & Romance Car

Today, you will embark on a journey to the beautiful mountain town of Hakone by taking the "Romance Car." On your arrival, you will check into your guesthouse and then take a train deeper into the mountains to explore.Hakone is known for its delicious food and offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). After a day of exploring and taking pictures of Japan's most famous mountain, you will return to your guesthouse for a family-style dinner.

If you have asthma or a respiratory condition, it is best to avoid the brief visit to Owakudani. Please speak to your guide for alternative arrangements.

Accommodation: Twin or Triple Tatami Mats - Gora Gaku Guesthouse

Activities: Mt Fuji Viewing

Free Time Suggestions: N/A

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Physical Rating: Medium

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

day 5 - To Kyoto! Gion District Walking Tour & Yakitori

Say goodbye to the peaceful surroundings of Hakone, you will take the bullet train journey to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. On your arrival, you will check into your accommodation, which is conveniently located near the traditional area. After settling in, you will set out to explore the surrounding neighbourhood. In the evening, you will be accompanied by a guide on a walking tour of Kyoto's Gion district. This area is famous for its Geishas, the traditional art form of entertainment in Japan. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one. After the walking tour, you will be treated to a delicious dinner at one of the best yakitori (grilled chicken sticks) places in town, which is included in your tour.

Accommodation: Multishare (mixed gender) dorm - Piece Hostel Kyoto

Activities: Gion District Walking Tour

Free Time Suggestions: Geisha Performance

Meals: Dinner at Torikizoku

Physical Rating: Medium

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals:Dinner

day 6 - Kyoto, Kiyomizu-Dera & Fushimi-Inari

You will wake up before dawn and take the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. You and your group will arrive early to avoid the huge crowds of tourists and explore the winding corridors of the red gates that seem to go on forever. After that, you will head towards Kiyomizu-dera temple, which is one of Japan's most famous temples, and an absolute must-see. It is a breathtaking bamboo and wooden complex that sits high on the mountainside. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your own pace. If you want to experience the traditional side of Japan, you can choose to participate in a tea ceremony* and rent a kimono.

*Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability.

Accommodation: Multishare (mixed gender) dorm - Piece Hostel Kyoto

Activities: Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari Shrine

Optional Extras: Kimono Hire, tea ceremony

Free Time Suggestions: Nishiki Market

Meals: N/A

Physical Rating: Medium/High

Accommodation: Hostel

day 7 - Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain

Your day will start with a train ride to Arashiyama, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and a river flowing through it. Today's itinerary includes a visit to the stunning bamboo forest, a climb up Monkey Mountain, and an optional traditional Japanese boat ride through the valleys. You will have the afternoon free to explore the town at your leisure. If you've opted for the Samurai and Ninja Museum*, get ready to dive into history and discover rare artefacts.

*Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability.

Accommodation: Multishare (mixed gender) dorm – Piece Hostel Kyoto

Activities: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain

Optional Extras: Samurai and Ninja Museum

Free Time Suggestions: Arashiyama traditional boat

Meals: NA

Physical Rating: Medium/High

Accommodation: Hostel

day 8 - Golden Pavilion, Zen Garden, Osaka Food Walk

You will head to the breathtaking Golden Pavilion, a stunning building covered in gold and surrounded by a lake and a beautiful traditional Japanese garden. After that, you will visit the peaceful Daitoku-ji, a complex of old temples nestled in a leafy area where you can reflect on your adventures so far in a serene environment. Later, you will be exploring the famous Dotonbori area in Osaka, where you will experience the food, the people, the lights, and the vibrant colours of the "kitchen of Japan." Your guide will show you the best spots for street food, and you will have the chance to taste some of the delicacies that make Osaka such a renowned foodie city. The evening will finish with a night of karaoke and drinks.

Accommodation: Multishare (mixed gender) Dorm – Grand Hostel LDK Osaka Shinsaibashi

Activities: Golden Pavilion, Zen Garden visit, Osaka Food Tour, Karaoke

Free Time Suggestions: Heian Shrine

Meals: Dinner

Physical Rating: Medium

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals:Dinner

day 9 - Departure

It’s time to bid farewell to your tour group and the new friends you’ve made on this journey. We hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed your experience in Japan!

Accommodation: N/A

Activities: N/A

Free Time Suggestions: N/A

Meals: Breakfast

Physical Rating: N/A

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

4 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners8 nights of accommodationAll transport during the tour including bullet train, subways, Romance Car & more (Airport transfers Day 1 & 9 excl.)Your unbeatable, legendary tour leader13 included, 5 optional extras* over 3 locations

Optional Add-ons Available during check-out

What's Excluded

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