Japan Essentials 9 Day Tour

Touch down in Tokyo! Arrive into your Tokyo hostel in the historic Asakusa area to be greeted by your tour guide. Tonight we’ll take you out to feast on Japanese cuisine and meet the rest of your group. After dinner when the crowds have all dispersed, we explore the iconic Tokyo Senso-ji Temple by night!

We’ll start the morning off with a a Japan Orientation Briefing. You’ll learn simple Japanese customs and phrases to help you dictate your way across the country. We’ll then head out to the birth place of Japanese teen pop culture, Harajuku. We’ll then head into Yoyogi Park, host of the beautiful Meiji Shrine.

Afterwards, we’ll head to Akihabara – Tokyo’s electric town – and be blinded by the all the neon lights and crazy shops in store. You can challenge each other in the arcades, check out the famous Maid Cafes or just wander around the area.

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.

Today we take the aptly named “Romance Car” to the stunning mountain town of Hakone. After checking into our hostel in the town of Hakone, we set off taking the train further into the mountains. Why is Hakone so special? Well, not only is the food incredible but you can get a spectacular view of Mt Fuji (weather dependent.) After a day of exploring and taking photos of Japan’s most famous mountain we’ll head back to our guesthouse accommodation before having a family-style dinner with the crew.

Say goodbye to the serenity of Hakone as we make our way to the ancient capital of Japan by bullet train; Kyoto. Check in to our accommodation close to the traditional area, and then we head out to explore the area. In the evening you’ll be guided around Kyoto’s Gion district, known for Geisha’s (Japan’s traditional art form of entertainment), if you are lucky enough, you might even spot one. After our walking tour, we’ll take you to one of the best yakitori (grilled chicken sticks) for an included dinner.

We’ll rise before dawn and take the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. We arrive early to escape the throng of tourists and work our way through the mountain exploring corridors of never ending red gates. After, we will head to Kiyomizu-dera temple, one of Japan’s most famous temples. A stunning bamboo and wooden complex that sits high in the mountain side. You will have the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace. For those of you who would like to experience the traditional side of Japan, you can opt to take part in a tea ceremony and hire a kimono.

The day starts with a train ride to Arashiyama, a town surrounded by mountains and a river running through it. The itinerary includes a visit to the bamboo forest, climbing Monkey Mountain, and an optional traditional Japanese boat ride through the valleys. You will have the afternoon free to explore as you like.

We head to the stunning Golden Pavilion, a beautiful gold laden building surrounded by a lake and traditional Japanese garden. After we’ll head to Daitoku-ji, a quiet, leafy complex of old temples where you can silently reflect on your adventures so far. We then head on to Osaka where in the evening, we explore the famous Dotonbori area. The food, people, lights, and colors of the “kitchen of Japan” will be experienced. Your guide will take you to the best spots for street eats, and you’ll get to taste some of the delicacies which make Osaka such a famous foodie city. Finish up the evening with a night of karaoke and drinks!

It’s time to say goodbye to your group and the new friends you have made from your tour. We hope you’ve loved your Japan experience!