Essential Japan Tour: 18-35s
10-day Essential Japan Tour
Tour Highlights
Explore the neighbourhoods of Tokyo
Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Museum
Take a walking tour around Kyoto’s Gion district
Discover Samurai history in Kanazawa
Visit a kaiten-zushi restaurant in Osaka
Package Details
Fill up on sushi and shopping in Tokyo before exploring up Kanazawa’s Samurai culture. Discover the Peace Park and Museum in Hiroshima, search for geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district and wander the restaurant packed streets of Osaka. This 10-day adventure includes 7 nights hostel accommodation, 2 nights family guesthouse and 1 dinner.
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What's Included?
- 5 nights multi-share hostel, 2 nights pod hostel, 2 nights family guesthouse
- 1 dinner
- All local transport by Public Bus, Metro, Train, Bullet Train
- All listed activities
Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo
- Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a walk around one of Tokyo’s most popular hubs. Then, you might like to join your new travel companions for an optional dinner.
Day 2 Tokyo
- Explore the Shibuya area this morning including one of the busiest intersections in the world at Shibuya station and visit the statue of the famous loyal dog, Hachiko. Visit a depachika food hall, before a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine and Harajuku – the home of quirky youth pop culture. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your onwn pace.
Day 3 Kanazawa
- This morning, hop on a bullet train to Kanazawa, the home of the Samurai. Explore the beautifully preserved Samurai and Geisha districts, historic temples and awesome markets at your leisure this afternoon and evening.
Day 4 Kanazawa
- Discover Kanazawa this morning, on a walking tour of the Higashi Chaya district and wander through the narrow streets and traditional Chaya houses. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Why not try a traditional tea ceremony at one of the local tea houses?
Day 5 Kyoto
- Take a scenic train ride through the Japanese Alps to Kyoto, the former imperial capital. With over 2,000 temples, shrines, and gardens, Kyoto is one of Japan's most beautiful cities and offers endless opportunities for exploration. Make the most of the efficient bus network to visit key sites, such as the Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nijo Castle. In the early evening, join your group leader for a stroll through the Gion district, the heart of Kyoto's Geisha culture.
Day 6 Kyoto
- This morning, join your guide for a walk through the wooded hills of Inari Mountain, renowned for its Shinto 'fox temple' and striking red torii gates – a photographer's paradise. The afternoon is yours to explore, be sure to sample some of the city's famous Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) or explore the bustling Nishiki food market.
Day 7 Hiroshima
- Travel by bullet train this morning to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you to the Peace Park and the A-Bomb Dome ruins – one of 11 structures partially preserved as a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. As well as various monuments, the Peace Park features a poignant museum dedicated to Hiroshima and global peace. The afternoon is free for you to relax, or further explore the city. In the evening, try Hiroshima’s renowned dish, okonomiyaki – a savory pancake made with cabbage, meat, or seafood, cooked right in front of you on a sizzling hotplate.
Day 8 Hiroshima
- Take a local train and ferry to the nearby island of Miyajima, home to the iconic 'floating' Torii Gate and the magnificent Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Hike through the forest to the summit of Mt. Misen for breathtaking views of the Inland Sea. Back in Hiroshima, enjoy a free evening to relax or explore at your leisure.
Day 9 Osaka
- Travel by bullet train to Osaka, Japan's unofficial culinary capital, where narrow streets are packed with restaurants and bars offering local delicacies. Upon arrival, join a guided walking tour of the Dotombori district, renowned for its shopping and entertainment. At night, the area comes alive with the glow of hundreds of neon lights! You might also consider a taiko drum lesson or a visit to a traditional Japanese Onsen. For dinner, try takoyaki (grilled octopus), a local specialty or visit a kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant.
Day 10 Osaka
- After check-out say goodbye to your new friends and return home. If you would like to extend your stay in Osaka, just ask when you are booking.