Itinerary
Day 1:Tokyo
Hotel:
Standard:
Sakura Hostel Asakusa - multishare mixed-gender dorms
Meals:
Breakfast: Excluded; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included
Arrive at the hostel in Tokyo's historic Asakusa area, where the tour guide will welcome you. In the evening, enjoy a Japanese welcome dinner and meet the other members of the group. After dinner, visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple at night, when the daytime crowds have dispersed.
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Tokyo, Japan
One of the 47 prefectures of Japan and has been the capital since 1869. The Greater Tokyo Area is the most populous metropolitan area in the world. It is the seat of the Emperor of Japan, the Japanese government and the National Diet.
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Sensoji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensoji contains a sacred statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Surrounded by imposing gates, a five-story pagoda, and the vibrant stalls of Nakamise Dori, Sensoji is a must-see destination on your trip to Japan.
Day 2:Tokyo
Hotel:
Standard:
Sakura Hostel Asakusa - multishare mixed-gender dorms
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
Begin with a Japan orientation briefing. Continue to Harajuku and Yoyogi Park, home to Meiji Shrine. Later, explore Akihabara, Tokyo's electric town, known for neon lights, electronics shops and maid cafes. Guests interested in street go-karting must arrange it independently in advance and carry an international driving permit.
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Tokyo, Japan
One of the 47 prefectures of Japan and has been the capital since 1869. The Greater Tokyo Area is the most populous metropolitan area in the world. It is the seat of the Emperor of Japan, the Japanese government and the National Diet.
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Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo's most iconic Shinto shrines, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Set in a vast forested area, it offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
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Akihabara
This district in the Chiyoda Ward of Tokyo became the city's major shopping center for household electronic goods, giving it the nickname "Electric Town." It is a center of otaku culture and seeks to replicate the anime world.
Duration: Approx. 1 Hour
Day 3:Tokyo - Shinjuku - Shibuya
Hotel:
Standard:
Sakura Hostel Asakusa - multishare mixed-gender dorms
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
The first half of the day is free. Guests may join an optional sushi-making class or explore Tokyo independently. Later, travel to Shinjuku for skyline views, visit Omoide Yokocho Alley, have dinner and see the famous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing.
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Tokyo, Japan
One of the 47 prefectures of Japan and has been the capital since 1869. The Greater Tokyo Area is the most populous metropolitan area in the world. It is the seat of the Emperor of Japan, the Japanese government and the National Diet.
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Shibuya
Shibuya is a popular shopping and entertainment area found around Shibuya Station. In this regard, Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining and nightclubs. Shibuya is also a center for youth fashion and culture. Its streets are the birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. Numerous department stores and shopping malls can be found around the area catering to all types of shoppers.
Day 4:Hakone(45 km)
Hotel:
Standard:
Gora Gaku Guesthouse - twin or triple tatami mats
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included
Travel by the 'Romance Car' to the mountain town of Hakone and check into the guesthouse. Hakone is known for its food and views of Mt. Fuji, weather permitting. Return to the guesthouse for a family-style dinner.
Day 5:Kyoto
Hotel:
Standard:
Piece Hostel Kyoto - multishare mixed-gender dorm
Meals:
Breakfast: Excluded; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included
Take the bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, and check into the accommodation. In the evening, join a guided walking tour of Kyoto's Gion district, known for geisha culture. After the tour, enjoy an included yakitori dinner at Torikizoku.
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Kyoto, Japan
For over 1,000 years, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan. Today, its economy is based around information technology. It is home to the Nintendo headquarters, one of the world's most popular video game corporations.
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Gion
Gion is the most famous district of Kyoto which reserves many old streets and architectures to feel the old Japanese culture.
Day 6:Kyoto
Hotel:
Standard:
Piece Hostel Kyoto - multishare mixed-gender dorm
Meals:
Breakfast: Excluded; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
Take the subway to Fushimi-Inari Shrine, then visit Kiyomizu-dera, one of Japan's best-known temples. The rest of the day is free to explore Kyoto. Guests may optionally join a tea ceremony and rent a kimono.
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Kyoto, Japan
For over 1,000 years, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan. Today, its economy is based around information technology. It is home to the Nintendo headquarters, one of the world's most popular video game corporations.
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Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilions torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought the Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds.
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is a historic temple in Kyoto famous for its wooden terrace offering panoramic city views, especially stunning during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Day 7:Arashiyama
Hotel:
Standard:
Piece Hostel Kyoto - multishare mixed-gender dorm
Meals:
Breakfast: Excluded; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
Travel by train to Arashiyama, a scenic town surrounded by mountains and a river. Visit the bamboo forest and climb Monkey Mountain. A traditional Japanese boat ride through the valleys may be available as an optional activity. The afternoon is free to explore. Guests who booked the Samurai and Ninja Museum can visit the museum and view historical artefacts.
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Kyoto, Japan
For over 1,000 years, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan. Today, its economy is based around information technology. It is home to the Nintendo headquarters, one of the world's most popular video game corporations.
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Arashiyama
Arashiyama is the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto. Itâs filled with temples and shrines, but the star attraction is the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
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Nagano Prefecture, Japan
This Japanese Prefecture is a mountainous region, leaving limited space for residential areas. The region hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics because it is highly regarded as a winter sports destination.
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Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park) is one of the habitats of a population of Japanese macaques, and visitors have the opportunity to view these illusive creatures up close. During winter months, you can even see them soaking in the area's hot springs to keep warm.
Day 8:Kyoto - Osaka
Hotel:
Standard:
Grand Hostel LDK Osaka Shinsaibashi - multishare mixed-gender dorms
Meals:
Breakfast: Excluded; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Included
Visit the Golden Pavilion, followed by Daitoku-ji, a peaceful complex of historic temples and gardens. Later, travel to Osaka and explore Dotonbori, experiencing the food, crowds, lights and energy of the 'kitchen of Japan.' The evening concludes with karaoke and drinks.
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Kyoto, Japan
For over 1,000 years, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan. Today, its economy is based around information technology. It is home to the Nintendo headquarters, one of the world's most popular video game corporations.
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Daitoku-ji Temple Complex
Daitoku-ji is a sprawling Zen temple complex in Kyoto renowned for its exquisite rock gardens, tea ceremony culture, and serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplative exploration.
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Kinkaku-ji
The name of this Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto translates to the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion." It sits on a beautiful, tranquil lake. It was originally built in 1397 and rebuilt after a 1950 arson.
Duration: Approx. 40 Minutes
Day 9:Osaka
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
The tour ends in Osaka. Say farewell to the tour group and continue with your onward travel.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Welcome dinner
Guided visits and entrance fees to Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), Gion District, Fushimi-Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain, Golden Pavilion, Daitoku-ji, and Osaka food tour
Meals as specified in ititnerary
Bullet train, subways, Romance Car
All transportation between destinations and to/from included activities
8 Nights hotel accommodation
Price Excludes
Airport transfers
Japan Rail Pass
Personal expenses
Optional activities
Additional Notes
What is the age range of the tour? The tour is designed for travellers aged 18-45. Most guests are between 21 and 35 years old.
Which airport should I fly into? You may fly into Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND). Airport pick-up is not included.
Is there much free time in each location? Yes. The Japan Essentials itinerary includes substantial free time for independent exploration or time with other travellers.
Do I need to purchase a Japan Rail Pass? No. The tour operator arranges the included transport, and a Japan Rail Pass is not required.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated? Strict dietary requirements may be difficult to accommodate in some parts of Japan. The operator recommends using the HappyCow app and asking the tour guide for local advice.
How long are the travel times? The longest travel period is approximately four hours. On one day, there may be two train journeys of two to three hours each, with a 30-minute connection.
Do optional activities need to be booked in advance? Yes. Booking at least 30 days before departure is recommended because availability is limited.
Accommodation Note All accommodation is listed as 'or similar' and may change.