Japan Adventure 17 Day is an incredible way to see all the highlights of Japan and some hidden gems!
From the neon lights of buzzing Tokyo to ancient temples on snowy mountain tops, Japan is a feast for the senses and INTRO is the most amazing way to experience it! You’ll walk the streets of one of the world’s busiest and most futuristic cities, watch monkeys bathe in hot springs, roll your own sushi, visit ancient shrines and castles, get taught to wield a sword by a Samurai master, stay overnight with monks in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple, learn about Hiroshima’s history, visit the local deer in Nara and Miyajima and much more! With an awesome group leader from the moment you arrive at the hotel, an instant group of friends and help with all your onward travel. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
WELCOME TO TOKYO! - TOKYO
Welcome to Tokyo! Once you arrive and check in at the hostel you’ll then have plenty of time to recover from your flight and relax before you meet everyone in your group.
TOKYO & NIGHTLIFE - TOKYO
First up is a visit to the Senso-ji Temple; Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, before heading over to the Meiji Shrine. Next up we discover colourful Harajuku as well as the iconic Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest intersection!) Later tonight we’ll experience some of Japan’s quirky restaurants and hilariously tiny bars in Shinjuku.
SUSHI CLASS & THE ELECTRIC CITY - TOKYO
We are starting our day with full bellies, learning the art of sushi rolling by a sushi master. Next up, we’ll be exploring Tokyo with a bit of free time, followed by the futuristic sounds of Akihabara. This ‘Electric City’ is famous for its arcades, maid cafes, Japanese photo booths and game centres.
BULLET TRAIN, ORIGAMI AND ONSENS - NAGANO
It’s time to experience the 200mph famous bullet train! We’ll reach Nagano just in time to try out the ancient art of origami, then take a relaxing dip in an Onsen (a volcanic hot spring)! This evening we’ll live like the locals and settle in to our traditional Japanese Ryokan, sleeping on tatami mats and comfy futon bedding.
NOODLES, MOUNTAINS & SNOW MONKEYS - NAGANO
This morning we’ll dive deeper into Japanese cuisine, by learning to roll our own soba noodles. We’ll then venture out into the mountains, spotting the region’s famous snow monkeys, also known as Japanese Macaques. These red-faced troublemakers play amongst the trees in summer & warm by bathing in the natural hot springs in winter. We’ll then take our time exploring the gorgeous lakes and forests of Shiga Kogen National Park (summer), enjoying the fresh mountain air.
NAGANO TO HAKONE - HAKONE
Today we’ll shoot off again by bullet train to the stunning Hakone, a spot famous in Japan for it’s jaw dropping views of Mount Fuji.
EXPLORING HAKONE - OSAKA
We’ll spend the morning exploring the stunning region of Hakone by pirate ship and cable car, where on a clear day you’ll have unrivalled views of Mount Fuji. Next up is Osaka, where we’ll head out for a BBQ dinner on us and fuel up for a night out, Osaka style. Get ready to bust out some karaoke classics!
OSAKA CASTLE - OSAKA
Spend the morning relaxing or exploring Osaka’s awesome shopping. Later we’ll visit the incredible Osaka Castle, first built over 400 years ago. Here we’ll learn about Japanese history and Japan’s ancient warriors, the Samurai. We’ll finish up by heading over to Dotonburi, Osaka’s famous canal region and home to some of the best food in the country!
BUDDHIST TEMPLE STAY - KOYASAN
We head back to the mountains today for a once in a lifetime experience – staying overnight in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple in the fascinating town of Koyasan. Here we’ll be taught meditation by the monks and served their traditional cuisine. Later we’ll have a night-time stroll through Japan’s largest cemetery.
KOYASAN & KYOTO - KYOTO
Today we wake up early for an unforgettable experience – watching the Buddhist monks perform their morning prayer service and fire ceremony. We will be served the traditional breakfast by the monks before travelling to our last destination, Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. Tonight we get to learn about Japan’s mysterious Geishas with a tour of Gion.
BAMBOO FOREST & THE GOLDEN PAVILION - KYOTO
Make sure your phone’s charged today! First up is the Instagram famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, perfect for shots surrounded by the towering bamboo. We then head to the beautiful Golden Pavilion. Tonight’s a free evening to hit up a sushi restaurant, find a bar, or challenge your mates to a round of bowling or games in the arcades.
FUSHIMI-INARI & SAMURAI EXPERIENCE - KYOTO
Today the endless Torii gates of Fushimi- Inari await! One of Japan’s most iconic shrines will blow you away as we explore the winding trails of the ancient mountain. In the afternoon, we will be taught how to wield a traditional sword by a Samurai master who’s dedicated their life to the art of the sword. Experience the finesse of these weapons as you channel your inner warrior and slice through rolled bamboo.
TEA CEREMONY & NARA - KYOTO
This morning, we’ll wander through the charming neighborhood of Sannenzaka before diving into Japanese culture with a traditional tea ceremony. After enjoying our matcha, we’ll hop on a local train and spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens and temples of Nara. Known for its impressive Buddha statue, Nara is also famous for its friendly, bowing deer. After making some new friends, we’ll head back to Kyoto in the evening to prepare for our next adventure.
TRAVEL TO HIROSHIMA, PEACE MEMORIAL MUSEUM & ATOMIC DOME - HIROSHIMA
Today, we’re heading further south to Hiroshima on the bullet train. Once we get there, we’ll check out the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, along with the Atomic Bomb Dome, which commemorate the tragic bombings of 1945. As we stroll through the park, we’ll stop at memorials dedicated to the victims. While the stories might be tough to hear, they’re an important part of modern history that will deepen our understanding of Japanese society today.
MIYAJIMA ISLAND - HIROSHIMA
Known as one of Japan's most beautiful spots, we’ll hop on a ferry to Itsukushima, aka Miyajima Island, to check out the iconic floating Torii Gate in the bay. With temples, friendly deer, and lots of hiking trails, we can explore the island at our own pace. Later tonight, let’s dig into Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki and maybe hunt down a cozy whiskey bar.
BACK TO OSAKA - OSAKA
We're heading back to Osaka on the bullet train for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Tonight, we're off to explore Shinsekai, the 'New World,' a retro neighborhood in downtown Osaka packed with quirky restaurants and izakayas. We'll raise a glass and 'kanpai' to the epic trip we’ve had together!
DEPART OSAKA OR CONTINUE YOUR TRAVELS - OSAKA
Your amazing 17 day adventure comes to an end. You can either check out and make your way back home, stay on longer in Osaka or continue your travels in Japan.
Return to Tokyo options available.
:strip_metadata()/https%3A%2F%2Ftr2storage.blob.core.windows.net%2Fpaymentlogos%2FPQMDipO7JCPn2yEWc7-3FKskixvtc7iWKY.png)