This once-in-a-lifetime Japan tour will show you the incredible diversity of this amazing island nation. You’ll spend 13 days travelling, from the world’s largest megacity (Tokyo) to ancient temples, bustling seafood markets, and the snow-capped mountains of Shiga Kogen National Park. You will explore Osaka, ride the bullet train, drink sake, and learn how to make sushi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Please note that this tour is recommended for adults 18 to 40+.&nbsp;

Japan discovery | by Intro Travel

Kon’nichiwa and welcome to Tokyo. Today you’ll arrive at one of the world’s busiest, most forward-thinking cities. Check in to your hostel, you’ll then meet up with your travel crew and learn about the adventures to come.&nbsp;

GRIDS UENO

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Today is all about discovering Tokyo. First up, enjoy an included breakfast and visit one of the country’s oldest temples, Senso-ji Temple, before checking out the Meiji Shrine. Colourful, eclectic and fashion-forward Harajuku is up next before we brave the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection.&nbsp;
After dinner we’ll squeeze into one of the impossibly tiny bars in the district of Shinjuku.&nbsp;

Day 2: Arrive in Tokyo temples, culture & tiny bars

The organised chaos of the vast and impressive Tsukiji Fish Market is first on the agenda, as well as a quick included breakfast. We’ll then meet up with a sushi master to try our hand at the art of sushi rolling, before venturing over to the futuristic sights and sounds of Akihabara. Known locally as the ‘Electric City’, it’s famous for its arcades, maid cafes, Japanese photo booths, and all things modern. Today you’ll also enjoy an included lunch, before exploring the local area for dinner.

Day 3: Sushi class & the electric city

Following an included breakfast, today’s the day to experience Japan’s famous bullet train. Shooting out of Tokyo at over 320 km/h this is an exhilirating experience. You will have the chance to perfect your Soba Noodle making skills before enjoying the end product for lunch. Tongiht we will settle into our Ryokan style hostel, where you’ll be sleeping on traditional tatami mats and Japanese style futon bedding.&nbsp;

SHIBU HOTEL

Day 4: Bullet Train Soba Noodles + More

Today, we’ll enjoy an included breakfast and venture into the mountains to spot the region’s famous snow monkeys or Japanese Macaques. These red-faced troublemakers play amongst the trees in the summer months and warm by bathing in the natural hot springs once winter hits. Enjoying the fresh mountain air, we’ll then take our time exploring the gorgeous lakes and forests of the Shiga Kogen National Park.&nbsp;

Day 5: Snow monkeys

After an included breakfast, it’s back on board the bullet train this morning, this time bound for Hakone. Famed for hot springs, natural beauty, and (of course) Mount Fuji, we’ll check in to our fashionable hotel that comes complete with its very own onsen.&nbsp;

EMBLEM FLOW HOTEL

Day 6: Nagano to Hakone

You might not be walking the plank, but you will be exploring Hakone by pirate ship (and cable car) this morning, keeping your eyes peeled for views of snow-capped Mount Fuji. Then, we’ll journey to Osaka and head out to explore the vibrant canal region of Dotonbori. Dinner will be on us, where we’ll fuel up for a night out, Osaka style.&nbsp;

HOTEL WBF NAMBA KUROMON

Day 7: Exploring Hakone

This morning, you’ll have breakfast included and some time to yourself before we head out as a group to visit the 400-year-old Osaka Castle. Looking like something straight out of a fairy tale you’ll struggle not to get house envy as we explore the grounds and hear stories of Japanese history and legends, including the country’s most famous warriors, the Samurai.&nbsp;

IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL

Day 8: Osaka Castle

Today we’ll enjoy a stay overnight in a 1000-year-old Buddhist temple. After a provided breakfast, we’ll leaving Osaka behind to travel to the town of Koyasan, where we’ll be welcomed into the temple by the resident monks. They’ll teach us meditation, serve us their traditional foods, and lead us through a night-time stroll of Japan’s largest cemetery.&nbsp;

EKOIN TEMPLE

Day 9: Buddhist Temple stay

It’s an early start today to watch the Buddhist monks perform their morning prayer ritual and fire ceremony. We’ll then be served breakfast before travelling on to our final destination, Kyoto.&nbsp;
After checking in to our boutique hostel, you’ll have time to yourself to explore Japan’s ancient capital.&nbsp;

PIECE HOSTEL SANJO

Day 10: Koyasan & Kyoto

After breakfast, our first stop today is the green, lush and vibrant Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama. Photos snapped, we’ll then head to the luxurious Golden Pavilion, so named for being covered entirely in gold, before finishing our day in the district of Gion, best known for being the home of Japan’s beautiful and mysterious Geishas.&nbsp;

Day 11: Bamboo forest & the Golden Pavilion

Ending our trip on a high, today after breakfast we’ll visit the famous Torii gates of Fushimi-Inari. One of Japan’s most iconic and photographed shrines, the orange gates stretch all the way up the mountainside. This afternoon, and perhaps saving the best till last, you’ll then learn how to wield a traditional samurai sword under the watchful eye of a sensei, a descendant of the Samurai. Followed by an included dinner.

Day 12: Fushimi-Inari & samurai experience

Your unforgettable 13-day adventure comes to an end today. Those flying home will make their way to the airport or keep living the dream and extend your stay in Kyoto or Japan with our help and the new friends you’ve made.&nbsp;

Summary

Japan discovery | by Intro Travel

Arrive in Tokyo

GRIDS UENO