Our journey begins in Tokyo. You can arrive at any time; our tour leader will greet you at the hotel, where you’ll have the chance to meet the other members of your group. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll kick off our adventure with a group dinner at the authentic Ameyoko Market, where we’ll savor local specialties and get to know each other. After dinner, we’ll explore Senso-ji Temple by night, taking in its magical atmosphere.
ACCOMMODATION
Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa Hotel or similar
Twin rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Group meet up & evening walk
Visit to Ameyoko Market
Senso-ji Temple by night
Today we’ll explore Tokyo like true insiders. We’ll start with a stroll through Yoyogi Park, followed by a visit to the Meiji Shrine, where the beauty of cherry blossoms or autumn leaves may add a seasonal touch. We’ll wander through the vibrant streets of Harajuku, where we’ll likely encounter colorful cosplayers bringing their favorite anime and manga characters to life. The day continues in bustling Shibuya, one of the coolest and most futuristic areas in Tokyo. We’ll admire the stunning city views from Shibuya Sky and walk through streets filled with giant screens, game centers, and neon lights. We’ll wrap up the day in Shinjuku, where we’ll squeeze into tiny bars to enjoy some sake with the locals!
ACCOMMODATION
Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa Hotel or similar
Twin rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Full day exploration: Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku
Shibuya Sky visit
Night out in local tiny bars
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION
Subway
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast
We’ll bid farewell to Tokyo and hop on a Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka – the food capital of Japan! We’ll check into a capsule hotel* for one night – a truly unique Japanese experience! This afternoon we’ll head to the Osaka Castle, which offers a glimpse into centuries of history and impressive views. Then, it’s time for an exciting street food tour – get ready to try local delicacies like okonomiyaki! Tonight we’ll dive into the energy of the Dotonbori canal area, famous for its neon lights and lively nightlife.
*Staying in a capsule hotel is a unique experience, but if it isn’t your style, we’re happy to arrange alternative accommodation for an additional fee.
ACCOMMODATION
Y’s Cabin Osaka Namba or similar
Single capsule rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Osaka Castle visit
Street food tour
Night out in Dotonburi canal area
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION
Bullet train
subway
Our day begins with a scenic ride on a local train to the serene mountaintop village of Koyasan. We’ll spend the night in a Buddhist temple, sleeping on traditional tatami mats and participating in the rituals of the Japanese monks. After settling in, we can relax in hot spring baths. Dinner at the temple will be vegetarian, in line with the monks’ practices. In the evening we’ll visit the sacred Okunoin Cemetery, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist sites – a truly unique experience, especially when explored under the mystical glow of night.
ACCOMMODATION
Sekisho-inn temple lodging or similar
Twin rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Hot spring baths
Okunoin Cemetery evening stroll
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION
Train, cable car, bus
INCLUDED MEALS
Dinner
We’ll kick off the day by joining the monks for their early morning ceremony. After a traditional Japanese breakfast, we’ll travel to our next destination, the charming Kyoto. We’ll drop our bags at the hotel and head to the authentic Nishiki Market for lunch. After some leisure time, get your kimonos ready because we’ll participate in a tea ceremony – a mindful ritual steeped in centuries of tradition. We’ll end the day with drinks in the charming Gion district, where we might even spot a few geishas.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay Sakura Kyoto Higashiyama Shirakawa or similar
Twin rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Morning ceremony with Buddhist monks
Nishiki Market visit
Tea Ceremony
Gion Geisha district evening stroll
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION
Cable car, train, bus
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast
We’ll start the day with an early morning visit to Fushimi Inari, wandering around and appreciating the beauty of its famous torii gates before the crowds arrive. Next we’ll explore some of Kyoto’s must-see spots: Kiyomizu-dera, the Silver Pavilion, and the Zen gardens of the Imperial Palace. This afternoon, you’ll have time to chill, enjoy a Japanese massage, or continue exploring Kyoto’s sights, such as the Golden Pavilion and Ryōan-ji Temple. In the evening, we’ll head to the atmospheric Pontocho area for dinner and drinks, wrapping up the day with great food and company.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay Sakura Kyoto Higashiyama Shirakawa or similar
Twin rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Visit Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Silver Pavilion & Imperial Palace Zen gardens
Evening in the local Pontocho area
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Visit Golden Pavilion & Ryoanji Temple
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION
Subway
We’ll kick off the day with a visit to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, one of the most photogenic places in Japan. To fully capture its magic, we’ll start early to enjoy the serenity before the larger crowds arrive. Afterward, we’ll wander through the area, exploring some of the peaceful, hidden temples nearby. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Alternatively, if you’re up for it, we can hop on a train with our group for a visit to Nara, where we will encounter the friendly deer.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay Sakura Kyoto Higashiyama Shirakawa or similar
Twin rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Visit to the Bamboo forest, Tenryu-ji Temple
Small hidden temples (Gioji, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Visit to Nara deer park
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION
Train
This morning we’ll fly like a bullet on the speed train to Hakone, where we’ll drop off our bags at our onsen hotel before embarking on a hike up Mt. Kintoki, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. After our trek, we’ll return to the hotel to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation in the beautiful onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring bath.
ACCOMMODATION
Sengokuhara Shinanoki Ichinoyu or similar
Twin rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Mt Kintoki hike (around 3h)
Onsen bath
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION
Train, bus
We’ll start our day with a cable car ride to Owakudani, where we’ll marvel at the dramatic volcanic landscape, enveloped in steam and sulfur from the active volcano. Next, we’ll embark on a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashinoko, taking in stunning views of the lake and the majestic Mt. Fuji. We’ll then catch a train back to Tokyo. In the evening we have an awesome optional activity in store for you – a Mario Kart Street Karting tour, where you’ll race through the streets of Tokyo dressed as your favorite Nintendo character.* To wrap up the day, we’ll explore Tokyo’s vibrant local scene and may just end up singing our hearts out at a karaoke bar!
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Resol Stay Akihabara or similar
Twin rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Cable car to Owakudani “Boiling Valley”
Night out in Tokyo
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
*Mario Kart Street Karting – Subject to availability. Booking recommended 30 days before the trip. International driver’s licence required.
Night out in Tokyo
Karaoke
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION
Cable car, pirate ship, train, subway
INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast
Our day in Tokyo kicks off with a hands-on sushi-making class – because no trip to Japan is complete without mastering this art! In the afternoon, we’ll dive into the electric atmosphere of Akihabara, Tokyo’s legendary district, where we can wander around, explore various shops, engage in arcade games, and even visit a Maid Cafe. As this is our last night together, we’ll celebrate the incredible journey we’ve shared and the bonds we’ve formed with a great dinner and party.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Resol Stay Akihabara or similar
Twin rooms
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
Sushi-making class
Exploration of Akihabara district
Farewell night
INCLUDED TRANSPORTATION
Subway
INCLUDED MEALS
Lunch
On our final day, enjoy some free time to explore or pick up any last-minute souvenirs before departure. Or, you might choose to extend your stay and continue experiencing Japan on your own. See you on our next adventure soon!
The international flights are not included in the package, and the reason for this is that we want to give you total control and flexibility on how you manage your schedule! It gives you the freedom to join our trip from any location, arrive earlier, or extend your vacation after our trip!
And of course, if you need any help to book your flight, our team will be there for you! You will also get privileged access to our partners to book your flights, and we will connect you with other travelers in your group so that you can fly together.
