Let’s go… hit the must see spots in Japan!!! This incredible 13 day adventure takes you to all the major sites in the country. Check out the spectacular views of Mount Fuji, explore the famous Tsukiji fish market and learn how to make sushi with the masters,  check out the awesome temples and shrines in Kyoto, soak up some history in the Imperial Palace, hike through beautiful forests, get your anime on, sleep in a capsule hotel…and more!

 

We will be visiting one of the most exciting cities in the world - Tokyo …

 

…heading down to the beautiful seaside town of Kamakura…

 

…gazing at spectacular views of Mt. Fuji…

 

… wandering through beautiful temples and shrines in Japans old capital - Kyoto…

 

…learning about some more recent history in Hiroshima…

 

…partying it up, or chilling out in the awesome city of Osaka…

 

…And much, much MORE!!!

 

Day 1 - 4 Tokyo

Hit one of the greatest, most interesting cities on earth  Tokyo. After meeting your group leader, head out on the town to see all Tokyo has to offer. Climb to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for spectacular views, wander through the mysterious Asakusa temple, explore the Tsukiji fish market, the Imperial Palace, crazy Harajuku fashion, Sumo wrestlers, and more!

Day 1

• Arrive in Tokyo and meet your trip leader and your group.
• Head up to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views of the city.
• Grab some lunch in Shinjuku
• Check out the beautiful Asakusa temple and the surrounding area.
• Test your skills at one of Japan’s favorite pastimes - baseball - in a batting cage.

-    Optional: Head over to a local Japanese bathhouse and chillax after a busy first day. (460 JPY)

 

Day 2

• Morning - Try some of the best sashimi you will ever eat at the world famous Tsukiji Market and take a sushi making lesson with a local master. Yes, you get to eat what you make!
• Afternoon - Head over to Manga and Anime central - Akihabara’s “electric town”, which is also home of the J-pop group, AKB48.
• Finish the day’s activities in one of Tokyo’s famous maid cafes.

- Optional: Mario Kart! Grab a Super Mario Brothers costume and race around Tokyo in a go-cart.  (7000 JPY) (A valid international driver’s license required must be obtained prior to the start of the trip in order to participate.)

 

Day 3

• Hop over to the Sumo district, where you may have the opportunity to watch the wrestlers train. Then eat like a pro; try a traditional sumo wrestler’s meal for lunch.
• Learn more about Tokyo’s history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
• Head over to the Samurai Museum where you will get to learn more about the ancient art with a sword demonstration.

 

- Optional: No trip to Tokyo is complete without a Robot Show experience. (6000 JPY)

 

Day 4

• Start the day with a trip over to the Imperial Palace, and marvel at the beautiful surroundings.
• Then head down to see the crazy Harajuku fashion in all its glory - maids, punks, goths, lolitas... your imagination is your only limit to what you can find here. Even grab a costume or some makeup and join the fun.
• Wander around the traditional Shinto Shrine to Emperor Meiji, who was responsible for Japan’s transformation from feudal to modern society, and Empress Shoken and surrounding forest area.
• Walk down to Shibuya to see the famous crosswalk (featured in Lost in Translation & Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift).

- Optional: Mario Kart! Grab a Super Mario Brothers costume and race around Tokyo in a go-cart.  (6000 JPY) (A valid international driver’s license required must be obtained prior to the start of the trip in order to participate.)

 

Day 5 Kamakura

From fast paced Tokyo to the beach town of Kamakura, on Day 5 we will will be checking out Japan’s medieval capital. Check out the Great Buddha statue at Kotoku-in temple, ancient shrines, chill out by on the beach or in one of the city’s waterfront bars, and even go surfing!

• Brunch in Tokyo then take a train to the medieval capital of Japan -Kamakura, home of the first shoguns.
• Check out some of the numerous ancient shrines around town.
• Hike over to Kotoku-in temple to check out the 45 ft tall, solid bronze Great Buddha statue.
• There are lots of beachside bars where you can watch the sun go down.

-    Optional: The hostel is close to the beach. You can chill out on the sand or try some surfing. Surfboard rental options available.. (3000 JPY for a day)

 

Day 6 Hakone - Mount Fuji !!

Next, we will be heading to see one of the world’s most famous sites: Mount Fuji.  Starting the day with a cable car ride up to the view point. On a clear day, you can get some great shots of Fuji.  Try some Fuji-style cooking - eggs cooked in sulphuric water.  Finish the day with a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi.  

 

• Take a series of trains and buses to the beautiful Lake Ashi, where you’ll board a pirate ship! From the deck of this triple-decker man-of-war, you’ll cross the lake’s clear blue waters and get an unforgettable view of Mt. Fuji on a cloudless day.
• Take the Hakone Ropeway – an epic cable car journey that drops you at Owakudani, an active volcanic zone where you can try black eggs – a local delicacy coloured by the sulphuric water they’re boiled in.
• Spend the evening soaking in the sulphuric water of a traditional Japanese outdoor bath, called an onsen (please note: those with tattoos may not be able to enter onsen in Japan).

 

Day 7 - 10 Kyoto & Arashiyama

And, we are off to incredible Kyoto! Today, we will grab a bullet train to see one of Japan’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations  Experience the traditional Japan, in the Geisha district, enjoy an authentic meal among lanterns and wood paneled walls in the famous Pontocho Alley. Hike up through Arashiyama’s bamboo forests and Monkey Park and check out some spectacular viewpoints at the top, go rafting down the Hozugawa River, and check out the stunning temples that adorn the area .

 

Day 7 - Kyoto

• Hop on your first bullet train of the trip – bound for the beautiful city of Kyoto. You’ll race across the country, covering around 440 km in about two hours.
• In the afternoon, wander the hillside streets to the incredible Kiyomizu temple.
• Kyoto famous for its history, temples, shrines and geishas.
• There is a large student population and great music scene, making the city a great place for entertainment and fun… Start at Kawaramachi, where you will find bars, jazz clubs and Izakaya pubs.
• Then head over to see a live geisha performance, which includes a tea ceremony, puppet show, traditional music, flower arranging, and other activities.
• For something quintessentially Kyoto, head over to Pontocho alley, and wander through the lantern filled streets and intimate wood-panelled restaurants. Quietly sip on sake and watch for Geishas passing by.

 

Day 8 - Arashiyama

• 2 hour traditional wooden raft trip along the Hozugawa River through the Arashiyama Hills. Your guides will navigate the boat through rocky ravines and rapids. (weather dependent)
• Take a morning hike through the quaint paths and shrines in the  Arashiyama bamboo forest near Kyoto.
• Head over to Arashiyama Monkey Park. It’s a tough climb to the top, but after you conquer the trails you can feed monkeys or just enjoy the panoramic view of of Kyoto.
• Next we will go to the Tenryu-ji temple. The most important of the five great zen temples in the area.  It’s incredible gardens were designed in the 14th century and have remained in pristine condition for centuries, surviving the fires and wars that damaged the buildings.
• A visit to Dharma Hall is a must. Be sure to look up. The dragon’s eyes in the mural on the ceiling will follow you as you walk through!
• KARAOKE time!!  In the evening, sing your heart out like a local at a karaoke bar,  one of Japan’s favourite past times! This one is with a twist, but you’ll have to join the tour to find out what it is! ;)

 

Day 9 - Kyoto

• Take a breather and relax your vocal cords after the previous night’s exertions – You have free time all morning!
• Suggested Independent: if you feel you have the energy we would suggest taking a look at the majestic temples that adorn the Philosopher’s path.
• Suggested Independent: Alternatively, you could check out the International Manga Museum.
• In the afternoon, the group gets back together and heads over to one of the oldest sake breweries in Kyoto. A short tour of the museum is followed by a tasting experience. You’ll even get to bring home a souvenir!
• Next go to Fushimi Inari Shrine where you will see torii, torii and more torii. This is a truly remarkable place where a beautiful hiking trail will take you through a corridor of thousands of bright red gates.
• Finish the day with a Calligraphy Class taught by a local master!

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Day 10 - Kyoto

• Today we cycle all day around Kyoto like a local!
• First, we ride over to a zen temple where you can discover your inner peace with meditation led by a Buddhist monk.
• After your journey of tranquillity, see an iconic image of Kyoto: the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-Ji. Walk around the mirror pond and prepare to be mesmerised by the shimmering golden reflection of the pavilion on the water.
• After lunch, jump on your bike and cycle around to the Imperial Palace, before bidding farewell to this most magical of cities.
• Another bullet train will see you venture further west, bound for Hiroshima.

 

Day 11  Hiroshima

In contrast to Kyoto’s ancient past, we will be spending Day 11 learning more about Hiroshima’s more recent history, including the events of  its tragic past, its recovery, and its mission for peace at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and then, boarding a ferry to visit the Itsukushima shrine, built on stilts above the water.

 

• At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, learn more about how Hiroshima was made to suffer the consequences of the world’s first atomic bomb. You will also learn about the city’s pacifist agenda as the standard bearer for a peaceful and nuclear-free world.
• Short ferry trip to Miyajima Island where you will find the Itsukushima shrine.
• The main temple buildings were built on stilts on the shores of the island to avoid angering the gods. Wander through the passages and look down at the ocean beneath.
• A gigantic torii gate stands just off shore. Wait for low tide to take a walk over to get a closer look.
• Take a walk along the forested route atop this beautiful island complete with incredible views of the water and city.

 

Day 12 - 13 Osaka

And off to Osaka, another awesome Japanese mega-city complete with great eating, drinking, and entertainment options.  It even boasts its very own castle.  Hit the arcades, shopping malls, and the great river front areas - Shinsaibashi and the Dotonbori before heading out for your final night out with your group.

 

Day 12 - Osaka

• Hop in another bullet train to Osaka.
• Lunch in Nanba or Shinsaibashi area of Osaka, where you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of choices - yakitori, ramen, sushi, and more.
• Take a short train ride over to Osaka Castle, and check out Osaka’s iconic 9 level donjon.
• Next, Shinsaibashi covered shopping arcade awaits - epic Japanese experience.  Will you be the winner of the Arcade Challenge competition? Take a walk through Dotonbori and bask in the neon lights. And finish off the day and start the night with a beer in the city’s most famous Kamikaze bar.

 

Day 13 - Osaka

• It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers after having a breakfast.

• We will leave from Osaka at around 10:00 am.

 

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE BEST JAPAN HAS TO OFFER!

 

 

 

 

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