Day 1, 6th October - Konnichiwa, and welcome to Japan. Upon arriving in Tokyo, head to your hotel. This evening, we will have our first opportunity to experience the incredible Japanese cuisine and meet the entire group. After dinner, once the crowds have settled, we will visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo at night. Overnight stay at a hotel in Tokyo. Meal plan: (Welcome Dinner)
Day 2, 7th October - Explore Tokyo, Harajuku, Mei-ji Shrine & Akihabara. We’ll start the morning off with a a Japan Orientation Briefing. You’ll learn simple Japanese customs and phrases to help you dictate your way across the country. We’ll then head out to the birth place of Japanese teen pop culture, Harajuku. We’ll then head into Yoyogi park, where the beautiful Meiji Shrine is. Afterwards, we’ll head to Akihabara – Tokyo’s electric town - and be blinded by the all the neon lights and crazy shops. You can also challenge each other in the arcades. Overnight in hotel in Tokyo. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 3, 8th of October - Tokyo, Sushi Making Class & Shibuya Crossing. In the morning, following breakfast, we will head to our private sushi-making class! You'll have the opportunity to learn how to prepare Japanese cuisine. A vegetarian option is available, but please inform me a week before the tour begins. We will also explore the TeamLab Planets. In the evening, we will travel to Shinjuku, where we'll admire Tokyo's stunning skyline, visit the renowned Omoide Yokocho alley, and enjoy dinner before experiencing the famous Shibuya Crossing. Overnight in hotel in Tokyo. Meal plan: (Breakfast & lunch)
Day 4, 9th of October - Hakone, Mt Fuji Viewing & Romance Car. This morning we take the “Romance Car” to the stunning mountain town of Hakone. After checking into our accommodation, we will spend the day exploring the surrounding areas on a variety of different transports. Why is Hakone so special? Well, you can get a spectacular view of Mt Fuji(weather dependent of course). After a day of exploring and hopefully taking photos of Japan’s most famous mountain we’ll return to our accommodation for dinner. Overnight in hotel in Hakone. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 5, 10th of October - Kyoto - Gion Tour This is the day we ride the world-famous Shinkansen (Bullet train) for the first time. Watch them fly by on the platform before boarding one of the world’s fastest trains. Keep an eye out for Mt Fuji on the way to Kyoto. In the evening we will explore Kyoto's Gion district, known for its beautiful Geisha’s (Japan’s traditional art form of entertainment), if we are lucky enough, we might even spot one. Overnight in Kyoto. Meal plan (Breakfast)
Day 6, 11th of October - Kyoto, Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari & Tea Ceremony. We’ll rise before dawn and take the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. We arrive early to escape the large crowds of tourists and work our way through the mountain exploring corridors of never ending red gates. After, we will head to Kiyomizu-dera temple, one of Japan’s most famous temples. A stunning bamboo and wooden complex that sits high in the mountain side. We finish up with a traditional Tea Ceremony, where I have also included kimono rental for everyone so we can do it in traditional Japanese style! We will have the rest of the day free to explore. Overnight in Kyoto. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 7, 12th of October - Kyoto, Arashayama, Golden Pavilion & Zen Garden. This morning, we'll head on the train to Arashiyama. First off we will start our adventure with a walk through the stunning bamboo forest, then afterwards we will make our way up to Monkey Mountain to try spot some snow monkeys. When we come back down, we'll jump into a private rowboat to explore the valleys the traditional Japanese way. In the afternoon, we will head to the amazing Golden Pavilion, a gorgeous gold-covered building by a lake. After that, we'll head over to Daitoku-ji, a peaceful spot with ancient temples and a zen garden.Overnight in Kyoto. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 8, 13th of October - Koyasan, Okunoin, Temple Stay & Traditional Monk meal. After enjoying breakfast we will start our travel day. We depart Kyoto & head towards the beautiful Koyasan, a temple settlement & World Heritage site. Koyasan is a sacred site in Japan as it is the head of Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. After arrival we will explore Okunoin, & the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. At our temple a traditional monk meal called Shojin Ryori will be prepared for us and we will all sit together and enjoy. Overnight in Temple (multi share). Meal plan (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9, 14th of October - Monk Chant, Breakfast & Osaka. Start the morning with an optional chanting service led by the resident monk, its really not to be missed, its a beautiful experience. Afterwards, the traditional monk breakfast will be prepared for us all. Spend some time exploring the tranquil Mountain town of Koyasan, before taking the train to Osaka. In the evening will head out into the Dotonbori area to grab some food. The food is everything. The ‘kitchen of Japan’ will take you in with its lights, colours, food and people! Overnight in Osaka. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 10, 15th of October - Nara Park, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori & Karaoke Finale! An action packed last day as we start our morning in Nara with the deer & finish off again in the famous Dotonbori for street food tour & karaoke! We will head to Nara in the morning & after arriving we leave the train station and begin our walk towards the main park, keep your eyes out for the friendly locals along the way. Nara is famous for being a city that lives symbiotically with deer and is historically important as the former capital of ancient Japan. We’ll make our way around the serene park & stunning temples before heading back to Osaka to visit the Osaka Castle Gardens. A beautiful structure in the centre of the city surrounded by lush gardens. We’ll have some free time in the afternoon to get your last minute shopping in, before meeting up for our final night together. We explore the neon lights & craziness of Dotonbori & trying out all the amazing street food made famous in Osaka, before heading to Karaoke if everyone is up for it! Overnight in Osaka. Meal plan: (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 11 16th of October - Depart Osaka Today it's time to say goodbye to everyone as we end the tour. Airport transfer is not included, but I will help you make the required arrangements to get to the airport. Please book a late evening flight after 7pm if flying home from Tokyo as you will need time to get to the airport (leave Osaka at 11am) Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Total cost €3095 per person sharing
FIRST10 early bird discount code for €100 off for the first 10 people who sign up (€2995)
***Please note the tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka. You can fly home from Osaka airport or get the bullet train back to Tokyo. KLM fly to Tokyo Narita airport and fly from Osaka Kansai airport. Also note with regards to Luggage, a small suitcase or backpack is recommended as we will need to carry our luggage up some stairs at times!
Included: All public transport days 2 to 10, all accommodation (hotels and temple), Welcome dinner, 10 x Breakfasts, 1 x Lunch, 3 x Dinners, Sushi Making Class, TeamLabs Planets, Tea Ceremony and Kimono Hire, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain, Boat Tour, Nara Deer Park.
NOT included: Airport transfers (but all details will be giving on how to get to first hotel it's very straightforward), International flights to/from Japan, Travel insurance (compulsory), meals not listed in the itinerary.
Terms and conditions & fine print:
The itinerary may be subject to small changes due to any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Brenda may not be leading this tour. All rooms on our trips are shared, with two people per room. We’ll match you with an adventure buddy, giving you the perfect chance to make new friends! To keep things fresh, you’ll switch roommates every couple of nights and connect with someone new.
If you are satisfied with the proposed itinerary and wish to proceed, a deposit of €500 will be necessary to confirm your reservation. Please note that this deposit is non-refundable for various reasons. By making the deposit, you are agreeing to these terms. The non-refundable nature of the deposit is essential due to the immediate planning and costs associated with securing your spot on the tour. This policy also helps ensure that all participants are fully committed to the trip.
The balance will be due 10 weeks before trip start date (28th of July 2025). You can make the payments in instalments after the deposit is paid if that suits you.
With regards to a refund: Your deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is required to book all accommodation and transportation which are non-refundable or changeable. For the balance of your payment, I maybe able to refund this up 10 weeks before the trip should you have an emergency and need to cancel. Anything closer than 10 weeks, and I cannot refund you.
I suggest you take out comprehensive travel-insurance that covers trip cancellations, that way should you have to cancel you are covered, you will get a full pay out from your insurance company. Keep an eye on the excess required.
or message the page for payment via Revolut.