Full Itinerary & Trip Details

Essential Japan
Get your fix of Japanese culture with and visit temples

Indulge in sushi and go crazy shopping in bustling Tokyo

Soak up Kanazawa’s fascinating samurai culture

Get down with your world history at Hiroshima

Meet traditional geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district

Sip sake and rock out at an Osaka karaoke bar

BEST SELECTION BEST PRICES TRUSTED PAYMENTS

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Trip Overview

PRICE STARTING FROM DURATION IDEAL AGE

$2,322 10 days From 18 to 29 year olds

STARTS IN  ENDS IN
Tokyo  Osaka

STYLE
Discovery

OPERATOR TOUR CODE

Intrepid Travel #125236
 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

Itinerary

Introduction
Helloooo Japan. Get your fix of Japanese culture with temples, sushi and shopping in Tokyo before
soaking up Kanazawa’s crazy samurai culture. Get down with your world history at Hiroshima, spy
geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district and get your Tina Turner on at an Osaka karaoke bar. Whatever
happens, you'll be sipping sake like a pro by the end of this trip.

Your leader will take you on orientation walks in each destination, giving you tips on things like
supermarkets, places to eat and ATMs and recommendations of fun things to see and do. For
more in depth exploration you can head off on your own or with other members of your group, or for
the days we are in Kyoto and Tokyo, book one of our excellent Urban Adventures day tours. Public
transport to get to various sites is easy and cheap, but do take the cost of transport into account
when planning your budget for activities. You will easily surpass your 10,000 steps a day on this
trip, in fact most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering just exploring
places on foot! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day
on your feet. In some destinations you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn.
It’s a great taste of tradition, however not everyone finds futon mattresses on a tatami mat floor,
tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more western-style hotels and
beds. Read more about ryokans in our Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information.
We are tapping into the booming hostel scene in Japan. In Tokyo and Kyoto, you won't be staying in
twin share hotels, but rather they'll be cool hangouts with shared facilities. This trip is specifically
for 18-29s, but if you are after an open age trip in the Basix style, check out Japan Express
(CJRB) trip. Renovation works on Miyajima's famous floating torii gate started in June 2019.
During the renovation works, the torii gate is covered up under a partially transparent scaffolding.
Furthermore, a bridge is being built on the left side of the gate (when viewed from the shrine) to aid
the renovation works. A date for the completion of the renovation works has not been set yet, but
the works are expected to take at least one year.
 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

Day 1: Tokyo

Tokyo,
Start Point
Japan

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. As travellers are arriving from all over the world, there are no
activities planned for day 1. The group meeting will take place at 6pm this evening. To introduce
you to Tokyo at night your leader will take you for walk around one of Tokyo’s most popular hubs.
Join your leader and new travel buddies for an optional first dinner together! Tokyo is a dynamic,
modern hub, the thriving capital of an ancient land. Contradictions are everywhere, as hi-tech
gadgetry and neon lights play an integral part in the lives of a population steeped in tradition. Please
remember that there are many options for travellers to choose from on this tour to make the most
of all your free time. While we have quoted the approximate cost of some of the most popular
activities throughout, these do not include costs of getting to or from sights. Public transport in
Japan is economical, efficient and not only a great way to get around, it's the best way to go local!
This itinerary is far from a hand-holding, all inclusive trip, so enjoy the freedom and indulge in some
raw fish!

Accommodation: Hostel

Day 2: Tokyo
In the morning, head out exploring with your group leader in the Shibuya area. Look down on one of
the busiest intersections in the world at Shibuya station and visit the statue of Hachikō the famous
loyal dog. Next we indulge our eyes if not our bellies visiting a depachika food hall where vendors
sell everything from bento boxes for lunch to formal gifts and everyday groceries. Grab a picnic
lunch (optional) as we are heading to Yoyogi Park, home to many events from the first Japan
Olympics. Afterwards we visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. Enter via a massive Torii (gate) and the sights
and sounds of the busy city are replaced by a tranquil forest. We continue our journey with a visit to
Harajuku, the home of quirky youth pop culture. . The rest of the day is free for you to explore. If
you are a lover of cats visit the Gotokuji Cat Temple!  Maneki Neko (the beckoning cat) are known
for good luck and prosperity not only in Japan but all across Asia.  Perhaps re-visit your childhood
with a magical day spent at Tokyo Disney or Disney Sea theme parks (tickets can be bought at JR
ticket counters, convenience stores, online).  Or perhaps get the group together for the final night in
Tokyo and experience the Robot Cafe in Shinjuku!  You can catch a 3 hour show full of neon lights,
lasers, robotics, video screens and dancers.

Accommodation: Hostel
 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

Day 3: Kanazawa
This morning we speed through central Japan on a bullet train bound for Kanazawa. This city is
best known for Kenroku-en, a 17th-century gardens. Kanazawa is also known for being the home
of samurai - it boasts beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, historic temples and
awesome markets you can shop and eat your way around.  After checking into our hotel perhaps
go and explore Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. The castle is free to enter however
the gardens have an entry fee of 310JPY. A bus pass for the day in Kanazawa will cost you
approximately 500JPY. Tonight is a free evening for you to explore the streets and indulge in
Kanazawa's izakaya and famous seafood.

Accommodation: Hotel/Ryokan

Day 4: Kanazawa
Explore Kanazawa by foot on a walking tour of the Higashi Chaya district. Get lost among the
Geisha in the alleyways and admire the traditional Chaya houses, known locally as places of
tradition, feasts and entertainment. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at one of the local tea houses,
if tea's your thing, and then the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. Everything is super
accessible in Japan so you'll do a fair bit of walking, so be sure to pack a comfy pair of shoes to
get around in.

Accommodation: Hotel/Ryokan

Day 5: Kyoto
Today catch a train through the Japan alps to Kyoto - once the imperial capital of Japan and one of
the most beautiful cities in the country. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a
great place to get lost in - so get out, walk the streets and soak up the wonderful atmosphere in
your free time. Kyoto has a great bus network linking all its key sites, so hop on the bus to also get
around. Perhaps visit the magnificent, gold-plated Kinkaku-ji Temple with its expansive grounds in
Kyoto’s northwest, or maybe Nijo Castle, the feudal-era castle famous for its squeaking ‘nightingale
floors’ designed to alert inhabitants to approaching ninja. In the early evening, hook up with your
leader for a walk through Kyoto’s famous Gion district, the heart of the city’s geisha culture. This is
where Kyoto’s immaculately made-up geiko (the Kyoto name for geisha) perform and entertain
private clients in small teahouses tucked away down tiny back streets.

Accommodation: Hostel
 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

Day 6: Kyoto
Join your leader this morning for a walk in the wooded hills of Inari Mountain, famous for its Shinto
'fox temple' and atmospheric red torii gates, a quintessential Japan sight and must-see for keen
photographers. The afternoon is free for you to explore and your leader can give you
recommendations on what to see and how to get there. It's your last night in Kyoto, so make sure
you try some of Kyoto’s famed Kyo-ryori (‘Kyoto cuisine’), or wander the food market of Nishiki in
the city’s heart to see the ingredients that make up Kyo-ryori or, in true Japanese tradition, hit the
karaoke bar and show off your impressive pipes. Cycling is another great way to explore Kyoto.
You can hire bikes and helmets from one of the many bike shops in town with cost usually from
1000JPY/day up.

Accommodation: Hostel

Day 7: Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history, approximately two hours on the bullet train
from Kyoto. Once here, your leader will take you to visit Peace Park and the ruins of the A-Bomb
Dome building, one of 11 structures left partially standing as a reminder of the destruction of
nuclear war following the nuclear bomb blast on 6 August 1945. The Peace Park contains
monuments and a sobering and very informative museum dedicated to Hiroshima and international
peace. In the evening, try its most famous dish – okonomiyaki (savoury pancake of cabbage, meat
or seafood) – grilled in front of you on a sizzling hotplate.

Accommodation: Hotel/Ryokan

Day 8: Hiroshima
Today jump on a local train and ferry to spend the day at the nearby island of Miyajima with its
famous 'floating' Torii Gate and the grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Hike through the woods to the
peak of Mt Misen for some stunning views of the Inland Sea stretching far out below you. Be sure
to watch out for inquisitive and eternally hungry deer that roam the island. Back in Hiroshima and
enjoy a free evening tonight.

Accommodation: Hotel/Ryokan
 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

Day 9: Osaka
Travel by bullet train to Osaka, and what better way to finish our trip than in a city with the motto
'kuidaore' (translation: 'eat until you drop'!).  We recommend you try Osaka’s takoyaki (a delicious
grilled octopus dish) which Osaka is renowned for! Osaka is Japan's unofficial culinary capital,
with sprawling shopping hubs and tiny backstreets overflowing with restaurants and bars serving
up local delicacies as well as Japan's answer to fast food. Notably, Osaka is credited with the first
kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants, after its inventor - the owner of a sushi restaurant
with staffing issues - watched beer bottles on a conveyor belt at the nearby Asahi brewery and
thought it might be a good way to solve this problem! With your leader enjoy a walking tour around
the popular Dotombori district which is the city's most famous shopping, food and entertainment
district. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanical signs, including the famous Glico
Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign. Thrill seekers are sure to find adventure at
Universal Studios theme park and for those of you wanting to try your hand at a local skill, try a
taiko drum lesson or, if you’re feeling like a little relaxation, indulge yourself at Spa World, and try a
traditional Japanese Onsen. Embrace the nakedness. If shopping is your cup of tea, take in some
of the city's landmarks, including the wonderful Kuromon covered market and pick up some final
kitchen gadgets (or plastic food!) at the quirky Dogusuji Arcade.

Accommodation: Hostel

Day 10: Osaka

Osaka,
End Point
Japan

There are no activities planned for Day 10 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check
out time is 10 am and if you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

What’s Included
Accommodation
RYOKANS:

Japanese-style inns (ryokans) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with
bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small
and many ryokans will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for
booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this
style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please
consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or
have knee, hip or back issues. Some ryokans may have a curfew when travellers need to be back
in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would
normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in a ryokan. Hotels and
ryokans will charge extra fees if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require
professional cleaning.

Read more about ryokans here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-

ryokan/

AVAILABILITY:

The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On
occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to
operate your departure with minimal changes.

ONSENS:

We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a
quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same
gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying
this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips
and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public
onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our
guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/

Multishare Hostel (5 nights),Twinshare Hotel/Ryokan (4 nights)

 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

Guide
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take
the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to
provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare
situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for
things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general
knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social
aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions
we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location
then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Due to the rapid increase in tourism in Japan and in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics it has
been necessary to go outside our traditional sources for employing tour leaders. As a result, our
passionate, professional and trained tour leaders may either be Japanese or long term foreign
residents in Japan.

Meals
1 dinner

Transport
Public Bus,Metro,Train,Bullet Train
 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

Others
Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour.

Tokyo - Yoyogi Park.

Kanazawa - Higashi Chaya District walking tour.

Kyoto - Gion District walk.

Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome.

Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour.

 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

Departure Dates
STARTING IN ENDING IN
Tokyo Osaka

07 March 2021 16 March 2021

14 March 2021 23 March 2021

21 March 2021 30 March 2021

04 April 2021 13 April 2021

11 April 2021 20 April 2021

18 April 2021 27 April 2021

23 May 2021 01 June 2021

06 June 2021 15 June 2021

27 June 2021 06 July 2021

26 September 2021 05 October 2021

03 October 2021 12 October 2021

17 October 2021 26 October 2021

24 October 2021 02 November 2021

07 November 2021 16 November 2021

14 November 2021 23 November 2021

05 December 2021 14 December 2021

19 December 2021 28 December 2021

 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

27 February 2022 08 March 2022

13 March 2022 22 March 2022

20 March 2022 29 March 2022

03 April 2022 12 April 2022

10 April 2022 19 April 2022

17 April 2022 26 April 2022

22 May 2022 31 May 2022

05 June 2022 14 June 2022

26 June 2022 05 July 2022

25 September 2022 04 October 2022

02 October 2022 11 October 2022

16 October 2022 25 October 2022

23 October 2022 01 November 2022

06 November 2022 15 November 2022

13 November 2022 22 November 2022

See all departures at www.tourradar.com/book-now/125236

 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

17 Reviews
Overall rating      Guide     

Transportation      Accommodation    

Meals     

Ryan Price
Review on March 31st, 2020
    
Everything was very well organized and informative

Marvin Enriquez
Review on December 1st, 2019
    
Great and flexible enough to head out on your own

Elmer Zuniga
Review on October 27th, 2019
    
One of a kind one of a kind

Eloise Hanna
Review on June 10th, 2019
    
Loved the tour! Albeit, we didn't get much information from Intrepid
beforehand. It was really great how organised and knowledgable our
tour guide was! Xavier was the best tour guide ever! Thank you for
the best memories ever!
 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

Wason Harnpattanapanich
Review on April 19th, 2019

    
I really enjoy the places that we are brought to but I wish we had a bit
more time. For example when we were in Kyoto and was dropped off
at the bamboo forest, shrine and monkey mountain. There was only
enough time to do 1 thing. Other than that no complaints. Yuka was
great at helping us with navigation too!
 Essential Japan http://www.tourradar.com/t/125236

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