Essential Japan
Tour Description
Day 1: Tokyo
Say Konnichiwa to Japan – a diverse land of culture, innovation and cuisine. With your new group of friends, you’ll get your fix of sushi and shopping in Tokyo before soaking up Kanazawa’s crazy Samurai culture (this is a great place to knock back a couple glasses of sake, too). Wander gorgeous gardens and temples, then brush up on your world history at Hiroshima at the sobering Peace Park and Museum. Spy geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district and get your Beyonce on at an Osaka karaoke bar. You’ll also have loads of free time to customise your trip with activities you want to do, either solo or with your new mates, so you won’t miss anything on your bucket list.
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – the thriving capital of an ancient land – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not explore at your own pace. You could check out the free Sensoji Temple or the Imperial Palace, then hit up the Avatar Robot Café for lunch. This purpose-driven enterprise is not driven by AI at all – the waiters are actually operated by people living with disabilities. This is to give employees who have difficulty leaving their homes a better chance at employment. After your meeting, you might like to join your new travel buddies for an optional dinner in one of Tokyo’s most popular hubs.
Day 2: Tokyo
Head out to explore the Shibuya area with your group this morning. Look down on one of the busiest intersections in the world at Shibuya station and visit the statue of Hachiko – the famous loyal dog. Next, indulge your eyes and your belly at a depachika food hall, where vendors sell everything from bento boxes to formal gifts. Maybe grab lunch to eat in Yoyogi Park (home to many events from the first Japan Olympics) before your visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine. This afternoon, you’ll visit Harajuku – the home of quirky youth pop culture. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. If you’re a cat lover, the Gotokuji Cat Temple might be right up your alley. Tonight is also the perfect opportunity to hit Tokyo’s nightlife, whether it’s at a bar with laser shows or you’re belting out some tunes at karaoke.
Day 3: Kanazawa
This morning, speed through central Japan on a bullet train bound for Kanazawa. This city is best known for Kenroku-en – the 17th-century gardens – and as the home of the Samurai. Here, you can find beautifully preserved Samurai and Geisha districts, historic temples and some awesome markets. After checking into your hotel, maybe explore Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. Tonight is a free evening so you can explore the streets at your own pace and maybe indulge in Kanazawa’s izakaya and famed fresh seafood.
Day 4: Kanazawa
Explore Kanazawa on foot today, on a walking tour of the Higashi Chaya district. Get lost among Geisha as you walk through alleyways and traditional Chaya houses, known locally as places of tradition, feasts and entertainment. If tea’s your thing, perhaps enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at one of the local tea houses. The afternoon will then be free for you to explore on your own.
Day 5: Kyoto
Today, catch a train through the Japanese 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. With a good bus network linking all its key sites, you can hop on the bus to get around today – maybe visit the magnificent, gold-plated Kinkaku-ji Temple with its expansive grounds in Kyoto’s northwest, or Nijo Castle – the feudal-era castle famous for its squeaking ‘nightingale floors,’ designed to alert inhabitants to approaching ninja. In the early evening, meet up with your leader for a walk through Kyoto’s famous Gion district – the heart of the city’s Geisha culture.
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 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. Cycling is also a great way to see the city, and renting a bike is inexpensive. 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.
Day 7: Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history and this morning, you’ll travel there via bullet train. When you arrive, your leader will take you to the 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 atomic bomb blast on 6 August 1945. The Peace Park contains monuments and a sobering museum dedicated to Hiroshima and international peace. The afternoon is free to rest, relax or continue exploring the city. Tonight, try Hiroshima’s most famous dish – okonomiyaki (savoury pancake of cabbage, meat or seafood) – grilled in front of you on a sizzling hotplate.
Day 8: Hiroshima
Today you’ll jump on a local train and a 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, you can enjoy a free evening tonight.
Day 9: Osaka
Travel by bullet train to Osaka today – what better way to finish your trip than in a city with the motto ‘kuidaore’ (eat until you drop)! Osaka is Japan’s unofficial culinary capital, with its tiny backstreets overflowing with restaurants and bars serving up local delicacies. You can also discover Japan’s answer to fast food – 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. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led walking tour of the Dotombori district, famous for its shopping and entertainment. At night, this place is lit with the colour of hundreds of neon lights! Today, you could also take on a taiko drum lesson or try a traditional Japanese Onsen. For dinner, maybe try takoyaki (grilled octopus), an Osaka speciality.
Day 10: Osaka
There are no activities planned for today, and you can depart at any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore the many neighbourhoods of Osaka, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 24, 2025 | Sep 2, 2025 | $2,905.00 | |
| Aug 31, 2025 | Sep 9, 2025 | $2,889.00 | |
| Sep 4, 2025 | Sep 13, 2025 | $2,786.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2025 | Sep 16, 2025 | $2,786.00 | |
| Sep 11, 2025 | Sep 20, 2025 | $2,862.00 | |
| Sep 14, 2025 | Sep 23, 2025 | $2,902.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2025 | Oct 4, 2025 | $2,862.00 | |
| Sep 28, 2025 | Oct 7, 2025 | $2,862.00 | |
| Oct 2, 2025 | Oct 11, 2025 | $2,984.00 | |
| Oct 5, 2025 | Oct 14, 2025 | $3,078.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2025 | Oct 18, 2025 | $3,060.00 | |
| Oct 12, 2025 | Oct 21, 2025 | $3,015.00 | |
| Oct 16, 2025 | Oct 25, 2025 | $2,961.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2025 | Oct 28, 2025 | $2,961.00 | |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Nov 1, 2025 | $3,010.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2025 | Nov 8, 2025 | $2,907.00 | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | Nov 11, 2025 | $2,876.00 | |
| Nov 6, 2025 | Nov 15, 2025 | $2,826.00 | |
| Nov 9, 2025 | Nov 18, 2025 | $2,876.00 | |
| Nov 13, 2025 | Nov 22, 2025 | $2,826.00 | |
| Nov 16, 2025 | Nov 25, 2025 | $2,772.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2025 | Nov 29, 2025 | $2,817.00 | |
| Nov 23, 2025 | Dec 2, 2025 | $2,772.00 | |
| Nov 30, 2025 | Dec 9, 2025 | $2,686.00 | |
| Dec 4, 2025 | Dec 13, 2025 | $2,606.00 | |
| Dec 7, 2025 | Dec 16, 2025 | $2,506.00 | |
| Dec 14, 2025 | Dec 23, 2025 | $2,606.00 | |
| Jan 11, 2026 | Jan 20, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Jan 27, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Jan 25, 2026 | Feb 3, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Feb 1, 2026 | Feb 10, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Feb 8, 2026 | Feb 17, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Feb 15, 2026 | Feb 24, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Feb 22, 2026 | Mar 3, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Feb 26, 2026 | Mar 7, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Mar 8, 2026 | Mar 17, 2026 | $2,995.00 | |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Mar 21, 2026 | $2,995.00 | |
| Mar 19, 2026 | Mar 28, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Mar 22, 2026 | Mar 31, 2026 | $3,255.00 | |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Apr 2, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Mar 26, 2026 | Apr 4, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Mar 29, 2026 | Apr 7, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Apr 9, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 11, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Apr 13, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Apr 5, 2026 | Apr 14, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Apr 16, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Apr 8, 2026 | Apr 17, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Apr 18, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Apr 20, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Apr 21, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Apr 23, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| May 7, 2026 | May 16, 2026 | $3,110.00 | |
| May 10, 2026 | May 19, 2026 | $3,255.00 | |
| May 14, 2026 | May 23, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| May 17, 2026 | May 26, 2026 | $3,190.00 | |
| May 21, 2026 | May 30, 2026 | $3,130.00 | |
| May 24, 2026 | Jun 2, 2026 | $3,130.00 | |
| May 31, 2026 | Jun 9, 2026 | $3,130.00 | |
| Jun 7, 2026 | Jun 16, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Jun 14, 2026 | Jun 23, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Jun 21, 2026 | Jun 30, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Jun 25, 2026 | Jul 4, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Jun 28, 2026 | Jul 7, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Jul 2, 2026 | Jul 11, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Jul 5, 2026 | Jul 14, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Jul 7, 2026 | Jul 16, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Jul 23, 2026 | Aug 1, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Aug 6, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Aug 25, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Aug 18, 2026 | Aug 27, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Aug 20, 2026 | Aug 29, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Aug 23, 2026 | Sep 1, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Sep 8, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Sep 12, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Sep 8, 2026 | Sep 17, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Sep 19, 2026 | $3,255.00 | |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Sep 27, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Sep 29, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 10, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Oct 4, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Oct 8, 2026 | Oct 17, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Oct 11, 2026 | Oct 20, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 24, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Oct 18, 2026 | Oct 27, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Oct 20, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Oct 25, 2026 | Nov 3, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Oct 27, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Nov 1, 2026 | Nov 10, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Nov 5, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Nov 8, 2026 | Nov 17, 2026 | $3,375.00 | |
| Nov 12, 2026 | Nov 21, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 | $3,255.00 | |
| Nov 19, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | $3,255.00 | |
| Nov 22, 2026 | Dec 1, 2026 | $3,255.00 | |
| Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 8, 2026 | $3,255.00 | |
| Dec 1, 2026 | Dec 10, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Dec 3, 2026 | Dec 12, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Dec 6, 2026 | Dec 15, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Dec 10, 2026 | Dec 19, 2026 | $3,045.00 | |
| Dec 13, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | $3,010.00 | |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Jan 19, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jan 17, 2027 | Jan 26, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jan 24, 2027 | Feb 2, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jan 31, 2027 | Feb 9, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Feb 7, 2027 | Feb 16, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Feb 14, 2027 | Feb 23, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Feb 21, 2027 | Mar 2, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Feb 25, 2027 | Mar 6, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Feb 28, 2027 | Mar 9, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Mar 7, 2027 | Mar 16, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Mar 11, 2027 | Mar 20, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Mar 14, 2027 | Mar 23, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Mar 18, 2027 | Mar 27, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Mar 21, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Mar 23, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 3, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Mar 28, 2027 | Apr 6, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Mar 30, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 10, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Apr 12, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2027 | Apr 13, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Apr 6, 2027 | Apr 15, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Apr 7, 2027 | Apr 16, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Apr 8, 2027 | Apr 17, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 19, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Apr 11, 2027 | Apr 20, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Apr 13, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| May 6, 2027 | May 15, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| May 9, 2027 | May 18, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| May 13, 2027 | May 22, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| May 16, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| May 20, 2027 | May 29, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| May 23, 2027 | Jun 1, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| May 27, 2027 | Jun 5, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| May 30, 2027 | Jun 8, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jun 6, 2027 | Jun 15, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jun 13, 2027 | Jun 22, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jun 20, 2027 | Jun 29, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jun 24, 2027 | Jul 3, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jun 27, 2027 | Jul 6, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jul 1, 2027 | Jul 10, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jul 4, 2027 | Jul 13, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jul 6, 2027 | Jul 15, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jul 22, 2027 | Jul 31, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jul 25, 2027 | Aug 3, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Jul 27, 2027 | Aug 5, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Aug 15, 2027 | Aug 24, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Aug 17, 2027 | Aug 26, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Aug 19, 2027 | Aug 28, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Aug 22, 2027 | Aug 31, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Aug 29, 2027 | Sep 7, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Sep 2, 2027 | Sep 11, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2027 | Sep 14, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2027 | Sep 16, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2027 | Sep 18, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Sep 23, 2027 | Oct 2, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2027 | Oct 4, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2027 | Oct 5, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Sep 28, 2027 | Oct 7, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Sep 30, 2027 | Oct 9, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2027 | Oct 12, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 5, 2027 | Oct 14, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 7, 2027 | Oct 16, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2027 | Oct 19, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 14, 2027 | Oct 23, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 17, 2027 | Oct 26, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2027 | Oct 28, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2027 | Nov 2, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 26, 2027 | Nov 4, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2027 | Nov 9, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Nov 4, 2027 | Nov 13, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Nov 7, 2027 | Nov 16, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Nov 11, 2027 | Nov 20, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2027 | Nov 23, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Nov 18, 2027 | Nov 27, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Nov 21, 2027 | Nov 30, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2027 | Dec 7, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Nov 30, 2027 | Dec 9, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Dec 2, 2027 | Dec 11, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Dec 5, 2027 | Dec 14, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Dec 9, 2027 | Dec 18, 2027 | $2,910.00 | |
| Dec 12, 2027 | Dec 21, 2027 | $2,910.00 |