Essential Japan
Experience Overview
Say Konnichiwa to Japan – a diverse land of culture, innovation and cuisine. 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 of glasses of sake, too). Wander gorgeous gardens and temples and 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 – this trip has it all! Perfect for the independent traveller, you’ll also have loads of free time to customise your trip with activities and extras you want to do, so you won’t miss anything on your bucket list.
Highlights
- Explore Japan’s amazingly diverse destinations with loads of free time to see them your way. With all the nitty gritty details and transport worked out for you, you can focus on indulging in endless sushi, katsudon and okonomoyaki.
- Immerse yourself in the varied neighbourhoods of Tokyo – from the technological subculture of Akihabara to the wild side of fashion in Harajuku and the nightlife of Roppongi – each suburb is almost like a city of its own!
- Uncover the sobering history of Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Museum – a vital destination for all Japan travellers to gain an insight into the tragic events of the nation’s past.
- Wander Kyoto with a leader-led walking tour around the Gion district – the heart of the city’s Geisha culture – then walk through the iconic Fushimi Inari-Taisha (the perfect spot for some iconic Japan photos).
- Live your Samurai fantasies in feudal-era Kanazawa – known as the birthplace of the Samurai. Then, wander through gorgeous historic gardens and hit the bars to debrief with your group.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1733
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Public Bus,Metro,Train,Bullet Train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: CJYO
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Osaka, Japan
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Dinner (1)Accommodation: Multishare Hostel (5 nights),Pod Hostel (2 nights),Family Owned Guesthouse (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,255 ($226 /day)
Itinerary
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, go for a leader-led walk around one of Tokyo’s most popular hubs. Then, you might like to join your new travel buddies for an optional dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen (500 JPY)
- Tokyo - Studio Ghibli Museum (advance bookings required - from) (2500 JPY)
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple - Free
- Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
- Tokyo - Disneyland or Disney Sea (from) (7900 JPY)
- Tokyo - A Tour Through Tokyo's Kitchen (with World's Largest Fish Market) Urban Adventure (11500 JPY)
- Tokyo - Kanpai Tokyo: Shinjuku Drinks and Neon Nights Urban Adventure (18000 JPY)
- Tokyo - Made In Japan Shopping Tour: Cultural Curiosities Urban Adventure (8850 JPY)
- Tokyo - Tokyo After 5 Urban Adventure (17000 JPY)
- Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market - Free
- Tokyo - Wholesale Fish Market (relocated to Toyosu) - Free
- Tokyo - Metropolitan Government Building observation deck - Free
- Tokyo - Dawn Avatar Robot Café (from) (1500 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hostel (multi-share dorm) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
- Tokyo - Yoyogi Park
- Tokyo - Harajuku street
Optional Activities:
- Tokyo - Gotokuji Cat Temple - Free
Accommodation:
- Hostel (multi-share dorm) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Kanazawa - Kenroku-en Gardens & Castle (320 JPY)
- Kanazawa - Oyama Shrine - Free
- Kanazawa - Omicho market tour - Free
- Kanazawa - 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (excl. special exhibitions) - Free
- Kanazawa - Nagamachi Samurai District (excl. museum entry) - Free
Accommodation:
- Pod Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Kanazawa - Higashi Chaya District walking tour
Accommodation:
- Pod Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Nijo Castle (800 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hostel (multi-share dorm) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Imperial Palace - Free
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera (500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Kimono/Maiko/Samurai Dress Up (from) (10000 JPY)
- Kyoto - Arashiyama Monkey Park (600 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hostel (multi-share dorm) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Accommodation:
- Family Owned Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
Optional Activities:
- Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine (300 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Family Owned Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Osaka - Osaka Castle (600 JPY)
- Osaka - Universal Studios (Day Pass - from) (8900 JPY)
- Osaka - Dogusuji Arcade - Free
- Osaka - Spa World (2000 JPY)
- Osaka - Kaiten Sushi Train at Kura Sushi (from) (1200 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hostel (multi-share dorm) (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Isabelle - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent trip. Would recommend. Been able to see so much of Japan while I've been here, only thing is I wish I had more time :D
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Tyler - Traveled, March 2024
Essential Japan was the trip of a lifetime. Our tour guide Yuki made everything fun and easy to navigate in the bustling environment of Japan. Couldn’t recommend enough!! R
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Sarah - Traveled, March 2024
Great tour! Expensive as basically only accommodation, transport and walking tours are included but having the guide made navigating stuff so easy. Guide helped us with free time giving so many suggestions and also helping book things for individual that they wanted to do
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Sinead - Traveled, March 2024
Our tour guide Yuki Nakano was brilliant, would highly recommend others take her tours!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Dylan - Traveled, March 2024
From the expertise of the tour guide, the places you see, people you meet and cultures you experience, this intrepid tour around Japan has changed my life
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Alex - Traveled, March 2024
Very well executed trip to experience one of the best countries in the world! Yutaka was a great guide for the group!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Mark - Traveled, March 2024
This was my first time overseas and it was in a safe country witch made it easy for my first time. I recommend everyone to do a tour for your first time because i had the best time of life. It was unbelievable adventure full of fun and laughs.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Constantin Hartmut - Traveled, March 2024
The trip was awesome in every single aspect, I can highly recommend it! Public transportation worked perfect in this country and going from city to city was easy and enjoyable. Our guides did a perfect job of giving us a lot of information and organizing everything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Katherine - Traveled, March 2024
Fantastic tour with a great group of people and wonderful tour guides! As a solo traveller it was perfect for my first trip to Japan. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Christian - Traveled, April 2024
Kento is the best tour guide you will ever get the privilege to explore Japan with. There's a lot of walking and climbing but you discover so much more of the culture, and plenty of great food. I only wish I could've stayed longer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
Ramisa - Traveled, April 2024
This was my first inteprid tour and i loved it. My tour guide and the whole group made this experience such a memorable one. Kento Ozaki was amazing, he was knowledgeable and so accommodating. He made sure we were all good even when we were on the run. He went above and beyond for us and it feels like we’re a part of his family.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Abhijith - Traveled, February 2024
The itinerary was well thought out. Had plenty of time to do what we wanted also. If your guide is any good as ours, you'll have a very good time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Harvey - Traveled, February 2024
Our tour leader Kento was incredible, his knowledge of Japan exceeded all exceptions. The places we stayed were great and in perfect locations. The tour was fantastic with opportunities to explore every place. Make sure to book some time in Tokyo before to ensure you see everything. Book the trip, you will meet some great people and love Japan. You will wish the trip never ended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Freddie - Traveled, February 2024
I really enjoyed my time in Japan going across multiple areas of the country and seeing many iconic beautiful places
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2024
Lydia - Traveled, February 2024
Amazing tour. I enjoyed meeting new people, eating amazing food, and exploring Japan and seeing all the amazing places Japan has to offer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2024
Tyler - Traveled, March 2024
Essential Japan was the trip of a lifetime. Our tour guide Yuki made everything fun and easy to navigate in the bustling environment of Japan. Couldn’t recommend enough!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Javier - Traveled, July 2024
What made this trip memorable for me was our guide coordination and the people i met on this trip. No need to say Japan is jaw dropping fir sightseeing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2024
Diana - Traveled, July 2024
This Japan trip was incredible! Asako was the best tour guide and the group was incredible. If you want a good overview of the major cities in Japan this is the tour for you. Be prepared to walk and if it's summer it can get sweaty, but the sites and activites are all worth every penny. However if you can go in Fall or Spring, I highly recommend it lol.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2024
Jonas - Traveled, March 2024
It was an excellent trip around Japan which exceeded all my expectations. It was a once in a lifetime experience and i will cherish the memories i have made for the rest of my life. Leo, Jorge and Nori: You guys are incredible people and guides and I hope many more people will be as lucky as me having you guys as guides :) .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Chevorn - Traveled, March 2024
Leo exceeded my expectations as a tour guide. His wealth of knowledge, dedication and attention to detail made every moment of the trip unforgettable. From organising activities to creating memorable experiences, Leo's personalised approach truly made him stand out. I highly recommend him for anyone looking for an exceptional travel experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
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