Legend of Japan
Experience Overview
Konnichiwa... Japan is calling! Futuristic city lights, mouth-watering foodie heaven, and rich, ancient culture filled with Tru-ly life-changing experiences. Yep, we're talking the three big S's. Sushi, Samurai and Sake! This country is nothing short of legendary. Take the scenic route by bullet train as we speed through Japan and sightsee the best of the best! Marvel at Tokyo's glowing neon city lights, walk the historic ancient walls of Osaka and Kyoto's famous temples and immerse yourself in the Tru Japan with slicing and dicing in sushi-making classes and Samurai sessions. Japan is magical all year round, from cherry blossoms blooming to white snow-capped mountains. Fall in love with the breathtaking scenery, rich traditional culture and hey, the sashimi is pretty good too...
Trip Details
Product Code: 3014
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: UAJLJ
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Basic
Includes
Activities
- Sushi Making Class
- Bamboo Forest
- Fushimi-Inari Red Temple
- Samurai Experience
- Mt
- Fuji Viewpoint
- Pirate Ship Cruise
- Meiji Shrine & Walking Tour
- Senso-Ji Temple
- Morning Prayer at Local Temple
- Sushi Class
- Osaka Castle
- Koyasan Temple Stay
- Cemetery Tour
- Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
- Tea Ceremony
- Kinkaku-Ji Golden Temple
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Sake Brewery Tour & Tasting
- Hakone Ropeway Cablecar
- 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,550 ($296 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
The legend of Japan - It's in the name and where better to start our adventure than Tokyo! Tokyo is the largest metropolitan in the world and home to the most top-rated restaurants in Japan, so it's time to explore! Check-in at the hostel, chillax, and in the evening, we'll meet up with your new TruFam to see this stunning city by night. We'll head to Shinjuku; neon lights are shining, the city is buzzing and alive so let's head out. Shinjuku is known for its quirky bars and wild party scene, so be sure to pack your dancing shoes, your favourite shit shirt and a positive attitude. It's going to be a night to remember!
Day 2: Tokyo
Rise and shine, we're off exploring Tokyo! Picture this, jaw-dropping architecture, rich history and life-changing experiences. Where are you? We head to the world-famous Senso-Ji temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and a mirage of jaw-dropping bright red architecture surrounds us. Get that pen out; you're putting ticks on that bucket list! We'll be travelling via train for the majority of our sightseeing so grab your maps and get to know the local area. Have you ever been anywhere cooler than Japan? We'll answer for you... Absolutely not! We'll explore Akihabara, the electric town, a perfect visit for anime lovers and gamers. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, take a walk around town, devour some delicious street food like takoyaki or yakisoba. They're 10/10 a must try btw. Then we head back and get ready for a night on the town TruFam Japan style & for a Sake tasting experience!
Day 3: Tokyo
In the morning we'll pack up our bags and get ready for tomorrow's travel day! We'll also do some more exploring of Tokyo and discover some hidden spots. We'll even tick off Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken, a visit to Meiji Shrine is a must-visit in Tokyo and dates back to over 100 years ago. Grab your photos, marvel at this beautiful place and its incredible height as we take a walk through our magical surroundings. We'll then head over to the beautiful Yoyogi Park & Explore Harujuku, the famous shopping neighbourhood. In the evening, we'll head out for dinner and drinks and see where the buzzing nightlife takes us! Tomorrow morning, we're travelling at the speed of light. You know the world-famous bullet train? That's right we don't do average.
Day 4: Tokyo/Osaka
Today we're bidding farewell to Tokyo. It's been insaaaaane, but it's time to head to our next destination. Osaka! We catch the bullet train; we spend the morning zooming through the scenic views, updating our Instagram feed and playing snap with the TruFam. The bullet train is an experience in itself so sit back and enjoy! We've got a big few days ahead! We arrive in Osaka and head to Osaka Castle, originally completed in 1586 as a display of power and grandeur by the samurai warlord and ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi; Osaka Castle is the most famous attraction in Osaka and spans over 15 acres. So it's a big day out, and the pictures are postcard-worthy. Next up, we explore neon street. Fluorescent pinks, yellows and neon greens surround us. Sparkling lights, bustling streets and huge 3D signs, we're in Dotonbori, to be precise! We take a walking tour and explore this sensational city and learn the story behind it. In the evening, we hit the town! We hope you're hungry as we try out some delicious street food before sipping every colourful cocktail insight. Neon street = neon cocktails, right? Pass us a blue lagoon!
Day 5: Osaka
Rise and shine! Spend the morning exploring Osaka before you try your hand at sushi making... It's harder than you think! We'll be getting creative in the kitchen this morning and, of course, every good chef must taste their work, so lunch will be a selection of our best dishes. We'll then spend the evening checking out all the sights before ehading for some delicious dinner!
Day 6: Osaka/Kōyasan
Grab a coffee; we're heading to Koyasan! We'll take a local train, a cable train and bus to get to our next stop. Our accommodation for tonight? A traditional Japanese temple. You know how we do. We said this trip would be legendary. All food is included, so indulge yourself courtesy of yours Tru-ly, the food here is all vegetarian but trust us it's lovely. Whilst staying at the temple, get ready to be immersed in the local culture & the temple's rules for a Tru authentic experience. We head out to explore the local temples before sitting down for a traditional dinner together as TruFam. In the evening, we're taking a walking tour of the oldest cemetery in Japan. Read that again. The. Oldest. Cemetery. In. Japan. Grab the hand of your new BFF and get ready to learn the stories and history of the cemetery. Dw, it's more peaceful than scary!
Day 7: Kōyasan/Kyoto
Did you sleep ok? Course you did; last night wasn't that spooky! Today we're picking up the heat... No, seriously, we're kickstarting today with a traditional fire ceremony. A truly unforgettable experience and will have you feeling completely zen afterwards! Goma taki involves writing down your wishes on wooden plates and placing them into the fire. This is believed to burn away their excess wishes and desires to achieve a simple, appreciative life. The fire is thought to destroy negative energies and purify the mind, body and spirit. We're then heading to our next stop, Kyoto! Before we head off, we have a traditional breakfast and visit a local temple for morning prayer and to learn more about this beautiful culture. In the late morning, we head to the bustling town of Kyoto! Home to the world-famous Gion - the Geisha district! Filled with shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain, Gion is a fairytale destination. An incredible experience. We walk the beautiful, vibrant streets before heading for a traditional tea ceremony in the afternoon. We walk along Kamagowa river in the evening, sip beer, and watch the sun gown down on another extraordinary day.
Day 8: Kyoto
Wake and let's go! First stop, Kinkaku-Ji Golden Temple! No, you're not dreaming; this magnificent two-story temple is covered in gold leaf. Kinkakuji was built to echo the extravagant wealthy circles of Kyoto during Yoshimitsu's time and today stands as a zen temple; with its glistening gold features, travellers come from all over the world to see it. We spend the morning absorbing our serene surroundings. Whilst we're talking of zen... We're heading to the most peaceful, jaw-dropping paradise of emerald green beauty. Did you guess it? It's Arashiyama Bamboo forest! We walk the tranquil, worldly walkway through the soaring bamboo grove. No picture can do it justice, but hey, you can try, plus we guarantee you 50+ likes on the gram with these views. The afternoon is free for us to explore, so we see where the day takes us and get a feel for the night's plan! May we suggest visiting Nara or renting a bike and exploring the backstreets of Kyoto. It's up to you TruFam!
Day 9: Kyoto
If you thought yesterday was epic, wait till you experience TODAY. Temples & Samurai. That's what we're talking about! We're diving deep into the Tru Japan as we head to Kyoto's famous temple of red gates - Fushimi-Inari. You may not have heard of it, but you've definitely seen it. Renowned for its thousands of red torii gates, Fushimi-Inari is incredible to behold, so we take a walk around! Afterwards, we head to the main event. Perhaps, the coolest experience of your lifetime? We're taking a Samurai class! We're going in full Samurai mode, that's right, we're getting dressed up. Robes and everything! Enjoy a demonstration from the warriors before practicing the basics and learning a variety of moves with the sword! It's just like slicing and dicing Sushi you learnt earlier... Sort of?
Day 10: Kyoto/Hakone
Rise and shine, TruTravellers, we hope you dreamt of slicing, dicing and living your best Samurai warrior life after yesterday's adventure, either that or you're feeling ok after too much sake last night. Today we have a chilled morning before heading to Hakone. Once we arrive, we're heading for views on views on viewsssss. We take the ropeway cable cart for panoramic views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. When we get to Lake Ashi it's time to grab your eye patch and parrot as we're off to board and explore a priate ship. Grab your cameras it's going to be a good'en! Mount Fuji is one of the most notable symbols of Japan, and boy, is it stunning! The views are breathtaking, covered with glistening white snow and lined with misty clouds. Then we are headed back to Tokyo for some more exploring and a final group evening together!
Day 11: Hakone/Tokyo
Yesterday was a jam-packed day so today we're taking it easy. We'll grab some breakfast before making our way back to Tokyo for some more exploring and a final group evening together!
Day 12: Tokyo
All good things must come to an end and today's the last day of our legendary trip, so have a chilled morning before checkout. Your travel ninja is on hand for any onward travel plans you may have and if you're still looking to explore and sightsee this incredible country. It's been an experience, a Tru-ly unforgettable one. You're a part of the TruFam now, which means you're TruFam for life, so it's not goodbye. It's see you later. MATA NE! That's Japanese for Later btw!
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
MaPier - Traveled, March 2024
It was fantastic. Marion was an amazing tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2024
Casey - Traveled, March 2024
Its was absolutely amazing in the Philippines but was terrible in Japan. No airport pick up, uniformed luggage restrictions and delays (for half the trip you don't have full access to our belongings but they don't mention that until you get there) included activities were canceled or rebooked 4 times in 2 weeks. No local Japanese guide so often felt like we were being treated like tourists instead of guests.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/19/2024
Luciel - Traveled, April 2024
I think this was the best tour that I chose thankfully, I had some help from my mom in order to choose which one so for whoever is trying to decide which one to do this one’s perfect you get to do multiple things visit multiple sites and also have 3 to 4 hours free time which works if you wanna go visit other places or shopping to just keep in mind that when you choose you can to do other things after you visit the sites with the tour guide and the group
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Ben Chapman - Traveled, November 2024
Hikari was an amazing tour guide. Sorting all the troubles with language barriers, adding in all the best local recommendations and showing us all the local spots. She made sure the whole trip ran smoothly, and kept looking after everyone. Giving recommendations, and helping out when people weren't up to the amount of walking needed for this trip. It was a once in a lifetime experience. And because of trip, I've fallen in love with Japan even more than I did before! Words really can't sum up how great Hikari has been on this tour. If you are going to have a tour guide, then pray that it's a tour guide half as good as Hikari, and you'll have an amazing time. Hikari also controlled the weather to make sure we had a view of Mt Fuji.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Jessica Taberner - Traveled, November 2024
Hikari was amazing she made the trip so amazing and comfortable. She was so organised and calm and felt like my friend more than a guide I loved it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Shaun England - Traveled, November 2024
Morgan was personable, always open, approachable and Patient! Looking back I’m thankful for him just being himself as his passion for Japan came through everyday for us all to enjoy. I’m honestly left wondering if I’ll ever better the experience. His mix of Japanese and British heritage and culture puts you at ease the whole trip as you can relax as he leads you all the way. If all travel experiences were led by someone like Morgan I would always sign up again and again! I will be returning for a South American tour too, thanks to the unforgettable time I had with Morgan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Thaddeus Foster - Traveled, November 2024
My guide enhanced my experience of Japan. He was very knowledgeable of the sites we visited and provided useful recommendations of food and places to go. We participated in different types of activities on this tour allowing us to fully enjoy all that Japan has to offer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Max Hawkins - Traveled, October 2024
Zane was the absolute best tour guide! Always bringing great energy every day and going above and beyond for everyone in the group! He was very knowledgeable and showed great enthusiasm when taking us through Japan! Was an honour to see his favourite tree, truly special! Zane, thank you so much for an amazing time and for being just a great guy! Hope to see you again, Max!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Caitlyn Nichols - Traveled, October 2024
Had a great tour in Japan with a great tour guide Zane. Zane was constantly active and always helped straight away when needed and very informative. Everyday was different and fun as well as the nightlife. Definitely recommend this!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Tabitha Lillywhite - Traveled, October 2024
Zane was an amazing guide, he was fun and easy to get along with, and had extensive knowledge of the culture and history. He was helpful and attentive, and always made sure we were all having a great time on the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Olivia Palmer - Traveled, October 2024
Our guide was truly amazing and didn’t feel like a guide at all in the best way. By the end of the tour Zane had become a good friend to everyone in the tour, which made it feel less like an actual tour and more like you were visiting a good friend. I was sick twice on the tour, which Zane handled professional and made sure that I received the care that I needed and that I was okay to take part in certain activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Matti Goldschmidt - Traveled, October 2024
was a wonderful tour....
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Sophie Medhurst - Traveled, October 2024
Morgan has been a fantastic guide. Throughout the tour he was informative, friendly and approachable, and always brought positive energy and a great sense of humour to the group. He was consistently checking in with everyone to make sure they were having a good time and feeling comfortable whilst actively trying to ensure everyone got to see, do and buy what they wanted outside of the scheduled activities (including going out of his way to check stock in shops of specific items and pick up engraved chopsticks whilst we were at the tea ceremony so people didn’t have to go back to collect them). When I arrived in Japan days before the tour started I reached out to him and he was more than happy to give me advice on navigating the transport and recommendations on places to eat which was really helpful and it was greatly appreciated to have a line of support when on my own despite him not being my tour guide yet. Additionally, when all of the group went to universal studios during a free afternoon he planned things we could do so I wouldn’t be alone for the day. Overall, all the small things he did for me and the group really made this one memorable and elevated the experience of the trip. I’ve done quite a few group tours now and it really makes a difference when you get a guide who loves their job and is passionate towards their country and its culture/food etc and they want to share that with you and that really came across with Morgan. During free time he wanted us to get the most out of Japan and rather than send recommendations and leave us to it like I’ve had in the past, he was right there showing us as much as he could. It felt like we were travelling with a friend rather than a guide which was really nice. He went above and beyond to give us the best possible time and I genuinely believe that it’s not just because it’s the job but because he wants to do that for people. What a credit to your team. Morgan- I’m very glad Steve raved on about your tour; I can see why he loved it so much (I won’t tell him he was right though)! Thank you for everything. Keep doing what you are doing. It was an absolute pleasure seeing Japan with you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Rachel Bateman - Traveled, October 2024
Morgan was an incredible tour guide! It really shows how much he cares and ensures everyone has a great Japan experience - whatever that might be! I’ve tried so many foods that I wouldn’t have before, and have enjoyed getting to know the culture. We had some issues with a yr old man on our trip that made some of us uncomfortable at times, but Morgan dealt with it professionally. I would love to come back again on another Japan tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Philip Ratanavong - Traveled, September 2024
Where to begin I recently had the incredible opportunity to explore Japan, and one of the highlights of my trip was a relaxing temple stay. Our tour guide, Hikari, made the experience truly unforgettable she may be small in stature but not to be underestimated or messed with she was a power house a Geisha by day Ninja assassin by night. The tour started of by meeting over social media so by the time we met in person it was as tho we had met before it was a good way to break the ice . We traveled around a lot as a group and covered a lot of ground in a very short amount of time . Saw the highest of the highs and continued to climb . One of the highlights of my trip was a relaxing temple stay. Our tour guide, Hikari, made the experience truly unforgettable. From the moment we met, Hikari’s warmth and friendliness shone through. She was not only beautiful but also exceptionally knowledgeable about Japanese culture, history, and the spiritual significance of the temple and shrines we visited. Her passion for sharing her country’s traditions was evident in every story she told and every detail she pointed out. The temple stay was a serene escape from the bustling city life. Hikari guided us through the tranquil gardens, explaining the symbolism behind each element and the practices of the monks who live there. Her insights deepened our understanding and appreciation of the serene surroundings. Making the experience both educational and spiritually enriching. What truly set Hikari apart was her ability to connect with each of us on a personal level. She was always attentive to our questions and needs, making sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged and she never ever left anybody behind . Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she had a unique way of making the history and culture come alive. Overall, Hikari was an exceptional guide who made Japan a cherished memory. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an enriching and authentic experience in Japan. Thank you, Hikari, for being such a wonderful guide and for sharing the beauty of your country with us I will never forget you .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Matilda O'Keefe - Traveled, September 2024
Hikari is fun and energetic she wanted to make sure everyone was having a good tour and was able to adapt to what the group wanted and needed at the time. She was very knowledgeable on the itinerary and answered all our questions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Jonathan Archer - Traveled, September 2024
Hikari was the best tour guide we could have hoped for on this tour. She was fun friendly and had the best food and activity recommendations! She always got involved with all the activities as part of the group, always made sure everyone was looked after and having a great time. I can’t fault Hikari on anything on this tour and I came away with a new friend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Katya John - Traveled, September 2024
Hikari, you were absolutely amazing throughout our entire -day journey! We truly couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Your attention to detail, especially in making sure that I, as a vegetarian, had delicious and thoughtful options, was incredibly appreciated. You took us to some wonderful hidden gems that we would have never found on our own. What really stood out was how you made each experience feel special and personalised. Whether it was exploring the sights during the day or going for some brilliant nights out, you were always there with us, making every moment even more fun and enjoyable. Your warmth, kindness, and local knowledge made our trip one we will never forget. Thank you for everything—you were a huge part of what made this adventure so special!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Amy Shields - Traveled, September 2024
Amazing tour guide, couldn't have asked for more!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
Miles thomas - Traveled, August 2024
Zane was enthusiastic and helpful. He was calm and made it easy for us to just relax and enjoy the trip. He was also fun and had a great sense of humour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2024
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