Japan Express
Experience Overview
Home to sumo wrestling, sake, geishas, karaoke and onsens, Japan’s got a lot going for it. And on this nine-day trip to some of its most acclaimed cities, you’ll get to see the country at its best. Take in the neon nightlife of Tokyo, reflect during a visit to Hiroshima, discover thousands of years of culture and history in Kyoto and finish in the eclectic Osaka. And have you heard about the food? World-class sushi, ravishing ramen, delectable donburi – you certainly won’t be going hungry. With your local leader to point you in all the right directions and plenty of time to explore at your own pace, experience the culture and charm of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Highlights
- Ultra-modern, ancient traditions and everything in between, this express adventure will introduce you to some of the many faces of Japan in a short amount of time.
- Visit the Peace Park for moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
- Eat your way around Japan with chances to try all kinds of delicious street food, sake, snacks and surprises – from a hearty bowl of ramen to world-class sashimi.
- Spend three nights in Kyoto, exploring this amazing ancient capital in depth and with plenty of free time to create your own adventure.
- Ride the renowned Shinkansen bullet train and make use of public transport day passes to get to and from the activities you choose. Even getting from place to place is fun in Japan!
Trip Details
Product Code: 1716
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Public Bus,Metro,Train,Bullet Train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: CJRB
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Osaka, Japan
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel (3 nights),Basic hotel (5 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,665 ($296 /day)
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with restaurants and karaoke bars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Afterwards, why not head out for an optional dinner to try some local food and experience the nightlife in this amazing city? You might like to finish the night with a drink at a traditional Japanese izakaya – ask your leader for their favourites.
Optional Activities:
- Tokyo - Disneyland or Disney Sea (from) (7900 JPY)
- Tokyo - Gotokuji Cat Temple - Free
- 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
Accommodation:
- Japanese Inn or Multishare Podhostel (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, venture out with your small group on the metro to explore the buzzing Shibuya area. Check out one of the busiest intersections in the world before heading into a depachika (underground food hall) for a mouth-watering array of tempting Japanese treats. Next, visit Meiji Shrine – enter via a massive torii (gate) and notice the sights and sounds of the city fade away as you enter the tranquil forest. Afterwards, explore the Harajuku district, the home of quirky youth pop culture. In your free time this afternoon, perhaps take in the historic Asakusa area – one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo. Here you can stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, which was founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. This evening, you've got endless options for dinner – how about a hearty bowl of ramen, crispy tonkatsu, or snacks and beer at (another) izakaya.
Included Activities:
- Tokyo - Yoyogi Park
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
- Tokyo - Metro day pass
- Tokyo - Harajuku street
Optional Activities:
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple - Free
- Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
- Tokyo - Metropolitan Government Building observation deck - Free
- Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen (500 JPY)
- Tokyo - Karaoke (2000 JPY)
- Tokyo - Sumida River Cruise (1000 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Japanese Inn or Multishare Podhostel (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Time to leave Tokyo and travel by shinkansen to Hiroshima. In the afternoon visit The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum, which stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was the target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated, so the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing has made it an enduring symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims. This evening, maybe try one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat or seafood.
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. While here, you might like to climb (or hop on the cable car) to the top of Mt Miyajima for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Then, visit a local workshop and learn how to make a momiji manju (Japanese maple-leaf shaped pastry). This pastry originated from Miyajima so it’s only befitting that you learn how to make it from the origin. After your sweet treat, return to Hiroshima for a free afternoon. You could stop by the five-storied Hiroshima Castle, which originally dates from the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but reconstructed in all its glory in the 1950s, and now holds an informative museum. The wonderful Shukkeien Garden, with its graceful teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress on a break from sightseeing. For something a bit louder, there are local baseball and soccer teams (if the day is right), or endless shopping choices. Ask your leader for other tips and suggestions as there is plenty to see and do.
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
- Hiroshima - Momiji manju making
Accommodation:
- Basic hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, jump back on the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo ('tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in AD794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, and with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there is a lot to explore. On arrival, head to one of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine – famous for the thousands of vermillion-coloured torii (gates) that straddle the paths and trails in the area. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with Kyoto by walking through its historic neighbourhoods.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Accommodation:
- Basic hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to explore. With its many landmarks and historical sites and an abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is also a city that lends itself to walking, and there are plenty of paths available – ask your leader for their recommendations. Perhaps visit the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji temple, also known as ‘The Golden Pavilion’, or if you’re visiting in spring, head to the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (the Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha). In the evening, enjoy a guided walk through the Pontocho and Gion areas – the famous geisha districts. Even today you can observe the age-old tradition of geisha visiting members of the wealthy elite – this unfolds in small teahouses tucked away in tiny back streets. For those who are keen, you can also choose to attend the Gion Corner cultural centre where you can enjoy some Japanese performing arts, from flower arranging to the Lion Dance.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Public bus day pass
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera (500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) (500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi) - Free
- Kyoto - Gion Corner cultural centre (5500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) (500 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Basic hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Make the most of your last day in Kyoto. If you haven’t done so already, you may like to see Japan’s largest pagoda at Toji, or you could visit the imposing and opulent Nijo Castle, home to the Tokugawa Shoguns who had power over the country during the Edo period. You can also check out the ‘nightingale floors’ of Ninomaru Palace, which squeak to warn off intruders. From the castle, it’s a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji, perhaps Japan’s most acclaimed Zen garden, where carefully placed rocks sit in an immaculately raked sea of gravel. For some local shopping there’s Kyoto’s handicraft centre, a perfect place to pick up some souvenirs with a fine selection of woodblock prints, yukata (light cotton robes), jewellery and pottery. Tonight, why not enjoy karaoke with your new friends, or maybe splash out on a kaiseki meal in a ryotei – small restaurants serving traditional multi-course cuisine.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Public bus day pass
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Nijo Castle (800 JPY)
- Kyoto - Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace (1300 JPY)
- Kyoto - Ryōan-ji (600 JPY)
- Kyoto - Tō-ji (grounds free) (800 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Basic hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hop on board the train this morning and head onto Osaka – arguably Japan’s food capital. To get situated, follow your leader on an orientation walk, and then explore this eclectic city in your free time. Meet in the evening again and take a walking tour with your leader through the Dotombori district and celebrate the end of this fast and furious journey in Japan with your fellow travellers.
Included Activities:
- Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour
Accommodation:
- Multishare hostel (with shared facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, your trip will come to an end. 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
Pamela - Traveled, March 2024
Great tour if you dont know how to travel around Japan. You have to freedom to explore on your own or with the guide. The guides are knowledgeable and super helpful. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
James - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid Travel provided an excellent tour of Tokyo, Nikko, and Kyoto that was stimulating, educational, and environmentally sound. I highly recommend you ask for Eiko as your tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/31/2024
Zoe - Traveled, December 2023
I really can’t say enough about Toshimi, he was genuinely enthusiastic and caring, very knowledgeable and interesting, and really went out of his way to make sure every one was looked after and included. Toshimi is the ideal type of person to be a tour guide, and a great ambassador for tourism in Japan!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2023
Matthew - Traveled, November 2023
I would strongly recommend this trip for anyone who like me has always wanted to go to Japan, but also has a limited time travel. It fits a lot into a short space of time and is a great introduction to Japan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Kim - Traveled, October 2023
Intrepid was the perfect tour company to use on my first trip to Japan. I was able to see a variety of places with a small group and get my travels legs for extended travel on my own. I would recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Randall - Traveled, October 2023
Wow amazing trip to Japan with a amazing guide and group. So much fun n laughter as we moved from city history to country exploring
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Anthony Floyd · - Traveled, October 2023
It was a really good trip! Toshimi was a very knowledgeable and reliable guide! The combination of guided tours and free time was really nice for an introverted person like me.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2023
Robyn - Traveled, October 2023
I highly recommend this trip to Japan with Intrepid! Our tour leader Toshimi was so helpful and accommodated to everyone’s requests. We all had an amazing time travelling together and experiencing the many cultural aspects of this very traditional country. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Jonathan - Traveled, August 2023
Really enjoyed my first trip to Japan with the essentials covered. Asako is a most competent guide and put us all at ease.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/29/2023
Andrew - Traveled, August 2023
The trip was amazing. We went to many amazing places and enjoyed so much local food. The tour guide was awesome and helped us so much. I can’t wait to go again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
Sierra - Traveled, July 2023
Toshimi is the most accommodating and communicative tour guide I could have ever asked for. The trip was wonderful and he was truly a peach - I will be booking through intrepid again in hopes that our paths cross
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Abbey - Traveled, July 2023
Intrepid has chosen the best tour guides. On the Japan express trip Toshimi was ours and it was an experience i’ll never forget! Great food, drinks and culture!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/10/2023
Mary-Jo - Traveled, July 2023
An excellent first time trip to Japan with flexibility to do your own thing or stick with the group
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2023
Kerrie - Traveled, July 2024
Loved this trip, such a great way to see Japan. It gave me a great intro to Japan! Female solo traveller and the group and guide were all beautiful people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2024
Marc - Traveled, July 2024
This trip with Zac Bell is incredible! I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2024
Sharon - Traveled, June 2024
The perfect introduction to Japan with city and country, and a well informed, passionate and proud guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Prineesa - Traveled, June 2024
Great trip. Our tour guide Shu, was amazing and showed us great spots to go to during our free time. The trip is a good combination of being in nature and being in the city. You get alot of free time to explore by yourself as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Claudia - Traveled, June 2024
Incredible trip with incredible knowledge to be shared by our amazing leader that should be in experienced by all individuals
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Rachael - Traveled, September 2023
The perfect combination of guided tour and free-time. My mind has been opened and Japan has blown me away. This tour gave me the confidence to explore and try new things whilst knowing I had the security of an awesome guide contactable throughout even if I was venturing on a 'free-time' afternoon. Always given suggestions which gave the unique Japanese experience not assuming what Westerners would like. Very much appreciated this aspect
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2023
Fredrick - Traveled, September 2023
What a great trip this is. Visited many cool places and had some great food. Our guide Toshimi made it such memorable experience. Arigatou gozaimasu!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
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