Introduction
Japan is a magical place where old and new collide. A country full of incredible natural beauty, futuristic cities of neon, world-renowned food, and a culture steeped in tradition. Japan has a way of enveloping you from the moment you step off the plane. The unique culture and friendliness of the people will stay with you forever. From partying in the famous Shinjuku area of Tokyo to walking down the stone paths passing Geisha in the Gion district in Kyoto, One Life Adventures - Japan is a backpacking adventure tour and will show you the best of the country in 10 days. Starting in Tokyo and finishing in Osaka we explore the iconic areas of Japan plus some places off the tourist trail. By the end of the 10 days you would have lived and breathed the Land of the Rising Sun.
Want longer in Japan? Try our 14 day tour!
*Please note that this is an active, fast-paced, backpacking style tour with a lot of walking. Please make sure you're adequately prepared.The majority of our guests on this tour are in their twenties
**Please be aware that in order to operate our Japan tours under the current restrictions set in place by the Japanese Government all guests will be subject to an additional supplement at extra cost - if the rules change by the time the tour runs then additional supplements will be refunded
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flights
- Insurance
- Optional
- Additional Services
- Visit one of the most important temples in Tokyo
- Visit to a beautiful gold laden building
- Visit to Dotonbori area
Day 1: WELCOME TO JAPAN
Touch down Japan! Welcome to the land of culture, a country with majestic mountains, crazy neon lights, world-class food & ancient and fascinating history. A land where the sake is hot or cold, where the sun glistens off the snow-covered peaks, where incense floats around temples and shrines & where the technological advances take the world by storm. Japan is a dream, a desired destination where all those leave with a newfound sense of wonder. Arrive into your traditional Tokyo designed hostel to be greeted by your tour guide. Tonight well take you out to feast on Japanese cuisines and meet the rest of your group. Once we've finished exploring, we'll head to Senso-Ji, which is one of the most important temples in Tokyo. This illustrious red temple is a feast for the senses especially when all the crowds have gone. Smell the incense and draw a fortune, visiting this temple in the evening is truly a special event
Day 2: EXPLORE TOKYO!
We'll start the morning off with an orientation class. You'll learn simple Japanese customs and phrases to help you dictate your way across the country. Once we have learned all we need, we'll head out to the birthplace of Japanese teen pop culture, Harajuku. We'll then move away from all that craziness to the serenity of Yoyogi park which houses the magnificent Mei-ji Shrine. In the evening, we'll head to Akihabara - Tokyo's electric town - and be blinded by the all the neon lights and crazy shops in store. We'll challenge you all in the Sega Centre and provide you with a map with the best things to do so you can explore the area.
Day 3: SUSHI MAKING CLASS & DOWNTOWN TOKYO
In the morning after breakfast we will head over to our own private sushi making class! You will learn how to make Miso soup, three types of sushi and the secrets behind Teriyaki! Vegetarian option is available but you must notify your guide/One Life a week before the tour starts. After your sushi lunch, well head back to the hostel for a quick freshen up before heading to the incredible Shinjuku area for a meal of Yakitori and beer. We will then explore Kabukicho before wrapping up the day viewing the world famous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing
Day 4: TRAVEL TO HAKONE & MT FUJI VIEWING
Today we leave Tokyo by the aptly named Romance Car to the stunning mountainous town of Hakone. After checking into our guesthouse accommodation situated in the mountains, we will spend the day exploring the surrounding areas on a variety of different transports including the world famous Romance Car. Why is Hakone so special? Well, not only is the food incredible but the views of Mt Fuji are pretty spectacular on a clear day. After a day of exploring and taking photos of Japan's most famous mountain, we'll arrange a typical Japanese Nabe dinner in the guesthouse and settle in to play some family games for the evening.
Day 5: TEMPLE STAY
Today we board the bullet train, a soaring feat of engineering that throws you across the countryside. Along the way, be sure to take in the stunning mountains that pass by all the way to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Takayama. Our accommodation tonight is in a stunning Japanese temple. Never before would you have stayed in more beautiful surroundings, your bed will be on simple tatami mats. In the evening we'll head out for some traditional Sake Tasting and you can even treat yourself to some infamously tasty Hida beef. After all of that, you get a real chance for you to focus on your mindful experience as you sleep soundly in the temple.
Day 6: ARRIVE IN KYOTO & GION WALKING TOUR
In the morning your guide will walk you around the beautiful old town and village of Takayama, we'll be sure to stop for lunch before boarding the train back to Nagoya and taking our final bullet train to Kyoto. Famous for its shrines, temples and Geishas, Kyoto is a sure fire way to find your inner peace and get lost exploring its small alleyways. In the evening, we'll walk around Kyoto's Gion district, famous for Geishas (Japan's traditional art form of entertainment), if you are lucky enough you might even spot one.
Day 7: KYOTO TEMPLE & SHRINE TOUR
We'll rise early in the morning and take the subway to Fushimi-Inari Shrine. We arrive early to escape the bustling throng of tourists and work our way through the mountain exploring corridors of never-ending red gates. After we'll make our way to Kiyomizu-Dera temple, one of Japan's most famous temples. A stunning bamboo and wooden complex that sits high on the mountainside. We will then take part in a traditional ceremony before you have the afternoon to explore Kyoto on your own
Day 8: GOLDEN PAVILION, ZEN GARDENS AND KENDO CLASS
This morning we'll head to the incredible Golden Pavilion, a beautiful gold laden building, surrounded by lakes which showcase a stunning reflection of the building. After well head to Daitoku-Ji, a quiet group of buildings and temples, away from the main tourist districts, where you can truly channel your inner zen. In the afternoon we head to a traditional Kendo class housed in the dojo where it all began. Your authentic Bushido instructor, a descendant of a Japanese Samurai Warrior, will teach you the way of this respectful martial art!
Day 9: BAMBOO FOREST, ARRIVE IN OSAKA, FOOD TOUR AND KARAOKE
In the morning, we'll beat the crowds and take the train to the Arashiyama district. This stunning district is flanked by mountainous valleys with a river working its way through the middle. We'll start off by wandering through the Instagram worthy bamboo forest, before climbing the steps up to Monkey Mountain. Once we make our way down, well board a private rowboat and explore the valleys the traditional Japanese way. We'll then head back to our hostel check out and make our way to Osaka! After checking in we will head out into the Dotonbori area to take you on a food tour. There is no better way to view this incredible, living, breathing city than tasting your way through it. In the evening well wrap up our tour with one final Japanese tradition - Karaoke!
Day 10: DEPART
After nursing your head from last nights antics, its time to say goodbye to your group and the new friends you have made from your tour. We hope we have shown you the best that Japan has to offer. If you're continuing your travels with us, we cant wait to see you in Sri Lanka or The Philippines, or if you're returning home, we hope we have at least inspired you to #exploremore
Want longer in Japan? Try our 14 day tour!
R AND KARAOKE
