Highlights
- Experience the famous Tsukiji Fish Market before learning the art of rolling your own sushi from a master of the art.
- Visit ancient temples, colourful shrines and majestic castles and learn about the importance of the Shinto religion to the Japanese people and how their country was shaped by brutal warfare.
- Get up close and personal with the famous red faced ‘snow monkeys’ of Jigokudani.
- Take in stunning mountain views from trains, pirate ships and cable cars as you explore the beauty of Nagano and Hakone.
- Learn how to wield a Katana (Japanese Samurai sword) and cut through tatami mats with the guidance of a descendant from the noble Samurai.
- Spend the night in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple with monks in the stunning mountains of Koyasan, learn to meditate and watch the monks perform their morning prayers and a fascinating fire ceremony
Inclusions
- All accommodation
- All activities
- All transport as per itinerary
- Help with onward travel: If you’ve booked the return to Tokyo add-on, this includes your return bullet train journey back to Tokyo station. The return journey takes approx. 4 hours and your departure time from Kyoto is flexible to suit your onward travel needs. You can leave Kyoto as early as 7-8am if you need to and arrive at Tokyo station as early as approx 12pm. If you’re flying out of Tokyo that day, the earliest we recommend flying out is 3pm.
Day 1 : Arrive & Meet Your Group
Welcome to Tokyo! Once you arrive and check in at the hotel, you'll then have plenty of time to recover from your flight and relax before you meet everyone in your group.
Meals :None
Day 2 : Tokyo City Tour and Nightlife
Tokyo is an incredible contrast of ultra-modern and ultra-traditional that will blow you away! First up is a visit to the Senso-ji Temple; Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple surrounded by traditional Japanese markets, before heading over to the stunning Meiji Shrine. Next up we discover colourful Harajuku as well as the iconic Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest intersection!) Later we'll experience some of Japan’s quirky restaurants and hilariously tiny bars in Shinjuku.
Meals :None
Day 3 : Fish market, Sushi Class & Arcades
Today we'll discover the organised mayhem of the Tsukiji Fish Market, once the largest operating markets in the world! Afterwards a sushi master will teach you the art of rolling your own fresh sushi. This evening we'll head for the bright lights of Akihabara. From classic arcade games to the insanity of Japanese photo booths, you'll soon learn why they call this 'Electric City'. Game on!
Meals :None
Day 4 : Travel to Nagano, Sake Tasting and Brewery Visit
Today we have the need for speed as we board our first ‘Shinkansen’, the famous Bullet train, and rocket through the Japanese countryside at over 200mph! Once in Nagano we'll get a chance to taste locally brewed Sake. Our home tonight is a 'Ryokan', a traditional Japanese Inn where we'll sleep on bamboo mats (it's comfy, trust us!).
Meals :None
Day 5 : Snow Monkeys and Shiga Kogen National Park
Today we head into the mountains to see the famous Snow Monkeys. These Japanese Macaques play among the trees in summer, whilst in winter you'll catch these guys bathing in natural hot springs to escape the cold. We'll then explore the lakes and forests of the Shiga Kogen National Park, a beautiful site year round.
Meals :None
Day 6 : Travel from Nagano to Hakone
Leaving Nagano behind we'll shoot off again by bullet train to the stunning Hakone, a spot famous in Japan for its jaw dropping views of Mount Fuji.
Meals :None
Day 7 : Hakone to Osaka
We'll spend the morning exploring Hakone by pirate ship and cable car, where on a clear day you'll have unrivaled views of Mt. Fuji. Next up is Osaka, where we'll head out to the vibrant Dotonbori canal region for dinner and then party in the crazy neon nightlife.
Meals :None
Day 8 : Osaka Castle
Spend the morning relaxing or exploring Osaka's awesome shopping. Later we'll visit the incredible Osaka Castle, first built over 400 years ago. Here we'll learn the importance of Japanese history and Japan's ancient warriors, the Samurai.
Meals :None
Day 9 : Koyasan Temple Stay
We head back to the mountains today for a once in a lifetime experience – staying overnight in a traditional 1000 year old Buddhist Temple in the fascinating town of Koyasan. Here we'll be taught meditation by the monks, served their traditional cuisine and have a guided night-time stroll through Japan’s largest cemetery, a truly other-worldly experience! We’ll spend another night sleeping in traditional Japanese style surrounded by the beauty of the temple grounds.
Meals :None
Day 10 : Koyasan to Kyoto
Today we wake up early for an unforgettable experience – watching the Buddhist monks perform their morning prayers and fire ceremony. We’ll be served breakfast by the monks before travelling to our last destination, Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. When we arrive, there'll be time to chill in our awesome accommodation before heading out for dinner and drinks.
Meals :None
Day 11 : Bamboo Forest, Golden Pavilion & Geishas
Make sure your phones charged today! First up is the Instagram famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, perfect for shots surrounded by the towering bamboo. We then head to the beautiful Golden Pavilion, a temple covered entirely in gold, before visiting Gion, the famous home of Japan’s beautiful and mysterious Geishas.
Meals :None
Day 12 : Fushimi-Inari & Samurai Experience
Today the endless bright orange Torii gates of Fushimi-Inari await us! One of Japan’s most iconic shrines will blow you away as we explore the winding trails of the ancient mountain. In the afternoon, we will be taught how to wield a traditional sword by a sensei descended from the Samurai. Experience the finesse of these weapons as you channel your inner warrior and slice through rolled bamboo.
Meals :None
Day 13 : Check out and Onward Travel
Your amazing 13 day adventure comes to an end. You can either check out and make your way back home, stay on longer in Kyoto or continue your travels in Japan. If you’ve booked the return to Tokyo add-on, this includes your return bullet train journey back to Tokyo station. The return journey takes approx. 4 hours and your departure time from Kyoto is flexible to suit your onward travel needs. You can leave Kyoto as early as 7-8am if you need to and arrive at Tokyo station as early as approx 12pm. If you’re flying out of Tokyo that day, the earliest we recommend flying out is 3pm.
Meals :None
Pickup: Tokyo
An airport pickup is NOT included in Japan Adventure
Intro Travel will provide customers with detailed information in a pre-arrival pack that explains how to get from the airport to the Tokyo accommodation. A Group Leader will meet the customer at the accommodation for their arrival.
Return: Kyoto
What to Bring:
Passport
Visa (if required)
Dietary Requirements:
Please send us any dietary requirements.
Extra Costs:
Pre nights accommodation can be be organised through INTRO Travel but are available ON REQUEST ONLY and will be paid to the accommodation on arrival.
