Japan Adventure

Konnichiwa and welcome to Tokyo! Today you'll arrive into one of the world's buzziest, most forward-thinking cities. Checking in to your hostel, you'll meet up with your travel crew this evening and get excited for the adventures to come.

Today is about discovering all that Tokyo has in store.

First up, we'll pay a visit to one of the country's oldest temples, Senso-ji Temple, before checking out the Meiji Shrine. Colourful, eclectic and fashion forward Harajuku is up next, before we brave the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection. After dinner this evening, we'll then squeeze in to one of the hilariously tiny bars in the district of Shinjuku.

First up we're meeting with a sushi master to try our hand at the art of sushi rolling. Followed by some free time in Tokyo this afternoon, we'll then venture over to the futuristic sights and sounds of Akihabara in the evening. Known locally as the ‘Electric City', it's famous for its electronic shops, maid cafes, Japanese photo booths, game centres and all things modern.

Now's your chance to experience Japan's famous bullet train for real. Shooting out of Tokyo at over 200mph, we'll reach Nagano just in time to try out the ancient art of Origami, followed by a relaxing dip in an Onsen, aka a volcanic hot spring.

Tonight we'll settle in to our Ryokan style hotel, where you'll be sleeping on traditional tatami mats and Japanese style futon bedding.

This morning we'll learn how to make our own Soba noodles! We'll then be venturing out into the mountains to spot the region's famous snow monkeys, or Japanese Macaques. These red faced trouble makers play amongst the trees in the summer months & warm by bathing in the natural hot springs once winter hits. Enjoying the fresh mountain air, we'll then take our time exploring the gorgeous lakes and forests of the Shiga Kogen National Park (summer only).

It's back on board the bullet train this morning, this time bound for Hakone. Famed for hot springs, natural beauty and (of course) Mount Fuji, we'll check in to our trendy hostel that comes with its very own onsen.

You might not be walking the plank, but you will be exploring Hakone by pirate ship (and cable car) this morning, keeping eyes peeled for views of snow capped Mount Fuji. We'll then journey on to Osaka, also known as the nation's kitchen. To celebrate, a BBQ dinner will be on us, where we'll fuel up for a night out, Osaka style.

This morning you'll have time to yourself to chill and maybe squeeze in a spot of shopping, before we head out as a group to visit the 400 year old Osaka Castle. Looking like something straight out of a fairytale, you'll struggle not to get house envy as we explore the grounds and hear stories of Japanese history and legends, including the country's most famous warriors, the Samurai. We'll finish up by heading over to Dotonbori, Osaka's famous canal region and home to some of the best food in the country! The evening is yours to eat away.

Ready for something extra special? Today we have just the thing - an overnight stay in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple. Leaving Osaka behind we'll travel to the mountains for the town of Koyasan, where we'll be welcomed into the temple by the monks who live there. They'll teach us meditation and serve us their traditional foods.

This evening we'll have a night time stroll through Japan's most famous cemetery.

It's an early start today, but well worth it to watch the Buddhist monks perform their morning prayer ritual and fire ceremony. We'll then be served their traditional breakfast before travelling on to our final destination, Kyoto. After checking in to our boutique hotel, you'll have time to yourself to explore Japan's ancient capital.

Tonight we get to learn about Japan's mysterious Geishas with a tour of Gion, the district many of these artists call home.

Green, lush and vibrant, the Insta-famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama is our first stop today. Photos snapped, we'll then head to the luxurious Golden Pavilion, so named for being covered entirely in gold leaf.

Tonight's a free evening to maybe hit up a sushi restaurant, find a bar, or challenge your mates to a round of bowling.

Today we'll visit the famous Torii gates of Fushimi-Inari. One of Japan's most iconic and photographed shrines, the orange gates stretch all the way up the mountainside.

This afternoon, you'll learn how to wield a traditional samurai sword under the watchful eye of a Samurai master who's dedicated their life to the art of the sword.

This morning we'll head off to discover the beautiful neighbourhood of Sannenzaka to experience a traditional tea ceremony. After savoring our cups of matcha tea, we'll catch a local train to spend the afternoon exporing the gardens and temples of Nara. Look out for the docile bowing deers!

Today we're travelling further south down to Hiroshima via bullet train. Once we arrive, we'll pay a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the Atomic Bomb dome, which commemorate the tragic bombings of 1945. Wandering through the park we'll pause at memorials dedicated to the victims, and while the stories will be difficult to learn about, it's a necessary part of modern history that will enhance our appreciation for Japanese society today.

Famed as one of Japan's most scenic locations, we'll take the ferry over to Itsukushima - aka Miyajima Island - to see the famous floating Torii Gate in the bay. With temples, friendly deer and hiking trails, we have the whole day to explore the island at our own pace.

This evening, we'll head out to try Hiroshima's specialty okonomiyaki, then perhaps find a hidden whiskey bar.

We're off back to Osaka at the speed of light (okay, maybe not that fast), for a final day of last minute shopping and sightseeing.

This evening we're off to explore Shinsekai, the ‘New World' together, a retro neighborhood in downtown Osaka full of quirky restaurants and izakayas where we'll eat our way through the streets and 'kanpai' to the amazing time we've had together!

Your unforgettable 17 day adventure comes to an end today. Those flying home will make their way to the airport, or keep living the dream and extend your stay in Osaka or Japan with our help and the new friends you've made.