Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo ✈️

Land in one of the world’s most futuristic cities! Head to your central hostel in Tokyo, check in, and meet up with your group leader and crew for welcome drinks and initial evening vibes.

Day 2: Temples, Harajuku & Tiny Bars ⛩️

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, followed by the peaceful Meiji Shrine. Discover the bright, eccentric fashion district of Harajuku, brave the famous Shibuya Crossing, and cap off the night squeezing into tiny local bars in Shinjuku!

Day 3: Master Sushi Class & Akihabara 🍣

Learn the delicate art of sushi making directly from a local sushi master! Enjoy free time in Tokyo before exploring Akihabara (the Electric City)—famous for futuristic arcades, maid cafes, and Japanese pop culture.

Day 4: Bullet Train, Origami & Volcanic Onsens 🚅

Hop aboard Japan’s famous 200mph Bullet Train bound for Nagano! Try your hand at ancient Origami, soak in a relaxing volcanic hot spring (onsen), and stay overnight in a traditional Ryokan on tatami mats.

Day 5: Soba Noodle Making & Snow Monkeys 🐒

Learn how to roll and make your own Soba noodles for lunch! Afterwards, trek into the mountains to spot the region’s famous wild red-faced Snow Monkeys playing in Jigokudani National Park.

Day 6: Bullet Train to Hakone 🏔️

Catch the bullet train down to the beautiful mountain town of Hakone—a destination famous for thermal springs and stunning views of Mount Fuji. Check into your trendy hostel equipped with its own onsen!

Day 7: Pirate Ship Cruise & Osaka Nightlife 🏴‍☠️

Explore Hakone aboard a pirate ship on Lake Ashi and take a cable car ride with views of Mount Fuji. Travel onwards to Osaka, enjoy an included BBQ dinner, and hit the town for a hilarious karaoke night out!

Day 8: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori Street Food 🏯

Visit the historic 400-year-old Osaka Castle and learn about ancient Samurai warriors. Head over to Dotonbori’s famous neon canals to feast on some of the best street food in Japan.

Day 9: 1,000-Year-Old Buddhist Temple Stay 🛕

Travel into the sacred mountains of Koyasan for a bucket-list overnight stay in an active 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple. Learn meditation techniques from monks, eat traditional vegetarian cuisine, and take a night walk through Japan’s largest cemetery.

Day 10: Sunrise Temple Ceremony & Geisha District 🌅

Wake up early for a morning fire ceremony and prayer service led by the temple monks. Travel on to Kyoto and take an evening walking tour through the historic, atmosphere-filled Geisha district of Gion.

Day 11: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Golden Pavilion 🎋

Wander through the towering green stalks of the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Visit the breathtaking Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a temple covered entirely in real gold leaf overlooking a tranquil pond.

Day 12: Fushimi Inari Torii Gates & Samurai Masterclass 🗡️

Walk beneath thousands of vibrant red Torii Gates at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Cap off your trip with an exclusive Samurai masterclass where a sensei teaches you how to wield a real Samurai sword!

Day 13: Check Out & Onward Travel 🎒

Your 13-day Japan adventure finishes in Kyoto. Head home, extend your stay to explore Nara or Hiroshima, or let your group leader assist with return transfers to Tokyo/Osaka airports!

Yes! Over 80% of travelers join INTRO Travel trips solo. You will be paired up in quad or twin-share rooms with travelers of the same gender, allowing you to make instant best friends without paying single supplement fees.

Most Western nationalities (including Australia, UK, USA, Europe) receive a 90-day tourist visa exemption upon landing in Japan free of charge. Just make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining!

You stay in a fun, authentic mix of high-rated accommodation! Highlights include chic modern hostels in Tokyo and Kyoto, traditional Japanese Ryokans with tatami mats, onsen resorts in Hakone, and an overnight stay inside an active 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple in Koyasan.

You will travel primarily using Japan’s world-famous public transit network, including high-speed Shinkansen (Bullet Trains), scenic local railways, cable cars, and traditional ferries. It is seamless, efficient, and an iconic part of the Japanese experience!

While 16 meals and major activities are pre-paid in your package, you’ll just need money for extra ramen bowls, 7-Eleven snacks, souvenirs, and night drinks. A healthy daily budget is roughly $40–$60 USD ($60–$90 AUD) per day.

The 13-Day tour covers all the core central highlights: Tokyo, Nagano, Hakone, Osaka, Koyasan, and Kyoto. The 17-Day extends further south to include Nara deer park, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial, and the floating Torii gate on Miyajima Island!