Japan Adventure - 13 Day

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE IN TOKYO!

Pass By: Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Kanto
Kon’nichiwa and welcome to Toyko! Today you’ll arrive into one of the world’s buzziest, most forward thinking cities. Checking in to your hostel, you’ll then meet up with your travel crew and get excited for the adventures to come.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: &AND HOSTEL ASAKUSA
Twin/Double Rooms
Shared Bathroom
WiFi, Air Con, Laundry & Funky bar

Day 2: TEMPLES, CULTURE & TINY BARS

Pass By: Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Kanto
Today is all 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.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: &AND HOSTEL ASAKUSA
Twin/Double Rooms
Shared Bathroom
WiFi, Air Con, Laundry & Funky bar

Day 3: SUSHI CLASS & THE ELECTRIC CITY

Pass By: Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Kanto
The organised chaos of the vast and impressive Tsukiji Fish Market is first on the agenda. We’ll then meet up with a sushi master to try our hand at the art of sushi rolling, before venturing over to the futuristic sights and sounds of Akihabara. Known locally as the ‘Electric City’, it’s famous for its electronic shops, maid cafes, Japanese photo booths and all things modern.

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: &AND HOSTEL ASAKUSA
Twin/Double Rooms
Shared Bathroom
WiFi, Air Con, Laundry & Funky bar

Day 4: BULLET TRAIN & SAKE TASTING

Pass By: Nagano, Nagano, Nagano Prefecture, Koshinetsu, Chubu
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 for a sake tasting, Japan’s national drink. Feeling decidedly buzzed after our visit to the local brewery, we’ll then settle in to our Ryokan style hostel, where you’ll be sleeping on traditional tatami mats and Japanese style futon bedding

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: SHIBU HOTEL
Quad Share Rooms
Ensuite
WiFi & Air Con
Japanese-style futon bedding on tatami mats.

Day 5: SNOW MONKEYS

Pass By: Nagano, Nagano, Nagano Prefecture, Koshinetsu, Chubu
We’ll be venturing out into the mountains today 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.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: SHIBU HOTEL
Quad Share Rooms
Ensuite
WiFi & Air Con
Japanese-style futon bedding on tatami mats.

Day 6: NAGANO TO HAKONE

Pass By: Hakone-machi, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kanto
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 hotel that comes complete with its very own onsen.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: EMBLEM FLOW HOTEL
Twin/Triple/Quad Share Rooms
Ensuite
WiFi, Air Con, Laundry, Balcony & Ba

Day 7: EXPLORING HAKONE

Pass By: Osaka, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Kinki
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, and head straight out to explore the vibrant canal region of Dotonbori. Dinner will be on us, where we’ll fuel up for a night out, Osaka style

Meals included:
• Dinner
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: HOTEL WBF NAMBA KUROMON
Twin/Double Rooms
Ensuite
WiFi, Air Con, Laundry & Close to the Action!

Day 8: OSAKA CASTLE

Pass By: Osaka, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Kinki
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.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: HOTEL WBF NAMBA KUROMON
Twin/Double Rooms
Ensuite
WiFi, Air Con, Laundry & Close to the Action!

Day 9: BUDDHIST TEMPLE STAY

Pass By: Koyasan, Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan
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, serve us their traditional foods, and lead us through a night time stroll of Japan’s largest cemetery.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: EKOIN TEMPLE
Quad Share Rooms
Shared Bathrooms
WiFi, Air Con & Onsen Facilities
The experience of a lifetime!

Day 10: KOYASAN & KYOTO

Pass By: Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki
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 breakfast before travelling on to our final destination, Kyoto. After checking in to our boutique hostel, you’ll have time to yourself to explore Japan’s ancient capital.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: PIECE HOSTEL SANJO
Twin/Double Rooms
Ensuite
WiFi, Air Con, Laundry & Rooftop Terrace

Day 11: BAMBOO FOREST & THE GOLDEN PAVILION

Pass By: Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki
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, before finishing our day in the district of Gion, best known for being the home of Japan’s beautiful and mysterious Geishas.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: PIECE HOSTEL SANJO
Twin/Double Rooms
Ensuite
WiFi, Air Con, Laundry & Rooftop Terrace

Day 12: FUSHIMI-INARI & SAMURAI EXPERIENCE

Pass By: Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki
Ending our trip on a high, 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, and maybe saving
the best till last, you’ll then learn how to wield a traditional samurai sword under the watchful eye of a sensei, a descendant of the Samurai.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: PIECE HOSTEL SANJO
Twin/Double Rooms
Ensuite
WiFi, Air Con, Laundry & Rooftop Terrace

Day 13: DEPART KYOTO OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

Pass By: Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki
Your unforgettable 13 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 Kyoto or Japan with our help and the new friends you’ve made.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.