Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

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12 Days From

$3699

$3329

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

12 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka

Visiting: Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, Itsukushima, Kyoto, Osaka

Tour operator:

Topdeck

Tour code:

TJJTR4

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-39

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Small Group

From: $3699 $3329 Operator discount: -$370

NB: Prices correct on 11-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Don’t just want to see Japan, but EXPERIENCE it? In all its ancient, futuristic, kooky, incredible glory? You’re in luck. In under two weeks, this Delve Deep trip gives you the highlights and the hidden gems. The culture and the crazy. The ultra-modern and the historic. The scenery and the cities. And all the ramen, okonomiyaki, udon, katsu, yakitori and sake your fat pants can handle (you packed those, right?). This is your insider guide. Japan is waiting.

Highlights

  • Experience the Goma Ritual of consecrated fire at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple

  • Visit the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

  • Walking tour of Tokyo’s Harajuku and Shibuya districts with Trip Leader

  • Visit a sake brewery in Takayama

  • Visit the morning riverside markets in Takayama

  • Visit Takayama Jinya

  • Visit the Hida folk village

  • Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

  • Visit the Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima

  • Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Tokyo (Japan)

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

You ready for 12 UNbelievable days of delving deep into Japanese culture? Discovering the ultra-modern, the ancient traditions and alllll the local eats – plus the weird, whacky and totally wonderful in between? We thought so. First: say konnichiwa to your fellow explorers. Then: we’ll kick things off with a group dinner at a local restaurant. Nihon e yokoso – welcome to Japan!

Day 2: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Down your cup of matcha – we’re off to check out the Goma Ritual of consecrated fire at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple this morning. Your wishes could be part of this next-level experience. Ace! Then: it’s time for the Meiji Shrine to SHINE. Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrine – take in all the spiritual vibes, make an offering and wander the blooming (or not) gardens. Important: you gotta cover that skin up when visiting this place – and any other religious site in Japan. Next, we’re heading to the quirky Harajuku district (aka cosplay heaven) with our in-the-know Trip Leader. Expect kawaii culture galore: neon tutus, rainbow-coloured wigs, bubble tea and fairy floss. We’ll also swing by the legendary Shibuya Crossing – it’s all the crazy. Then: the afternoon’s yours to wander the futuristic streets of Shibuya. And tonight? Get ready to party, Japanese-style on an optional tour of Izakaya nightlife. This is real culture in real time.

Day 3: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s your last day in Tokyo – so, you do you. Been waiting for an opportunity to shamelessly wear Mickey Mouse headwear and fan over Cinderella? An optional trip to Tokyo Disneyland is calling. Book your tix in advance to high five allll your fave characters. Prefer to spend your day breathing in the fresh mountain air? Join a day tour of Mount Fuji and Hakone. Outta-this-world scenery. Gobsmacking beauty. A side of Japan you only see IRL. It’s giving allll the feels. This evening: quiz your Trip Leader on where to find the best ramen – and be prepared to order on a ticket machine with pictures of the dishes. It might be a lucky dip, but that’s what adventuring is all about.

Day 4: Tokyo – Takayama

Location: Tokyo, Takayama

Accommodation: A Traditional Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise and shine – it’s an early start to get the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train FYI) to Takayama. Glue your face to the window as we zoom through the incredible Japanese Alps. Once we’ve pulled in, we'll check into our authentic AF accommodation: a traditional ryokan – complete with tatami-matted floors and sliding doors straight out of The Last Samurai. This arvo, sample some of the good stuff at a local sake brewery. And tonight, an optional Hida beef dinner with the gang is on the menu – vegetarians look away now.

Day 5: Takayama

Location: Takayama

Accommodation: A Traditional Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so we’ll kick things off traditional-style in the ryokan before visiting the bustling morning riverside markets. Tighten those Nike laces to explore Takayama Jinya – the last remaining government outpost from the time of the Samurai and Shoguns. Next up: a taste of traditional life with a visit to Hida Folk Village. And then? A free arvo to do whatever you want. Explore. It. All. The nooks and crannies. The narrow streets. The tranquil waters. Take your trip mates along for the ride. Tonight: dinner’s on you. It’s all about that beef – if you missed out last night, now’s your chance. And it’s better than any maccas. Trust us.

Day 6: Takayama – Hiroshima

Location: Hiroshima, Takayama

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Hiroshima: we’re coming for you. Make sure you grab a window seat for the real af views. That IRL feelin’? Ain’t nothing like it. This afternoon, we’ll make our way to the Memorial Peace Park and its museum. Here, we’ll discover the tragic events of 6 August 1945 when the world’s first nuclear bomb was dropped on the city. Later, an included group dinner's on the cards, so get ready to show off your expert chopstick skills (or drop even more stuff down your T-shirt).

Day 7: Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima

Location: Hiroshima, Itsukushima, Hiroshima

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

All aboard the ferry to the island of Miyajima. With an afternoon free to explore you just gotta visit the Itsukushima Shrine before settling in for sunset. The floating torii gate is pretty spectacular. Back in Hiroshima: use your free time wisely. Put those super-stretchy pants to the test and do as the locals do: inhale a steaming bowl of Onomichi ramen – chased with a glass of the local sake. When in Japan, right?

Day 8: Hiroshima – Kyoto

Location: Kyoto, Hiroshima

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Another day of living your best life, let’s get it! Today, we’re hitting the tracks to Japan’s traditional capital, Kyoto. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, this place ticks all the spiritual boxes. We’ll visit the incredible Fushimi Inari Shrine – with plenty of time to hike to the top and explore the torii gates. Getting hangry? Grab some lunch before we stop by the Nishiki food market. Drool = 100% guaranteed. Then get ready to say g’day to the geishas as we head to the Gion district. Afterwards: the evening’s yours for exploring.

Day 9: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise n shine travel besties, it’s time to see what Kyoto’s got to offer. And we’re delving in deep. First up: Kinkaku-ji. Alter ego: Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Zen vibes allll day. Ready to feel like you’re in an enchanted land? Arashiyama’s gonna make your eyes sparkle. You’ve got some free time here, so make the most of it! Get lost in the bamboo forest. Cross Tokugetsukyo Bridge. See Tenryu-ji Temple and its lush garden. After breathing in fresh Japanese air and making those calves work wonders, bellies will be ready to rumbleee. Gather the gang and hit Pontocho. Atmospheric. Traditional. Bombastic-side-eye-exclusivity. This place is where REAL Kyoto foodies thrive.

Day 10: Kyoto – Osaka

Location: Osaka, Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

And just when you thought your jeans couldn’t get any tighter – today we’re headed for Osaka: the foodie capital of Japan. Here, they even have a word for “scoff till you drop” – kuidaore. Let’s keep that energy with our foodie optionals for the day. Opt for a ramen cooking class OR a ramen AND gyoza cooking class. Whatever you choose, the end product will have you scribbling down recipes like there's no tomorrow. Later, we’ve got a date with Dotonbori Market. Authentic street food that slaps? Sorted.

Day 11: Osaka

Location: Osaka

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuck into a traditional breakfast before heading out to do your own thing. It’s your chance to uncover the real Osaka – so make every second count. Thrill-seeker? Jump aboard an optional day trip to Universal Studios (just make sure you book in advance). Foodie? Eat your way around the city with zero regrets. Culture-fiend? Hit Shitennoji Temple – one of the oldest in all of Japan. Tonight, we’ll regroup and head to a local eatery for a send-off to remember. And later? It starts with a ‘K’ and ends with an ‘E’. Nope, not kale. K-A-R-A-O-K-E time! This has been one hell of a trip.

Day 12: Osaka

Location: Osaka

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast it’s sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun and our newfound travel fam. Swap Snapchats and start planning that next adventure.

What's Included

  • Transport

    High-speed trains and public transport

  • Accommodation

    9 nights in hotel-style accommodation (twin or double), 2 nights in traditional ryokan

  • Fully Guided

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

  • Tipping and Gratuities

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • International Travel

  • Country Entry Visas

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No they aren't

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All guides are English Speaking

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    This will vary from your country of origin. Please seek advice locally

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    We will have our Tour Leader with you every day

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    This will be provided on all documentation

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Yes from all over the world

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes we can

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Single pricing is available on all tours

  • What is the maximum group size?

    20

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No they aren't

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No they aren't

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Tipping is not required

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No they aren't

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Curious? Open-minded? Same. Topdeckers are a mixed bunch, but that’s what makes us special. They come from all over the globe and are aged between 18 and 39. Like you, they’re looking to feel real. To experience more. To embrace the unknown. To grow and connect – without judgement.

  • Is there an age limit on Topdeck trips?

    Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for those aged 18-39 years of age.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.topdeck.travel/resources/booking-flexibility

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We operate Single Share across across all touring styles and will match you with someone of the same gender

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    E-Documentation will be sent

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, we work dilligenltly with our partners to acheive this

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes you can on European Tours

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Jasmine De  

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

I had a fantastic trip leader (Marion) she did a g

I had a fantastic trip leader (Marion) she did a great job with taking us from place to place on the trains. All our hotels were amazing and clean and in a good location.

Ariana  

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

all good, just didn't know that all the optinal ac

all good, just didn't know that all the optinal activities were canceled

Anonymous  

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

Regarding where this tour takes you, it ticks all

Regarding where this tour takes you, it ticks all the boxes. While there could have been some rearranging with how long is spent in different places, I loved every city we travelled to. Like I said before, all of our inclusions were cancelled due to it being peak season (no excuse as I have been to many places with Topdeck during peak season and this was no issue) so we had to research and come up with our own ideas. While this worked well for me as I love a bit of freedom with travel and wasn't interested in some of the inclusions, I do feel as though the things we did in our free time could have been inclusions. There are so many opportunities for unique experiences in Japan, so making them inclusions would just be beneficial to everyone. While it was annoying we weren't informed that we would be without our suitcases for most of the trip (again, better forward planning from Topdeck is needed here - just put it in the Trip Notes!), the service of sending our luggage ahead make travel by train so much easier. Japan is a busy and crowded place, so I understand that having a typical tour experience where we get a lot of information about each city might be difficult to do, but I really missed that part of the tour because I like learning about each place I am going to. It's a great trip, but it is really up to you and your friends to make it great.

Anonymous  

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

Anonymous  

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

I would definitely recommend this trip. Marion, ou

I would definitely recommend this trip. Marion, our trip leader was great with giving us ideas on what to do on our free days and booking group dinners. Topdeck’s communication can most definitely improve. It was disappointing to discover on the first day that all of the optional activities were fully booked and that really they should have been booked by traveler's in advance. TD should have communicated this in advance or in the trip notes to avoid disappointment. Additionally, there was no mention in the trip notes that we would not have access to our luggage for two lots of 3 consecutive nights meaning we needed a backpack or smaller bag for these nights. This is because, our suitcases were shipped to the different cities. Rather, the notes state you need to make sure your suitcase is less than 160cm to be able to take on the bullet trains, which we didn’t even do. Not everyone had a backpack which meant they had to go out and use their free time to find one. If TD updated the trip description and the trip notes with this information then it would have made the trip so much easier and less disappointing.

Anonymous  

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

Had a good time. Katherine our tour guide was grea

Had a good time. Katherine our tour guide was great and really helpful. Just be aware though that Japan is not very vegetarian or vegan friendly so that was a bit of challenge. Katherine however had some good recommendations and did everything she could to ensure my dietary requirements were accommodated as much as possible

Anonymous  

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

The Japanese tour it was so much fun. It was a rea

The Japanese tour it was so much fun. It was a really good mix of culture, food and free time. I like how they gave you time to go off and do your own thing in the city for a few hours so that you could plan a trip more to your liking, and not just what their planned in the tour. Is what you were allowed to do. My tour guide Marion was funny and amazing. She really helped us with getting around, restaurant recommendations, things to do in the city if you weren’t unsure. Also a big help with us getting train tickets to get back to Tokyo after the tour, I would would have been totally lost. The one thing the was a minor problem is that Topdeck didn’t warn us before hand that our suitcases were being forwarded to other cities. As we were going by public transport, which was really fun doing all the bullet trains however, it was a little hard carrying a heavy duffel bag everywhere. I would recommend to bring a smaller rolling case like the one you can use on planes it will make such a difference not carrying that.

Louise Sh  

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

Great experience, a little experience.

Mary T  

Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25

I didn't purchase anything from the tour [other th

I didn't purchase anything from the tour [other than the tour itself] as the options were cancelled for us

Read all 9 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Topdeck allows you to make 1000 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Topdeck allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform topdeck, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Topdeck requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of topdeck charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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