Itinerary
- Day 1
Tokyo
You'll land in Tokyo and meet your group leader at 6 pm for the welcome meeting. After that, the evening is open and you can head out on your own to try some local restaurants or grab drinks at a traditional izakaya if you're interested in experiencing the nightlife.
Optional Activities
- Dinner at local restaurants
- Explore Tokyo nightlife
- Drinks at traditional izakaya
- Day 2
Tokyo
Start the day on the metro heading to Shibuya to check out the famous busy intersection and the depachika food hall. Then you'll walk through Meiji Shrine with its large torii gate and the peaceful forest surrounding it. From there, wander through Harajuku's quirky shops and streets. If there's time, stop by Asakusa to see Senso-ji Temple, which is Tokyo's oldest temple. For dinner, you can pick between ramen, tonkatsu, or casual izakaya-style snacks and beer.
Included Activities
- Shibuya walking tour
- Depachika (underground food hall) visit
- Meiji Jingu Shrine visit
- Harajuku street exploration
- Metro day pass
Optional Activities
- Visit Asakusa area
- Senso-ji Temple visit
- Dinner at local restaurants
Landmarks/POIs Shibuya Crossing Meiji Jingu Shrine Harajuku Senso-ji Temple - Day 3
Tokyo to Hiroshima
Take the shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Hiroshima. In the afternoon, you'll see the Genbaku Dome and visit the Peace Memorial Museum, both powerful reminders of the 1945 atomic bombing. Walk through the peace memorial park to explore the various museums, memorials, and monuments. Dinner features okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that's a specialty of Hiroshima.
Included Activities
- Peace Memorial Museum visit
- Peace Park & A-Bomb Dome visit
- Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities
- Dinner at local restaurants
- Okonomiyaki (savory pancake) dinner
Landmarks/POIs Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park - Day 4
Hiroshima
Head to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating torii gate. You can either hike Mt Miyajima or take the cable car up for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Later, join a workshop to learn how to make momiji manju, a maple-leaf pastry that originated here. After returning to Hiroshima, your afternoon is free so you can visit Hiroshima Castle, check out Shukkeien Garden, catch a local sports game, or do some shopping.
Included Activities
- Miyajima Island visit
- Momiji manju making workshop
Optional Activities
- Mt Miyajima climb or cable car ride
- Hiroshima Castle visit
- Shukkeien Garden visit
- Local baseball or soccer game
- Shopping
Landmarks/POIs Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine (Floating Torii Gate) Mt Miyajima Hiroshima Castle Shukkeien Garden - Day 5
Hiroshima to Kyoto
Travel by shinkansen to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital with thousands of temples and shrines scattered throughout. Head straight to Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most photographed spots in Kyoto thanks to its thousands of vermillion torii gates lining the walking paths. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Kyoto's historic neighborhoods at your own pace.
Included Activities
- Fushimi Inari-Taisha visit
- Public bus day pass
Optional Activities
- Explore historic neighborhoods
Landmarks/POIs Fushimi Inari Taisha - Day 6
Kyoto
You have the day to yourself in Kyoto. Walk over to Kinkakuji temple, the ornately decorated Golden Pavilion, or visit other temples and shrines around the city. If you're traveling during spring, catch the Cherry Blossom Dance performed by maiko. In the evening, take a guided walk through the geisha districts of Pontocho and Gion, or head to Gion Corner to watch traditional Japanese performing arts.
Included Activities
- Gion District walk
Optional Activities
- Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) visit
- Cherry Blossom Dance (Miyako Odori) performance
- Gion Corner cultural centre
- Temple and shrine visits
- Walking through historic neighborhoods
Landmarks/POIs Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Gion District Pontocho District - Day 7
Kyoto
Make the most of your last full day in Kyoto. Check out Toji, which has Japan's largest pagoda, or explore Nijo Castle with its famous squeaky floors that were designed to warn against intruders. Stop by Ryoan-ji, known for its acclaimed Zen garden with carefully placed rocks in raked gravel. Browse the handicraft center for souvenirs like woodblock prints and pottery. Finish the evening with karaoke with other travelers or splurge on a kaiseki meal at a ryotei restaurant.
Optional Activities
- Toji pagoda visit
- Nijo Castle visit
- Ninomaru Palace visit
- Ryoan-ji Zen garden visit
- Kyoto handicraft centre shopping
- Karaoke
- Kaiseki dinner at ryotei
Landmarks/POIs Toji Nijo Castle Ryoan-ji - Day 8
Kyoto to Osaka
Take the train to Osaka, known as Japan's food capital. After an orientation walk with your leader to get the lay of the land, spend your day exploring the city at your own pace. Later in the evening, you'll reconvene with your group for a walking tour through the lively Dotombori district to celebrate the end of your trip together.
Included Activities
- Leader-led orientation walk
- Dotombori District walking tour
Optional Activities
- Explore Osaka neighborhoods
Landmarks/POIs Dotombori District - Day 9
Osaka
Your trip ends today and there are no scheduled activities. You're free to head to the airport and depart, or if you want, you can stick around and spend more time exploring Osaka on your own.
Optional Activities
- Extend stay and explore Osaka
