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Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food

11 days, Tokyo to Osaka

Now's the time to explore Japan on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Always wanted to explore Japan but kinda felt it was pricey? We got you. This 11-day introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun is super-affordable and super fun. Travel by train to introduce yourself to Tokyo nightlife, the famous geisha district of Kyoto, and the iconic floating torii gate of Miyajima. Experience the country's traditions and cutting-edge modernity with lots of free time to do your own thing. When you see Japan with a group of like-minded adventurers, you'll never want to come home.

11 days

Tokyo to Osaka

From$1759USD
was $2199
Valid on Jun 15 2024
Trip Code: AJTO

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Now's the time to explore Japan on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Always wanted to explore Japan but kinda felt it was pricey? We got you. This 11-day introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun is super-affordable and super fun. Travel by train to introduce yourself to Tokyo nightlife, the famous geisha district of Kyoto, and the iconic floating torii gate of Miyajima. Experience the country's traditions and cutting-edge modernity with lots of free time to do your own thing. When you see Japan with a group of like-minded adventurers, you'll never want to come home.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 14

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

11 days

Tokyo to Osaka

From$1759USD
was $2199
Valid on Jun 15 2024
Trip Code: AJTO

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 11

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 89

Map of the route for Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food

Places visited

Itinerary Notes

Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards
All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.

We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.

Itinerary

Day 1Tokyo

Arrive at any time and welcome to Japan's neon metropolis that's always on the move. There are no plans until the evening welcome meeting, so spend some time exploring. Then, after the meeting head out for a night of fun, drinks, and dancing for your first night out. Pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

Day 2Tokyo

Get your bearings with an orientation walk before enjoying free time to explore buzzing Tokyo. Opt to check out Yoyogi Park, Asakusa shrine, quirky Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, or explore the city's massive selection of shops and cafés.

Day 3Tokyo/Takayama

Board a bullet train to picturesque Takayama, surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Take in the quaint streets of old town—lined with craft shops and sake breweries (mid-day sake bombs anyone?)—on a CEO-led orientation walk. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area. In the evening, kick back and relax in a traditional inn complete with tatami floors, Japanese futons, and an onsen hot spring. Delight in a restorative soak in the healing waters.

Day 4Takayama/Kyoto

Catch a train to Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto, and spend the rest of the day discovering this historic city. For your big night out, grab a drink on our tab and release your inner rock star during a karaoke session.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment - Kyoto: Karaoke

Day 5Kyoto

Kyoto is yours to explore today and the options are endless, so grab a buddy and get out there! Visit some of Kyoto's beautiful temples, participate in a tea ceremony, or take a calligraphy class (so you can make that postcard home look extra fancy).

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 6Kyoto

Keep exploring this culturally-rich city with another free day to experience anything you couldn't squeeze in yesterday. Make the most of Kyoto's spiritual and traditional beauty, and take it all in.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 7Kyoto/Hiroshima

Board a bullet train and travel to Hiroshima, known for its tragic history, powerful survival, and so much more. Opt to visit the Peace Park and Museum, Shukkei-en traditional Japanese garden, or Hiroshima Castle.

Day 8Hiroshima

Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate and meet the friendly local deer. Opt to go for an easy hike around Mt Misen, and be sure to sample some oysters – a regional specialty.

Day 9Hiroshima/Osaka

Catch a train to Osaka, one of Japan's culinary capitals with lots of neon lights and an outstanding nightlife. With free time, spend the afternoon exploring this diverse city with heaps to offer, including Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi shopping street, and the Dotombori Bridge. Be sure to try takoyaki, the city's famous octopus snack, or share a group meal of kushikatsu.

Day 10Osaka

Get to know this captivating city with a day to freely explore. Check out the ramen museum or browse Umeda's many shops. Get ready to experience Osaka's buzzing nightlife on a final night out with your new friends. Grab a drink on our tab and reminisce the night away!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment - Osaka: Nightlife

Day 11Osaka

Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: - Kyoto: Karaoke, Kyoto
  • Your Discover Moment: Kyoto
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: - Osaka: Nightlife, Osaka
  • Orientation walks in Tokyo and Takayama
  • Overnight stay in a traditional inn
  • Miyajima Island visit
  • Free time in each destination
  • Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hostels (9 nts, multi-share, shared facilites), traditional inn (1 nt, multi share room and shared facilities)

Meals

No meals included
Allow USD510-665 for meals not included.

Transportation

Local train, bullet train, bus, ferry, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food

| 11 days - Tokyo to Osaka - from $1759 USD