Japan Adventure, 17 Days Tokyo to Osaka

Arrive in Tokyo and meet your group and INTRO leader, settle in before your first night out together as the adventure begins.

Today is 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. 🌱 Small Change: Discover Japan's spiritual heritage with a guided visit to Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple and a revered Shinto shrine.

First up we're meeting with a sushi master to try our hand at the art of sushi rolling. Followed by some free time in Tokyo this afternoon, we'll then venture over to the futuristic sights and sounds of Akihabara in the evening. Known locally as the 'Electric City', it's famous for its electronic shops, maid cafes, Japanese photo booths, game centres and all things modern.

Now's your chance to experience Japan's famous bullet train for real - shooting out of Tokyo at over 200mph. It's one to tick off the bucket list! We'll then reach Nagano in time to try out the ancient art of Origami, followed by a relaxing dip in an Onsen, aka a volcanic hot spring. Tonight we'll settle in to our Ryokan style hotel, where you'll be sleeping on traditional tatami mats and Japanese style futon bedding. 🌱 Small Change: Discover the art of origami in Nagano, where local artisans guide you through traditional paper-folding techniques rooted in Japanese culture.

This morning we'll learn how to make our own Soba noodles! 🌱 Small Change: Experience Nagano's culinary heritage by learning to craft soba noodles from buckwheat alongside skilled local makers. We'll then be venturing out into the mountains 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 (summer only).

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 hostel that comes with its very own onsen.

We'll then journey on to Osaka, also known as the nation's kitchen. To celebrate, a BBQ dinner will be on us, where we'll fuel up for a night out, Osaka style.

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. We'll finish up by heading over to Dotonbori, Osaka's famous canal region and home to some of the best food in the country! The evening is yours to eat away.

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 and serve us their traditional foods. This evening we'll have a night time stroll through Japan's most famous cemetery. 🌱 Small Change: Visit a traditional Buddhist Temple, discovering their traditions and culture that has been going for centuries.

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 their traditional breakfast before travelling to our next incredible destination, Kyoto. After checking in to our boutique hotel, you'll have time to yourself to explore Japan's ancient capital. Tonight we get to learn about Japan's mysterious Geishas with a tour of Gion, the district many of these artists call home. 🌱 Small Change: Explore Kyoto's historic streets on our Geisha walking tour and step into the world of Japan's iconic artists.

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 leaf. Tonight's a free evening to maybe hit up a sushi restaurant, find a bar, or challenge your mates to a round of bowling.

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, you'll learn the art of samurai under the watchful eye of a Samurai master.

Today we'll catch a local train to spend the day exploring the gardens and temples of Nara, Japan's first ancient capital. Japan's largest Bronze Buddha and docile bowing deer await!

This morning we'll experience a traditional tea ceremony. After savouring our cups of matcha, we're travelling south down to Hiroshima via bullet train. Once we arrive, we'll pay a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the Atomic dome, which commemorate the tragic bombings of 1945. This evening, we'll try some specialty Hiroshima okonomiyaki.

Famed as one of Japan's most scenic locations, we'll take the ferry over to Itsukushima - aka Miyajima Island - to see the famous floating Torii Gate in the bay. With temples, friendly deer and hiking trails, we have the whole day to explore the island at our own pace. This evening, we'll head out to try some local bars in the city.

We're off back to Osaka at the speed of light (okay, maybe not that fast), for a final day of last minute shopping and sightseeing. This evening we're off to explore Shinsekai, the 'New World' together, a retro neighborhood in downtown Osaka full of quirky restaurants and izakayas where we'll eat our way through the streets and 'kanpai' to the amazing time we've had together!

Your unforgettable 17 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 Osaka or Japan with our help and the new friends you've made.