Description

From the neon lights of buzzing Tokyo to ancient temples on snowy mountain tops, Japan is a feast for the senses and INTRO is the most amazing way to experience it! You’ll walk the streets of one of the world’s busiest and most futuristic cities, watch monkeys bathe in hot springs, roll your own sushi, visit ancient shrines and castles, get taught to wield a sword by a Samurai master, stay overnight with monks in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple, experience incredible and unique accommodation and much more! With an awesome group leader from the moment you arrive at the hotel, an instant group of friends and help with all your onward travel. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Visit temples, shrines and castles as you deep dive into Japan’s rich and fascinating history
Get up close to the famous red faced snow monkeys of Jigokudani
Cruise around Hakone by a pirate ship and a cable car, for outstanding views of Mount Fuji
Learn how to wield a samurai sword under the watchful eye of a Samurai descendant
Sleep in the company of monks in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – WELCOME TO TOKYO! – TOKYO

Welcome to Tokyo! Once you arrive and check in at the hostel you’ll then have plenty of time to recover from your flight and relax before you meet everyone in your group.

DAY 2 – TOKYO & NIGHTLIFE – TOKYO

First up is a visit to the Senso-ji Temple; Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, before heading over to the Meiji Shrine. Next up we discover colourful Harajuku as well as the iconic Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest intersection!) Later we’ll experience some of Japan’s quirky restaurants and hilariously tiny bars in Shinjuku. (B)

DAY 3 – FISH MARKET, SUSHI CLASS & ARCADES – TOKYO

Today we’ll discover the organised mayhem of the Tsukiji Fish Market, once one of the largest operating fish markets! Afterwards, a sushi master will teach you the art of rolling your own fresh sushi. This evening we’ll head for the bright lights of Akihabara. From classic arcade games to the insanity of Japanese photo booths, you’ll soon learn why they call this ‘Electric City’. (B, L)

DAY 4 – NAGANO, SAKE TASTING & BREWERY VISIT – NAGANO

Today we board our first ‘Shinkansen’, the famous bullet train and rocket through the Japanese countryside at over 200mph! Once in Nagano, we’ll get a chance to taste locally brewed sake. Our home tonight is a traditional style Japanese accommodation located in the heart of the mountain village. (B)

DAY 5 – SNOW MONKEYS AND SHIGA KOGEN NATIONAL PARK – NAGANO

Today, we head into the mountains to see the famous snow monkeys. These Japanese Macaques play among the trees in summer, whilst in winter you’ll catch these guys bathing in natural hot springs to escape the cold. We’ll then explore the lakes and forests of the Shiga Kogen National Park, a beautiful site year round. (B)

DAY 6 – NAGANO TO HAKONE – HAKONE

Today we’ll shoot off again by bullet train to the stunning Hakone, a spot famous in Japan for its jaw dropping views of Mount Fuji. (B)

DAY 7 – EXPLORING HAKONE – OSAKA

We’ll spend the morning exploring the stunning region of Hakone by pirate ship and cable car, where on a clear day you’ll have unrivalled views of Mount Fuji. Next up is Osaka, where we’ll head out to the vibrant Dotonbori canal region for dinner and then party in the crazy neon nightlife. (B, D)

DAY 8 – OSAKA CASTLE – OSAKA

Spend the morning relaxing or exploring Osaka’s awesome shopping. Later we’ll visit the incredible Osaka Castle, first built over 400 years ago. Here we’ll learn about Japanese history and Japan’s ancient warriors, the Samurai. (B)

DAY 9 – BUDDHIST TEMPLE STAY – KOYASAN

We head back to the mountains today for a once in a lifetime experience – staying overnight in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple in the fascinating town of Koyasan. Here we’ll be taught meditation by the monks, served their traditional cuisine and have a guided night-time stroll through Japan’s largest cemetery. (B, D)

DAY 10 – KOYASAN & KYOTO – KYOTO

Today we wake up early for an unforgettable experience – watching the Buddhist monks perform their morning prayer service and fire ceremony. We will be served breakfast by the monks before travelling to our last destination, Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. When we arrive there’ll be time to chill in our awesome accommodation before heading out for dinner and drinks. (B)

DAY 11 – BAMBOO FOREST & THE GOLDEN PAVILION – KYOTO

Make sure your phone’s charged today! First up is the Instagram famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, perfect for shots surrounded by the towering bamboo. We then head to the beautiful Golden Pavilion, a temple covered entirely in gold, before visiting Gion, the famous home of Japan’s beautiful and mysterious Geishas. (B)

DAY 12 – FUSHIMI-INARI & SAMURAI EXPERIENCE – KYOTO

Today the endless bright Torii gates of Fushimi- Inari await us! One of Japan’s most iconic shrines will blow you away as we explore the winding trails of the ancient mountain. In the afternoon, we will be taught how to wield a traditional sword by a sensei descended from the Samurai. Experience the finesse of these weapons as you channel your inner warrior and slice through rolled bamboo. (B, D)

DAY 13 – DEPART KYOTO OR EXTEND YOUR STAY – KYOTO

Your amazing 13 day adventure comes to an end. You can either check out and make your way back home, stay on longer in Kyoto or continue your travels in Japan. (B)

Return to Tokyo options available.