Japan Adventure 13 Day

The organised chaos of the vast and impressive Tsukiji Fish Market is first on the agenda. We’ll then meet up with a sushi master to try our hand at the art of sushi rolling, before venturing over to the futuristic sights and sounds of Akihabara. Known locally as the ‘Electric City’, it's famous for its electronic shops, maid cafes, Japanese photo booths and all things modern.

Now’s your chance to experience Japan’s famous bullet train for real. Shooting out of Tokyo at over 200mph, we’ll reach Nagano just in time for a sake tasting, Japan’s national drink. Feeling decidedly buzzed after our visit to the local brewery, we’ll then settle in to our Ryokan style hostel, where you’ll be sleeping on traditional tatami mats and Japanese style futon bedding.

We’ll be venturing out into the mountains today 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.

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 hotel that comes complete with its very own onsen.

You might not be walking the plank, but you will be exploring Hakone by pirate ship (and cable car) this morning, keeping eyes peeled for views of snow capped Mount Fuji. We’ll then journey on to Osaka, and head straight out to explore the vibrant canal region of Dotonbori. 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.

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, serve us their traditional foods, and lead us through a night time stroll of Japan’s largest cemetery.

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 breakfast before travelling on to our final destination, Kyoto. After checking in to our boutique hostel, you’ll have time to yourself to explore Japan’s ancient capital.

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, before finishing our day in the district of Gion, best known for being the home of Japan’s beautiful and mysterious Geishas.

Ending our trip on a high, 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, and maybe saving the best till last, you’ll then learn how to wield a traditional samurai sword under the watchful eye of a sensei, a descendant of the Samurai.

Your unforgettable 13 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 Kyoto or Japan with our help and the new friends you’ve made.