Japan in a Week – Japan Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

Japan in a Week Tours for Young Adults

The one that takes you from ancient shrines to blazing neon lights, catching views of the Tokyo Tower, Kyoto and other hidden gems on an immersive Japan tour

Kon’nichiwa Japan! We may only have a week, but what a week it is. Starting in the orchestra of light, sound and history that is Tokyo, we’ll get locally guided tours of temples and palaces before whizzing to Kyoto via a bullet train. Here, we’ll walk through zen gardens, explore mystical temples and spot Geishas before taking the short trip to Osaka, where we’ll have plenty of time to nip to Universal Studios or simply eat our way around the local street food stalls. Filled with a dazzling fusion of modern spectacle and ancient charm, this trip is the best way to see Japan in a week.

“70 percent join our trips solo”

“70% of our travellers join our trips solo, so you’ll travel with like-minded young people who want to make friends, experience new things and create lifelong memories. This is the best way to turn solo travel into the most social travel imaginable.” (Cited from the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults. For the latest info and eventual changes see here)

“Most popular youth travel company in the world”

Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”

Reviews by tour participants:

4.2 out of 5 stars (31 Reviews)* (all reviews and the latest rating available on the details page

Target age group:

18 to 35 (35 to 45 at “Reunion Trips“)

Trip duration and price:

8 days, 1 country from about $ 1804* (final prices – also in other currencies like British £ or € – available on the booking page)

Destinations:

Asia > Japan

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo

Day 4: Tokyo

Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto

Day 6: Kyoto

Day 7: Kyoto

Osaka

Day 8: Osaka

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo

TokyoKon’nichiwa Tokyo! Welcome to this dazzling orchestra of light, sound and intersecting subway lines. This is the city where the future fuses with the past in the most fascinating way possible, and we’ll have a free evening to bond, explore and soak it all in.

Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)Day 2: Tokyo

Tokyo
Today we’ll get ready to uncover Tokyo, starting with the ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji & the famous Meiji Jingu shrine. You’ll have the chance to discover the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street, or take to the streets of Shibuya for an attempt to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)Included Experience Immerse Yourself in Tokyo Vibes Step into this live video game of a city and see Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing.

Day 3: Tokyo

Tokyo
Today is yours to do Tokyo your way. Anime fan? Check out Akihabara, the ultimate anime & gaming district. Looking for something uniquely Japanese? Go on a date with a giant plush toy at the Moomin cafe, eat a kawaii lunch (like a curry shaped like a pink teddy bear), or check out Ueno Park for the museums, monuments and 1000 cherry blossom trees. It’s our last evening in Tokyo, so it’s also the perfect time to check out some of the traditional bars at the Izakaya Alleys for a sip of sake, a sour cocktail or a Japanese whisky.

Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

TokyoToday it’s time to take that famous example of Japanese efficiency, the aptly named bullet train.KyotoOur train will whizz us past the iconic Mount Fuji, of which we’ll hopefully grab a glimpse, before heading for the zen gardens and teahouses of Kyoto. We’ll waste no time with a sightseeing tour, exploring this glorious showcase of ancient Japan.

New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Included ExperienceExperience Traditional KyotoTea houses. Nijo Castle. The Golden Pavilion. Geishas. It’s all so surreal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set.

Day 5: Kyoto

KyotoToday is yours to walk the sublime gardens, explore mystical temples and marvel at the architecture of this unforgettable city. We recommend taking the opportunity for a half-day trip to Nara, where you’ll find the towering 8th century Great Buddha, as well as numerous examples of beautiful shrines and temples, alongside the roaming, slightly cheeky deer.

New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)Half-Day Trip to NaraTake a short train ride out to the scenic countryside of Nara with your local guide & pay homage to one of the architectural wonders of Japanese workmanship, the Todaiji Temple. The largest wooden temple in Japan is a sight to behold in itself but situated in amongst rolling hills & a short walk from the famous Kasuga Shrine, it’s a day worth spending outside of Kyoto. You’ll also get a chance to meet the locals… more miniature deer for your Insta feed!
Additional costs apply

Day 6: Kyoto

KyotoThere is still so much to see in Kyoto today. Don a kimono and check out the bamboo forest, take some photos at the iconic Yasaka Pagoda or spot Geishas in the Gion district.

New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)Included ExperienceSee Fushimi Inari Shrine Walk through the endless path of orange torii gates, kindly ask Inari for good luck and then you might want to sample a fortune cookie. Find Peace at a Traditional Tea CeremonyTea ceremonies are a prime example of the intricacies and elegance of Japanese culture. Create your own perfectly curated cup of matcha tea while you learn the rich history of this ancient art.
Additional costs apply

Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

KyotoIt’s just a short trip to Osaka this morning…OsakaAnd we have the whole day to explore. There’s plenty of time to fit in Universal Studios, Osaka castle or simply wander down Dontonburi tasting all of the delicious street food. Opt for the Izakaya dinner tonight for one last family meal before our sad goodbyes tomorrow.

Osaka Daiichi Hotel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Izakaya DinnerTonight’s your chance to finish the trip right & really rub shoulders with the locals at an Izakaya in the bustling hub of Dotonburi. These traditional little restaurants are like a trip back in time, with rice beer, sake & locals finishing up their days. From menus on the wall & lots of sharing plates to keep things social, take it slow & enjoy the vibe. The perfect way to end the trip!
Additional costs apply

Samurai ExperienceThrow on a haori, grab your katana and unleash your inner samurai in this fun LARP-ing activity. Learn some moves and battle against your fellow trip members to see who the most powerful samurai in the land is. Don’t worry, it’s all for the LOLs!
Additional costs apply

Day 8: Osaka

OsakaOur trip ends after breakfast in Osaka today. We’ll say farewell to Japan and our new friends, but the memories we made here will stick with us forever.

Included Meals:

Breakfast

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details & booking page

Some of the Highlights:

Included Experience
Immerse Yourself in Tokyo Vibes

Step into this live video game of a city and see Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing.

INCLUDED

Included Experience
Experience Traditional Kyoto

Tea houses. Nijo Castle. The Golden Pavilion. Geishas. It’s all so surreal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set.

INCLUDED

Included Experience
See Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the endless path of orange torii gates, kindly ask Inari for good luck and then you might want to sample a fortune cookie.

INCLUDED

Half-Day Trip to Nara

Take a short train ride out to the scenic countryside of Nara with your local guide & pay homage to one of the architectural wonders of Japanese workmanship, the Todaiji Temple. The largest wooden temple in Japan is a sight to behold in itself but situated in amongst rolling hills & a short walk from the famous Kasuga Shrine, it’s a day worth spending outside of Kyoto. You’ll also get a chance to meet the locals… more miniature deer for your Insta feed!

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Find Peace at a Traditional Tea Ceremony

Tea ceremonies are a prime example of the intricacies and elegance of Japanese culture. Create your own perfectly curated cup of matcha tea while you learn the rich history of this ancient art.

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Samurai Experience

Throw on a haori, grab your katana and unleash your inner samurai in this fun LARP-ing activity. Learn some moves and battle against your fellow trip members to see who the most powerful samurai in the land is. Don’t worry, it’s all for the LOLs!

ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED

Trip Highlights

The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list

You’ll find all highlights and eventual changes on the details page

FAQs:

Do I need a visa to enter Japan?

The visa requirements for entering Japan will change depending on:
– The length of your visit
– The purpose of your visit
– Your country of origin

Visit https://www.contiki.com/resources/visas-guide to find the visa requirements for your specific situation.

You’ll find all FAQs and the latest info on the details page

Included Meals:

3 Breakfasts

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Team:

Expert Trip Manager + Local Guides

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Group Size:

Average 25 people

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

Transfers:

Bullet Train and Local Train

You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page

More Details:

You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page

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(Partially) travel with a nice group or entirely travel solo?

By booking an organized Japan tour for young adults or other Asia trips for young people you can not only reduce planning hassle, but often also save money, as tour operators can buy accommodations, transportation, etc. in larger contingents in advance and thus get special conditions. You will also benefit from the experience of the tour operator, professional tour guides (whose stories you can enjoy…) and have the easy opportunity to meet nice fellow travelers when traveling in a group. Anyone who has traveled before will know that travel companions or other traveling acquaintances are one of the most essential factors for unforgettable experiences. In addition, you usually have enough individual freedom even with organized tours and you can, if the arrival and departure is not included, additionally extend your stay individually before or after the group tour with young adults. If you still prefer to organize your trip completely on your own and travel independently, then you’ll find all the practical tools you need to plan and book quickly & cheaply on our individual travel page.