Japan Unrivalled – Japan Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers

Japan Unrivalled 18-35 year olds

The one that takes in bustling cities, relaxing hot springs and majestic mountains for the ultimate Japan experience

Konnichiwa! And welcome to our ultimate trip to Japan. Experience traditional Japanese hot springs in Hakone, explore Kyoto the cultural hub of Japan by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine & travel around Tokyo taking in all the bright lights and quirks as well as eating as much sushi as possible. This is the only way to be guided around Japan, one of the most unique countries in the world.

“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:

4.7 out of 5 stars (112 Reviews)*

Trip duration and price:

13 days, 1 country from about $3,928* (you’ll find other currencies and final prices on the booking page)

Included Meals:

12 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Included Accommodations:

10 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Special Stays

Group Size:

Average 24 people

Planned Itinerary:

Day 1: Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo

Day 4: Tokyo

Hakone

Day 5: Hakone

Matsumoto

Takayama

Day 6: Takayama

Day 7: Takayama

Hiroshima

Day 8: Hiroshima

Miyajima

Hiroshima

Day 9: Hiroshima

Kyoto

Day 10: Kyoto

Day 11: Kyoto

Koyasan

Day 12: Koyasan

Osaka

Day 13: Osaka

Day 1: Start Tokyo

Tokyo

Kon’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 bounce out of bed ready and raring to uncover Tokyo. The ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji, the lake woven grounds of the Imperial Palace & the Meiji Jingu shrine are just some of the doors we will open to this city. If history and religion don’t get you going, the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street might see you more wide-eyed. Or perhaps your idea of fun is to take to the streets of Shibuya, attempting to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

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 take on Tokyo your way. Check out the anime and electronics packed buildings of Akihabara or perhaps find a cat café and do some petting while you sip your tea, or check out the beautiful Ueno Park.

Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

Tokyo

Before we leg it out of Japan’s capital we have some very serious business to tend to – a guided tour of famous Tsukiji – the world’s largest and busiest fish market. Here, why not opt to learn the art of sushi making, or just kick back in one of the markets sushi bars and soak in the atmosphere.

Hakone

Our first overland journey takes us south to Hakone, completely removing us from Tokyo’s fast city pace. We will take in Japanese mountain vistas from the Hakone Ropeway & spend the night in a traditional guesthouse where we’ll be treated to some local Japanese hospitality. 

Ryokan Special Stay

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Visit Tsukiji Fish Market Heads up seafood fans! Check out the weird and wonderful fish at this bustling market. Brave the Hakone Ropeway Tour this beautiful mountain town, famed for its views of Mount Fuji. And get your kicks on the epic cable car ride. Kaiseki Dinner Nothing beats sitting down to enjoy a slap up meal. This is portion after portion of authentic Japanese cuisine at its finest.
Sushi-Making ClassJapan is known for its seafood industry, fish markets & of course it’s SUSHI! Learn how to make sushi from a local expert, the perfect skill to take back home & practice like a pro. Once you’ve perfected your culinary talents, dig into a delicious lunch prepared by your own fair hands.
Additional costs apply

Day 5: Hakone to Takayama

Hakone

Waving our supremely hospitable hosts goodbye, we’ll hit the road in search of a long valley amidst the Japanese mountains. Romantic, right?

MatsumotoMountainside city escape. Welcome to Matsumoto, nestled beside Japan’s highest mountain range – the Hida Mountains. Famous for its samurai history and thriving foodie scene, this one will have you taking snaps at every turn.Takayama

Relaxation stations. After a full day of exploring and ogling at the Japanese countryside, it’s perfectly acceptable to crash out in Takayama. Don’t worry about missing anything – we have all day tomorrow here to explore.

Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Fairytale Vibes at Matsumoto Castle The towering ‘Black Crow’ castle is a national treasure. It looks like a Samurai castle with its blossoming cherry trees and Alpine backdrop. 

Day 6: Takayama

Takayama

Dark wooden buildings, Kanji signs & surrounding hillsides will see us totally taken by Takayama. Grab a bike and take a cycle, then unwind from it all with a Japanese footbath. There’s not many places where relaxation feels quite like this. Tonight is yours to explore as you wish, but we have an inkling you won’t want to miss the mouthwatering hida beef for dinner. 

Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

See a traditional Japanese streetThe wooden ‘Edo’ buildings of Takayama really capture the vibe of ancient Japan. Hida Beef DinnerMeat lovers listen up! Another must-try in Japan is melt-in-the-mouth Hida Beef…& let us tell you why! This beef, marbled & delicious, comes from black-haired Japanese cattle, raised in a specific way to ensure top quality standards, resulting in top quality tastes! Tonight is your chance to truly indulge in this speciality as you try a range of cuts & grill it yourself on your own hot plate. Delicious. We guarantee this hands-on, tasty experience will be one you won’t forget & for those that prefer to take the vegetarian route, there are tofu & vegetable options available.
Additional costs apply

Sake TastingGive your tastebuds the authentic Japanese experience by sipping on the local drink of choice, saké. Made from fermented rice, saké’s history is as rich & warming as the drink itself. Try the different variations to find your fave. Why not take a bottle home to share with your friends as you tell them all about Japan & why it has to be their next destination!
Additional costs apply

Day 7: Takayama to Hiroshima

Takayama

In usual circumstances we’d be quite sad to be leaving the soul-stirring town of Takayama, but with the bullet train experience whipping us to Hiroshima it’s hard not to get excited. 

Hiroshima

We did it! We travelled on land at a casual 320 kilometers per hour on the Shinkansen – the world’s fastest train. That’s a big old tick off the Japan bucket list. Hiroshima is yours this afternoon to explore your way.

Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Day 8: Hiroshima

HiroshimaA morning of reflection. The site of the world’s first nuclear bombing, Hiroshima has now been declared a City of Peace. Our day here will be one of learning as we take in the tragic recounts of World War II at the Peace Memorial Museum.

MiyajimaA gateway island. We’ll take a detour to the tranquil isle of Miyajima, where you’ll get a spellbinding view of the giant orange Great Torii Gate (you know the one, even if you don’t.) Expect forests, temples, roaming deer and much more…Hiroshima…and dinner! We’ll end our day in Hiroshima with an okonomiyaki cooking class. Dee. Lish.

Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Visit the Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima Island This way to amazing! These are the sites you always see in those impossibly tranquil pictures of Japan. IRL. Remember Hiroshima with a Peace Park Guided TourVisit the Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum to commemorate the lives lost after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city. 
Okonomiyaki Cooking ExperienceDine with locals Hiroshima style at the traditional Yatai (street food stalls). Watch the masters & get a chance to create this crazy fusion of ingredients. A savoury pancake fried with noodles, egg, vegetables & a whole bunch of other fillings, typical of the Hiroshima area. Put your teppan skills to the test & indulge in this culinary delight!
Additional costs apply

Day 9: Hiroshima to Kyoto

Hiroshima

With 3 more destinations left to uncover on the Japanese map, we hit the road this morning and leave the historical metropolis of Hiroshima behind. 

Kyoto

Welcome to the culture hub of Japan. Geisha girls, artfully manicured gardens, shrines & temples aplenty – looks like we’re in Kyoto! We won’t  waste a minute peeling back this city’s layers, taking you to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & the Gion Area with our guide. You’ll also have plenty of free time to check the place out any old way you please, and go on the lookout for glamorous geishas. If that means wearing a kimono and platforms, we’re right here to applaud you.  

New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Experience 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 10: Kyoto

KyotoSo what’s up next? How about checking out the Fushimi Inari Shrine? Approx 233 metres above sea level, the journey to the shrine begins at the base of the mountain. This afternoon is free for you to explore the sights of Kyoto.

New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

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. 
Cycle Through Mystical Bamboo ForestJourney to the outskirts of Kyoto on two wheels to explore the magical Arashiyama. Amongst the stunning Tenryuji temples and the 400-year-old Togetsu bridge, you will find the region’s famous bamboo forest – you’ll feel like you have stumbled into the set of a samurai movie!
Additional costs apply

Day 11: Kyoto to Mount Koya

KyotoEnjoy a slow and leisurely morning in Kyoto to get in the zen frame of mind for what lies ahead. On the train we make tracks for Mt Koya.KoyasanYou would think that by this stage of the trip all the phenomenal moments might be behind us. Oh how wrong you would be. Tonight we stay in a Buddhist guesthouse, eating traditional food and savouring the mindfulness & beauty of this incredible experience. For those looking for a digital detox amongst nature, it doesn’t get better than this. 

Henjoko-in Wakayama (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Dinner

Catch some Zen at Kongobuji Temple Take off your shoes, enter the golden doors and marvel at the wonders. Then chill in the rock garden. And breathe…

Day 12: Mount Koya to Osaka

KoyasanIt’s our last full day of the trip – make the most of it by rising early this morning and partaking in the tradition of an early morning Buddhist service. A Local Guide will then walk us through the beauty of the Koyasan area and centuries old cemetery before we move on to our last destination.OsakaFor those who have stepped out of their quiet zone from the morning of serenity, it will be time to relish in Osaka and take on the traditional Japanese pastime of Karaoke. A couple of Asahis or Sakes – you know, for tradition – should stimulate your bravery. 

New Hankyu Hotel Osaka (or similar)

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Join a Morning Buddhist Seervice Start your journey towards enlightenment at this spiritual ceremony in Mount Koya. And breathe… 
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

Day 13: End Osaka

Osaka

Today our Japanese fairytale comes to an end. Whilst we’ll be crying silent (or not so silent) tears, our life-lasting memories, army of new friends and deep appreciation for Japan will be enough to keep the smiles on our faces. Sayōnara, globe trotters! 

Included Meals:

Breakfast

Destination:

Asia > Japan > Konnichiwa! And welcome to our ultimate trip to Japan. Experience traditional Japanese hot springs in Hakone, explore Kyoto the cultural hub of Japan by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine & travel around Tokyo taking in all the bright lights and quirks as well as eating as much sushi as possible. This is the only way to be guided around Japan, one of the most unique countries in the world.

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.