HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FREE TIME ON OUR JAPAN ESSENTIALS TOUR

At One Life Adventures, our Essentials and Classic tours cater to different travel styles. While our Classic tours offer a more structured itinerary packed with must-see highlights, our Essentials tours are perfect for travellers who value flexibility and freedom.

Take our 9-day Japan Essentials tour, for example. It’s designed for those who want to experience authentic Japanese culture without a higher price tag. You’ll still enjoy key inclusions from our Classic itinerary, but with more free time to explore at your own pace. Want to dive deeper? Add optional extras like a sushi-making class, kimono hire, a traditional tea ceremony, or a visit to the Samurai & Ninja Museum, just make sure to book at least 30 days in advance.

When you’re on an Essentials tour, this is your chance to embrace spontaneity, whether you’re wandering solo or adventuring with new friends.

Booked an optional activity? Your free time might shift a little. If you’re unsure about the schedule, check in with our team for tips to help you stay on track and make the most of your experience.

Tokyo – Day 3

This is your day to explore the lively city of Tokyo. On this day, you’ll be provided with a 24-hour Metro ticket to use in your free time. Visit the Senso-Ji Temple by day and its lively surrounding markets. Get yourself a sweet treat and/or book a spot at the trendy TeamLabs Planets or Teamlabs Borderless and engage in a multi-sensory art experience. We would recommend spending between 1.5 – 2 hours there.

If you’d like to reconnect with nature, visit the Imperial Palace Garden for a stroll through the traditional Japanese garden and take a glimpse into Japanese culture through its artwork. Another popular spot is the Art Aquarium Museum, a twist to a typical aquarium visit. You may book or purchase a ticket on the spot for around ¥2,300 – ¥2,500 / $24-25 AUD / £11-12.

Kyoto – Day 6

This is where you can experience the ‘old Japan’. After an early morning stroll at the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, the rest of the day is yours to explore Kyoto. The Ninenzaka shopping street is a famous tourist attraction in Kyoto and it is also the best place to get your hands on traditional Japanese souvenirs such as keychains, ceramics, matcha delicacies and street food.

If you’re a matcha fan, we would recommend planning a half-day trip to Uji, home to Japan’s highest matcha quality. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Arashiyama, Kyoto – Day 7

After a packed morning at Arashiyama, you may hop on a boat along the Katsura River and take in the beautiful scenery and fresh air. If you’re on our 9-day Essentials itinerary, take a train ride to Nara and feed the sacred bowing deers and of Japan’s Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues. If you’re a foodie, visit the Nishiki Market and go all out with the delicious local delicacies.

Osaka – Day 9

This marks the point where the itinerary splits. Travellers on the 13-day Japan Essentials tour will continue on from here. For those booked on the 9-day tour, it’s time to bid farewell to your travel crew as your journey comes to an end.

If you’ve booked for the 13-day tour, this is a morning to chill after a night of karaoke. After saying your goodbyes to those on the 9-day tour, the morning is yours to wind down in your hotel room or you could head to Spa World or Solaniwa which are big onsen complexes to relax and rest the Japanese way. Or you could take in the Osaka views from the Umeda Sky Building or the Namba Yasaka shrine to check out the massive lion head with its mouth wide open. It is believed that the shrine will ward off evil and bring luck for those who are job-seeking and to those seeking success in their academics. It is a famous landmark in Japan, and one worth visiting! If you’re in the mood for some shopping, Amerikamura is the go-to place to find second-hand trendy clothing pieces at affordable prices.

Nara – Day 10

After a morning at Nara Park, you will have the opportunity to stay and spend more time with the sacred bowing deers or walk around to find more shrines to collect more Goshuin stamps. You can also go on a mini half-day getaway to the Minoh Falls. With an uphill 30-minute walk from the Minoh station, prepare to fall in love with the peacefulness of its surroundings. If you’re visiting during the fall, then you’re in luck with Miyajima’s iconic snack, the tempura maple leaves.

Miyajima Island – Day 12

Here’s the good news, there’s lots to do on the island without having to book your activities in advance. Get the best views from the Mount Misen Ropeway and try the local oyster delicacy.

Craving another bowl of ramen? Namba Ramen Ichiza will be your best friend. By this time, you’ll be nearing the end of your tour so why not treat yourself to a booked Omakase dining experience and trust the chef to choose and cook what goes on your plate. Allow the chef to explain some of the freshest ingredients that are about to be served to you. Sit back and savour each bite.

Another option is to head to Hiroshima early and visit the Hiroshima Castle, originally constructed in 1590s, the castle is now viewed as the symbol of Hiroshima. You could also try and spy some turtles at Shukkeien Gardens and wind down in nature.

Final Tips

Before setting off during your free time, always give yourself enough time to make it back to your next activity to meet your guide and tour friends. While Japanese trains are famously punctual, navigating public transport for the first time can take longer than expected. It is also important to check the weather forecast in case you might need to bring an umbrella or pack a bottle of sunscreen!

If you’d like more resources for your trip, take a look at our  Japan Travel Guide for first time visitors.