Route
Tokyo > Osaka
Days
9
From
AUD$1799
Days
9
Route
Tokyo > Osaka
Trip Rating
New *Coming soon!
From
AUD$1799
Trip Overview
Unleash your wanderlust and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Rising Sun! See, taste, and experience the best of Japan for an incredible price
Route
Tokyo to Osaka
Stays
8 nights of accommodation
Meals
4x Breakfasts, 4x Dinners
Transport
All transport during the tour including bullet train, subways, Romance Car & more (Airport transfers Day 1 & 9 excl.)
Activities
11 included, 5 optional extra over 3 locations
Crew
Your unbeatable, legendary tour leader
Route
Tokyo to Osaka
Stays
8 nights of accommodation
Meals
4x Breakfasts, 4x Dinners
Transport
All transport during the tour including bullet train, subways, Romance Car & more (Airport transfers Day 1 & 9 excl.)
Activities
11 included, 5 optional extra over 3 locations
Crew
Your unbeatable, legendary tour leader
What sets our Japan Essentials tour apart is the unparalleled freedom it offers. While our expert guides will be there every step of the way to provide insider tips & recommendations, local insights, and all the cultural and historical info you want, you will also have the flexibility to craft your own adventure with more free time and optional activities. Experience the thrill of wandering through the bustling markets, savouring delectable street food, and connecting with fellow travelers from all corners of the globe. We believe that travel should be accessible to all, which is why we’ve created this trip to offer you the full One Life experience at a price that won’t break the bank. You’ll enjoy comfortable hostel accommodations, convenient transport (including the famous bullet train!), and an unforgettable itinerary packed with iconic landmarks, sights & experiences, and hidden gems.
Explore the endless incredible gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine without the crowds
Stroll down the famous bamboo forest
Sing your heart out in a private karaoke room
Stay in Hakone and seek out the incredible Mount Fuji
Taste your way through the Osaka food districts on a foodie walk
Experience Tokyo's most famous temple by night
Marvel at Kyoto's Golden Pavilion
Look for Geisha on a night walk through Kyoto
Indulge in the most famous chaotic & serene districts of Tokyo
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Japan! Tokyo Time
Touch down in Tokyo! Arrive into your Tokyo hostel in the historic Asakusa area to be greeted by your tour guide. Tonight we’ll take you out to feast on Japanese cuisine and meet the rest of your group. After dinner when the crowds have all dispersed, we explore the iconic Tokyo Senso-ji Temple by night!
Accommodation: Multishare dorms – Sakura Hostel Asakusa
Activities: Welcome Dinner, Senso-Ji Temple
Free Time Suggestions: Tokyo Skytree
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Low
Day 2 - Explore Tokyo, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park & Akihabara
We’ll start the morning off with a a Japan Orientation Briefing. You’ll learn simple Japanese customs and phrases to help you dictate your way across the country. We’ll then head out to the birth place of Japanese teen pop culture, Harajuku. We’ll then head into Yoyogi Park, host of the beautiful Meiji Shrine.
Afterwards, we’ll head to Akihabara – Tokyo’s electric town – and be blinded by the all the neon lights and crazy shops in store. You can challenge each other in the arcades, check out the famous Maid Cafes or just wander around the area.
Accommodation: Multishare Dorms – Sakura Hostel Asakusa
Activities: Japan Orientation, Tokyo Districts
Free Time Suggestions: Maid Cafe
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 3 - Explore Tokyo & Shibuya evening
The first half of the day is yours to explore. Our guide is on hand to help you with your plans, but you could either take a sushi making class, visit the Imperial Palace, or just allow yourself to get lost in this magical city. This evening we head to Shinjuku, we’ll see an unparalleled skyline of Tokyo, check out the famous Omoide Yokocho alley & grab some dinner before viewing the famous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing. For those of you who want to try the street go-karting, this is your chance! Take to the streets in a go-kart while wearing your favourite character costume. It doesn’t get more wild than this!
Accommodation: Multishare Dorms – Sakura Hostel Asakusa
Activities: Shibuya Crossing, city walks
Free Time Suggestions: TeamLab, Street Karting
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 4 - Hakone, Mt Fuji Viewing & Romance Car
Today we take the aptly named “Romance Car” to the stunning mountain town of Hakone. After checking into our hostel in the town of Hakone, we set off taking the train further into the mountains. Why is Hakone so special? Well, not only is the food incredible but you can get a spectacular view of Mt Fuji (weather dependent.) After a day of exploring and taking photos of Japan’s most famous mountain we’ll head back to our guesthouse accommodation before having a family-style dinner with the crew.
*If you have asthma/respiratory condition, the brief visit to Owakudani is not advisable, please speak to your guide for the alternate arrangement.
Accommodation: Twin or Triple Tatami Mats – Gora Gaku Guesthouse
Activities: Mt Fuji Viewing, Romance Car
Free Time Suggestions: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 5 - To Kyoto! Gion District Walking Tour & Yakitori
Say goodbye to the serenity of Hakone as we make our way to the ancient capital of Japan by bullet train; Kyoto. Check in to our accommodation close to the traditional area, and then we head out to explore the area. In the evening you’ll be guided around Kyoto’s Gion district, known for Geisha’s (Japan’s traditional art form of entertainment), if you are lucky enough, you might even spot one. After our walking tour, we’ll take you to one of the best yakitori (grilled chicken sticks) for an included dinner.
Accommodation: Multishare dorm – Piece Hostel Kyoto
Activities: Gion District Walking Tour
Free Time Suggestions: Geisha Performance
Meals: Dinner at Torikizoku
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 6 - Kyoto, Kiyomizu-Dera & Fushimi-Inari
We’ll rise before dawn and take the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. We arrive early to escape the throng of tourists and work our way through the mountain exploring corridors of never ending red gates. After, we will head to Kiyomizu-dera temple, one of Japan’s most famous temples. A stunning bamboo and wooden complex that sits high in the mountain side. You will have the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace. For those of you who would like to experience the traditional side of Japan, you can opt to take part in a tea ceremony and hire a kimono.
Accommodation: Multishare dorm – Piece Hostel Kyoto
Activities: Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari Shrine
Optional Extras: Kimono Hire, tea ceremony
Free Time Suggestions: Nishiki Market
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 7 - Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain
The day starts with a train ride to Arashiyama, a town surrounded by mountains and a river running through it. The itinerary includes a visit to the bamboo forest, climbing Monkey Mountain, and an optional traditional Japanese boat ride through the valleys. You will have the afternoon free to explore as you like.
Accommodation: Multishare dorm – Piece Hostel Kyoto
Activities: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain
Free Time Suggestions: Arashiyama traditional boat
Meals: NA
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 8 - Golden Pavilion, Zen Garden, Osaka Food Walk
We head to the stunning Golden Pavilion, a beautiful gold laden building surrounded by a lake and traditional Japanese garden. After we’ll head to Daitoku-ji, a quiet, leafy complex of old temples where you can silently reflect on your adventures so far. We then head on to Osaka where in the evening, we explore the famous Dotonbori area. The food, people, lights, and colors of the “kitchen of Japan” will be experienced. Your guide will take you to the best spots for street eats, and you’ll get to taste some of the delicacies which make Osaka such a famous foodie city. Finish up the evening with a night of karaoke and drinks!
Accommodation: Multishare Dorm – The Stay Shinsaibashi
Activities: Golden Pavilion, Zen Garden visit, Imperial Palace visit, Osaka Food Tour, karaoke
Free Time Suggestions: Heian Shrine
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 9 - Depart
It’s time to say goodbye to your group and the new friends you have made from your tour. We hope you’ve loved your Japan experience!
Accommodation: N/A
Activities: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: N/A
Inclusions
What sets our Japan Essentials tour apart is the unparalleled freedom it offers. While our expert guides will be there every step of the way to provide insider tips & recommendations, local insights, and all the cultural and historical info you want, you will also have the flexibility to craft your own adventure with more free time and optional activities. Experience the thrill of wandering through the bustling markets, savoring delectable street food, and connecting with fellow travelers from all corners of the globe. Dive into the vibrant nightlife, uncover hidden gems, or simply take a moment to breathe in the atmosphere and create your own unforgettable moments.
We believe that travel should be accessible to all, which is why we’ve created this trip to offer you the full One Life experience at a price that won’t break the bank. You’ll enjoy comfortable hostel accommodations, convenient transport (including the famous bullet train!), and an unforgettable itinerary packed with iconic landmarks, sights & experiences, and hidden gems.
Group
Maximum group size 22 people
Stays
8 nights of accommodation
Transport
All transport during the tour including bullet train, subways, Romance Car & more (Airport transfers Day 1 & 9 excl.)
Crew
Your unbeatable, legendary tour leader
Meals
4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Activities
- Famous Tokyo Districts (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Akihabara and more)
- Visit to Senso-ji Temple at night
- Mt Fuji viewing & exploring Hakone
- Fushimi-Inari Red Torii Gates
- Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
- The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
- Climb Monkey Mountain (Iwatayama)
- The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Food tour in Osaka
- Karaoke on the final night
Optional Activities: Sushi making class, Street Go Karting, Kimono Hire, Tea ceremony, Samurai Museum and Sword Experience
Night Stays
We’re talking about cool and cozy hostel dorms that are like your home away from home, but way more exciting. These spots aren’t just clean and comfy, they’re basically your VIP pass to making awesome new friends in your group. Imagine bunking in the heart of epic locations while swapping stories and sharing laughs with fellow travelers. It’s the perfect recipe for unforgettable connections and memories that’ll last a lifetime.
Multi-share Rooms
Pod Style Stay & Tatami Mats
FAQs
Let’s go through the basics before you meet us on your big adventure to Japan. You are about to set off into one of the most spectacular places on the planet and we want to make sure you’re all ready! If you still have further questions after reading through this section then please get in touch with one of the friendly OLA team who are here to answer all your questions.
What is the age range of the tour?
All One Life Adventures tours have an 18 years+ requirement. Once you’re over 18, as long as you have a sense of adventure, are excited by our activities and are young at heart, we would love to have you onboard!
What fitness level is required to join this tour?
This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness due to the amount of walking involved. There will be some days where you will be walking more than approximately 8-10km. Please bring appropriate footwear for this!
Can I bring a suitcase on this trip & is there a luggage limit?
We would highly recommend bringing no more than 15kg on this trip, and bringing a backpack instead of a suitcase if you can. You won’t need to carry your luggage around during daily excursions, but you will need to transport your luggage between each accommodation so we recommend packing as lightly as possible.
The luggage limit on the Shinkansen (bullet train) is very strict. Bags over 160cm (height x width x length) need an advance reservation and bags over 251cm cannot be accommodated even with a reservation.
Do we have to carry our luggage around with us each day? Is there a luggage delivery service on this trip?
You will need to transport your luggage between accommodations, but during the day when out and about you can leave your luggage safely stored away at the hostel.
We do not offer a luggage delivery service but our guide can direct where you need to go to do it yourself.
Where should I fly into? Where do we spend the first night of the tour?
You can fly into Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND). It doesn’t matter which one you fly into. We don’t offer airport pick ups on this tour but we include incredible detailed information on how to get to the hostel from both airports in your welcome pack.
The first night is at Sakura Hostel Asakusa in Tokyo. You will be notified in the unlikely case that there are changes.
How long do you have to explore Akihabara on the tour?
You’ll have a couple of hours to explore the area before your tour guide takes the metro back to the accommodation, however you can always stay on longer in an area if you want to and your guide will give you clear instructions on using the public transport on your own.
Is there much free time in each location?
Compared to our 10 and 14 day itineraries, our Japan Essentials tour has a lot more free time for you to explore on your own, or with your new friends on tour. While there is still a lot included in the tour, you’ll have a few days where there is more opportunity for free time.
Do we need to purchase a Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass is not included and you don’t need to purchase one as we take care of all the transport for you. We try to use local transport for a more authentic experience.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
Due to the nature of cuisine in Japan, strict dietary requirements may be difficult to accommodate in some areas. Many of the broths/stocks which flavour much of Japanese food are not vegetarian/vegan friendly, and many meals contain either meat, fish, or egg elements. We recommend downloading the app “Happy Cow” and asking your tour guide for advice throughout the tour. You may also bring some snacks/supplements with you if necessary, but please note that Japanese customs can be very strict with medication so ensure you double check everything you bring.
The tour doesn’t end in Tokyo, is the return to Tokyo included?
For those wishing to return to Tokyo after the tour finishes in Osaka/Hiroshima there is the option to include the train cost in the ticket price. This is bookable by your agent at the time of booking or you can add it to your basket when booking on our website. Those guests who wish to book their return train journey whilst on the tour will need to arrange this as soon as possible as it does sell out, so we would recommend arranging this before you arrive.
How is WiFi and data access on the trip?
As Japan is a developed country, Wi-Fi and data access is excellent. All the hostels that we stay in have strong and consistent Wi-Fi. If you’d like to stay connected whilst on the road you can pick up a tourist sim card at the airport, these will cost you anywhere between $20-$40 for 2 weeks worth of data.
How long are the travel times?
Whilst on the tour the longest travel time is around 4 hours. There will be a day where we will be on the train for 2-3 hours twice in one day with a 30 minute change.
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