Delve Deep: Intro to Japan
Tokyo
Osaka
Delve Deep: Intro to Japan
TRIP SNAPSHOT
7 days
1 country
Visiting 1 country: Japan9 meals
Twin-share / double / single room
-6 nights in hotel-style accommodation (twin or double)Delve Deep
Delve Deep is those iconic sights, and then some. Local culture, local food, and MORE.20 travellers (max)
Trip Leader
High-speed trains, public transport
TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Remember when you spent that INCREDible week soaking up all the sushi, sake, soba and shrines Japan could throw at you? Huh, that wasn’t you. Then what are you waiting for?! This intro to Japan is all about the weird-and-wonderful in Tokyo, the ancient wonders of Kyoto, and the foodie delights of Osaka. Swipe right for a week’s worth of mind-blowing Japanese culture. You won’t regret it.
Map & itinerary
Day 1 - Tokyo
Seven days. Three legendary cities. And all the ancient temples, glittering skyscrapers, quirky neighbourhoods and local eats you can handle. Ready to experience this jaw-dropping country properly? You’re in exactly the right place. First: say konnichiwa to your fellow explorers. Then: prepare for your first taste of Japan – we’ve got a group dinner in the traditional Asakusa district lined up. Yep, you’re really here.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Hotel Sunroute Asakusa or similar
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - Tokyo
Rise and shrine! We’re off to check out Meiji Jingu this morning – Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrine. Take in all the spiritual vibes, make an offering and wander the blooming (or not) gardens. Next, we’re heading to the uber-kooky Harajuku district (aka cosplay heaven) with our in-the-know Trip Leader. Expect: neon tutus, rainbow-coloured wigs, bubble tea and fairy floss. We’ll also swing by the iconic Shibuya Crossing. It’s all the crazy. Later: thought you could come to Japan and not get involved in some K-A-R-A-OKE? Think again! Gather the gang and bust out some bangers at tonight’s included karaoke bar experience.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Hotel Sunroute Asakusa or similar
Activities
- Visit the Meiji Shrine
- Walking tour of Harajuku and Shibuya with Trip Leader
- Group karaoke experience
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 - Tokyo
This is your day, 100% your way. But if you need some recommendations, we’ve got your back. Wander the futuristic neon-lit streets of Shibuya. Or join an optional full-day tour of Mt Fuji and Hakone. Fill your camera roll with scenes of Japan’s most ICONIC landscape. Check out the Oshino Ninja Village (as awesome as it sounds). Cruise across stunning Lake Ashi. And soak up the beauty of the serene Hakone Shrine. This is what you came for.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Hotel Sunroute Asakusa or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
Your Options
- Full day tour of Mt Fuji and Hakone (with lunch): prices available locally
Day 4 - Tokyo – Kyoto
Up and at ‘em: it’s an early start to get the Shinkansen (bullet train FYI) to Kyoto. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines this place ticks all the spiritual boxes. After lunch, we’ll visit the incredible Fushimi Inari Shrine – with plenty of time to hike to the top and explore the torii gates. Then the afternoon is yours. Tonight, we’ll regroup for an included dinner – another chance to show off your chopstick skills. Or not.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto or similar
Activities
- Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Bullet train to Kyoto
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 5 - Kyoto
Time to explore this place with our expert Trip Leader. We’ll tick off the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion before moving on to Arashiyama to visit the Tenryu-ji Temple. Grab a bite to eat then head out to explore the sprawling bamboo forest and Togetsu-kyo bridge. Then, the rest is up to you. Lose yourself, find yourself, then grab a biru at a local watering hole.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto or similar
Activities
- Walking tour of Kyoto with Trip Leader (including Kinkaku-ji Temple)
- Visit the Arashiyama bamboo forest
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 - Kyoto – Osaka
Just when you thought your jeans couldn’t get any tighter – today we’re headed for Osaka: the foodie capital of Japan. Here, they even have a word for “scoff till you drop”: kuidaore. Down your cup of matcha – we’ve got a late morning food tour of Osaka’s backstreets to sink our teeth into. We’ll finish up at Kuromon Market where you’ll have the chance to try okonomiyaki (teppanyaki pancakes) and takoyaki (fried octopus balls). They’re tastier than they sound, trust us. Tummies full – the rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking. Whatever you get up to, just make sure you’re back in time for tonight’s included dinner.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre or similar
Activities
- Train ticket to Osaka
- Food tour of Osaka’s backstreets
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 7 - Osaka
Time to say sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun. Swap those Insta handles – you’re going to need them to organise next year’s reunion trip. What’s next? We've got Delve Deep trips to Southeast Asia which you can hop straight on. Just saying...
Your Inclusions
Meals
- Breakfast
Pay in instalments that suit YOU up to 60 days before departure.
Make changes to your trip up to 60 days before departure, with ZERO amendment fees.
GET INSPIRED
FAQs
On Day 3 of your trip, you’ll be riding the Shinkansen (bullet train), where carriage space is limited. Your luggage will be transported separately from Tokyo to Kyoto, so you’ll just need to pack a small bag for that night.
The trip’s optional activities are subject to availability, and since Japan is a popular destination, it’s important to pre-book your choices. You can do this through the Your Options section of the Topdeck Travel app. Be sure to book at least two weeks before your trip starts. There’s always something exciting to do!
Hotel rooms in Japan can be a bit smaller than what you might be used to.
Gluten and fish are common in Japanese cuisine, meaning Japan can be challenging for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free travelers. But never fear! Your Trip Leader will help with suitable, alternative recommendations. For the trip’s included meals, please advise us at least 15 days before your trip of any dietary requirements – otherwise it may be more difficult to accommodate them.
The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
Absolutely! It’s a requirement that all Topdeckers have comprehensive travel insurance to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. You’ll be barred from travelling with us without it. It’s also super important you read the fine print of the policy you’re taking out, so you know exactly what activities you are covered for (looking at you, adrenalin junkies!) and what your excess limits are in cases of emergency – before, during and after your trip. As a rule, you should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.
Obtaining the correct visas for your trip is your own responsibility. Not having correct visas could mean missing out on part (or all) of your trip. Ask your travel agent or check with the appropriate embassies before you depart, remembering that visa requirements can change at short notice.
Please note: For most countries where visas are required, it's NOT possible to obtain a visa while on the trip. Some visas take 3-4 weeks to obtain – so get on it early!
Tipping is not customary in Japan. However, if tipping is expected or advised at a given point in your trip, your Trip Leader will let you know what is appropriate. In true Topdeck style, your Crew will not ask for a tip at the end of your trip – as per our ‘No Tipping Policy’.
All your trip details in one handy place.
Your trip details
Code: TJETR4