TRIP SNAPSHOT

12 days

1 country

Visiting 1 country: Japan

14 meals

Twin-share / double / single room

-11 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. Don’t just want to see Japan, but EXPERIENCE it? In all its ancient, futuristic, kooky, incredible glory? You’re in luck. In under two weeks, this Delve Deep trip gives you the highlights and the hidden gems. The culture and the crazy. The ultra-modern and the historic. The scenery and the cities. And all the ramen, okonomiyaki, udon, katsu, yakitori and sake your fat pants can handle (you packed those, right?). This is your insider guide. Japan is waiting.

Map & itinerary

Day 1 - Tokyo

You ready for 12 UNbelievable days of delving deep into Japanese culture? Discovering the ultra-modern, the ancient traditions and alllll the local eats – plus the weird, whacky and totally wonderful in between? We thought so. First: say konnichiwa to your fellow explorers. Then: we’ll kick things off with a group dinner at a local restaurant. Nihon e yokoso – welcome to Japan!

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or similar

Meals
  • Dinner

Day 2 - Tokyo

Down your cup of matcha cos we’ve got an INCRED day ahead of us. First up, it’s time for the Meiji Shrine to SHINE. Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrine – take in all the spiritual vibes, make an offering and wander the blooming (or not) gardens. Important: you gotta cover that skin up when visiting this place – and any other religious site in Japan. Next, we’re heading to the quirky Harajuku district (aka cosplay heaven) with our in-the-know Trip Leader. Expect kawaii culture galore: neon tutus, rainbow-coloured wigs, bubble tea and fairy floss. We’ll also swing by the legendary Shibuya Crossing – it’s all the crazy. Then: we’re off to check out the Goma Ritual of consecrated fire at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple. Your wishes could be part of this next-level experience. And tonight? Get ready to party at an Izakaya (Japan’s equivalent of a pub). This is real culture in real time.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or similar

Activities
  • Visit Meiji Shrine
  • Walking tour of Tokyo’s Harajuku and Shibuya districts with Trip Leader
  • Experience the Goma Ritual of consecrated fire at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple
Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 3 - Tokyo

It’s your last day in Tokyo – so, you do you. Wanna spend your day breathing in the fresh mountain air? Join a day tour of Mount Fuji and Hakone. Outta-this-world scenery. Gobsmacking beauty. A side of Japan you only see IRL. It’s giving allll the feels. This evening: quiz your Trip Leader on where to find the best ramen – and be prepared to order on a ticket machine with pictures of the dishes. It might be a lucky dip, but that’s what adventuring is all about.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or similar

Meals
  • Breakfast

Your Options

  • Full day tour of Mount Fuji and Hakone: prices available locally

Day 4 - Tokyo – Takayama

Rise and shine – it’s an early start to get the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train FYI) to Takayama. Glue your face to the window as we zoom through the incredible Japanese Alps. Then it’s time for a taste of traditional life with a visit to Hida Folk Village. And tonight? There’s an optional Hida beef dinner with the gang on the menu – vegetarians look away now.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama or similar

Activities
  • Bullet train to Takayama
  • Visit to Hida folk village
Meals
  • Breakfast

Your Options

  • Hida beef dinner: prices available locally

Day 5 - Takayama

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so we’ll kick things off by filling our bellies before visiting the bustling morning riverside markets. Tighten those Nike laces to explore Takayama Jinya – the last remaining government outpost from the time of the Samurai and Shoguns. This arvo, sample some of the good stuff at a local sake brewery. Then: time to do whatever you want. Explore. It. All. The nooks and crannies. The narrow streets. The tranquil waters. Take your trip mates along for the ride. Tonight: dinner’s on you. It’s all about that beef – if you missed out last night, now’s your chance. And it’s better than any maccas. Trust us.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama or similar

Activities
  • Visit the morning riverside markets in Takayama
  • Sake tasting at a local brewery
  • Visit Takayama Jinya
Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 6 - Takayama – Hiroshima

Hiroshima: we’re coming for you. Grab a delish bento box to tuck into on the train. When we arrive this afternoon, we’ll make our way to the Memorial Peace Park and its museum. Here, we’ll discover the tragic events of 6 August 1945 when the world’s first nuclear bomb was dropped on the city. Later, an included group dinner's on the cards at a local okonomiyaki restaurant. Savoury teppanyaki pancakes = YUM. Get ready to show off your expert chopstick skills (or drop even more stuff down your T-shirt).

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Hotel Vista Hiroshima or similar

Activities
  • Visit the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park and Museum
  • Okonomiyaki dinner experience in Hiroshima
Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 7 - Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima

All aboard the ferry to the island of Miyajima! First up, check out the incred Itsukushima Shrine. Then, we've got the whole afternoon to explore before settling in for sunset. The floating torii gate is pretty spectacular. Back in Hiroshima: use your free time wisely. Put those super-stretchy pants to the test and do as the locals do: inhale more okonomiyaki or tuck into some local oysters with a glass of sake. When in Japan, right?

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Hotel Vista Hiroshima or similar

Activities
  • Visit the Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima
Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 8 - Hiroshima – Kyoto

Another day of living your best life, let’s get it! Today, we’re hitting the tracks to Japan’s traditional capital, Kyoto. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, this place ticks all the spiritual boxes. We’ll visit the incredible Fushimi Inari Shrine – with plenty of time to hike to the top and explore the torii gates. Getting hangry? Grab some lunch before we stop by the Nishiki food market. Drool = 100% guaranteed.Then: the afternoon’s yours for exploring.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Hotel Monterey Kyoto or similar

Activities
  • Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Visit the Nishiki food market
Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 9 - Kyoto

Rise n shine travel besties, it’s time to see what Kyoto’s got to offer. And we’re delving in deep with a full day of sightseeing. First up: Kinkaku-ji. Alter ego: Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Zen vibes allll day. Ready to feel like you’re in an enchanted land? Arashiyama’s gonna make your eyes sparkle. You’ve got some free time here, so make the most of it! Get lost in the bamboo forest. Cross Tokugetsukyo Bridge. See Tenryu-ji Temple and its lush garden. After breathing in fresh Japanese air and making those calves work wonders, bellies will be ready to rumbleee. Gather the gang and hit Pontocho. Atmospheric. Traditional. Bombastic-side-eye-exclusivity. This place is where REAL Kyoto foodies thrive.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Hotel Monterey Kyoto or similar

Activities
  • Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • Visit the Arashiyama bamboo forest
  • Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden
Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 10 - Kyoto – Osaka

And 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. Wanna put it to the test? We’ve got a date with Dotonbori Market on the agenda. Authentic street food that slaps? Sorted.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre or similar

Activities
  • Orientation walk of Dotonbori Market with Trip Leader
Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 11 - Osaka

Tuck into another included brekkie before heading out to do your own thing. It’s your chance to uncover the real Osaka – so make every second count. Foodie? Opt for a ramen and gyoza cooking class that’ll have you scribbling down recipes like there's no tomorrow. Culture-fiend? Hit Shitennoji Temple – one of the oldest in all of Japan. Tonight, we’ll regroup and head to a local eatery for a send-off to remember. And later? It starts with a ‘K’ and ends with an ‘E’. Nope, not kale. K-A-R-A-O-K-E time! This has been one hell of a trip.

Your Inclusions

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre or similar

Activities
  • Group karaoke experience in Osaka
Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your Options

  • Ramen and gyoza cooking class: prices available locally

Day 12 - Osaka

After breakfast it’s sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun and our newfound travel fam. Swap Snapchats and start planning that next adventure.

Your Inclusions

Meals
  • Breakfast

Read the reviews

Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

5

Anonymous January 2025

The delve deep Japan exceeded my expectations!
Our tour giude Marion was phenomenal, she was fun and she had lots of ideas and helpful hints throughout our time. The hotels were all in good locations, easily accessible to transport and/or food precincts.

The only thing I would suggest is in the details itinerary. Could you update ans specifically state when you need an overnight bag in between...

5

Jess December 2024

Such a good range of things to do in Japan. Loved going to the big cities + the smaller islands and towns to experience different sides to the country. Our tour guide Clair was lovely & so so helpful. Probably could’ve spent a few more days in some areas such as Hiroshima or Osaka but every day was packed with activities + free time for you to do your own thing.

5

Anonymous November 2024

This trip was one of the most fun experiences on Top Deck I have had. The amount of time we stayed in each city was fairly sufficient.

4

VINCENT AP November 2024

The trip was amazing. The Tour Guide was very kind, helpful and organized. Everyone that I met on that trip was absolutely amazing.

5

Gemma Se October 2024

I recently experienced the Topdeck Delve Deep Japan tour, and it was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, this trip was perfectly planned to offer the best blend of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation. Our tour leader was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly always went out of her way to help.

The itinerary covered a fantastic range of iconic locations and hidden gems, from...

5

Anonymous September 2024

The Delve Deep: Japan tour was amazing! It covered a wide range of metropolitan and rural area and included lots of memorable cultural experiences!

4

Harrison Sa July 2024

Definitely worth if you haven’t traveled to the country before! Especially if your solo, you make great friends, learn lots and keeps you inspired.

5

Anonymous July 2024

Excellent trip…. Made it so easy to see anything and everything … excellent/ amazing tour guide Claire… would recommend to everyone

5

Harrison July 2024

excellent trip our tour guide Claire was excellent made it super fun and enjoyable, great tour it hits most of the popular areas and the more hidden areas that not a lot of tourist visit.

All accommodations were fantastic and really high quality.

Overall a Great tour and a Great Guide which made the trip.

3

Anonymous June 2024

First off our Tour Manager Kat did an incredible job with what she had & she made 100% sure that everyone's dietary issues were catered for a well as recommendations for things to do in our free-time of which there was a lot! There were only 3 optional activities available so we had a lot of free-time to explore each place but getting to know each other though doable was still difficult. The...

2

Anonymous May 2024

The most disappointing part of this trip was the value for money. I’ve been on plenty of group tours in the past and considering the cost of this particular one, I was expecting SO much more.

The accommodation we stayed in (with the exception of 2 or 3 places) was not great; in particular the traditional Ryokan in Takayama as it was very untidy, run down and in serious need of renovations and...

4

Anonymous May 2024

Japan is an amazing place to visit. Just a shame our tour guide wasn't quite as helpful, as others I've had before.

4

Rebecca May 2024

This trip was an excellent way to see Japan for the first time. It took all the thinking out of how to get around, and the itinerary covers all the main places you’d want to see when visiting Japan.

The downsides were that almost every single optional activity wasn’t able to run because it was full/booked out, which I understand as it was peak tourist season. However, I think Topdeck should be...

2

Anonymous May 2024

31/03/2024 - Delve Deep: Japan

I LOVED JAPAN. It was honestly so incredible. The group of people I spent the 12 days with, is what made the tour for me.

Unfortunately, the Topdeck tour itself was a bit of a shambles :( ranging from the overall organisation, poor communication, very loose logistics, and all of the optional activities being cancelled.

The original tour leader had to pull out due...

4

Michelle va May 2024

great place to visit, I had a big group for style of tour but they were great. Organsation wasn't great, changes to itinary, and optionals booked out beacuse of peak season and no alternatives provided.

3

Anonymous May 2024

The trip route was good in the sense that you go to major cities etc.
I would suggest doing a lot of research beforehand about what you want to see in these cities and do a lot of planning as majority of the time is just free time on the tour and you’re not being guided around anywhere.
When you were being guided around it felt very rushed and not a great deal of info given about the places...

2

Anonymous May 2024

I don’t normally leave reviews but if you’re someone who is planning to go to Japan on a tour with Topdeck, reconsider your options. Whilst Japan itself is a great destination and for a first timer it was the perfect choice, the majority of the tour could have been done and booked by myself for a cheaper price. I was going into it thinking for the money I paid there would be a full on immersive...

3

Emma April 2024

Beautiful places visited however a lot of things didn't make the trip memorable:
- Tour guide changed at the last minute and it was 30 minutes into our meeting time and we had no contact from Topdeck regarding where our Tour Guide was. Also the Tour Guide wasn't experienced with handling a large group for a long period
- given one hour notice to pay cash to the tour guide for optional extras but...

2

Kazuma April 2024

• The tour guide pulled out last minute, so we where all sitting waiting for 45 minutes without any info
• Replacement tour guides first ever job with Topdeck, having never done a multiple day tour before
• All the optionals got cancelled
• Random itinerary changes we didn’t get told about
• Karaoke with only 1 free drink made the end of the night the worst part of the trip due to trying to...

3

Anonymous April 2024

I had a lot of fun on this trip. The country, culture and sites were all amazing. The group of people in which I went on this tour were great and I believe I have made some great friends.
We did have some small problems but not nothing to get upset about. I would recommend this trip for people wanting to have a taste of what its like in certain areas of Japan.
However I did feel rushed and when...

1

Naiara April 2024

This tour was so poorly organised it felt like a waste of money, I could have done the same thing myself but more efficiently & probably cheaper. Our tour guide was thrown into our tour with 1 hours notice & did his best but was lacking knowledge of the areas, lacked organisation & rushed a lot of the stops. Only having our suitcase every 2nd stop was ridiculous!! I don't see why the suitcases...

2

Tamlyn Gr April 2024

Japan itself was great however I struggle to see the value in this tour. Poorly organised, we were constantly rushed amongst periods of wasting time eg. not starting early enough in the morning and then having no time to stop for lunch. Almost every lunch was a 7/11 rush job. Walking tours as per the tour description were not walking tours- we were taken to the area by the guide and then given...

5

Brennan Ma February 2024

Overall a very positive experience, I had a lot of fun with all of the different experiences and got along well with the tour group. Our tour guide definitely played a major roll in the overall enjoyment of the trip, being very friendly and knowledgeable. One big issue with the trip was with the takayama experience. Whilst I believe the traditional type stay is necessary, the place was very run...

5

samuel bu February 2024

Overall the experience was great. All hotels bar one was good. I felt like I got to visit many of the bucket list locations

4

Anonymous December 2023

Could have chosen better hotels and timed the traveling between cities more efficiently.

5

Scott November 2023

It was a great experience to see and feel Japan at it's core. We absolutely delved deep in to Japanese culture both modern and ancient.

4

Anonymous October 2023

This was a great introduction to Japan. The trip was the perfect length of time to visit each location and see the best each location had to offer.
Tokyo - wonderful! What can I say? I recommend you add on a day or two (or more!) if you want more time to explore Tokyo in more depth. I added 3 days on. Recommend: Shinjuku, Golden Gai, Shibuya, Asakusa and Harajuku.
Takayama - a much quieter...

4

Anonymous July 2023

4

Anonymous June 2023

Had a good time. Katherine our tour guide was great and really helpful. Just be aware though that Japan is not very vegetarian or vegan friendly so that was a bit of challenge. Katherine however had some good recommendations and did everything she could to ensure my dietary requirements were accommodated as much as possible

4

Louise Sh June 2023

Great experience, a little experience.

5

Jasmine De May 2023

I had a fantastic trip leader (Marion) she did a great job with taking us from place to place on the trains. All our hotels were amazing and clean and in a good location.

4

Anonymous April 2023

Regarding where this tour takes you, it ticks all the boxes. While there could have been some rearranging with how long is spent in different places, I loved every city we travelled to. Like I said before, all of our inclusions were cancelled due to it being peak season (no excuse as I have been to many places with Topdeck during peak season and this was no issue) so we had to research and come up...

2

Mary T April 2023

I didn't purchase anything from the tour [other than the tour itself] as the options were cancelled for us

4

Anonymous April 2023

The Japanese tour it was so much fun. It was a really good mix of culture, food and free time. I like how they gave you time to go off and do your own thing in the city for a few hours so that you could plan a trip more to your liking, and not just what their planned in the tour. Is what you were allowed to do. My tour guide Marion was funny and amazing. She really helped us with getting around...

5

Ariana April 2023

all good, just didn't know that all the optinal activities were canceled

4

Anonymous April 2023

I would definitely recommend this trip. Marion, our trip leader was great with giving us ideas on what to do on our free days and booking group dinners.

Topdeck’s communication can most definitely improve. It was disappointing to discover on the first day that all of the optional activities were fully booked and that really they should have been booked by traveler's in advance. TD should have...

4

Anonymous February 2023

Firstly let me say that I love Topdeck and I absolutely recommend this trip. Katherine the trip leader was one of the best I’ve had - she went out of her way to make it an excellent trip for all of us.

There were some things that were pretty disappointing and some clear communication would have really helped. I was disappointed to discover on the first day (no heads up prior from TD) that most of...

1

Anonymous October 2022

It is extremely overpriced and badly planned. If it weren't for our guide adjusting the itinerary where possible, the tour would have been horrible. There was no warning before the trip started that there would be not just one overnight with a backpack, but the stay in Osaka would be two nights with only a backpack. We could have taken our suitcases but were advised not to. I would have prepared...

5

Bailey L February 2019

5

Anonymous November 2018

This trip will change your life for the best!

5

Colin D August 2018

4

Reece P August 2018

The Japan highlights tour was amazing we got to experience alot of what Japan had to offer with awesome company!

5

Joshua W August 2018

5

Anonymous August 2018

5

Rachel F July 2018

Japan was somewhere I had to visit but was unsure as to how much and what and where. Topdeck offered a taste through the highlights tour of the possibilities to see and do. The size of the group was good, 22 people meant safety in numbers in attending activities.overall I really enjoyed the trip.

5

David An July 2018

Lots of great sights, and plenty of free time for seeing what appeals to you.

4

Anonymous July 2018

5

Jasmine R July 2018

Great highlight of Japan. I enjoyed exploring parts of the country. Very lucky to have a great topdeck group

4

Paige F July 2018

5

Anonymous July 2018

Made some lifelong friends!

£60 deposit
Book now with a low deposit of just £60.
Pay in instalments

Pay in instalments that suit YOU up to 60 days before departure.

Unlimited no fee changes

Make changes to your trip up to 60 days before departure, with ZERO amendment fees.

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FAQs

On this trip, you’ll ride the Shinkansen (bullet train), where carriage space is limited. Your luggage will be transported separately from Tokyo to Takayama, and Takayama to Kyoto, so you’ll just need to pack a small overnight bag to cover you for those nights.

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’.

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