Delve Deep: Japan
Tokyo
Osaka
Delve Deep: Japan
TRIP SNAPSHOT
12 days
1 country
Visiting 1 country: Japan14 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 yōkoso – 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 Shintō 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 Dōtonbori 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 Dōtonbori 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
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 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’.
All your trip details in one handy place.
Your trip detailsCode: TJJTR4