Delve Deep: Japan

Down your cup of matcha – we’re off to check out the Goma Ritual of consecrated fire at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple this morning. Your wishes could be part of this next-level experience. Ace! Then: 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: the afternoon’s yours to wander the futuristic streets of Shibuya. And tonight? Get ready to party, Japanese-style on an optional tour of Izakaya nightlife. This is real culture in real time.

It’s your last day in Tokyo – so, you do you. Been waiting for an opportunity to shamelessly wear Mickey Mouse headwear and fan over Cinderella? An optional trip to Tokyo Disneyland is calling. Book your tix in advance to high five allll your fave characters. Prefer to 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.

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. Once we’ve pulled in, we'll check into our authentic AF accommodation: a traditional ryokan – complete with tatami-matted floors and sliding doors straight out of The Last Samurai. This arvo, sample some of the good stuff at a local sake brewery. And tonight, an optional Hida beef dinner with the gang is on the menu – vegetarians look away now.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so we’ll kick things off traditional-style in the ryokan 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. Next up: a taste of traditional life with a visit to Hida Folk Village. And then? A free arvo 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.

Hiroshima: we’re coming for you. Make sure you grab a window seat for the real af views. That IRL feelin’? Ain’t nothing like it. 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, so get ready to show off your expert chopstick skills (or drop even more stuff down your T-shirt).

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 a steaming bowl of Onomichi ramen – chased with a glass of the local sake. When in Japan, right?

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 get ready to say g’day to the geishas as we head to the Gion district. Afterwards: the evening’s yours for exploring.

Rise n shine travel besties, it’s time to see what Kyoto’s got to offer. And we’re delving in deep. 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.

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. Let’s keep that energy with our foodie optionals for the day. Opt for a ramen cooking class OR a ramen AND gyoza cooking class. Whatever you choose, the end product will have you scribbling down recipes like there's no tomorrow. Later, we’ve got a date with Dotonbori Market. Authentic street food that slaps? Sorted.

Tuck into a traditional breakfast before heading out to do your own thing. It’s your chance to uncover the real Osaka – so make every second count. Thrill-seeker? Jump aboard an optional day trip to Universal Studios (just make sure you book in advance). Foodie? Eat your way around the city with zero regrets. 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.

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.