Compare Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food by G Adventures vs City & beach: Tokyo and Okinawa by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 1,869 | $ 5,948 |
| Price Per Day | $ 170 | $ 458 |
| Highlights |
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N/A
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | No meals included | N/A |
| Description |
Now's the time to explore Japan on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Always wanted to explore Japan but kinda felt it was pricey? We got you. This 11-day introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun is super-affordable and super fun. Travel by train to introduce yourself to Tokyo nightlife, the famous geisha district of Kyoto, and the iconic floating torii gate of Miyajima. Experience the country's traditions and cutting-edge modernity with lots of free time to do your own thing. When you see Japan with a group of like-minded adventurers, you'll never want to come home. |
Japan’s cultural heritage is the cornerstone of its many attractions and activities and Kyoto is a scenic hub of history and tradition. Explore the city’s cobbled streets on an evening tour for a glimpse of a Geisha or visit the home of a Women’s Association member to learn about a traditional pastime such as calligraphy. Cosmopolitan Tokyo is a complete contrast, and an early morning trip to Tsujiki, the world’s biggest fish market, can be followed by a visit to the ornate Meiji Jingu shrine. |
Day 1 Tokyo
Arrive at any time and welcome to Japan's neon metropolis that's always on the move. There are no plans until the evening welcome meeting, so spend some time exploring. Then, after the meeting head out for a night of fun, drinks, and dancing for your first night out. Pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience all that is Tokyo.
Day 2 Tokyo
Get your bearings with an orientation walk before enjoying free time to explore buzzing Tokyo. Opt to check out Yoyogi Park, Asakusa shrine, quirky Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, or explore the city's massive selection of shops and cafés.
Please note that the new JR Pass validation policy asks travellers to come to the office counter to activate their JR Pass.
Day 3 Tokyo/Takayama
Board a bullet train to picturesque Takayama, surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Take in the quaint streets of old town—lined with craft shops and sake breweries (mid-day sake bombs anyone?)—on a CEO-led orientation walk. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area. In the evening, kick back and relax in a traditional inn complete with tatami floors, Japanese futons, and an onsen hot spring. Delight in a restorative soak in the healing waters.
Day 4 Takayama/Kyoto
Catch a train to Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto, and spend the rest of the day discovering this historic city. For your big night out, grab a drink on our tab and release your inner rock star during a karaoke session.
Day 5 Kyoto
Kyoto is yours to explore today and the options are endless, so grab a buddy and get out there! Visit some of Kyoto's beautiful temples, participate in a tea ceremony, or take a calligraphy class (so you can make that postcard home look extra fancy).
Day 6 Kyoto
Keep exploring this culturally-rich city with another free day to experience anything you couldn't squeeze in yesterday. Make the most of Kyoto's spiritual and traditional beauty, and take it all in.
Day 7 Kyoto/Hiroshima
Board a bullet train and travel to Hiroshima, known for its tragic history, powerful survival, and so much more. Opt to visit the Peace Park and Museum, Shukkei-en traditional Japanese garden, or Hiroshima Castle.
Day 8 Hiroshima
Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate and meet the friendly local deer. Opt to go for an easy hike around Mt Misen, and be sure to sample some oysters – a regional specialty.
Day 9 Hiroshima/Osaka
Catch a train to Osaka, one of Japan's culinary capitals with lots of neon lights and an outstanding nightlife. With free time, spend the afternoon exploring this diverse city with heaps to offer, including Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi shopping street, and the Dotombori Bridge. Be sure to try takoyaki, the city's famous octopus snack, or share a group meal of kushikatsu.
Day 10 Osaka
Get to know this captivating city with a day to freely explore. Check out the ramen museum or browse Umeda's many shops. Get ready to experience Osaka's buzzing nightlife on a final night out with your new friends. Grab a drink on our tab and reminisce the night away!
Day 11 Osaka
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.
Day 2 : Tokyo
On arriving into Japan, your airport representative welcomes you and helps you validate your rail pass vouchers and make seat reservations on the trains for you. He/she then escorts you to the Narita Express train service into the city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and relaxing after your flight.
Day 3 : Tokyo
A day at leisure in Tokyo. We suggest you make use of any lingering jet lag and visit the early morning Tsukiji Fish Market - buzzing with life, this is the biggest fish market in the world and a great place to see local life. The exciting tuna auctions take place at 5am each day. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city, perhaps taking a stroll around the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Day 4 : Tokyo
Get out of the city for the day and take the train to the seaside town of Kamakura, once Japan's capital and home to the Great Bronze Buddha. The journey takes about an hour. You can explore this town independently, visiting its many temples and shrines, including a quirky one in which locals wash money, hoping that it will cause their fortunes to increase.
Day 5 : Kyoto
Today travel by super-fast bullet train to Kyoto (a two and a half hour journey), home to some of Japan's most important works of art, its richest culture and its most refined cuisine.After leaving your bags at your hotel, we recommend that you set off to see some of the iconic sights, including the Golden Pavilion, the Zen gardens of Ryoanji and the beautiful terrace of Kiyomizudera.
Day 6 : Kyoto
A day at leisure in Kyoto to wander the streets of this compact city. Nishiki market is one recommendation in order to buy kimono silks, beautiful art and the famous Japanese knives. It also sells tasty Japanese delicacies - try matcha sweets or squid. An evening ambling around the geisha district of Gion, looking out for these elusive women as they head out to work appointments, caps off the day.
Day 7 : Kyoto
Put your rail pass to good use and make a day trip to Hiroshima via bullet train (two hours one way). Here you can explore the moving Peace Park, the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome and the Memorial Museum. Walk around the Shukkei-en Gardens, which date from the Edo period and are said to represent all the seasons. For lunch, try the local speciality of okonomiyaki (pancakes served with cabbage and many other fillings).
Day 8 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)
This morning transfer to the airport and fly to Miyakojima Island via Naha, the city and airport on the main island.Once landed on Miyakojima make your own way to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing by your hotel pool or basking on the soft sandy beach.
Day 9 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)
At leisure on Miyako Island. The best way to experience this place is simply to relax. Miyakojima's highlight is its beaches, some of the best in all of Japan. You can snorkel in its azur waters and the more energetic can take part in a range of water sports.
Day 10 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)
Another day at leisure to enjoy Maehama, Sunayama and Yoshino beaches. Today you may wish to try scuba diving at one of the nearby sites.
Day 11 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)
A third day on Miyako Island. As a change of pace, take a short domestic flight to the islands of Yaeyama. The main islands of Ishigaki, Taketomi and Iriomote have traditional villages, and jungle walks.
Day 12 : Tokyo
Retrace your steps to the airport to board your flight back to Tokyo. Once landed, the airport express is the quickest way into the city where you can spend a final night in the capital. Try rounding off your trip with a visit to one of our recommended restaurants to enjoy yakatori or monjayaki - flour and vegetable batter served with different toppings.
Day 13 : International return flight
Take the airport shuttle from the hotel lobby to Narita airport for your return flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
