Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food
9 days, Tokyo to Osaka
Itinerary Notes
Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards
All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1Tokyo
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Tokyo
Hit the streets of Tokyo on an orientation walk around Asakusa, including a visit to Sensoji Temple. Enjoy free time to explore Yoyogi Park, Shibuya Crossing or go shopping in the afternoon.
Asakusa Walk
Discover this historic entertainment district on a guided orientation tour of the area. Take in one of Tokyo's iconic sites with a stop at Sensoji temple.
Free Time
Get out and explore Japan's buzzing capital.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Yoyogi Park Visit
FreeTake advantage of Yoyogi Park’s picnic areas, bike rental shops and bike paths; this is one of the largest parks in the city and a perfect place to spend an afternoon. Both locals and travellers are drawn to the park in the warmer months during cherry blossom season to see the delicate pink blossoms.
Harajuku Visit
FreeThe Harajuku district is known as the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Here, find dozens of shopping and dining options including independent boutiques and larger international luxury stores.
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit
Free-1000JPY per personVisit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and wander the grounds along the wide walking paths.
Day 3Tokyo
Hop on a train to Kamakura and visit the Big Buddha before relaxing on the beach. Return to Tokyo for a final night in the city.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Kamakura Excursion
Get to know Kamakura with a visit to Kotoku-in, a temple known for the "Great Buddha" – a monumental outdoor bronze statue of a seated Buddha. Explore the temple grounds and snap some photos before heading to the beach for some chill time.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Day 4Tokyo/Hakone
Travel to beautiful Hakone in the mountains and visit the sites with an included Hakone Pass, which allows unlimited access to the cable car, ropeway, tourist boats and other transport in the area. Enjoy an included dip in an onsen, a natural hot spring.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Hakone Visit (Pass Included)
Discover all that beautiful Hakone has to offer. Visit the area's sites and enjoy unlimited access to the cable car, ropeway, tourist boats and other transport in the area with an included Hakone Pass. With some luck, take in views of the iconic Mt Fuji.
Your Wellness Moment: Onsen (Hot Spring) Visit
Enjoy a dip in an onsen and experience the soothing waters of a traditional Japanese spa.
Day 5Hakone/Kyoto
Walk under thousands of iconic torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, then enjoy free time to explore more of one of Japan's most beautiful cities.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit
Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.
Free Time
Get out and explore more of this historic city.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Daisen-in Zen Rock Garden Visit
400JPY per personTake a walk through the gardens around Daisen-in Temple. This zen garden uses gravel, sand and stones to recreate a river and ocean, symbolizing the Buddhist journey through life.
Day 6Kyoto
Stroll through the other-worldly sprawling bamboo grove of Arashiyama, then opt to visit local temples, participate in a tea ceremony or take a calligraphy class.
Free Time
Discover more of this beautiful city.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Visit
Wander through the dense bamboo groves of Arashiyama and enjoy the surrounding nature. Opt to stop in at some of the local temples and gift shops.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Kiyomizu Temple Visit
400JPY per personVisit the Kiyomizu Temple, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto and part of Kyoto's UNESCO listed sights. Originally built in 798, the current structures were built in 1633 without the use of a single nail.
Day 7Kyoto/Osaka
Enjoy an orientation walk around Osaka, then dig in with a street food crawl with the group and CEO.
Street Food Crawl
Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Day 8Osaka
Get out and explore during free time. Opt to tour a ramen factory, visit the Osaka castle or take a day trip to Hiroshima. Get out and explore the nightlife on a final night out with the group.
Free Time
Get to know this vibrant city and be sure to experience the energy after dark on a final night out with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Instant Ramen Museum Visit
Explore the Instant Ramen Museum and learn about this culinary phenomenon. Create your own unique cup of instant noodles to take home.
Day 9Osaka
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.