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Essential Japan
9 nights from £1305
9 nights
Essential Japan
Say Konnichiwa to Japan – a diverse land of captivating culture, intriguing innovation and exceptional eats
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Say Konnichiwa to Japan – a diverse land of captivating culture, intriguing innovation and exceptional eats. You’ll get your fix of sushi and shopping in Tokyo before soaking up Kanazawa’s crazy Samurai culture (this is a great place to knock back a couple of glasses of sake, too). Wander gorgeous gardens and temples and then brush up on your world history at Hiroshima at the sobering Peace Park and Museum. Spy geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district and get your Tina Turner on at an Osaka karaoke bar – this trip has it all! Perfect for the independent traveller, you’ll also have loads of free time to customise your trip with activities and extras that you wanna do, so you won’t miss anything on your bucket list.
- So many great destinations and so much free time to see them your way. All the benefits of group travel with a leader and new buddies to explore with, without having to pay for anything you don’t want to do.
- Immerse yourself in all things Japanese right from the get go in the varied neighbourhoods of Tokyo. From the geek subculture of Akihabara, historical Asakusa and Ueno, to the wild side of fashion in Harajuku and the nightlife of Roppongi – each suburb is almost like a city of its own.
- Shed your inhibitions and soak in an onsen – the traditional hot springs turned public baths. Yes, you'll be naked but don't be scared. We have a complete guide to onset etiquette here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
- Rail passes are included, allowing you to zip between cities at bullet speed.
- Hiroshima Peace Park & Museum is a sobering, but vital, destination for all travellers to Japan to gain insight into tragic events of the nation’s past.
- Spot a geisha or two in the famed Gion District or get zen in a temple garden in Kyoto.
- Live your samurai fantasies in feudal-era Kanazawa. We’ve heard there is also excellent sake to be sampled here and plenty else: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/why-kanazawa-is-japans-best-kept-secret/
- You can’t leave Japan without having a night out at a karaoke bar. Trust us, they will check at immigration.
- Explore Japan’s amazingly diverse destinations with loads of free time to see them your way. With all the nitty gritty details and transport worked out for you, you can focus on indulging in endless sushi, katsudon and okonomoyaki.
- Immerse yourself in the varied neighbourhoods of Tokyo – from the technological subculture of Akihabara to the wild side of fashion in Harajuku and the nightlife of Roppongi – each suburb is almost like a city of its own!
- Uncover the sobering history of Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Museum – a vital destination for all Japan travellers to gain an insight into the tragic events of the nation’s past.
- Wander Kyoto with a leader-led walking tour around the Gion district – the heart of the city’s Geisha culture – then walk through the iconic Fushimi Inari-Taisha (the perfect spot for some iconic Japan photos).
- Live your Samurai fantasies in feudal-era Kanazawa – known as the birthplace of the Samurai. Then, wander through gorgeous historic gardens and hit the bars to debrief with your group.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
- RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
- Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning.
- AVAILABILITY
- The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
- ONSENS
- We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
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