Discover Japan: Backpacking Escape

Your Japan adventure tour starts today! You’ll meet your group at 4pm, where you’ll get a briefing from your Adventure Leader. They’ll outline what the next two weeks hold for you, as well as providing you with key tips on adapting to the local culture and staying safe whilst on tour. 

After that, it’s time to make your own dinner as we take you for your first unmissable activity – a sushi-making class! You’ll learn how to make staple dishes, and then sample your culinary creations for dinner. 

It’s then time to get the best views of the skyline in the city, with a trip to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, before you can opt to join your group at a local bar. Relax, and get to know your fellow travellers – you might just meet your new best friends!  

We’ll start the morning with a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market, the iconic district that’s renowned as one of the best places to try sushi thanks to their deliveries of fresh fish. Explore the stalls, and treat yourself to some sashimi along the way!  

Next, we’re heading to the Asakusa district, where we’ll visit the iconic Sensoji Temple. This historic Buddhist temple is known for its vibrant, bustling atmosphere and traditional Nakamise-dori street. If you’re still hungry, be sure to grab a couple of local snacks! 

You’ve then got some time to explore Asakusa under your own steam: 

• If you’d like, you can opt to join us for an amazing Sumo experience. This is a rare opportunity where you can meet ex-Sumo wrestlers, and enjoy a traditional chanko nabe lunch.  
• You might want to grab another view of Tokyo from the Tokyo SKYTREE® tower, where you’ll get amazing panoramas all over the city.  
• For a very different look at the city, why not opt to take a cruise down the Sumida River? 
• For a fascinating glimpse into Japanese history, pay a visit to the Samurai Museum.  

After meeting back up with your group, you’ll head to Akihabara – Japan’s ‘Electric Town’. It’s a bustling district, renowned for its vibrant stores and arcades, and is a haven for anime and manga lovers. While you’re here, you can opt to get a picture-perfect experience with a visit to one of the district’s famous maid cafés.  

The rest of the day is then yours to explore Tokyo as you wish. If you’re a shopping fan, head to Ginza, where you’ll find boutiques and luxury brands galore. If you’re looking for a bit of action, you can choose to visit a staple of Japanese culture – the batting cages! Or, if you’d prefer to relax, why not take a visit to a Japanese bathhouse?

This morning, we’re up early to visit one of the most famous sites in the city – the Meiji Shrine! The shrine is dedicated to the beloved Emperor Meiji – who was famed for thrusting Japan into the industrial age. It’s also importantly dedicated to his wife, the Empress Shoken.   

After this, we’ll head to Harajuku – in Tokyo’s number one fashion district, you will encounter punks, goths, technicolour hair – anything goes! Here, we’ll spend some time exploring everything the bustling streets have to offer, from secondhand shops like Chicago to famous restaurants. We’ll then head to the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing – Shibuya! It’s one of the most famous sights in the entire city, with millions of people crossing here every day.  

You’ll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city at your own leisure: 

For a slower pace, explore the serene gardens and historical grounds of the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Japanese Emperor.   

For an experience like any other, you can take to the streets of Tokyo and go Kartoon Karting! Grab your go-kart, and off you go! 

One of the hottest attractions in Tokyo is teamLab Planets – a huge art gallery made up of immersive installations that combine the natural world with the digital age.   

Today, we’re up bright and early to take you on an incredible day trip out to Fujikawaguchiko, putting you within a stone’s throw of the majestic Mount Fuji. On your trip, you’ll explore this amazing area, including: 

• A visit to Arakurayama Sengen Park, a serene and picturesque shrine nestled in the foothills of Fuji.  
• A short hike to Tenku no Torii (the Torii Gate by the Sky), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Fuji on clear days. This iconic gate offers a perfect spot for photos with the mountain as your backdrop. 
• A hike to Haha no Shirataki (Mother White’s Waterfall). This charming spot offers even more glimpses of Fuji, so spend some time exploring this beautiful natural location. 

In the evening, you’ll head back into Tokyo for your final night in the city. If you’d like an earlier night you can turn in, but you can opt to head out with your group for some drinks ahead of your departure.  

You’re swapping the bustling streets for the sandy beaches of Kamakura, as you’ll hop on a train this morning, arriving around lunchtime. After grabbing yourself a bite, you and your group will head to a truly unmissable cultural experience – a calligraphy class inside a local temple! 

The rest of the day is then yours to explore Kamakura. This chilled out beach town is packed full of great vibes and sights to see, such as: 

If you’re a beach fan, you might opt for a relaxing afternoon on the scenic beaches, where you can spot a stunning sunset over the ocean.  

Kotoku-in Temple, where you can visit the iconic Great Buddha Statue – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Houkokuji Temple, which is a short bus ride away but boasts a stunning bamboo forest.  

We’ll depart Kamakura and head into the stunning Hakone this morning, arriving just before midday – in time to hike along the Old Tokaido route to enjoy lunch near Moto-Hakone.  

Afterwards, climb aboard a sightseeing cruise with a twist – it’s a pirate ship! From the deck of this man-of-war, you’ll cross Lake Ashi’s clear blue waters and, on a cloudless day, grab unforgettable views of Fuji. We’ll then take the Hakone ropeway to Owakudani, an active volcano zone where you can try black eggs – they’re a local delicacy that are rumoured to extend your life by seven years!  

For some traditional relaxation, spend an evening soaking in the sulfuric water of a traditional Japanese onsen, before changing into your yukata and getting ready to learn about the art of Japanese rice wine. We all know that the best way to learn is by doing – so the sake soireé with your group should make sure you leave knowledgeable!    

All aboard – we’re off to Kyoto! We’re changing in Odawara mid-morning, where you’ll have a couple of hours free time to explore before we grab the bullet train to Kyoto.  

Once we’re there, your Adventure Leader will take you on a short orientation walk alongside the picturesque Kamo River, giving you a chance to find your feet. After that, the afternoon is yours to spend exploring. You might: 

• Explore the historic Higashi Hongan-ji temple, known for its impressive architecture.  
• Stroll through the beautiful Shosei-en Gardens, famous for its seasonal flowers and peaceful setting.  
• Visit the stunning Sanjusangendo temple, renowned for a hall filled with 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.  
• Browse the unique Mandarake store, which offers a range of rare and collectible items, from manga to vintage toys.  

Are there any keen singers among you? If so, you can opt to join your group tonight for a karaoke session! 

You’ll start the day with a visit to Higashi Hongan-ji temple, one of the biggest wooden structures in the world. It’s a peaceful spot to explore, and we’ll get there before the crowds arrive.  

After that, we’ll head to one of the most enduring images of Japan – the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Famous for the thousands of vibrant red torii gates, you can either hike to the top of the trail for beautiful mountain views of Kyoto, or head back into the city to grab some local street food.  

In the early afternoon, we’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in Japan – and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll then be shown around the Gion district by your Adventure Leader, before spending the evening at your leisure. You might: 

• Wander through Pontocho Alley in the geisha district.  
• Catch a performance at Gion Corner! 
• Visit the Yasaka Shrine in the evening, when its beautifully illuminated with lanterns and lights. 

This morning, we’ll take a train to beautiful Nara for a half-day visit. While we’re there, we’ll visit the impressive Todaiji temple, home to one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues. We’ll also explore Nara Park, where you might just make friends with some of the friendly residents – deer!  

You’ll have time to grab lunch in Nara, before we head back to Kyoto. Once we’re back, the afternoon is yours. You can opt to: 

• Experience a traditional tea ceremony with a real Geisha/Maiko. 
• Explore the Arashiyama bamboo forest, the Tenryu-ji temple and gardens, and the monkey park. 
• Rent a kimono to get a real taste of Japanese geisha culture! 
• Visit the Pokémon Center, where keen fans can have a whole load of fun. 
• Visit the Manga Museum, where you can dive into a key part of Japanese pop culture! 

We’re grabbing bikes this morning, and embarking on a half-day cycle tour of the city. We’ll first hop over to a Zen temple, where you’ll get a chance to unwind and discover your inner peace with a meditation led by a Buddhist monk. You’ll also get a chance to experience a traditional tea ceremony! 

We’ll then stop to grab lunch, before we visit an iconic destination in Kyoto – the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji! We’ll head past the Imperial Palace, before it’s time to head to our next destination.  

This afternoon, we’ll grab the bullet train bound for Hiroshima, arriving in time for dinner. You can opt to join your group for dinner at Okonomiyaki Village, where the chef will prepare your meal in front of you!  

This morning, we’ll pay a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb dome, where you’ll get the chance to learn about an important part of Japanese history.  

Next, we’re hopping on a ferry over to Miyajima island, a stunning paradise just off the coast. While you’re here, you can head to see the Itsukushima Shrine – at low tide, you can walk over to stand underneath this huge torii gate.  

After grabbing yourself some lunch, we’re heading to the Miyajima Ropeway, where you’ll head up into the mountain to get some spectacular views of the island.  

We’ll transfer back into Hiroshima this evening, where there’ll be a chance for you to explore the city at your leisure.  

We’re grabbing the train bright and early, bound for our final destination – Osaka. After we’ve arrived, your Adventure Leader will take you on a short orientation walk of the city, ending up in the vibrant Shinsaibashi. This street is perfect for exploring – make sure you grab yourself some lunch!

You’ll then have some free time to explore Osaka! You might:

Explore Osaka Castle – a fascinating site which also offers stunning views of the city.

Head to Umeda, where keen shoppers will find much to occupy them.

Visit the National Museum of Art, where you can explore Japan’s rich history and culture through extensive exhibits.

In the evening, you’ll reconvene with your fellow Escapers and head to Shinsekai for a farewell dinner. While we’re here, we can visit the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower to grab a great photo outside. Finally, if you’d like to see your trip off in style, head back into Shinsaibashi with your group to grab a final drink.

Today marks the end of your Japan budget tour – so whether you’re heading to your next destination or making your way back home, we hope you’ve enjoyed your time in Japan!  

[Note: if you’d like to stay on in Japan, we can help organise accommodation for you.]