17 Day Intro Japan Tour
Select Date and Passengers
Inclusions
All Inclusive Trip
Group Leader
Awesome Tour Guide
Experience
Visit Ancient Temples + Modern Cities
Accommodation
Unique Stays
Transport
All Transport Included
Locations
Osaka + Kyoto
Group
Flashpacker Mates
Meals
19 Meals Included
Overview
Discover the vibrant culture and timeless beauty of Japan on an unforgettable 17-day backpacker tour. Alongside a small group of fellow travellers and an awesome tour leader, you'll explore the very best of what Japan has to offer, from serene ancient temples to bustling, colourful cities. Jet off on the world-famous bullet train across breathtaking destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Hakone, and more!
Whether you’re cruising past Mount Fuji on a cable car, learning Samurai skills, or spending the night in a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple, each day in Japan brings a thrilling new adventure. Connect with fellow travellers as you fully immerse yourself in the heart of Japanese culture, from its cutting-edge innovation to its awe-inspiring ancient history.
- Visit neon-lit cities like Tokyo and Osaka as well as ancient temples and castles
- Learn Samurai sword-wielding, sushi-rolling, origami, meditation, and more
- Visit the snow monkeys of Jigokudani and the deer of Nara and Miyajima.
- Stay in trendy, modern hostels, Ryokan guesthouses and a centuries-old Buddhist temple.
Your Sample Itinerary
Day 1
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Welcome to JapanYour journey begins in Tokyo - one of the most exciting, vibrant, and innovative cities in the world! As you adjust to your dazzling, ultramodern surroundings, today will be nice and easy. After making your way from the airport to your hostel, it'll be time to meet your travel crew for the next 17 days and say "Kon'nichiwa" to your awesome tour guide! StayQuad Share Rooms - Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel & Hostel |
Activities
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Day 2
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Explore TokyoKick off your first full day navigating Tokyo's ancient temples and crazy traffic with a tour of the iconic city. You and your crew will get to visit Senso-ji Temple - one of the oldest in the country - as well as the ultra-stylish Harajuku and the famous Shibuya Crossing. After a delicious dinner, it'll be time to hit the town and squeeze into one of Shinjuku's tiny bars. StayQuad Share Rooms - Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel & Hostel |
Activities
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Day 3
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Sushi Rolling & Akihabara ArcadesToday, you'll be trying your hand at sushi-rolling as your and your travel crew visit a professional sushi chef who will teach you how it's done - and make sure you leave well-fed! You'll then get to enjoy some free time around the city before heading to Akihabara, also known as the 'Electric City'. Here, you'll get to explore an array of arcades, game centres, and Japanese photo booths. StayQuad Share Rooms - Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel & Hostel |
Activities
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Day 4 |
Bullet Train to NaganoIt's time to say goodbye - or "sayonara" - to Tokyo as your Intro Travel gang pack up and get ready to head to Nagano. How will you get there, you ask? Japan's world-famous bullet train, of course! Shoot 200mph out of Tokyo before arriving in Nagano for an origami class. Later, you'll get to visit Onsen, a volcanic hot spring, and even go for a dip! To complete your peaceful day in Nagano, you'll be spending the night in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, where you'll get to sleep on tatami mats and futon bedding. StayQuad Share Rooms - Shibu Hotel |
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Day 5
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Mountains and Snow MonkeysToday you'll be learning even more about Japanese cuisine with a soba noodle cooking class. Once you've mastered the art of rolling noodles, it'll be time to head out to the mountains and look for some Japanese Macaques (snow monkeys)! These beautiful red-faced creatures love to play among the trees and bathe in the hot springs at winter, so keep your eyes peeled. If you're visiting during the summer months, you'll then head off to Shiga Kogen National Park to explore breathtaking forests and lakes. StayQuad Share Rooms - Shibu Hotel |
Activities
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Day 6
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Heading to HakoneThis morning you're hopping back on the bullet train and going to the beautiful Hakone, home of Mount Fuji! Once you arrive, you'll check into your chic hostel that comes with its very own onsen (a hot spring with day bath facilities). StayQuad Share Rooms - Emblem Flow Hostel |
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Day 7
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Pirate Ship Cruise and Mount Fuji Cable CarToday you'll get to explore Hakone in style! First you and your travel buddies will get to set off on a pirate ship cruise around Lake Ashi. Next, you'll get to enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji from a cable car ride. After that, it'll be time to head to Osaka, where you'll be treated to a fantastic BBQ dinner before heading out for some karaoke! Stay Twin/Double Share Rooms - Lub D Osaka Hotel |
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Day 8
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Explore Osaka CastleEnjoy a chilled out morning to recover from karaoke night before heading out with your travel crew to explore Osaka Castle. You'll get to stroll around the grounds of this completely enchanting, 400-year-old building, visit its museum, and learn all about the Japanese Samurai. Later, you'll all head to Dotonbori, and feast on some of the best food in Japan. StayTwin/Double Share Rooms - Lub D Osaka Hotel |
Activities
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Day 9
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Stay in a Buddhist TempleToday you will find your inner peace with a visit to a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple up in the mountains. You'll be welcomed by monks who will teach you meditation and introduce you to their traditional foods. Before you go to sleep in the temple, you and your co-adventurers will be taken on a guided tour of Japan's most famous cemetery. StayQuad Share Rooms in Ekoin Temple |
Activities
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Day 10
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Kyoto & KoyasanThis morning will be quite an early start as you wake up with the monks to watch them perform their morning prayer ritual and fire ceremony. After breakfast, it'll be time to move on to your next destination - Kyoto! Once you check-in to your boutique hostel and unpack, you'll all be brought for a guided tour of the city's Gion district and learn about Japan's Geishas. StayTwin/Double Rooms - Piece Boutique Hostel Sanjo |
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Day 11
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The Best of KyotoYou and your co-travellers will be spending the morning wandering through the vibrant green trees at the Insta-famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, before visiting the Golden Pavillion. This evening is open for you to do whatever you'd like, whether it's heading to the arcades, trying out a sushi restaurant, or exploring the nightlife. StayTwin/Double Rooms - Piece Boutique Hostel Sanjo |
Activities
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Day 12
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Find Your Inner SamuraiStart your day with a trip up the mountain to Fushimi-Inari - one of Japan's most iconic shrines. That afternoon, it'll be time to discover your inner warrior and learn how to wield a traditional samurai sword under the guidance of a real samurai master! Stay Twin/Double Rooms - Piece Boutique Hostel Sanjo |
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Day 13
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Tea Ceremony & Temples of NaraYou'll begin day 13 with a visit to Sannenzaka for some matcha at a traditional tea ceremony experience. Later, your travel crew will hop on a local train to Nara, where you can visit ancient temples and free-roaming deer that live in the gardens. Then it'll be time to head back to your Kyoto hostel and get ready to move on to the next destination. StayTwin/Double Rooms - Piece Boutique Hostel Sanjo |
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Day 14
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HiroshimaToday you'll be travelling on the bullet train to Hiroshima. Once you arrive at the city, your group will be paying a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the Atomic Bomb dome, where you'll learn about this significant moment in Japan's history. StayTwin Rooms - Webase Hostel |
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Day 15
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Miyajima IslandThis morning, you'll be hopping on the ferry to Itsukushima - or Miyajima Island. Here, you'll get to see the famous floating Torii Gate, as well as temples, hiking trails, and more deer! There'll be plenty of time to explore the island at your own pace before heading back to Hiroshima in the evening for some traditional okonomiyaki. StayTwin Rooms - Webase Hostel |
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Day 16
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Back to OsakaYou'll wrap up your time in Hiroshima today and hop back on the bullet train to Osaka. Here, you and your travel crew will get the chance to enjoy some last-minute sightseeing and shopping, before you all head off to Shinsekai together for the evening. This retro neighbourhood is full of quirky restaurants and delicious street food. StayTwin/Double Share Rooms - Lub D Osaka Hotel |
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Day 17
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Departure & Goodbyes!After over two weeks of fun and adventure, it’s time to say your farewells. Your tour guide can help arrange your onward travel (at your own expense). Until next time! |
What's Included?
- 16 Nights of Accommodation
- 19 Meals
- All Transport
- Awesome, Knowledgeable Group Leader
- Ancient Temples And Shrines
- Tokyo City Tour
- Night Tour Of Kyoto's Geisha District
- Samurai Experience
- Nightlife And Karaoke Bars
- Origami Experience
- Cooking Classes
- Jigokudani Snow Monkeys Experience
- Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise
- Mount Fuji Cable Car Trip
- Osaka Castle Visit
- Nara Deer Park & Temples
- Miyajima Island
- Hiroshima Peace Museum & Atomic Dome
- Tea Ceremony
- Meditation & Night Cemetery Walk
- Morning Prayer & Fire Ceremony
- Overnight Stay At Buddhist Temple
- Traditional Japanese Style Accommodation
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion Temple
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Support Organising Onward Travel
What's Extra?
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa
- Some meals
Important Information
- This itinerary may be subject to minor changes (such as accommodation or tour substitutions) and/or major changes (such as destination or transport substitutions) due to availability, weather and other circumstances beyond our control. We will strive to update you to these changes in advance, where possible.
Terms and Conditions
Please read our terms, conditions and cancellation policies before booking your East Coast itinerary package.
FAQs
When is the best time to go to Japan?
There is no bad time to visit Japan!
The country is known for its four distinct seasons. While winter (Dec-Mar) brings cold weather, snow-capped mountains, and the famous Snow Monkeys, spring (Apr-Jun) is famous for cherry blossoms and vibrant colors. Summer (Jun-Aug) is hot and humid, ideal for outdoor activities, and autumn (Sep-Nov) showcases the country's stunning foliage, known as "koyo." No matter when you visit, Japan is beautiful year-round!
Is this the right tour for me?
It's important to understand what this tour involves in order to decide whether or not this is for you.
Firstly, the accommodation on this tour mostly features quad-share accommodation in modern hostels, a traditional Japanese inn, and a 1,000-year-old temple. Since accommodation in Japan is typically small and pricey, Intro book their guests into the best, unique accommodation options to offer a great experience at an affordable price. All of the hostels are clean, cosy, and stylish, with bunk beds.
Secondly, this tour primarily uses public transport to get around Japan - including world-class bullet trains - in order to be as efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly as possible.
Finally, be aware that there is plenty of walking involved in this tour. While you don't need to be super fit for this tour, you can expect to walk about 10,000 to 20,000 steps per day, so a reasonable fitness level and comfy shoes are key to enjoying this tour.
When should I arrive for my tour?
It’s best to arrive in Tokyo on the actual start date of your tour, if possible. There will be no activities planned for day one of the tour, but you and your travel group will meet in the evening for a welcome dinner.
That being said, sometimes people prefer to arrive a day or two before the tour begins so that they can do their own exploring of the city before the fun begins.
For all important information about arriving into Japan, your airport transfer, and meeting points, it is best to download the INTRO Travel app for iPhone or Google.
Which airport should I fly into?
Can I book pre and post-tour accommodation?
If you are arriving to Tokyo before the tour start date and would like help organising accommodation for those nights, Intro are happy to book something suitable for you, as long as you get in touch with them ASAP through the Intro app or one of our booking agents.
Those looking for post-tour accommodation once 17 days of fun comes to an end can simply let their group leader know when you arrive. They will be happy to book accommodation for you.
Do I need to organise an airport transfer?
This tour does not include an airport transfer. To book a transfer from the airport to your first destination, you'll need to log in to the INTRO Travel app (which you can download here for iPhone or Google).
There, you can find the tour group's recommended transfer options that will get you to your accommodation. Once you have booked your flights to Tokyo, log it in the 'Manage My Booking' section of the INTRO Travel website so that your travel group know when to expect you.
Return trasnfers are not included in your tour either. However, if you speak to your group leader, they'll be happy to help arrange this for you, as well as any further travel booking you might need.
Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory for this trips. You’ll need to show proof of your policy to your group leader upon arrival (on your phone or printed).
Do I need a visa to enter Japan?
Visa requirements will vary depending on the country you are travelling to and your nationality. It is entirely your responsibility to check how visa and entry requirements will affect you. Neither your tour company, nor your travel agent can apply for your visa for you.
How much spending money should I bring?
All of your activities, transport, accommodation and some meals are covered in cost of the tour. You will therefore only need your own spending money for extra meals, drinks, shopping and onward travel.
For information on how much spending money you'll need, you can download the INTRO Travel app for iPhone or Google.
What is the best way to access my money in Japan?
It is recommended that you use a bank card local to your home country that has low or no transaction fees. Many smaller businesses in Japan are cash only, so it’s a good idea to have a little bit with you for your arrival.
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