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Essential Japan

10 days
From Tokyo to Osaka
4.5
21 traveler reviews
Essential Japan - Intrepid Travel
From
US $1,880
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Plan your adventure:
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Max group size:
16
Age range:
18 to 35
Operated in:
English
Tour id:
267487
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Tokyo's vibrant Shibuya and Harajuku
  • Ride the bullet train to historic Kanazawa
  • Stroll through Kyoto's ancient temples
  • Visit Hiroshima's poignant Peace Park
  • Discover Osaka's dazzling Dotombori district

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Tokyo
  2. Day 2 Tokyo
  3. Day 3 Kanazawa
  4. Day 4 Kanazawa
  5. Day 5 Kyoto
  6. Day 6 Kyoto
  7. Day 7 Hiroshima
  8. Day 8 Hiroshima
  9. Day 9 Osaka
  10. Day 10 Osaka
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Number of tours

1,300

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

6 hours

Response rate

96%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and...

Read more

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.2
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.3
  • 4.6
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • CK
    · June 11th, 2024
    Depends on the group size and the guide if the tour is great or just ok. Nice trip, good accommodation but less motivated / trained guide.
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Hey Christian, thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear that your guide lacked motivation. Your feedback has been shared with the operations manager in Japan to ensure that he is given further support to develop his skills.
    Trip date: May 2024
  • DS
    · November 27th, 2023
    Fantastic trip of a lifetime! Amazing from start to finish. Itinerary was great and had a good balance with free time to explore what Japan had to offer. Shout out to our guide Takumi who was fantastic to be around and made this trip very special!
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Thank you so much Daniel for leaving such a positive review! We are so pleased that you found the itinerary and your tour leader to be fantastic and that they both made your time in Japan so special.
    Trip date: November 2023
  • Essential Japan reviewer 3
    · October 15th, 2023
    Yutaka was a great guide, helped get everything situated and really made this trip special. Thanks, Yutaka!
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Hi Jeremy, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with us! We're so glad you had an awesome time with us!
    Trip date: October 2023
  • LG
    · March 27th, 2023
    the tour guide was excellent he showed us a lot of temples and places you would not normally see while travelling on your own
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Hi Leila, thank you for leaving a review. We're delighted to hear that your local leader showed you all of the hidden gems of Japan. Sounds like an incredible experience, we hope to welcome you on another Intrepid adventure soon. All of our local... Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
  • SN
    · December 3rd, 2022
    Excellent tour leader and very well-organized trip. Would recommend to others.
    Trip date: November 2022
  • Essential Japan reviewer 6
    · April 1st, 2020
    Everything was very well organized and informative
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Thank you Ryan!
    Trip date: February 2020
  • Essential Japan reviewer 7
    · December 1st, 2019
    Great and flexible enough to head out on your own
    Trip date: November 2019
  • EZ
    · October 27th, 2019
    One of a kind one of a kind
    Trip date: October 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Trip was definitely made better when you have a good tour leader. Tomomi was great, so helpful and made the experience easy and fun.
    Trip date: March 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    1) Travelling with Intrepid had a great social aspect which allowed me to make many friends from all over the world. 2) The provision of a guide made travelling in a foreign country easy and stress free. This was especially helpful in restaurants as I cannot eat gluten. Having Tomomi to translate and communicate in Japanese allowed me to enjoy the traditional cuisine without worrying about being sick. 3) I greatly respect that Intrepid is environmentally aware.
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2019

Dates & Availability

10 days
Essential Japan
From Tokyo to Osaka

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What our customers ask about this tour

    The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
    • What payment methods are accepted for booking?

      Various payment methods are accepted. Ensure you check the terms prior to making a payment.

    • How do I update my personal information for the booking?

      Any updates or changes to your personal information can be done through the booking confirmation page. Ensure accuracy for a smooth travel experience.

    • Can I bring a large suitcase on the trains?

      It's essential to pack light, as large luggage may be difficult to navigate on trains, especially Shinkansen, which have size restrictions.

    • What is the age range of travelers for this tour?

      The tour is primarily designed for travelers aged 18-35. However, exceptions can be made upon request.

    • How do I join the welcome meeting at the start of the trip?

      The welcome meeting will take place on the evening before the tour begins. Attendance is important to gather essential information.

    • Are there group size limits for the tour?

      The tour caters to a small group size, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

    • What meals are included in the tour?

      The tour will typically outline which meals are included, and travelers are encouraged to explore local cuisine during free time.

    • Is travel insurance necessary for the trip?

      Travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers. Ensure you obtain coverage before your departure.

    • When will I receive the detailed itinerary for the trip?

      Detailed schedules and itineraries will be provided closer to your departure date, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the journey.

    • Can I book extra nights at the start or end of the tour?

      Extra accommodation can be requested but is subject to availability. It is recommended to arrange this well in advance.

    Can’t find the answer to your question?
    Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 6 hours.

    Good to Know

    • Currency
      ¥
      Yen
      Japan
    • Plugs & Adapters

      As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

      Type A
      Japan
      Type B
      Japan
    • Vaccines
      • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
      • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
      • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
      • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Visa
      • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
      • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
    • Payment information
      • For any tour departing before January 7th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after January 7th, 2025, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
      • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
      • The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
    • Cancellation Policy
    • Accessibility
      Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.