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Backpacking Japan: Essentials

From Tokyo’s neon buzz to Kyoto’s hidden temples, this Japan adventure blends iconic sights with local secrets. You’ll discover ancient traditions and futuristic thrills, sample incredible food, explore spiritual temples, and dive into local culture without breaking the bank. This is the ultimate way to experience Japan with a group of new friends, expert guidance, and time to explore your own way.

  • 9 Meals (Vegetarian Options)
  • All Accommodation
  • All In-Country Transport
  • Local English-Speaking Guides
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance

Quite an experience to see such a big difference in culture. Also our guide Sherry did her very best to help everyone and to make sure everyone had a good time. Every morning she is waiting with a smile until the group is complete. Thanks again!

Carlo, 9 May 2025

Backpacking Japan: Essentials

£1679 from
Pay £250 deposit
  • Length13 Days
  • Avg. Age20 - 45
  • No. Of Activities20
  • No. Of Meals9
  • Avg. Group Size6 - 16
  • OperatorTrusted Partner
  • Starting PointTokyo
  • Ending PointHiroshima

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Tour Dates

Map

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Japan!

Your adventure kicks off in Tokyo’s historic Asakusa district. After settling into your hostel, meet your guide and fellow travellers over a welcome feast packed with local flavours. As the sun sets, we’ll wander to the Senso-ji Temple, beautifully illuminated at night. It’s the perfect intro to Japan’s blend of tradition and modern magic.

  • Meals IncludedDinner
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedWelcome Dinner, Senso-Ji Temple
DAY 2

Tokyo Day Tour

Start the day with a Japan Orientation session, learning helpful phrases and customs. Then we hit Harajuku for street fashion and quirky culture, followed by the peaceful Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi Park. In the afternoon, neon lights take over as we explore Akihabara, the anime and gaming capital. Whether it’s maid cafés or go-karting in costume, this is Tokyo at its most electric.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedJapan Orientation, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Akihabara
DAY 3

Shibuya Adventures

Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo to discover your own slice of the city, maybe sushi-making, a stroll through Ueno Park or a visit to the futuristic TeamLab. In the evening, we explore Shinjuku, visit Omoide Yokocho Alley for yakitori, and wrap up the night watching the iconic Shibuya crossing from above.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedShibuya Crossing, City walks
DAY 4

Fuji Views & Mountain Life

Hop aboard the Romance Car bound for Hakone, a mountain town famed for hot springs and Fuji views. After checking into our cosy tatami guesthouse, we head deeper into the mountains for scenic walks and photo ops of Mt Fuji (weather depending). In the evening, we enjoy a traditional family-style dinner back at the guesthouse.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeHotel
  • Activities IncludedMt Fuji Viewing
DAY 5

Gion Geisha Walk

Say farewell to the mountains and board a bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. After arriving and settling into our central hostel, we set out to explore Gion, home to lantern-lit alleyways and the iconic Geisha tradition. Dinner tonight is at a local favourite yakitori spot.

  • Meals IncludedDinner
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedGion District Walking Tour
DAY 6

Fushimi-Inari & Temple Trails

We’re up early to explore Fushimi Inari Shrine’s iconic red torii gates without the crowds. Then it’s on to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched above the city with incredible views. The afternoon is yours to dive deeper, maybe a kimono rental, traditional tea ceremony, or a walk through Nishiki Market.

  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedKiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari Shrine
DAY 7

Bamboo Forest & Monkey Mountain

Today we take a scenic trip to Arashiyama. Wander through the whispering Bamboo Forest and hike Monkey Mountain for a view over Kyoto. Optional extras include a peaceful riverboat cruise or a visit to the Samurai and Ninja Museum. The rest of the day is yours to explore this charming riverside town.

  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedArashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain
DAY 8

Golden Pavilion & Osaka Street Eats

We start with Kyoto’s famous Golden Pavilion and the tranquil Zen gardens of Daitoku-ji. In the afternoon, we journey to Osaka, Japan’s street food capital. Your guide leads you through the buzzing Dotonbori district to sample takoyaki, okonomiyaki and more. The night ends with karaoke and drinks in true Osaka style.

  • Meals IncludedDinner
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedGolden Pavilion, Zen Garden, Osaka Food Tour, Karaoke
DAY 9

Osaka Castle Gardens

Spend the morning exploring Osaka your way, maybe Spa World, the Ramen Museum or AmericaTown. In the afternoon, we visit Osaka Castle Gardens, then head to the nostalgic Shinsekai district for local eats and a colourful street scene. It’s a perfect balance of history and fun.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedOsaka Castle Gardens, Shinsekai Tour
DAY 10

Nara Park & Osaka Nightlife

We take a short train ride to Nara, a peaceful city filled with friendly roaming deer and ancient temples. Walk through the park, visit Todai-ji Temple, and soak up the serene vibes before returning to Osaka to explore more of its vibrant districts or opt for TeamLab Osaka.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Activities IncludedNara Park, Temples
DAY 11

Hiroshima Reflections

A slower morning before we hop the train to Hiroshima. In the afternoon, a local guide walks us through the Peace Memorial Park, telling the stories behind the Atomic Dome and eternal flame. A moving and important experience that brings deeper meaning to your journey.

  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedHiroshima Peace Memorial
DAY 12

Miyajima Island & Coastal Serenity

Today we ferry over to Miyajima Island, home of the floating torii gate. Wander peaceful paths to shrines and temples, spot deer in the wild, and explore the Hall of 1,000 Mats. Optional traditional archery is available, or just soak in the coastal serenity. We return for a final group dinner and night out.

  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedMiyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Hall of 1,000 Mats
DAY 13

Until Next Time, Japan

It’s time to say goodbye to your travel crew and an unforgettable trip. Whether you’re heading home or continuing your adventures, we’ll make sure you’ve got the support you need. Until next time.

    Optional Extras

    £80
    £175

    All This Included & More!

    • Welcome Dinner
    • Visit to Senso-ji Temple at night
    • Japan Orientation
    • Famous Tokyo Districts
    • Shibuya Crossing
    • Mt Fuji viewing
    • Exploring Hakone
    • Fushimi-Inari Red Torii Gates
    • Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
    • The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
    • Climb Monkey Mountain (Iwatayama)
    • The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
    • Food tour in Osaka
    • Karaoke
    • Osaka Castle Gardens
    • Shinsekai Tour
    • Explore Nara Park & Temples
    • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Guided Tour
    • Miyajima Island
    • Itsukushima Shrine
    • Hall of 1,000 Mats