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25% due now
Japan feels like a place where time does not exist, where traditions remain untouched for centuries, but at times culture seems like it is from the future. This exploration through the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ examines not just Japanese history and culture but takes a peek into the modern everyday lives of the local people.
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the Golden Route of Japan. In Tokyo, you can see how the old and new are intertwined, creating fascinating contrasts. In Kyoto, you can discover a well-preserved traditional Japan, the mysterious geisha culture, and beautiful temples registered as UNESCO sites. Osaka will be the perfect stop for gourmands. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are all must-see places at least once in your life.
Join me on this trip to discover the best of what Japan has to offer! Besides what is included in the itinerary, I would be happy to share my hidden gems, insights after living in Japan for the past six years, photo trips & tricks, and many others. I cannot wait to meet you!
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7 days
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8 - 24 spots
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Double occupancy in 3-star hotels (single rooms available)
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6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners included
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TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Narita International Airport (NRT) , between 8 AM and 5 PM
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TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers to Osaka International Airport (KIX) on the last day
Activities Included
- Tokyo Nights Street Food Tour
- Tokyo City Tour
- Asakusa Walking Tour
- Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Deck Visit
- Bullet Train: Tokyo - Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari Tour
- Traditional Kyoto Tour
- Dinner with a Maiko
- Osaka Walking Tour
- Flavors of Osaka Experience
Other Inclusions
- Double occupancy in 3-star hotels
- Local Guide throughout trip
- All city transfers
- Arrival airport transfer (until 5 pm on first day)
- Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)
- 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 3 Dinners
Optional Activities
- Sumo Training Experience (Morning)
- Rickshaw Tour in Arashiyama
Exclusions
- International flights
- Food and alcohol (except as noted)
- Visas and travel insurance
- Airport transfers outside of designated times
- Tips for Guides
Your Host
Ana
Hi! My name is Ana and for most of my 20s I have been living and traveling in Japan. I was always passionate about traditional and modern Japanese culture, so for university, I chose Japanese Studies as my major. During my second year of studies, I applied for a scholarship as a 1-year exchange student in Japan. That is where it all started!
Itinerary
Day 1
Sunday, Mar 19, 2023
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Day 1
It’s been a long journey but you’ve made it, welcome to Japan! After clearing customs and immigration you’ll meet your local guide who will help you transfer to your hotel in Tokyo where your adventure begins.
transfer
APPROX. 1 HOUR
Arrival Transfer
Transfer
activity
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Tokyo Nights Street Food Tour
You will be accompanied by a local food expert who will take you to the side streets and alleys in search of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets and toast to the adventure ahead.
meal
dinner
Included welcome dinner at local restaurant
accommodation
Shinjuku Washington
Overnight in Tokyo
Day 2
Monday, Mar 20, 2023
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Day 2
Rise and shine to the Land of the Rising Sun! After breakfast, you will set off on the first full day of your journey.
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at hotel
activity
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Tokyo City Tour
Today, lace up your walking shoes as your first stop will be Meiji Jingu. The central Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu is surrounded by 120 trees, a piece of zen in the center of the city. You’ll then visit the Harajuku district and walk down Takeshita Street, the quirky, loud, and eccentric central fashion district for Tokyo’s youth.
informalGathering
Tokyo Tower
Visit Tokyo Tower and the area around for the best photos with Tokyo's symbol.
accommodation
Shinjuku Washington
Overnight in Tokyo
Day 3
Tuesday, Mar 21, 2023
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Day 3
This morning you will have some free time to explore the buzzing Shinjuku district on your own, people watching and observing the city come alive.
activity
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Sumo Training Experience (Morning) (Optional)
If you are interested in a behind the scenes look at the culture behind Sumo wrestling, there will be an optional experience that visits a Sumo training facility. In this experience, you will spend at an authentic Sumo training stable and observe where the wrestlers live, eat, sleep, and train. You will watch these massive athletes’ daily rituals and learn about an important facet of local culture. Price is based on 8 participants
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at hotel
activity
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Asakusa Walking Tour
Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest geisha district and home to Senso-ji Temple, the city’s oldest Buddhist Temple. After visiting the old town, you will wander around the side-streets of Asakusa, home to many traditional shops that sell local Japanese crafts.
activity
APPROX. 1 HOUR
Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Deck Visit
Head to the observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, the best view in town.
informalGathering
Shinjuku Gyoen
Visit one of the largest gardens in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms.
accommodation
Shinjuku Washington
Overnight in Tokyo
Day 4
Wednesday, Mar 22, 2023
info
Day 4
The morning is free and at leisure to do any last-minute shopping in Tokyo. In the early afternoon, you will head to Tokyo Station and board the Bullet Train to Kyoto.
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at hotel
activity
APPROX. 2 HOURS 30 MIN
Bullet Train: Tokyo - Kyoto
Bullet Train: Tokyo - Kyoto
meal
lunch
Included Bullet Train Bento Box
activity
APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN
Fushimi Inari Tour
Head directly to Fushimi Inari, a one of the most unusual but visually stunning Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine is composed of thousands of vermilion torii gates, meandering through forest trails of Mt. Inari.
accommodation
Gracery Kyoto Sanjo Hotel
Overnight in Kyoto
Day 5
Thursday, Mar 23, 2023
info
Day 5
After breakfast, you will set off for a full day discovery of traditional Kyoto.
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at hotel
activity
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Traditional Kyoto Tour
Today’s tour is the picturesque and traditional Kyoto that you might’ve envisioned. You will visit Nijo Castle, built in the 1600s under Momoyama-style architecture. You’ll visit temples like the Ryoan-ji and have a stroll through the zen rock gardens maintained by the Rinzai Buddhists. You will also visit the Higashiyama District and walk on cobblestone streets lined by tea houses and artisan shops, surrounded by traditional architecture.
activity
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Rickshaw Tour in Arashiyama (Optional)
Traveling by the age-old rickshaw has been part of Japanese culture for centuries. On this tour you will visit the local backstreets of Arashiyama and also ride around the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
activity
APPROX. 1 HOUR
Dinner with a Maiko
Enter a local restaurant for a memorable dinner in the company of a maiko. Dine on a traditional multi-course meal called kaiseki ryori. Interact with the maiko, learning about her craft and the world of geisha. During dinner, the maiko will entertain by performing traditional dances and teaching popular Japanese drinking games.
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Wake up early for photos at Kyoto's famous spots
Wake up early to take photos at a few Kyoto famous spots: Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and hopefully see the blooming shidare-zakura.
accommodation
Gracery Kyoto Sanjo Hotel
Overnight in Kyoto
Day 6
Friday, Mar 24, 2023
info
Day 6
The morning is free and at leisure to do any last-minute shopping or picture taking in Kyoto. In the afternoon you will transfer to Osaka.
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at hotel
activity
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Osaka Walking Tour
On arrival you will make your way to Tenjinbashisuji Street, a covered shopping arcade with major retro vibes, quaint family-owned stores and little snacking stations, where you can sample local specialties like takoyaki balls.
activity
APPROX. 2 HOURS
Flavors of Osaka Experience
Live the local motto of Kuidaore, which translates to ‘Eat oneself to bankruptcy.’ During the night food tour of Osaka, you will join a local Osakan food expert who will help you navigate the food stalls, tiny bars, and eateries tucked away in hidden side streets.
meal
lunch
Included lunch at local restaurant
meal
dinner
Included farewell dinner at local restaurant
accommodation
Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba
Overnight in Osaka
Day 7
Saturday, Mar 25, 2023
info
Day 7
All good things must come to an end, but only until your next journey! You will transfer to the airport for your international departure flight and bid farewell to Japan and your travel buddies.
meal
breakfast
Included breakfast at hotel
transfer
APPROX. 1 HOUR
Departure Transfer
Transfer
Cancellation Policy
| 25% down payment | Additional payments | |
|---|---|---|
| Spot pending | Refundable | Refundable |
| Spot confirmed | Non-refundable* | Refundable |
| 60 days pre-trip | Non-refundable | Non-refundable |
*If you cancel when your spot is confirmed and outside of 60 days until departure, you can receive a trip credit for your down payment minus the $100 cancellation fee.
For our full cancellation policy, see our Terms & Conditions.
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