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Highlights of Japan Youth Adventure

New Tour

17 days

GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 - 49): Discover Japan on this 17-day adventure, taking in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Mount Fuji and more. Discover iconic landmarks like Tokyo's Senso-ji and Kyoto's Golden Pavilion. Stay in a traditional ryokan in Nagano, take a dip in an authentic Onsen and come face to face with inquisitive snow monkeys. Ride a cable car over Mount Fuji, visit Osaka Castle and wield a samurai sword at a masterclass. Learn to roll sushi, spend a night at a working Buddhist temple in Koyasan, pay your respects to the victims of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, feed the deer of Nara Park and explore Miyajima Island, plus so much more.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

17 days

Starts

Tokyo

Ends

Osaka

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour leader with local guides for sightseeing

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 16

Minimum age

18

Maximum age

49

Departs

Year-round

Hotel Rating

3 star hotels, hostels, ryokan & temple stay

Countries

Japan

Physical Rating

Moderate

Tour Pace

Medium

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 15, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
Adults (18+)
Per Person From

R 87,895.00

Deposit From
Final payment

R 10,000.00

R 165,790.00

Tour Highlights

Tokyo - Take in the city's ancient and modern sights, from Senso-ji to Shibuya & Harajuku, join a sushi rolling class and play retro games in Electric City, Akihabara
Nagano - Relax in an authentic Onsen, try your skills at Origami, see the iconic snow monkeys and stay for two nights in a traditional ryokan
Hakone - Cruise Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship and enjoy majestic views of Mount Fuji from the Hakone cable car
Osaka - Visit spectacular Osaka Castle, munch your way through Dotonbori and explore the Shinsekai district
Koyasan - Spend a night at an authentic Buddhist temple, join a meditation session and morning prayer, and explore a spooky cemetery
Kyoto - Uncover all the highlights of this ancient city, from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to the Golden Pavilion, and wield a sword at a samurai masterclass
Nara - Feed the friendly deer of Nara Park and take in some of the area's temples and shrines on a day trip from Kyoto
Hiroshima - Pay your respects at the memorials to the atomic bomb, and take the ferry to nearby Miyajima Island

Included

15 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners
16 nights accommodation (3 nights 4-person dorm in a hostel in Tokyo, 2 nights 4-person dorm in a ryokan in Nagano, 1 night 4-person dorm in a hostel in Hakone, 3 nights twin/double share in a 3-star hotel in Osaka, 1 night 4-person dorm at a temple stay in Koyasan, 4 nights twin/double share in a hostel in Kyoto, & 2 nights twin share at a hostel in Hiroshima)
All transportation in private and public vehicles, including buses, bullet trains, local trains, subways, cable cars, a pirate ship & more
Escorted by a tour leader, with local guides for included sightseeing
Guided Tokyo city tour
Sushi rolling class in Tokyo
Origami experience in Nagano
Soba noodles masterclass in Nagano
Jigokudani Snow Monkeys & Shiga Kogen National Park in Nagano (Shiga Kogen National park is included for summer departures only)
Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise & Mount Fuji cable car in Hakone
Visit to Osaka Castle
Koyasan temple stay, including meditation, night cemetery walk, morning prayer & fire ceremony
Night tour of Kyoto's geisha district
Kyoto sightseeing including Arishiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion Temple & Fushimi Inari Shrine
Samurai experience in Kyoto
Kyoto tea ceremony
Nara deer park & temples
Hiroshima Peace Museum & Atomic Dome
Miyajima Island
Your carbon emissions - offset! (Our partner accurately measures the CO2 emissions of your tour and 100% offset them through planting the required amount of trees)
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights & visas
Airport transfers
Optional activities
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tokyo

Kon’nichiwa and welcome to Tokyo! On arrival, make your own way to our start hostel for check in. You'll have ample time to rest before we get together with the group for a welcome dinner at around 19:00, so you can get to know everyone before our adventure begins tomorrow.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 49. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 2 - Exploring Tokyo

Today we're taking in the best that the Japanese capital has to offer. We'll start with a visit to Senso-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, before heading to the Meiji Shrine. Afterwards, we'll explore the vibrant area of Harajuku and the iconic Shibuya Crossing, known as the world's busiest intersection. Later in the evening, we'll enjoy some of Japan’s unique restaurants and izakaya small bars in Shinjuku.

Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Tokyo

Our final day in Tokyo begins with a lesson in the art of sushi rolling with a sushi master. We can tuck into our creations afterwards and there is then some free time in the city before we head to the high-tech atmosphere of Akihabara. Known as 'Electric City,' this area is renowned for its arcades, maid cafes, Japanese photo booths, and game centres.

Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Origami, Onsen & Ryokan Stay

Tokyo - Nagano. Get ready to experience the renowned bullet train that speeds up to 200 mph! We'll arrive in Nagano just in time to test our skills at the ancient art of origami, followed by a relaxing soak in an Onsen, a natural volcanic hot spring. You're in for a treat tonight, as our accommodation for this evening and tomorrow is a traditional Japanese Ryokan, where you'll sleep on tatami mats with comfortable futon bedding.

Overnight: Nagano
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Soba Noodles & Snow Monkeys

Another cooking masterclass awaits us this morning as we learn how to roll our own soba noodles. Following this, we'll head into the mountains to observe the region's renowned snow monkeys, officially known as Japanese Macaques. These playful and inquisitive red-faced primates frolic among the trees in the summer and seek warmth by soaking in the natural hot springs during the winter. Afterwards, we'll leisurely explore the beautiful lakes and forests of Shiga Kogen National Park, enjoying the refreshing mountain air (summer departures only).

Overnight: Nagano
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Hakone & Mount Fuji

Nagano - Hakone. Today, we'll once again take the bullet train to Hakone, a land of breathtaking scenery, the best of which are the stunning views of Mount Fuji. Our accommodation tonight has it's own Onsen, so why not take a relaxing dip this evening?

Overnight: Hakone
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Exploring Hakone & Osaka

Hakone - Osaka. In the morning, we'll set out to explore the beautiful region of Hakone, with an included ride on a pirate ship and a cable car journey over the landscape. On a clear day, you'll enjoy unparalleled views of Mount Fuji. After snapping some shots and admiring the view, we say goodbye to Hakone and make our way to Japan's second city of Osaka. Tonight, we'll treat you to a BBQ dinner before we head out for a few drinks in true Osaka fashion. Prepare to sing some karaoke classics!

Overnight: Osaka
Meals: Dinner

Day 8 - Osaka Castle

We're anticipating hangovers this morning, so we've given you the morning off to chill, head out for a coffee or delve into the city's shopping offering. Later, we will visit the remarkable Osaka Castle, originally constructed over 400 years ago. This visit offers an opportunity to learn about Japanese history and the ancient Samurai warriors. We will conclude our day by heading to Dotonbori, Osaka's renowned canal area, known for offering some of the best food in Japan!

Overnight: Osaka
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Koyasan Temple Stay

Osaka - Koyasan. Today, we return to the mountains for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: an overnight stay in a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple in the captivating town of Koyasan. During our visit, monks will guide us in meditation, and we will enjoy their traditional cuisine. Later, we'll take a spooky night-time stroll through Japan's largest cemetery.

Overnight: Koyasan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Koyasan & Kyoto

Koyasan - Kyoto. Today, we rise early to watch the temple's Buddhist monks conducting their morning prayer service and fire ceremony. Afterward, the monks will serve us a traditional breakfast before we journey to our final destination, Kyoto, Japan’s historic capital. This evening, we will explore the enigmatic world of Japan’s Geishas with a guided tour of the city's Gion district.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Exploring Ancient Kyoto

Ensure your phone is charged today, as we're taking in the best that Kyoto has to offer. Our first stop is the Instagram-famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, an ideal location for photos amidst the towering bamboo. Next, we visit the stunning Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. This evening, you’re free to explore: try a sushi restaurant, visit a bar, or challenge your friends to bowling or arcade games.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Fushimi-Inari & Samurai

Today, the seemingly endless Torii gates of Fushimi-Inari await us! Explore the winding trails of this iconic Japanese shrine on the ancient mountain. In the afternoon, we'll learn the art of swordsmanship from a Samurai master who has dedicated their life to this craft. Experience the precision of traditional swords as you unleash your inner warrior and slice through rolled bamboo.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Day Trip to Nara

Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto. This morning, we'll explore the charming neighbourhood of Sannenzaka, and we will also take part in a key aspect of traditional Japanese culture: a tea ceremony. After a glass of matcha, we'll take a local train to spend the afternoon visiting the stunning gardens and temples of Nara. Renowned for its impressive Buddha statue, Nara is also famous for its friendly, bowing deer, which you can feed from vending machines dotted around Nara Park. After enjoying the company of these new friends, we'll return to Kyoto in the evening.

Please note: Some travellers may be leaving the tour today.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Hiroshima

Kyoto - Hiroshima. Today, we are leaving ancient Kyoto and heading further south, travelling to Hiroshima by bullet train. It was here, in 1945, that the United States dropped an atomic bomb, which brought the Second World War to an end but caused mass devastation and killed at least 140,00 people. Upon arrival, we will pay our respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, as well as the Atomic Bomb Dome, all of which commemorate the devastating bombings of 1945. As we walk through the park, we will visit memorials honouring the victims. Although the narratives may be difficult to hear, they represent a crucial part of modern history that will enhance our understanding of contemporary Japanese society.

Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Exploring Miyajima Island

Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima. Recognized as one of Japan's most stunning locations, we'll take a ferry to Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima Island. Here we can see the iconic floating Torii Gate in the bay, explore some of the island's temples and come face to face with friendly deer along some of the island's numerous hiking trails. Returning to Hiroshima, we'll enjoy the city's renowned okonomiyaki and perhaps find a cosy whiskey bar to enjoy.

Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 - Back to Osaka

Hiroshima - Osaka. We're returning to Osaka on the bullet train for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing. This evening, we'll explore Shinsekai, the 'New World,' a retro neighbourhood in downtown Osaka known for its unique restaurants and izakayas. We'll toast with a 'kanpai' to celebrate the amazing trip we've shared!

Overnight: Osaka
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17 - Osaka

Our tour comes to an end today. You can depart this morning, making your own way to the airport or your next destination. Although there is no departure transfer included, your tour leader will be available to help you plan your onward travel and is on hand to assist you. Safe travels!

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Tokyo

Shared

R 1,055per passenger

Double

R 2,045per passenger

Twin

R 2,045per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Tokyo Return Add On

R 4,335

per passenger

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel & Hostel
Tokyo

Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel & Hostel offers a stylish and affordable stay in the vibrant Ueno district, perfect for travellers exploring Tokyo. This modern property offers dormitory-style accommodations, all featuring sleek designs, free Wi-Fi, air-con and comfortable bedding. Guests can unwind in the shared lounge or enjoy the convenience of an on-site café serving light meals and drinks. Located just a short walk from Ueno Station, the hostel provides easy access to attractions like Ueno Park, Ameya-Yokocho Market, and the Tokyo National Museum.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Shibu Hotel
Nagano

Shibu Hotel in Nagano offers a traditional Japanese experience in the heart of Shibu Onsen, on the outskirts of Nagano. This ryokan-style accommodation features tatami-floored rooms with futons, Yukata robes, green tea and floor-cushions, creating an authentic and serene atmosphere. Each room also has a private toilet. Guests can relax in the hotel’s private onsen (hot springs) or explore the town's nine public baths, a hallmark of Shibu Onsen. The hotel also serves exquisite kaiseki meals, using seasonal ingredients and local flavours.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Japanese Ryokan
Emblem Flow Hostel
Hakone

Emblem Flow Hakone is a stylish and cozy hostel located in the scenic town of Hakone, perfect for budget-conscious travellers exploring the region's natural beauty and hot springs. The hostel features dormitory beds, all equipped with modern amenities and free Wi-Fi. Guests can socialize in the communal lounge, enjoy hearty meals and a daily buffet breakfast at the on-site café, or unwind in the onsen. Conveniently situated near Gora Station, the hostel provides easy access to Hakone’s top attractions, including Mount Fuji, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani Valley, and Lake Ashi.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
Lub d Osaka Hotel
Osaka

Lub d Osaka Hotel offers a chic and modern stay in the vibrant heart of Osaka, blending the comforts of a hotel with the social atmosphere of a hostel. Accommodation is in private twin/double rooms, all equipped with contemporary amenities, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in the communal lounge, grab a drink at the lively bar, or enjoy meals at the on-site café.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Ekoin Temple
Koyasan

Ekoin Temple in Koyasan offers a unique opportunity to experience the tranquillity and spirituality of Japanese monastic life. This historic, 1,000-year-old temple, nestled in the UNESCO-listed Koyasan region, features traditional tatami-floored rooms with sliding shoji screens and futons, creating a serene and authentic atmosphere. Guests can participate in morning meditation and Buddhist rituals, including the goma fire ceremony, or take a guided tour of Okunoin Cemetery at night. Vegetarian shojin-ryori meals are served, reflecting the monks' simple yet nourishing diet. Bathroom facilities are shared and there are public onsen baths onsite

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Homestay
Piece Hostel Sanjo (Private Rooms)
Kyoto

Just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Metro Station, this modern hostel is 3 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and 4 km from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. The hostel's private rooms feature free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. The hostel boasts a stylish dining room with a terrace, along with communal areas including a library, kitchenette, and coin-operated laundry facilities. Bike rentals are available for an additional fee.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel
WeBase Hostel
Hiroshima

WeBase Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant hostel located in the heart of Hiroshima, offering a perfect mix of comfort and convenience for travellers. The hostel features a variety of accommodations, from private rooms to shared dormitories, all equipped with clean, minimalist designs and free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in the spacious communal lounge, prepare meals in the shared kitchen, or enjoy the on-site café. Situated within walking distance of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hondori Shopping Street, WeBase Hiroshima is an excellent base for exploring the city’s historical and cultural attractions while enjoying a friendly, social atmosphere.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Hostel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Dorm' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with other travellers. Please note that if paying the 'Dorm' price, your accommodation will be in a mix of mostly multi-person dorm rooms, as well as possibly some Double & Triple rooms. Please see the rooming breakdown in the Inclusions for more information. Please be aware that private single and double room upgrades are not available during the cherry blossom season, due to high demand. Only dorm accommodation is available during these departures, from 9 March - 24 April 2025 and 11 March - 24 April 2026.

2025
Double
Single
Shared
1 May - 17 May
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
9 Jun - 25 Jun
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
3 Jul - 19 Jul
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
8 Aug - 24 Aug
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
20 Aug - 5 Sep
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
1 Sep - 17 Sep
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
25 Sep - 11 Oct
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
7 Oct - 23 Oct
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
2026
Double
Single
Shared
4 Jan - 20 Jan
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
3 Feb - 19 Feb
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
3 Mar - 19 Mar
R 110,965
R 119,605
R 79,255
15 Mar - 31 Mar
R 87,895
25 Mar - 10 Apr
R 87,895
31 Mar - 16 Apr
R 87,895
6 Apr - 22 Apr
R 87,895
10 Apr - 26 Apr
R 87,895

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