JAPAN
JAPAN
Japan Group Tour For Solos 30s & 40s!
Japan is a beautiful collision of ancient cultural traditions and modernism. Spectacular mega-cities woven together with historic temples, shogun castles, quaint townships, and jaw-dropping natural landscapes. This 11-day Japan group tour will help you explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and many of the lesser known spots in this breathtaking country. We absolutely love this Japan itinerary!
Tokyo + Kyoto + Hiroshima + Koyasan + Mount Fuji + Osaka + Nakasendo Trail
Highlights
- Explore pulsating TOKYO and KARAOKE like the locals
- Take a SOBA NOODLE CLASS from a seasoned professional
- Watch real-life SUMO WRESTLERS in action
- HIKE the NAKASENDO TRAIL from Tsumago to Magome
- Partake in a TEA CEREMONY with a MAIKO
- Learn about the heart-breaking WWII HISTORY of HIROSHIMA
- Meander the traditional streets of KYOTO
- Stay overnight in an authentic BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Included
- 11-days / 10-nights: 3 Tokyo, 1 Lake Kawaguchiko, 1 Nagoya, 3 Kyoto, 1 Koyasan, 1 Osaka
- Accommodation in hand-picked 3 & 4-star hotels (based on sharing twin room)
- Meals – All breakfasts, 2 lunches & 4 dinners
- Airport pickups and drop-offs *(see special note at bottom)
- All transportation & activities within itinerary (excluding optional activities)
- A trip host plus various local experts
- Note – international flights not included (we will recommend best options)
Highlights
- Explore pulsating TOKYO and KARAOKE like the locals
- Take a SOBA NOODLE CLASS from a seasoned professional
- Watch real-life SUMO WRESTLERS in action
- HIKE the NAKASENDO TRAIL from Tsumago to Magome
- Partake in a TEA CEREMONY with a MAIKO
- Learn about the heart-breaking WWII HISTORY of HIROSHIMA
- Meander the traditional streets of KYOTO
- Stay overnight in an authentic BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Included
- 11-days / 10-nights: 3 Tokyo, 1 Lake Kawaguchiko, 1 Nakasendo, 3 Kyoto, 1 Koyosan, 1 Osaka
- Accommodation in hand-picked 3 & 4-star hotels (based on sharing twin room)
- Meals – All breakfasts, 2 lunches & 4 dinners
- Airport pickups and drop-offs * (see special note at bottom)
- All transportation & activities within itinerary (excluding optional activities)
- A trip host plus various local experts
- Note – international flights not included (we will recommend best options)
Our Route Through Japan
Itinerary
Day 1
KONNICHIWA JAPAN!
Welcome to Tokyo – Japan’s buzzing capital! Get ready for a deep dive entrance to this culture rich country, where beneath the ultra-modern exterior is a hidden underbelly of carefully preserved traditions waiting for you to uncover. Arrive to the international airport and make your way to our modern hotel in Ikebukuro, a part of town known for high-energy and bustling vibe. Spend your first day settling in however you please. In the evening you’ll meet with your group to share an authentic Japanese meal and discuss the trip ahead.
Day 2
TOKYO TRADITION
Today is all about the places that make Tokyo completely unique. Starting with a visit to the city’s most important shrine: Meiji Jingu, dedicated to the late Emperor and located deep in a forest smack dab in the city center. Next door, we’ll pop into the young and colorful district of Harajuku to visit Shibuya – the infamous ‘world’s busiest crossing’. And as the sun goes down over Tokyo, we’ll finish our day with a slow walk, weaving through the twisted alleys of Shinjuku, the city’s liveliest nightlife hub. Tokyo is a city with a bit of everything, and we’re leaving it with no stone unturned.
Day 3
A DEEPER DIVE
Ready yourself for an even deeper dive into Tokyo today. Start at the iconic Tsukiji fish market to learn all about the weird and wonderful world of Japanese cuisine. And then – with appetites whetted – we’ll head to a local restaurant hosting its very own sumo ring. Here you’ll enjoy some live wrestling action all while devouring on a hearty sumo-style lunch! Afterwards, more Tokyo immersion. First, to the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital, Sensoji Temple. And then, to round off a brilliant few days in the city, we’re off to do some Karaoke!
Day 4
MT FUJI VIEWS
Today we’re leaving the city for a slice of Japanese nature in the beautiful Lake Kawaguchiko where – weather pending – you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji from the lovely Chureito Pagoda. For lunch, you’ll get hands-on with a Soba noodle-making experience to learn more about how these traditional Japanese buckwheat noodles are crafted and, of course, you’ll get to indulge in a bowl or two yourself! Afternoon brings a scenic stroll around the lake to enjoy the peaceful setting before retiring to our Japanese-style hotel complete with hot springs.
Day 5
NAKASENDO SAMURAI TRAIL
This idyllic walking path from Tsumago to Magome meanders through the rolling mountains of the region and was once one of the most important trade routes in Japan. The full trail stretches from Tokyo to Kyoto, but we focus our efforts on hiking a pretty 8km segment which encompasses wooded forests, small towns and well preserved cobbled paths, once used by Samurai to travel safely between these cities. It’s a fascinating insight into lesser visited rural Japan. Afterwards we’ll make our way to the nearby city of Nagoya, where we will stay for the night.
Day 6
TEA WITH A MAIKO
You’ll start the day with an early morning “bullet train” (known locally as Shinkansen) to the city of Kyoto. Speeding at up to 320 km/h, this unique form of transport is an experience in itself. Upon arrival, we’ll whisk you off to the Nishiki Market to enjoy some of the best street food in Japan before heading to a traditional tea ceremony hosted by a Maiko (an apprentice Geisha). Afterwards, sticking with this theme, you’ll enjoy a walking tour through Gion, the classic Geisha district of Kyoto. This is the perfect lens through which to first experience Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan.
Day 7
KYOTO AT YOUR LEISURE
Kyoto is a picturesque little city nestled in the lush forests of central Japan. It is absolutely brimming with incredible tourist sites, historical temples, & natural marvels – and today is yours to take it in at your own pace. You could visit the Arashiyama Sagano area, stroll through the bamboo grove, or go see some UNESCO world heritage temples. You could also head to Fushimi Inari and admire the hundreds of red torii gates covering the mountain. And then there’s Kingakuji, Golden Pavilion, and Ryoanji with its zen rock garden. We’ll arm you with a full list of OWR recommendation and then the choice is yours.
Day 8
ATOMIC HISTORY IN HIROSHIMA
Today we’ll catch a bullet train to Hiroshima, the city largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Here you will learn its history and tour the Peace Memorial Park, a dedication to the memory of this event and its victims. It’s a truly humbling experience which is sure to leave a profound mark. In the afternoon we’ll then take a ferry to Miyajima, a nearby island (“shrine island”) famed for its ‘floating’ torri gate, Itsukushima shrine and roaming wild deer. It’s a serene spot! At the end of a packed day, we’ll make our way back to our base of Kyoto.
Day 9
BUDDHIST TEMPLE STAY
Time now to embrace some Japanese spirituality. First, we’ll go to Mount Koya, a place where beautiful nature, Japanese tradition, Shintoism, and Buddhism come together as one. This is also the location of Okunoin Temple, Kongobu-ji, and Garan Temple, a Buddhist temple complex known as the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. After a full day of marveling at the temples, we’ll then spend the night in a traditional temple stay in Koyasan, enjoying the sacred grounds, “monks dinner” and morning prayers in this truly special place.
Day 10
ICONIC OSAKA
Osaka is the final stop on this whirlwind Japan trip. Our guide will lead us around the impressive outer grounds of Osaka Castle, taking in the views and sharing stories about the Shogun and the city’s history, and then you’ll have some time to explore the city on your own (or, more likely, with your new friends). We highly recommend the exquisite Teamlabs Botanical Garden to immerse yourself in digital art and also to go try some scrumptious street food at any of the local markets. For dinner, we’ll reconvene to enjoy a delicious final meal in the hip and happening (and heavily neoned) neighborhood of Dotonbori, alongside the city’s bustling canal.
Day 11
UNTIL NEXT TIME JAPAN!
Today we sadly say ‘sayonara’ to Japan! However, just think how much you’ve packed in to this epic 11-day adventure. You’ve explored so much of the iconic Japanese destinations, cuisine, and temples all led by super knowledgeable local guides. From the streets of Tokyo to the villages along the Nakasendo Trail, you’ve gained an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and witnessed the natural beauty of the country – all while making new friends. It’s now time to return home, with a heart full of new memories.
Trip Price
We have guests join us from all over the world but predominantly from the UK, US, Canada, Europe, Australia & New Zealand. As standard we sell in both GBP and USD – however if you prefer to switch to your local currency you can do so during the checkout process.
United Kingdom
- Includes all items mentioned in “Included” above.
- Deposit = £200, to reserve your spot.
- Remaining balance due 70 days before departure.
- Private room = + £750
- Payment plans possible – get in touch to arrange.
USA + Rest of World
- Includes all items mentioned in “Included” above.
- Deposit = $250, to reserve your spot.
- Remaining balance due 70 days before departure.
- Private room = + $975
- Payment plans possible – get in touch to arrange
- Convert to local currency (inc CAD, EUR, AUD) during checkout.
Dates & Booking
Select your preferred departure date, currency and pay your deposit now to reserve a spot!
21 November – 01 December 2026
15 – 25 May 2027
16 – 26 October 2027
(And see trip specific SPECIAL NOTES below)
Hotels
We know that accommodation is important to you and it’s important to us too. We’ve therefore carefully hand-picked a selection of our favourite 3 & 4-star hotels for this itinerary. These are the hotels we typically use (please ensure you are comfortable with them before booking).
Metropolitan Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Mystays Fuji Onsen Resort, Lake Kawaguchi
JR Gate Tower Hotel, Nagoya (October)
Onyado Nono Shichijo, Kyoto
Syukubo Ekoin Temple, Koyasan
Miyako City Hommachi, Osaka
Nikko Style, Nagoya (November)
Metropolitan Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Mystays Fuji Onsen Resort, Lake Kawaguchi
JR Gate Tower Hotel, Nagoya (October)
Onyado Nono Shichijo, Kyoto
Syukubo Ekoin Temple, Koyasan
Miyako City Hommachi, Osaka
Nikko Style, Nagoya (November)
Customer Reviews
Featured Blog Posts
Read this blog post by Carol for more about what to expect on our OWR Japan trip.
Finding the Magic of Japan: Carol’s OWR Travel Story
A year after visiting Croatia with Other Way Round Travel, Carol decided to go even further afield and join our Japan adventure. What followed was a journey through ancient temples, neon-lit cities, mountain villages, and unforgettable landscapes that made Japan a place she'll always hold close to...
Tour Video
Here’s a video of a recent OWR Japan tour.
FAQs & Important Notes
Below are some of the common questions we tend to get asked – we’ve answered both in video format (general across all OWR trips) and written format (specific to this particular trip).
FAQ video timestamps
The above video takes just under 40 minutes. If you prefer to navigate to a specific topics then you can see the timestamps below.
00:00 Intro
00:33 How It Works
03:00 Demographics
07:25 What’s the Price?
08:04 What’s Included?
10:42 Which Hotels?
12:10 Are Airport Transfers Included?
13:31 Room Sharing / Private Rooms
16:02 Booking & Cancellation Terms
20:30 “I Found the Same Tour for Cheaper”
23:37 I’m an Introvert!
24:54 Is Every Activity Mandatory?
26:02 What Happens After Booking?
27:58 Can I Bring a Friend?
30:50 Are You a Good Fit for OWR?
32:42 Where Is OWR Based?
33:31 Why Should I Choose OWR?
37:35 More Questions?
SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT THIS TRIP!
1. Airport Transfers –
We include airport transfers on this trip but they will be in shared shuttle buses rather than the normal private transfers we do for other destinations. Reason being that private transfers in Japan are disproportionally expensive and we would have to add a LOT onto the overall trip price to include. We do not believe this is good value for money for you. The shuttle buses will include other passengers not part of the OWR tour and you may have to wait on some guests coming through immigration/luggage pickup before the bus departs.
2. Transport –
During this trip, we use a combination of different types of transport. When travelling between cities, we generally use either our own private bus or Japan’s bullet trains. Within cities, we make use of the public metro system, which is usually the quickest and easiest way to get around.
3. Luggage Transfer: Nagoya -> Kyoto (Day 6) –
- On day 6 of the itinerary we will use a luggage transfer service to move your luggage between Nagoya->Kyoto. It saves you having to take your main luggage on the train plus there has been a recent push by the Japanese tourism board for visitors to use this service as part of a sustainable tourism push (bringing large luggage on the train can clog up the service for locals).
- The main luggage usually takes 24hrs to be transferred, therefore, on that day you will need to pack a small overnight bag with one day’s worth of clothing and essentials. We will provide more info about this in the lead up to the trip.
4. Buddhist Temple (Day 9) –
On Day 9 we stay at a traditional Buddhist temple in Koyasan for one night only. Being a temple this is a very basic accommodation and shouldn’t be compared with a standard hotel. The intention here is for you to get a genuine insight into an authentic monks temple, which we believe is a very special thing to experience. The bed will be a traditional mattress on the tatami floor.
5. Private Room Not Possible at Buddhist Temple (Day 9) –
If you have booked a private room for this trip we will organise this at all other hotels, but it will not be possible during the temple stay on Day 9 due to limited capacity of rooms in the temple. For this night only – even if you booked and paid for a private room – you will have to share a twin room with another solo traveler of the same gender (this is already factored in to the private room pricing).
6. Physical Requirements –
- Nakasendo Samurai Trail – The hike on Day 5 is approximately 8 km / 5 miles and follows a mixture of forest trails and village paths. There are some steep uphill and downhill sections, so a decent level of fitness is required. Most guests find the hike very manageable, and we take it at a comfortable pace.
- Walking in Tokyo and Kyoto – There’s a lot to see in both cities, and the best way to explore is through a combination of public transport and walking. On Days 2, 3 and 6, you should expect to walk 20,000+ steps over the course of the day, so please come prepared for plenty of time on your feet.
Am I a good fit for an OWR trip?
We know it’s important to you to choose the right tour company for you.
And equally, for us, it’s super important that we get the right people joining our trips (people who are likely to get the most out of it).
We’d therefore appreciate if you could please read the following page carefully before signing up: OWR Trip Style
How does it all work?
For an overview of how it all works, you can go to this page here: How It Works
Are international flights included?
No.
International flights are not included in the price of our tours. This is something you would book yourself separately.
Which airports should I fly into?
Our trip starts in Tokyo where Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) International Airports are both possible options for you to arrive (depending on where you live, one of these will likely be better for you).
The trip ends in Osaka, where Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main option for departure flights.
You should organise your flights accordingly.
Ideally you should arrive at the hotel by 6pm on the first day. This is when we have our welcome meeting and afterwards go for dinner (although if you arrive later it’s fine to catch up).
You can leave at any time on the last day. There are no activities scheduled for that day.
If you need help researching flights, contact us at [email protected] or fill out the contact form on this page.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes, they are included at both the start and end of every trip.
Notes
- We only do transfers between airports and our selected hotels. No other locations.
- For those tagging on extra days, we will endeavour to include transfers up to 2 days outside of official tour dates.
SPECIAL NOTE – In Japan we include airport transfers on this trip but they will be in shared shuttle buses rather than the normal private transfers we do for other destinations. Reason being that private transfers in Japan are disproportionally expensive and we would have to add a LOT onto the overall trip price to include. We do not believe this is good value for money for you. The shuttle buses will include other passengers not part of the OWR tour and you may have to wait on some guests coming through immigration/luggage pickup before the bus departs.
Can I book a private room?
Yes.
Our standard prices are based on sharing a twin hotel room with one other person of the same gender.
However, if you prefer a private then you can select this option for £750 / $975 extra.
Just let us know at the time of booking.
Notes
- It is not possible to have a private room at the Buddhist Temple on Day 9. All rooms are shared twins, with communal bathrooms (this is factored in to private room pricing).
- For the rest of the itinerary, we have limited availability of private rooms, these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Can I book pre and/or post accommodation?
Yes, we can book you in for extra days at either our arrival hotel or departure hotel.
This is up to a maximum of 2 days on either side. If for longer, we suggest you book directly with the hotel.
As you book your trip spot through our website, during the checkout process you will be given the option to “add-on” the pre or post accommodation. You can also do this at a later point through our guest portal (you will have access to this after booking).
I’m traveling solo, will I be the only one?
No.
Our trips are specifically designed for solo travelers so you will fit in perfectly.
Some people may bring a friend but the majority will always be traveling solo.
How do I book?
On this page you will see a “Book Now” button next to each trip departure date. Simply click this to start the checkout process and reserve your spot.
You will need to pay a £200 / $250 deposit upfront and then the remaining balance must be paid by 70 days before the trip.
If your booking is within 70 days, then you must pay the full balance at that point.
What happens after I book? (next steps)
This is what you should expect in the lead up to your trip.
- Book trip (secure your spot with a deposit)
- Book international flights (these can be booked at any point after we’ve confirmed your spot – don’t leave too late as price will go up closer to trip)
- Purchase travel insurance (this will cover for issues leading up to trip as well as during)
> 70 Days Before Trip (cancellation penalties kick-in beyond this point)
- Full balance must be paid
- OWR sends survey: requests flight information, dietary requirements, health conditions, emergency contacts etc…(must be returned within 7 days)
> 10 Days Before Trip
- OWR sends day-by-day schedule, optional activity recommendations & some final info to prepare you for trip
> 3 Days Before Trip
- WhatsApp group created with all trip attendees + Tour Leader
> Trip Start Date
- Welcome meeting is typically scheduled for 6pm on first day. This is where you will meet your Tour Leader and other guests (note – we may change this time depending on overall group arrival times. If it changes we will notify you).
Is the deposit refundable?
No, the deposit is non-refundable.
However, if you can no longer make the trip you can transfer that deposit onto any other future trip.
Do you have payment plans?
Yes.
We can either split your balance into even monthly payments, or we can set it up so you can pay any smaller amounts as and when you like.
You can go ahead and book your spot through our website as normal and then afterwards email us at [email protected] to request we set up your payment plan.
Visas, vaccinations & packing lists?
Two months before your trip you will receive a comprehensive pre-trip pack which tells you everything you need to get prepared for the trip (including info on visas, vaccinations & packing lists).
In general, most of our guests don’t need visas to come to Japan when visiting for less than 90 days.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Yes.
We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and other dietary requirements. We will always make sure there are options available to you in the restaurants we visit.
Please be aware though that there will not likely be the same range of options as you have available in your home country.
Will I get to meet other members of the group before the trip?
Yes.
3 days before the trip we will create a WhatsApp group with all the people joining the trip. This is a great opportunity to connect ahead of the trip.
Are the hotels listed on the website the actual hotels you use?
Generally yes, it will be these hotels.
From time to time we may need to change a specific hotel if for example it’s not available on those given dates. But in such situations, we will always replace with another hotel at the same quality and notify you in advance.
What’s the cancellation policy?
The £200/$250 deposit is non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel at any point, you can put this towards any future trip you book with us (in any location).
The rest of the balance is refundable up until 70 days before the trip. From that point we have to start committing funds to local suppliers and so:-
> 30-70 days before trip – 50% refund
> 0–30 days before trip – 0% refund
But, we also recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you for any unexpected last-minute cancellation.