Savoring Japan’s Timeless Allure
We’re exploring iconic cities like Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Osaka - combining breathtaking nature,historical insights, culinary delights and vibrant urban innovation.
We’re experiencing the serene beauty of Mt. Fuji and Hakone, and learning about history in Hiroshima.Marveling at architectural wonders like Osaka Castle and immersing in Japanese culture through a tea ceremony, Zen meditation, Teppanyaki meals and warrior experiences.
This trip is about your inner Expeditioner - discovering an old-world culture fused with modernity, and also exploring new dimensions of yourself. From the calm of Kyoto’s temples to the buzz of Tokyo’s nightlife, you’ll find excitement, challenge, harmony, community spirit and maybe some personal insights!
Japan’s Enchanted Pathways
Deep-Dive: Sumo match
Afterparty: Izakaya bar-hopping night
Flavor Savor: Traditional Japanese dinner
Flavor Savor: Sushi-making workshop Afterparty: Shinsaibashi + Dotonbori nightlife
Recentre: Zen meditation Deep-Dive: tea ceremony
Deep Dive: Sake brewery tour Flavor Savor: Farewell Teppanyaki dinner
Unfold the Journey
Welcome to Tokyo! After arriving at Narita Airport, a single group transfer will take you to the hotel. For those arriving separately, you’ll need to arrange your own transfer.
Relax and join the Expeditioner group for a welcome dinner. Overnight in Tokyo.
We start with breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure. Plus, Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji) and Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional souvenirs & snacks. The day ends in the luxurious Ginza District, perfect for high-end shopping or relaxing in stylish cafes.
Deep-Dive (included): After Nakamise, witness a Sumo performance up close, with wrestlers showcasing this ancient sport’s power and technique. Overnight in Tokyo.
We begin at the Samurai Ninja Museum and test our strength with a hands-on samurai sword experience! Then we dive into the opposite - Akihabara’s new-age world of electronics, anime, and manga. End the day at Shibuya, experiencing the famous crossing, Hachiko Statue, and vibrant shopping streets.
Afterparty (optional): Do a Shibuya Bar Hop where we explore hidden izakayas with a local guide, savor Japanese cuisine and enjoy the night with other party people! Overnight in Tokyo.
We travel to the awe-inspiring Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting) and visit Oshino Hakkai Village, known for its thatched-roof houses & clear ponds fed by Mt. Fuji’s melted snow. Here we go on a Lake Kawaguchi cruise, capturing postcard-perfect views of Mt. Fuji’s reflection.
Flavor Savor(Included): We end the day with a super-traditional Japanese dinner. Overnight in Mt. Fuji region. Note: Pack a small bag for two nights.
We get on the Shinkansen bullet train from Shin Fuji to Hiroshima. Then a ferry to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine’s iconic “floating” torii gate. We reflect on adversity at Hiroshima Peace Park and the preserved Atomic Bomb Dome, which showcases typical Japanese resilience & innovation. Overnight in Hiroshima.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
We start with a stop at Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan’s feudal history. Then we head to Kuromon Market aka “Osaka’s Kitchen” to check out its vibrant atmosphere, live auctions and vast range of street food, a true culinary & cultural delight!
Flavor Savor (Included): Learn sushi-making from a master chef and savor your creations for lunch. Afterparty (optional): End at Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori, enjoying Osaka’s neon-lit nightlife and riverside eateries. Overnight in Kobe.
We walk through the red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, go to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (time permitting).
Recentre (Included): A Zen meditation session guided by a temple priest for a journey inward, pushing your own boundaries in a beautiful setting. Flavor Savor (Included): Nothing beats Japanese hospitality with a traditional tea ceremony in a 400-year-old garden, to learn a bit more about Japan’s respect for nature and tradition. Overnight in Kobe.
We learn about Japan’s ability to innovate and thrive at the Kobe Earthquake Museum today. Deep Dive (Included): We go on a Nada Gogo sake district tour with guided tastings Flavor savor (Included): On to our farewell Teppanyaki dinner featuring the famed Kobe beef & other local delicacies!
Overnight in Kobe.
After breakfast we depart for Kansai International Airport (KIX) with hearts & heads full of the land of the rising sun.
The Essence
We see iconic temples and natural wonders; hear the sounds of inner peace and sumo matches; tingle our smell & taste buds with local Japanese meals; and experience a culture that is unique in its hold of their traditional past and full embrace of the modern future.
You will feel thrills, at peace or even have a hangover maybe, definitely be awed and humbled; you’ll reach the beautiful state of satiation and bliss after an extraordinary meal! This trip shows you a contrast-embracing culture, culinary & spiritual insights, how to party, gorgeous landscapes and maybe a deeper understanding of harmony in chaos.
Through our “deep-dive”, “flavor savor”, “recentre” and “after-party” activities (see day-wise plan for details) you will find Japanese culture more varied than you think! True travel includes diversity and we’re doing it all. *Expeditioners who participate in all trip optionals may even get a surprise in their next GE trip!
Unlock the true you
We design our trips specifically for “Great Expeditioners”: active travellers who want to do/see everything on their vacation, and also engage in experiences way beyond just sight-seeing. Expeditioners want to utilise travel time to learn & grow - through activity, culture & exploration, new people and also unwinding.
Those coming on this trip welcome the invitation to do something new, learn about a completely different culture from their own and embrace all its quirks and mysteries.
Japan’s contradictions, from its calm temples to bustling modern cities, from Mt. Fuji to its boisterous nightlife, creates a perfect travel environment. Every activity teaches how to thrive in an unfamiliar yet fascinating setting!
Our focus is on the community we create along the way too, for which we carefully assemble the travellers for each trip. By the end, you will not only have incredible memories or new stories, but also a sense of belonging with fellow Expeditioners-turned-friends.
We have curated stay, meals, and inter-city travel to ensure comfort & convenience along with a dive into the culture, allowing you to focus on immersing in every experience.
Japan’s spring climate is temperate but can vary. Be prepared for occasional rain or chilly mornings.
Japan has local customs such as bowing to greet, removing shoes indoors, silence in public transport, and polite dining etiquette. ... Read More
Travelers can easily use their mobile phones and access the internet in main cities & towns.
Japanese cuisine is a well-known tapestry of flavors and traditions. There is sushi and ramen ofcourse - for a unique ... Read More
In keeping with the sustainable mindset, don’t waste water and carry a refill bottle.
A moderate fitness level is recommended to fully enjoy the activities we have on the trip. While you don’t need ... Read More
● Comfortable walking shoes for city tours and temple visits
● Layered clothing suitable for spring weather, including a light jacket for chilly mornings
● Umbrella or rain jacket for occasional spring rains
● Power adapter for Japanese plugs
● Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
● Personal Medication if any - please check what is allowed into Japan
● Accommodation for all nights
● Travel: Airport transfers, internal road travel by coach
● Daily Breakfast at accommodation
● All specialty activities that mention “Included” in the day-wise itinerary
● Entrance fees for local sights
● Tipping as per guidelines
● GST at 5%
● TCS as applicable
● Flights & Visa fees
● Travel + Medical Insurance
● Optional activity charges
● Meals (except those mentioned in Inclusions)Porterage
● Lodging tax to be paid directly at the hotel (4.5 EUR per room as of 2024)
● Tips & Porterage
● Personal expenses - laundry, alcoholic beverages, minibar, phone fees, mineral water etc.
● Accommodation for all nights
● Travel: Airport transfers, internal road travel by coach
● Daily Breakfast at accommodation
● All specialty activities that mention “Included” in the day-wise itinerary
● Entrance fees for local sights
● Tipping as per guidelines
● GST at 5%
● TCS as applicable
● Flights & Visa fees
● Travel + Medical Insurance
● Optional activity charges
● Meals (except those mentioned in Inclusions)Porterage
● Lodging tax to be paid directly at the hotel (4.5 EUR per room as of 2024)
● Tips & Porterage
● Personal expenses - laundry, alcoholic beverages, minibar, phone fees, mineral water etc.
Demystifying Your Journey
You need to apply for a visa in advance to enter Japan. Great Expeditions does not offer visa processing - you can choose to do it on your own OR we can facilitate this service through our sister concern, BIT. Please reach out to us if you require this service.
Great Expeditions does not offer any flight bookings. You can choose to do it on your own OR we can facilitate this service through our sister concern, BIT. Please reach out to us if you require this service. If you’re booking on your own, please plan to arrive in Tokyo on Day 1 by midday!
Please decide on your own plans for this - Great Expeditions will not be able to assist with Foreign Exchange Currency.
Great Expeditions does not offer Travel / Medical Insurance. You can choose to do it on your own OR we can facilitate this service through our sister concern, BIT. Please reach out to us if you require this service.
You can pay via any - NEFT, UPI, or Credit card (with 2% bank charges). Reach out to us for details.
Transparency Matters
● For booking your seat on the trip, an advance payment of 25% of the tour cost needs to be made.
● We need Valid passport copies with at least 6 months from date of travel.
● PAN Card copy of every traveler.
● Final Payment: 60 days prior to the trip.
● 45 or more days prior to departure: 100% of tour cost is refundable
● 26 – 44 days prior to departure: 70% of tour cost is refundable
● 25 – 15 days prior to departure: 30% of tour cost is refundable
● 14 – 0 days prior to departure / no show: 0% of tour cost is refundable
