Delve Deep: Intro to Japan

Seven days. Three legendary cities. And all the ancient temples, glittering skyscrapers, quirky neighbourhoods and local eats you can handle. Ready to experience this jaw-dropping country properly? You’re in exactly the right place. First: say konnichiwa to your fellow explorers. Then: prepare for your first taste of Japan – we’ve got a group dinner in the traditional Asakusa district lined up. Yep, you’re really here.

Rise and shrine! Our expert Trip Leader’s got some incred sights they wanna show us on a walking tour. First up this morning: Meiji Jingu – Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrine. Take in all the spiritual vibes, make an offering and wander the blooming (or not) gardens. Next, we’re heading to the uber-kooky Harajuku district (aka cosplay heaven). Expect: neon tutus, rainbow-coloured wigs, bubble tea and fairy floss. We’ll also swing by the iconic Shibuya Crossing. It’s all the crazy. Then (cos we’re not done yet), we’ll see the awesome Goma Fire Ritual at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple. Tummies rumbling? Bet. Find a cosy restaurant. Grab some sushi. And level up those chopstick skills.

This is your day, 100% your way. But if you need some recommendations, we’ve got your back. Wander the futuristic neon-lit streets of Shibuya. Or join an optional full-day tour of Mt Fuji and Hakone. Fill your camera roll with scenes of Japan’s most ICONIC landscape. Check out the Oshino Ninja Village (as awesome as it sounds). Cruise across stunning Lake Ashi. And soak up the beauty of the serene Hakone Shrine. This is what you came for.

Up and at ‘em: it’s an early start to get the Shinkansen (bullet train FYI) to Kyoto. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines this place ticks all the spiritual boxes. After lunch, we’ll visit the incredible Fushimi Inari Shrine – with plenty of time to hike to the top and explore the torii gates. Then the afternoon is yours. Tonight, dinner’s on you – and Kyoto’s got e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Want inspo? Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley are top tier foodie spots.

Time to explore this place with our expert Trip Leader. We’ll tick off the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion before moving on to Arashiyama to visit the Tenryu-ji Temple. Grab a bite to eat then head out to explore the sprawling bamboo forest and Togetsu-kyo bridge. Then, the rest is up to you. Lose yourself, find yourself, then grab a biru at a local watering hole.

Just when you thought your jeans couldn’t get any tighter – today we’re headed for Osaka: the food capital of Japan. Here, they even have a word for “scoff till you drop”: kuidaore. Down your cup of matcha – we’ve got a lunchtime food tour of Osaka’s backstreets to sink our teeth into. We’ll finish up at Kuromon Market where you’ll have the chance to try okonomiyaki (teppanyaki pancakes) and takoyaki (fried octopus balls). They’re tastier than they sound, trust us. Tummies full – the rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking. Whatever you get up to, just make sure you’re back in time for tonight’s included dinner. Thought you could come to Japan and not get involved in some K-A-R-A-OKE? Think again! Gather the gang and bust out some bangers at tonight’s included karaoke bar experience. What a way to end the trip!

Time to say sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun. Swap those Insta handles – you’re going to need them to organise next year’s reunion trip. What’s next? We've got Delve Deep trips to Southeast Asia which you can hop straight on. Just saying...