Compare Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food by G Adventures vs Japan's hidden island: Temples & festivals in Shikoku by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,869 | $ 6,095 |
| Price Per Day | $ 170 | $ 508 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | No meals included | N/A |
| Description |
Now's the time to explore Japan on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Always wanted to explore Japan but kinda felt it was pricey? We got you. This 11-day introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun is super-affordable and super fun. Travel by train to introduce yourself to Tokyo nightlife, the famous geisha district of Kyoto, and the iconic floating torii gate of Miyajima. Experience the country's traditions and cutting-edge modernity with lots of free time to do your own thing. When you see Japan with a group of like-minded adventurers, you'll never want to come home. |
Japan’s distinct culture, futuristic cities and striking natural landscapes make it one of our most rewarding destinations. While the lifestyle may seem intimidatingly different, our specialists have spent time living, and often working, in the country and can help you navigate the cultural idiosyncrasies. With their expert guidance and help in planning your tailor-made itinerary, experiencing a culture far removed from your own is part of the country’s charm. In one sleek bullet train journey, you can travel from the dense, neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the fresh, clean air of the Japanese Alps. Buddhist temples dot the country, and in rural areas you can stay in traditional ryokan inns for a taste of Japanese life from a bygone era. Our specialists can advise on everything from the best local festivals to attend, to which local delicacies to try during your holiday to Japan. |
Day 1 Tokyo
Arrive at any time and welcome to Japan's neon metropolis that's always on the move. There are no plans until the evening welcome meeting, so spend some time exploring. Then, after the meeting head out for a night of fun, drinks, and dancing for your first night out. Pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience all that is Tokyo.
Day 2 Tokyo
Get your bearings with an orientation walk before enjoying free time to explore buzzing Tokyo. Opt to check out Yoyogi Park, Asakusa shrine, quirky Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, or explore the city's massive selection of shops and cafés.
Please note that the new JR Pass validation policy asks travellers to come to the office counter to activate their JR Pass.
Day 3 Tokyo/Takayama
Board a bullet train to picturesque Takayama, surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Take in the quaint streets of old town—lined with craft shops and sake breweries (mid-day sake bombs anyone?)—on a CEO-led orientation walk. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area. In the evening, kick back and relax in a traditional inn complete with tatami floors, Japanese futons, and an onsen hot spring. Delight in a restorative soak in the healing waters.
Day 4 Takayama/Kyoto
Catch a train to Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto, and spend the rest of the day discovering this historic city. For your big night out, grab a drink on our tab and release your inner rock star during a karaoke session.
Day 5 Kyoto
Kyoto is yours to explore today and the options are endless, so grab a buddy and get out there! Visit some of Kyoto's beautiful temples, participate in a tea ceremony, or take a calligraphy class (so you can make that postcard home look extra fancy).
Day 6 Kyoto
Keep exploring this culturally-rich city with another free day to experience anything you couldn't squeeze in yesterday. Make the most of Kyoto's spiritual and traditional beauty, and take it all in.
Day 7 Kyoto/Hiroshima
Board a bullet train and travel to Hiroshima, known for its tragic history, powerful survival, and so much more. Opt to visit the Peace Park and Museum, Shukkei-en traditional Japanese garden, or Hiroshima Castle.
Day 8 Hiroshima
Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate and meet the friendly local deer. Opt to go for an easy hike around Mt Misen, and be sure to sample some oysters – a regional specialty.
Day 9 Hiroshima/Osaka
Catch a train to Osaka, one of Japan's culinary capitals with lots of neon lights and an outstanding nightlife. With free time, spend the afternoon exploring this diverse city with heaps to offer, including Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi shopping street, and the Dotombori Bridge. Be sure to try takoyaki, the city's famous octopus snack, or share a group meal of kushikatsu.
Day 10 Osaka
Get to know this captivating city with a day to freely explore. Check out the ramen museum or browse Umeda's many shops. Get ready to experience Osaka's buzzing nightlife on a final night out with your new friends. Grab a drink on our tab and reminisce the night away!
Day 11 Osaka
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.
Day 2 : Osaka
You arrive in Tokyo, and continue on a connecting flight to Osaka airport. Here you will be met by an airport representative whose principal job is to help with a smooth arrival and assist in validating your rail pass. From the airport, you will take a limousine bus to your hotel not too far away.
Day 3 : Tokushima
Travel by bus to Tokushima via Awaji-jima island and across the world's longest suspension bridge that links the main island of Honshu to Shikoku.
Day 4 : Tokushima
Explore Tokushima town. We recommend incorporating a visit to Tokushima's most famous export to the rest of the country, the Bunraku puppet theatre to see a performance.
Day 5 : Takamatsu
Take a scenic coastal train ride to Takamatsu, home to one of Japan's most beautiful gardens the Ritsurin-koen and regarded as one of the top three.
Day 6 : Takamatsu
Today, take a short ferry ride to visit nearby Naoshima island and its world class art museums. There are other modern art installations of the surrounding smaller islands if time allows.
Day 7 : Iya Valley
Pick up your hire car and drive from Takamatsu to the rural and removed Iya Valley. Explore the area by car and on foot in the afternoon helped by the advanced GPS system provided with all rental cars. There is some breath-taking mountainous scenery to enjoy complete with beautiful waterfalls depending on the season.
Day 8 : Iya Valley
Start this morning with some light activity; white water rafting in the Oboke Gorge. The course is suitable for beginners and children too.
Day 9 : Matsuyama
Drive to the small town of Kannonji and then drop the car off here. Take the train onwards west to Matsuyama, Shikoku's principal city and oldest hot spring resort in Japan. The west has a different feel to the east of Shikoku.
Day 10 : Matsuyama
Explore the castle and gardens or just relax and rewind in the hot springs of your hotel.
Day 11 : Tokyo
Travel by train across to Okayama, stopping in to see another top-rated gardens, the Kourakuen Garden before continuing east to Tokyo.The evening is at leisure to catch up on any last-minute sightseeing or simply enjoy your final evening in Japan wining and dining.
Day 12 : International return flight
Take the limousine bus to the airport for your onward international return flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
