Japan Essentials 9 Day Tour

Japan Essentials 9 Day Tour

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9 Days From

$1313

$1247

Japan Essentials 9 Day Tour

9 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka

Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka

Tour operator:

One Life Adventures

Tour code:

9DJET

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 22

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-45

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1313 $1247 Operator discount: -$66

NB: Prices correct on 09-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

One Life Adventures is a premium youth operator, specialising in trips for travellers aged 18-45 years inclusive (at the time of travel). What sets our Japan Essentials tour apart is the unparalleled freedom it offers. While our expert guides will be there every step of the way to provide insider tips & recommendations, local insights, and all the cultural and historical info you want, you will also have the flexibility to craft your own adventure with more free time and optional activities. Experience the thrill of wandering through the bustling markets, savouring delectable street food, and connecting with fellow travelers from all corners of the globe. We believe that travel should be accessible to all, which is why we’ve created this trip to offer you the full One Life experience at a price that won’t break the bank. You’ll enjoy comfortable hostel accommodations, convenient transport (including the famous bullet train!), and an unforgettable itinerary packed with iconic landmarks, sights & experiences, and hidden gems.

Highlights

  • Senso-Ji Temple

  • Harajuku Tour

  • Shibuya Crossing

  • Mt Fuji Viewing

  • Gion District Walking Tour

  • Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari Shrine

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain

  • Golden Pavilion

  • Zen Garden visit

  • Imperial Palace

Show all

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Welcome To Japan! Tokyo Time

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Meals Included: Dinner

Touch down in Tokyo! Arrive into your Tokyo hostel in the historic Asakusa area to be greeted by your tour guide. Tonight we’ll take you out to feast on Japanese cuisine and meet the rest of your group. After dinner when the crowds have all dispersed, we explore the iconic Tokyo Senso-ji Temple by night!

Day 2 - Explore Tokyo, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park & Akihabara

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Meals Included: Breakfast

We’ll start the morning off with a a Japan Orientation Briefing. You’ll learn simple Japanese customs and phrases to help you dictate your way across the country. We’ll then head out to the birth place of Japanese teen pop culture, Harajuku. We’ll then head into Yoyogi Park, host of the beautiful Meiji Shrine.

Afterwards, we’ll head to Akihabara – Tokyo’s electric town – and be blinded by the all the neon lights and crazy shops in store. You can challenge each other in the arcades, check out the famous Maid Cafes or just wander around the area.

Day 3 - Explore Tokyo & Shibuya Evening

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Meals Included: Breakfast

You have the first half of the day to yourself. Your guide will be available to assist you with your plans, but you could attend a sushi-making class*, visit the Imperial Palace, or simply wander around this enchanting city. Later in the evening, you will travel to Shinjuku, where you can take in an unparalleled view of Tokyo’s skyline, explore the famous Omoide Yokocho Alley and have dinner before observing the iconic Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing.

*Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability.

Day 4 - Hakone, Mt Fuji Viewing & Romance Car

Location: Hakone

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Gora Gaku Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we take the aptly named “Romance Car” to the stunning mountain town of Hakone. After checking into our hostel in the town of Hakone, we set off taking the train further into the mountains. Why is Hakone so special? Well, not only is the food incredible but you can get a spectacular view of Mt Fuji (weather dependent.) After a day of exploring and taking photos of Japan’s most famous mountain we’ll head back to our guesthouse accommodation before having a family-style dinner with the crew.

Day 5 - To Kyoto! Gion District Walking Tour & Yakitori

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Piece Hostel Kyoto

Meals Included: Dinner

Say goodbye to the serenity of Hakone as we make our way to the ancient capital of Japan by bullet train; Kyoto. Check in to our accommodation close to the traditional area, and then we head out to explore the area. In the evening you’ll be guided around Kyoto’s Gion district, known for Geisha’s (Japan’s traditional art form of entertainment), if you are lucky enough, you might even spot one. After our walking tour, we’ll take you to one of the best yakitori (grilled chicken sticks) for an included dinner.

Day 6 - Kyoto, Kiyomizu-Dera & Fushimi-Inari

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Piece Hostel Kyoto

We’ll rise before dawn and take the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. We arrive early to escape the throng of tourists and work our way through the mountain exploring corridors of never ending red gates. After, we will head to Kiyomizu-dera temple, one of Japan’s most famous temples. A stunning bamboo and wooden complex that sits high in the mountain side. You will have the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace. For those of you who would like to experience the traditional side of Japan, you can opt to take part in a tea ceremony and hire a kimono.

Day 7 - Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: Piece Hostel Kyoto

The day starts with a train ride to Arashiyama, a town surrounded by mountains and a river running through it. The itinerary includes a visit to the bamboo forest, climbing Monkey Mountain, and an optional traditional Japanese boat ride through the valleys. You will have the afternoon free to explore as you like.

Day 8 - Golden Pavilion, Zen Garden, Osaka Food Walk

Location: Osaka

Accommodation: Hostel

Accommodation Name: The Stay Shinsaibashi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We head to the stunning Golden Pavilion, a beautiful gold laden building surrounded by a lake and traditional Japanese garden. After we’ll head to Daitoku-ji, a quiet, leafy complex of old temples where you can silently reflect on your adventures so far. We then head on to Osaka where in the evening, we explore the famous Dotonbori area. The food, people, lights, and colors of the “kitchen of Japan” will be experienced. Your guide will take you to the best spots for street eats, and you’ll get to taste some of the delicacies which make Osaka such a famous foodie city. Finish up the evening with a night of karaoke and drinks!

Day 9 - Depart

Location: Osaka

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time to say goodbye to your group and the new friends you have made from your tour. We hope you’ve loved your Japan experience!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • All Domestic Transportation during tour

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

  • Fully Guided

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Drinks with Meals

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Travel Insurance

Optional Extras

  • Samurai Experience

    Learn how to use a Samurai! - Day 7

  • Sushi Making Class

    Learn how to make the famous Japanese Sushi - Day 3

  • Tea Ceremony Camellia: (Shared Tea Ceremony)

    See the tradition Tea making Ceremony Camellia - Day 6

  • Tea Ceremony Maiko: (Tea Ceremony + Kimono rental)

    See the traditional Tea making Ceremony Maiko - Day 6

Accommodation

8 nights of accommodation

Mode of Transport

All transport during the tour including bullet train, subways, Romance Car & more (Airport transfers Day 1 & 9 excl.)

Check out our Q&As

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes, all entrance fees are included

  • What is the age range of this tour?

    We have an age range of 18 – 45 years of age. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded fellow travellers.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    Yes Wifi is available in our accommodations.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Airport transfers are not included, but we provide extremely detailed instructions in your welcome pack to help you get to and from the airports.

  • How big are your group sizes?

    Our groups are capped at 22 people maximum.

  • Do I have to have travel insurance to come on a tour?

    Travel insurance on all One Life Adventures trips is compulsory and we will check for it on tour, if you do not have travel insurance when you arrive on your tour you will not be able to continue without purchasing it.

  • What's the general age range on your tours?

    We have an age range of 18 – 45 years of age. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded fellow travellers.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes, we do. We cannot guarantee single sex rooming arrangements in multi-share accommodation (e.g. shared dormitory hostels), but twin share rooms will always be single sex.

Reviews of this operator

Ineke  

This was my first time with One Life and it was amazing.

01-May-2024

This was my first time with One Life and it was amazing. There was a lot of variety from snorkelling on Gili T to exploring the forest and seeing the monkeys on Ubud. The authenticity of Ubud was beautiful! Overall you get to see what Bali has to offer on those 12 days and it was worth it!

Bali (Indonesia) 12-day tour
Daniel  

Truly a 'One Life' trip

01-Nov-2023

Truly a ‘One Life’ trip, which is essential for anyone looking to get to one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in Vietnam. The tour has so many awe inspiring activities, food spots, and views that leave you speechless!

Vietnam
Lucy  

This was a fantastic tour

15-May-2024

This was a fantastic tour where you really get to see the varied culture and places in Korea!! From city breaks to temple breaks to an island, it’s jam packed!

South Korea

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025
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Operator discount: -$66

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Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025
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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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Operator discount: -$66

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$1313 $1247

Operator discount: -$66

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    One Life Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    One Life Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform one life adventures, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    One Life Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 AUD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of one life adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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