JapanEpic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food
Welcome to Japan's neon metropolis that's always on the move. Arrive to your starting hotel around 4:00 pm. There are no plans until the evening welcome meeting at 6:00 pm, 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. There are no activities planned today until your evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Imano Tokyo Hostel
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.
Free Time
Get out explore this vibrant city – there is so much to see and do!
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Optional Activities - Day 2Show
Accommodation
Imano Tokyo Hostel
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.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Takayama Orientation Walk
Hit the streets with your CEO and discover some of Takayama's highlights. Snap photos of a traditional Shinto shrine and wander the quaint lanes of this historic merchant city, passing homes dating back to the ancient Edo period.
Free Time
Use free time to enjoy the area, sample sake or visit a nearby hot spring for a soak.
Optional Activities - Day 3Show
Accommodation
Oyado Iguchi
Catch a train to Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto, and spend the rest of the day discovering this historic city. Then tonight, grab a drink (if you drink) during your Big Night Out! After a beer, you can opt to release your inner rock star during a karaoke session. Or visit one of Kyoto's many famous izakayas! Kanpai!
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Free Time
Opt to check out Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk under Fushimi Inari's many torii gates, take part in a traditional costume photoshoot, or experience a tea ceremony. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out
Join your CEO and group for a night out on the town. Buy your drink-of-choice, then choose to sing your hear out at karaoke or hit one of Kyoto's many amazing bars.
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
We Base 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).
Free Time
Opt to check out Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk under Fushimi Inari's many torii gates, take part in a traditional costume photoshoot, or experience a tea ceremony. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 5Show
Accommodation
We Base 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.
Free Time
Opt to check out Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk under Fushimi Inari's many torii gates, take part in a traditional costume photoshoot, or experience a tea ceremony. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 6Show
Accommodation
We Base Kyoto
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.
Free Time
Get out and explore this historic city.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Optional Activities - Day 7Show
Accommodation
We Base 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.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Miyajima Island Visit
Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Free Time
Spend free time however you choose. Opt to hike, try the region's famed oysters, or check out the local temples.
Optional Activities - Day 8Show
Accommodation
We Base Hiroshima
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.
Free Time
Get to know this vibrant city and be sure to sample some local eats like takoyaki or yakitori.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Optional Activities - Day 9Show
Accommodation
Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel
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 and reminisce the night away!
Free Time
Continue exploring this vibrant city and be sure to experience the energy after dark on a final night out with the group.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Big Night Out
Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Osaka. Follow your CEO to the best spot and enjoy a drink if you wish. Reminisce about all the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends (and add tonight to the list)!
Optional Activities - Day 10Show
Accommodation
Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel
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.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
