Tour overview

This 10-day adventure for travellers aged 18 to 35 covers Japan's highlights on a budget. A local leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than sixteen, by bullet train and local transport. You stay nine nights in hostels, a pod hostel and a family-owned guesthouse, with a dinner included.

From Tokyo you explore Shibuya with the group, then speed through central Japan to Kanazawa for a walk through its geisha district, staying in a pod hostel. A train through the Japanese Alps brings you to Kyoto for a traditional cultural experience.

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In Hiroshima you stay with a local family, visit the Peace Memorial and take a train and ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima. A bullet train takes you to Osaka to finish.

The physical rating is low. This trip suits sociable travellers aged 18 to 35 who want to see Japan affordably.

Trip highlights

  • Shibuya (Day 2)
  • A pod hostel in Kanazawa (Day 3)
  • The Higashi Chaya district (Day 4)
  • A cultural experience in Kyoto (Day 6)
  • Miyajima island (Day 8)
  • Osaka (Day 9)

Your route

6 stops from Tokyo to Osaka

10-day route: Tokyo – Kanazawa – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Osaka
  1. Tokyo Days 1–2
  2. Kanazawa Days 3–4
  3. Kyoto Days 5–6
  4. Hiroshima Days 7–8
  5. Miyajima Day 8
  6. Osaka Days 9–10

Why choose this tour

Japan with a group your own age. Great value, by bullet train.

Best suited to

  • Travellers aged 18 to 35
  • Travellers on a budget
  • Solo travellers
  • First-time visitors to Japan
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo

Day-by-day itinerary

10 days from Tokyo, Japan to Osaka, Japan

  1. Day 1 · Tokyo Tokyo

    A welcome meeting.

    Hotel
    Hostel
  2. Day 2 · Shibuya Tokyo

    Exploring Tokyo.

    Hotel
    Hostel
  3. Day 3 · Kanazawa Kanazawa

    By bullet train.

    Hotel
    Pod hostel
  4. Day 4 · Higashi Chaya Kanazawa

    A walking tour.

    Hotel
    Pod hostel
  5. Day 5 · Japanese Alps, Kyoto Kyoto

    Through the Alps.

    Hotel
    Hostel
  6. Day 6 · Kyoto Kyoto

    A cultural experience.

    Hotel
    Hostel
  7. Day 7 · Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima

    A family dinner.

    Hotel
    Family-owned guesthouse
    Meals
    Dinner
  8. Day 8 · Miyajima Miyajima

    A sacred island.

    Hotel
    Family-owned guesthouse
  9. Day 9 · Osaka Osaka

    By bullet train.

    Hotel
    Hostel
  10. Day 10 · Osaka Osaka

    The trip ends.

An izakaya hung with red lanterns

Where you stay

  • Tokyo (2 nights) Hostel (multi-share)
  • Kanazawa (2 nights) Pod hostel
  • Kyoto (2 nights) Hostel (multi-share)
  • Hiroshima (2 nights) Family-owned guesthouse
  • Osaka (1 night) Hostel (multi-share)

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 9 nights in hostels and a guesthouse
  • Meals 1 dinner
  • Bullet trains and local transport
  • Kanazawa walking tour
  • Kyoto cultural experience
  • Miyajima day trip
  • Local leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights and airport transfers
  • Meals not included 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
  • Optional activities
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
Misty autumn ridges in the Japanese Alps

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You are over 35
  • You want private rooms
  • You want most meals included
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: none included · Lunch: none included · Dinner: Day 7
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Japan
Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £1,097 per person, twin share, tour only. 153 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

What ages is this trip for?

Travellers aged 18 to 35.

Do I need a visa for Japan?

No, UK citizens can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days.

What is the accommodation like?

Multi-share hostel rooms, a pod hostel and a family-owned guesthouse.

Are airport transfers included?

No, and they cannot be booked for this trip.

Can I have my own room?

No, accommodation is multi-share throughout.

How many people travel together?

No more than sixteen travellers, with a local leader.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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