Highlights of Japan

Itinerary

• Day 1: Overnight Flight

  Hop on a plane bound west for Japan—where the lights are bright, the ramen is plentiful, and the shrines are shrining.

• Day 2: Arrive in Tokyo

  Say konnichiwa to Tokyo, home to more people, vending machines, and Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else. Settle in, meet your fellow travelers, and get ready to explore.

  Today's highlights:

  • Land at the airport and meet an EF representative.
  • Transfer to your accommodations and check in.
  • Meet your Tour Director and get deets on tomorrow’s schedule.
• Day 3: Explore Tokyo + Welcome Dinner

  Amidst the neon lights and towering skyscrapers of Tokyo, surprises wait at every corner. You’ll find relics of the ancient city sprinkled throughout, plus a pop culture community that’s off the charts. (Manga much?)

  Today's highlights:

  • Join a local guide for a bus and walking tour of Tokyo.
  • Check out the latest fashion trends as you walk through the Harajuku neighborhood.
  • Keep pure thoughts as you enter the Sensoji Temple and Shrine.
  • Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot.
• Day 4: Free day in Tokyo

  Today, you’re free to explore Tokyo on your own. And if that means eating nothing but noodles while searching for Pokémon souvenirs—so be it.

  Free time suggestions

  Tokyo Skytree: Head way, way, waaay up to the observation deck of the world’s tallest tower. At 2,080 feet, it’s safe to say this is the best view in Tokyo.

  Ghibli Museum: Showcasing the work of one of the GOAT animation studios, there’s no other place that’ll connect you with Japanese pop culture like this.

• Day 5: Free day in Tokyo

  When you’re in the biggest city in the history of ever, it’s pretty much impossible to get bored. So fuel up on ramen at Ichiran (iykyk) and get exploring.

• Day 6: Travel to Hakone via Mt. Fuji

  Say sayonara to Tokyo, we’re off to Hakone. On the way, set your eyes (and your camera) on Mt. Fuji—an active volcano and the tallest peak in Japan.

  Note: This overnight is a hotel with ryokan-style accommodations, and the bathroom facilities are private. You may have to share your ryokan-style accommodation rooming experience with 4-5 other people.

  Today's highlights:

  • Ride a cable car for sprawling views of Mt. Fuji.
  • Cruise on Lake Ashi and see its iconic torii gate from the water.
  • Check into your ryokan-style hotel (you’ll sleep on a traditional futon).
  • Pop on a kimono for an included kaiseki ryori dinner.

  Free time suggestions

  Japanese hot springs: Hakone is a hotbed for hot springs—aka onsen. Unwind and decompress at your ryokan or a nearby public bathhouse.

• Day 7: Travel to Kyoto via bullet train

  If you’re looking for traditional Japan, you’ll find it in Kyoto. See zen temples, geishas, and old-world townscapes as you seemingly time travel from street to street.

  Today's highlights:

  • Hop aboard the bullet train and head to Kyoto at 200 mph.
  • Snap photos under the thousands of bright-orange gates of the Fushimi Inari shrine.
  • Look out at all of Kyoto from the 1,200+ year-old, hilltop Kiyomizu Temple.
  • Visit Kinkakuji, a Zen Buddhist temple covered in actual gold leaf.
• Day 8: Free day in Kyoto

  Keep getting to know Kyoto on your own. Between the quaint streets, high-end shops, and bustling markets, there’s a ton to see and do. And eat. And drink.

  Free time suggestions

  Nishiki market: Stock up on souvenirs and try all the best bites. This narrow, five-block shopping street has more than 100 shops and restaurants for you to explore.

  Kyoto clubbin’: One of the best nightlife cities we’ve found, Kyoto is loaded with bars and clubs, and the party doesn’t stop until the early morning.

• Day 9: Free day in Kyoto

  It’s almost impossible to run out of things to do in Kyoto. Like, they even have a Starbucks in a traditional Japanese house. It’s even got tatami seating (you sit on the floor).

  Free time suggestions

  Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: You’ve seen the pics all over the internet, now yours chance to snap your own on one of the stunning pathways. PS–There are monkeys.

• Day 10: Travel to Hiroshima & visit Miyajima Island

  Continue on to Hiroshima and look back at the city’s tragic past while exploring its vibrant, culturally-rich present.

  Today's highlights:

  • Hear the story of the atomic bomb at the Peace Memorial Museum
  • Walk the Itsukshima Shine and see its famous floating torii gate.
  • Explore the food stalls (grilled oysters, pls) and shops of Omotesandō shopping street.
  • Join your group for an okonomiyaki (kinda like hibachi) dinner at a local spot.
• Day 11: Travel to Osaka

  You’ve already been to the biggest city in the world, and now it’s time to visit another in the top 10. Today you head to Osaka—one of the liveliest and most dynamic cities on the planet.

  Today's highlights:

  • Stop at Osaka Castle to see the ancient side of Japan’s second most populous city.
  • Taste Takoyaki, a fried Japanese snack that may or may not involve octopus.
  • Check into your accommodations and get to know your neighborhood.
• Day 12: Free day in Osaka or optional Nara monastery experience

  Today, do whatever suits your mood. Continue to dive into the hustle slash bustle of the Osaka streets, or find zen at a peaceful, Buddhist monastery.

  Free time suggestions

  Osaka Aquarium: Here, each tank represents a different region of the Pacific Rim, so you’ll learn about what animals share the water, and where.

  Universal Studios Osaka: Enjoy wild rides, live shows, and attractions based on beloved movies and characters (hint hint: Harry Potter).

  Nara monastery experience (extra cost)

  See a massive Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple, then visit a monastery for zen meditation and lunch.

• Day 13: Free day in Osaka + Farewell Dinner

  It’s your last full day in Japan—make it count. Fill up on sushi, hit up a few vending machines, grab those last souvenirs, and try (we dare you) to keep up with the pace of Osaka.

  Today's highlights:

  • Get adventurous and eat your way through “the kitchen of Japan.”
  • Get lost in the labyrinth of neon-lined streets and alleyways.
  • Share some laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included Farewell Dinner with your group.

  Free time suggestions

  Dontonbori: This place is teeming with bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Think neon signs, bright lights, and octo-pops (exactly what it sounds like).

• Day 14: Fly home

  Sayōnara, tomodachi!

  Translation: goodbye, friends! Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?

  –OR–

  EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

  1. Double the fun
  A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

  2. Go ahead or stay behind
  Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

  Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.