SMALL GROUP TOUR • TOKYO TO OSAKA
Essential Japan
Say Konnichiwa to Japan – a diverse land of culture, innovation and cuisine. With your new group of friends, you’ll get your fix of sushi and shopping in Tokyo before soaking up Kanazawa’s crazy Samurai culture. Wander gorgeous gardens and temples, brush up on world history at Hiroshima’s sobering Peace Park and Museum, spy geishas in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, and dive into Osaka’s neon-lit street food scene.
Tour operator: Intrepid
Local tax: No local tax due
Deposit: Secure your place with just £1pp deposit
Departure airport: Manchester (alternative regional airports available on request)
Other Departure Dates: September 2026 – September 2028
Feudal Samurai Heritage
Live your Samurai fantasies in feudal-era Kanazawa – the birthplace of the Samurai. Wander through gorgeous historic gardens, explore old teahouse quarters, and debrief over sake with your group.
Cultural Kyoto & Workshops
Wander Kyoto’s atmospheric Gion district, learn the traditional art of hand-dyeing fabric in a hands-on Kyo-Yuzen workshop, and walk beneath thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari-Taisha.
Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Gain moving insights into the nation’s history at Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Museum, before catching the ferry to scenic Miyajima Island to see its famous floating shrine gate and friendly wild deer.
YOUR JAPANESE ODYSSEY
Walk the streets of Japan’s hottest districts.
Explore Japan’s amazingly diverse destinations with loads of free time to see them your way. With all the nitty-gritty transport and accommodation worked out for you, you can focus on indulging in endless sushi, authentic ramen, piping-hot katsudon, and savoury okonomiyaki.
Immerse yourself in the varied neighbourhoods of Tokyo – from the high-tech subcultures of Akihabara to the wild fashion scene of Harajuku and the electric nightlife of Roppongi. Contrast high-energy metropolitan hubs with serene bamboo groves, feudal castle towns, and reflective historic landmarks across an unforgettable 10-day itinerary.
Check dates & speak to an expert →Tour Gallery
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Your 10-day journey from Tokyo to Osaka
Tokyo, Japan
Arrive in Japan’s bustling capital. Meet your leader and fellow travellers for an evening welcome meeting before setting out for your first taste of authentic Japanese cuisine.
Tokyo Exploration
Visit the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine and stroll through Yoyogi Park. Walk down Harajuku’s trendy Takeshita Street and experience the world-famous scramble at Shibuya Crossing.
Tokyo to Kanazawa
Board the bullet train to the coastal city of Kanazawa. Step back in time on a walking tour through the preserved wooden teahouses of the historic Higashi Chaya geisha district.
Kanazawa
Enjoy a free day exploring Kanazawa. Stroll through the iconic Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens, visit the historic Nagamachi samurai quarter, or sample fresh seafood.
Kanazawa to Kyoto
Catch the train south to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. Set out on an orientation walk through the historic Gion district, keeping an eye out for geiko and maiko dressed in traditional kimono.
Kyoto Traditions
Walk beneath thousands of bright vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari-Taisha. Later, learn the traditional heritage craft of hand-dyeing fabrics during an authentic Kyo-Yuzen workshop.
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Visit the moving Peace Memorial Park, see the iconic A-Bomb Dome, and gain deep historical perspectives inside the Hiroshima Peace Museum.
Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Take a scenic ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima. See the world-famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, explore peaceful forest trails, and watch out for the resident free-roaming deer.
Hiroshima to Osaka
Travel to Osaka, Japan’s gastronomic capital. Join an evening walking tour of the neon-soaked Dotombori district, enjoy an included group dinner, and wrap up with an optional karaoke session.
Osaka
Your 10-day Essential Japan adventure concludes after breakfast. Depart at any time to catch your flight home or extend your stay to explore more of Osaka’s culinary scene.
HIGHLIGHTS & INCLUSIONS
Your package highlights
9 nights’ accommodation: Multishare Hostel (5 nights), Pod Hostel (2 nights), Family-Owned Guesthouse (2 nights)
1 included group dinner in Osaka
Expert local leader guiding your small group throughout
Tokyo – Meiji Jingu Shrine visit & Yoyogi Park stroll
Tokyo – Harajuku street & Shibuya crossing walking tour
Kanazawa – Higashi Chaya District heritage walking tour
Kyoto – Historic Gion District evening walk
Kyoto – Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine & torii gate trail walk
Kyoto – Traditional Kyo-Yuzen Fabric Dyeing Workshop
Hiroshima – Peace Park, A-Bomb Dome & Peace Museum visit
Hiroshima – Day trip & scenic ferry to sacred Miyajima Island
Osaka – Vibrant Dotombori District street orientation walk
All internal rail journeys, Shinkansen bullet trains, and public transit as per itinerary
Full financial protection with ABTA & ATOL package holiday bonding
READY TO DISCOVER JAPAN?
Talk to our
Japan travel experts.
Secure your place with just a £1pp deposit. Contact our specialists today to secure your preferred departure date between September 2026 and September 2028.
Terms, conditions & important information
Pricing: From £2,185 per person based on twin/double/multi-share rooming. Lead-in pricing based on 3rd July 2027 departure from Manchester. Prices vary by seasonal departure date, flight class, and UK departure airport availability.
Deposit: Secure your place with just £1pp deposit.
Departures: Flexible departure dates available from September 2026 through to September 2028. Departures from Manchester and major UK regional airports on request.
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel. ABTA & ATOL bonded package holiday.
Solo Travellers: Solo travellers have the option to share a room with a traveller of the same gender at no extra cost.
Accommodation: 5 nights in multishare hostels, 2 nights in unique pod hostels, and 2 nights in authentic family-owned guesthouses.
Standard Intrepid Travel booking terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. E&OE.