Japan is a special place where old and new come together. It has beautiful nature, bright cities, yummy food, and a culture with lots of history. When you arrive there, you feel like it wraps you up in its charm. The people are nice, and you’ll always remember their kindness. On a backpacking trip for 10 days, you can see a lot of Japan. You’ll start in Tokyo, party in Shinjuku, and visit Kyoto’s Gion district to see Geisha. Then you’ll finish in Osaka. Along the way, you’ll see famous places and some hidden gems. After 10 days, you’ll feel like you’ve really experienced Japan.
Itinerary
Begin your journey in Tokyo and finish in Osaka! With the Explorer tour “The Best of Japan Experience – 10 days”, you get a package for a 10-day trip that takes you through Tokyo, Japan, and Osaka. This tour includes places to stay, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and other things you’ll need.
Day 1 WELCOME TO JAPAN
Welcome to Japan! It’s a country rich in culture, with big mountains, bright lights, yummy food, and lots of history. Here, you can try hot or cold sake, see snowy mountains shining in the sun, smell incense at temples, and see amazing new technology. Japan is like a dream, a place where everyone feels amazed. When you arrive at your traditional hostel in Tokyo, your tour guide will greet you. Tonight, we’ll go out to eat Japanese food and meet the others in your group. After exploring, we’ll visit Senso-Ji, a famous temple in Tokyo. It’s especially beautiful at night when it’s quiet. You can smell the incense and pick a fortune. It’s a special experience!
Day 2 EXPLORE TOKYO
In the morning, we’ll have a class to teach you some basic Japanese customs and phrases to help you get around the country. Once we’re done learning, we’ll go to Harajuku, the place where Japanese teen pop culture started. After that, we’ll leave the busy area and go to the peaceful Yoyogi Park, where you can see the beautiful Mei-ji Shrine. In the evening, we’ll go to Akihabara, which is like Tokyo’s electric town, with lots of bright lights and cool shops. We’ll go to the Sega Centre and give you a map with fun things to do so you can explore the area.
Day 3 SUSHI MAKING CLASS & DOWNTOWN TOKYO
In the morning, after breakfast, we’ll go to our own private sushi-making class! You’ll learn how to make Miso soup, three kinds of sushi, and the secrets of Teriyaki sauce. If you’re a vegetarian, let your guide know at least a week before the tour starts. After making sushi, we’ll go back to the hostel to freshen up quickly, then head to the amazing Shinjuku area for a meal of Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and beer. After that, we’ll explore Kabukicho before ending the day by watching the famous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing.
Day 4 TRAVEL TO HAKONE & MT FUJI VIEWING
Today, we’ll leave Tokyo and take a train called the Romance Car to the beautiful mountain town of Hakone. After we check into our guesthouse in the mountains, we’ll spend the day exploring the area using different kinds of transportation, including the famous Romance Car train. Why is Hakone special? Well, the food is amazing, and on a clear day, you can see spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. After exploring and taking photos of Japan’s most famous mountain, we’ll have a traditional Japanese Nabe dinner at the guesthouse and then play some family games for the evening.
Day 5 TEMPLE STAY
Today, we’ll ride the bullet train, a super fast train that zooms through the countryside. As we travel, make sure to look out the window and enjoy the amazing mountains we pass by on our way to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Takayama. Tonight, we’ll stay in a beautiful Japanese temple for accommodation. You’ve probably never slept in a more lovely place before, with simple tatami mats for beds. In the evening, we’ll go out for some traditional Sake Tasting, and you can also try the delicious Hida beef. After all that, you’ll have a real chance to relax and unwind as you sleep peacefully in the temple.
Day 6 ARRIVE IN KYOTO & GION WALKING TOUR
In the morning, your guide will take you on a walk around the beautiful old town and village of Takayama. We’ll make sure to stop for lunch before we get on the train back to Nagoya and then catch our last bullet train to Kyoto. Kyoto is well-known for its shrines, temples, and Geishas, so it’s a great place to find inner peace and explore its small streets. In the evening, we’ll stroll around Kyoto’s Gion district, which is famous for Geishas (traditional Japanese entertainers). If you’re lucky, you might even see one.
Day 7 KYOTO TEMPLE & SHRINE TOUR
We’ll get up early in the morning and ride the subway to Fushimi-Inari Shrine. We’ll go early to avoid the big crowds of tourists and walk through the mountain paths lined with endless rows of red gates. After that, we’ll go to Kiyomizu-Dera temple, which is one of Japan’s most famous temples. It’s a beautiful complex made of bamboo and wood, sitting up high on the mountainside. Then, we’ll take part in a traditional ceremony, and you’ll have the afternoon to explore Kyoto by yourself.
Day 8: GOLDEN PAVILION, ZEN GARDENS, AND KENDO CLASS
This morning, we’ll go to the amazing Golden Pavilion, a beautiful building covered in gold. It’s surrounded by lakes that reflect the building’s stunning image. After that, we’ll go to Daitoku-Ji, a peaceful group of buildings and temples away from the main tourist areas. Here, you can really feel calm and peaceful. In the afternoon, we’ll go to a traditional Kendo class held in the dojo where it all started. Your instructor, who is a descendant of a Japanese Samurai Warrior, will teach you this respectful martial art!
Day 9 BAMBOO FOREST, ARRIVE IN OSAKA, FOOD TOUR AND KARAOKE
In the morning, we’ll avoid the crowds and take the train to the Arashiyama district. This beautiful area is surrounded by mountains and has a river running through it. First, we’ll walk through the famous bamboo forest, which is great for taking pictures. Then, we’ll climb up the steps to Monkey Mountain. After coming back down, we’ll get on a private rowboat and explore the valleys the traditional Japanese way. Later, we’ll go back to our hostel to check out and head to Osaka! After we check in, we’ll go to the Dotonbori area for a food tour. There’s no better way to experience this amazing city than by tasting its food. In the evening, we’ll end our tour with a final Japanese tradition – Karaoke!
Day 10 Departure
After resting from last night’s fun, it’s time to say goodbye to your tour group and the new friends you’ve made. We hope we’ve shown you the best of Japan. If you’re joining us for more adventures in Sri Lanka or The Philippines, we’re excited to see you there! And if you’re heading back home, we hope we’ve inspired you to keep exploring.
Final Thoughts
Japan is a magical place where old meets new, offering beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, delicious food, and rich history. Over 10 days, our tour takes you on a journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, experiencing iconic sights and hidden gems. From exploring temples and shrines to indulging in traditional cuisine, our itinerary ensures you leave Japan with unforgettable memories. Whether continuing your adventures with us or returning home, we hope your time in Japan inspires a lifelong love for exploration.
FAQs
What is included in “The Best of Japan Experience – 10 days” tour package?
The tour package includes accommodation, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and other necessities throughout the 10-day journey. You’ll be taken through Tokyo, Japan, and Osaka, experiencing the best that Japan has to offer.
Can vegetarian options be accommodated during the tour?
Yes, vegetarian options are available for meals during the tour. Just make sure to notify your guide at least a week before the tour starts so arrangements can be made accordingly.
What type of activities can I expect during the tour?
Throughout the tour, you’ll engage in various activities such as exploring cultural landmarks like temples and shrines, participating in traditional Japanese ceremonies, trying your hand at sushi-making, and experiencing unique cultural experiences like a Kendo class.
What should I expect on the last day of the tour?
On the final day of the tour, you’ll bid farewell to your tour group and new friends made during the journey. Whether you’re continuing your travels with the tour company or returning home, the tour aims to leave you inspired and with unforgettable memories of Japan.
