+1 (646) 972-4274  explore@socaislands.com
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From $6,795

Japan: Another World

12 days, 11 nights Japan
View departure dates
  • Tour code

    JPNADV01

  • Start

    Osaka

  • End

    Tokyo

  • Min. age

    16 years old

  • Group size

    6-16 persons

  • Trip style

    Explorer

  • Trip pace

    Active

  • Language

    English

Embark on a 12-day journey through Japan, from the vibrant streets of Osaka to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Experience a unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, where serene temples sit alongside neon-lit cityscapes and quirky local trends.

What you will see and do

Wrestle and dine with real sumos in Tokyo

Wrestle and dine with real sumos in Tokyo

Experience an authentic kaiseki meal, hosted by a real Kyoto geisha

Experience an authentic kaiseki meal, hosted by a real Kyoto geisha

Learn the art of sushi making in a private workshop

Learn the art of sushi making in a private workshop

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary

Accommodations in double rooms

Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip

One farewell group lunch or dinner

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Max 20 travellers per group

Group transportation

Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

Group itinerary

Arrive in Osaka (ITM or KIX) and take a private transfer to your boutique downtown hotel. Begin your adventure on a local-led food tour through the city’s bustling streets, sampling Osaka’s signature dishes, from okonomiyaki and tempura to authentic wagyu beef.

Escape the city to Nara, famous for its friendly roaming deer and ancient temples. Explore the UNESCO-listed Tōdai-ji Temple and marvel at the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). Enjoy some free time to wander this historic former capital, rich with landmarks and scenic surroundings.

Start the day with meditation and prayers at Shigisan Temple before taking Japan’s bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and hear a moving account from an atomic bomb survivor or their family. Spend a free evening exploring Hiroshima’s lively streets, restaurants, and shops.

Travel to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a fresh oyster lunch paired with premier Chablis and explore the forested island before returning to Hiroshima for a relaxed afternoon.

Head by bullet train to Kyoto, stopping at Nishiki Market for a culinary adventure sampling local delicacies. Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, walking among thousands of vermilion torii gates. Spend free time exploring Kyoto’s temples, palaces, and serene Zen gardens.

Take a traditional flat-bottomed boat ride down the Hozugawa River in Kyoto’s mountains, then explore the striking Arashiyama bamboo forest. End the day learning to make ramen from scratch with a private chef, finishing with a lively group karaoke session.

Participate in a traditional geisha tea ceremony and enjoy a mindful, meditative experience. In the evening, indulge in an authentic kaiseki dinner while being entertained by a maiko (trainee geisha) performing music, dance, and song.

Travel to Hakone and ride the gondola over the volcanic Owakudani Valley, sampling a sulphur-boiled egg. Spend the night in a traditional ryokan, sleeping on futons and relaxing in the soothing waters of an onsen bathhouse.

Cruise across Lake Ashinoko with views of Mount Fuji and visit Hakone Shrine with its iconic floating torii gate. Arrive in Tokyo and enjoy a free evening to explore districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Meet a retired sumo wrestler, try on a sumo suit, and wrestle before enjoying a traditional chanko nabe lunch. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps sampling fresh seafood or shopping in Tokyo’s bustling districts.

Cycle through Tokyo’s trendy Fukagawa district with a local guide, discovering coffee shops, galleries, and sake breweries. Participate in a private sushi-making workshop before enjoying a farewell drink, reflecting on your journey and new friendships.

Say goodbye to your group and take a private transfer to the airport. Depart Tokyo inspired, enriched by authentic experiences, and carrying memories and friendships that will last long after the trip.

Tour FAQS

Fly into Osaka International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX), and out of Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT).

Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.

While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

  1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
  2. Up-to-date medical advice:
    • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
    • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
    • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.

    We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.

    Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.

    Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.

    While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

    1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
    2. Up-to-date medical advice:
      • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
      • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
      • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

    3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.

    We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

    Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.

    Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.

    Would you like to learn more or customise our Japan: Another World trip?

    Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.

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