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The
Japan
trip
2023 DATES
*Trip availabilities change throughout the day and may not be accurately reflected here. To see if space is available for the date you are interested in, please click through to the booking form.
Sept 16 - 24, 2023
Sept 30 - Oct 8, 2023
Oct 14 - 22, 2023
A few Gal spots + 3 Guy spots left
Nov 4 - 12, 2023
9 days/8 nights
starting at $4,599 USD
P.S. All payments can be broken up into a
$975 deposit + 3 additional installments.
2024 DATES
$200 off with
EB2024jap
March 23 - 31, 2024
March 30 - April 7, 2024
April 6 - 14, 2024
April 13 - 21, 224
May 4 - 12, 2024
May 25 - June 2, 2024
Memorial Day trip - likely to sell out
June 29 - July 7, 2024
4th of July trip - likely to sell out
Aug 31 - Sept 8, 2024
Labor Day trip - likely to sell out
Sept 14 - 22, 2024
Sept 28 - Oct 6, 2024
Oct 12 - 20, 2024
Nov 2 - 10, 2024
9 days/8 nights
starting at $4,699 USD
P.S. All payments can be broken up into a
$975 deposit + 3 additional installments.
Page Menu
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Japan caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for sacred temples in Kyoto, mouth-watering sushi in Tokyo, and history in Hiroshima.
Japan is a highly modern and innovative country rooted in ancient traditions and culture. For first-time visitors, it can be a total culture shock full of the quirky, the wonderful, and the unusual. This trip will take you from the more traditional remote regions to the fast-paced and futuristic city of Tokyo, where you’ll try some of the country’s most famous cuisines as you expand your boundaries across new borders.
Expect a mix of bewildering neon nightlife, booming karaoke, and new experiences, from ninjas to nude Japanese hot springs! This is a trip rich in unique traditions and customs. It’s an opportunity to learn, explore, and discover remarkable places and fascinating culture.
For the love of
ANCIENT ROOTS
JAPANESE ART
MAKI
TEMPLES AND SHRINES
MODERN WONDERS
VIRTUAL REALITY
KARAOKE
CREATIVE CUISINE
MEDITATION
NATURE
JAPAN
Included
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners with some drinks included
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Bullet train tickets
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Cycle tour in Kyoto
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Day trip to Hiroshima
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Theme-bar night out
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Visit to famous shrines, Fushimi Inari Shrine
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Night in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn
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Day trip to Ise with traditional Seafood lunch
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Ninja experience
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Peace Memorial Park Guide
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Tokyo intro tour
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Sushi-making class
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Karaoke evening
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Trip Manager throughout
*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights (fly into Osaka or Kansai International Airport and out of Tokyo)
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Airport transfers
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $450+, depending on personal eating/drinking habits)
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Incidental Expenses (like taxis - budget $300)
day by day
*Itinerary is indicative for 2023 and is subject to minor changes
Day 1 - Kyoto
Arrive
Fly into Kansai International Airport or Osaka International Airport and make your way to the charming, historical city that used to be the capital of Japan: Kyoto, famous for its traditions, gardens and temples.
Check-in to your hotel in the late afternoon and get settled in.
To kick off your Japan trip, you’ll enjoy a popular contemporary dinner at a local izakaya and get to meet your new travel crew for the next 9 days.
arrive
Day 2 - Kyoto
MEDITATIOn + adventure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before jumping on a bike and making your way to some beautiful city parks.
You’ll get to witness an ancient temple and partake in zen meditation lessons. Afterwards, fuel up on a ramen lunch before your next activity.
The evening is yours to spend as you wish. We recommend exploring some unique parts of town, including the Geisha District and the Kamogawa River.
DEVOUR
Day 3 - Hiroshima
GLIMPSE OF HISTORY
Enjoy breakfast before you head out on an early train to see and learn about the history of Hiroshima, how it was reconstructed from tragedy, and where it stands today as one of the most modern cities in the world.
At lunch time, you’ll get to enjoy a delicious traditional, local dish: Okonomiyaki.
The afternoon is yours to continue exploring the area, including the beautiful island of Miyajima, or head back to Kyoto at your own leisure.
VENTURE
*
Day 4 - Kyoto
FREE DAY
Today is a free day.
There’s lots to do in Kyoto - we suggest heading to the Nishiki Market for lunch and exploring the nearby bamboo forest of Arashiyama.
In the evening, grab your new crew and head to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine for a beautiful sunset.
At night, we’ll continue the fun and take the party over to Kyoto’s many unique and small theme bars.
EXPLORE
Day 5 - Ise Peninsula
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
This morning you’ll have breakfast before taking a train out to Ise Peninsula, a more remote coastal region.
At lunch time, you’ll enjoy a local seafood barbecue and learn about the traditional Ama culture - Japanese female free-divers who collect shellfish that end up on your plate.
This evening you’ll be staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan. This unforgettable experience is unlike any other and defines traditional Japanese hospitality and involves sleeping on traditional style futons that are on the floor and communal spaces.
RETREAT
Day 6 - Tokyo
REMOTE TO CITY
Enjoy breakfast in the ryokan and head out to explore the charming streets of Oharaimachi, lined with traditional buildings, shops and restaurants. Then visit Ise Grand Inner Shrine — one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, thought to house one of the country's three crown jewels.
This afternoon you’ll jump on a train and make your way to Tokyo for the final stretch of your trip.
Check-in to your new hotel in the city, and get ready for skyscrapers, technology, and the traditional and modern...all in one of the world’s largest cities.
EAT
Day 7 - Tokyo
TASTE OF TOKYO
In the late morning, we’ll head to a famous local fish market before arriving to our first activity (and lunch spot) for the day: a sushi making class, where you’ll get to try your hand at arranging and rolling your own sushi.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore more of Tokyo with your crew and get to visit some popular districts and parks.
At night, come together with the group and head out to the local bars to experience Tokyo’s nightlife through its wonderful small bars and karaoke hubs.
MARVEL
Day 8 - Tokyo
FREE DAY
Today is a free day.
This is one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world, so there will be tons to see, do and try.
We recommend visiting Teamlab to experience futuristic digital art exhibits and afterwards, explore more of Tokyo’s unique and bustling districts.
In the evening, we’ll share celebratory cocktails and dinner with the group to cheers to an awesome trip!
"I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world." -MARY ANNE RADMACHER
FAST FACTS
Just for fun
Japan's volcanoes make up 10% of the world's total volcanoes.
Sumo wrestling is Japan's national sport.
Trip notes
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Book your arrival flight into Kansai International Airport, or Osaka International Airport, and take public transportation to Kyoto; Book your departure flight out of Tokyo from either the Narita International Airport or the Haneda International Airport.
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Everything in Japan is smaller from hotel rooms to portion sizes .
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Public transportation: Japanese trains are so efficient and traffic in the cities is highly congested, so this whole trip is done on public transport. Try and pack lightly.
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For one night we stay in a traditional ryokan. It is completely unique and certainly a fascinating insight into Japanese culture. It will include staying on traditional style futons that are on the floor.
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Cherry Blossom traditionally is between April - May
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June is the rainy season but it usually does not rain every day
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Seafood is a staple of Japanese cuisine and can be found in many dishes. If you are a selective eater, please be aware that meals will often include seafood.
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Note for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free: Japan considers foods without the actual meat of an animal (such as beef broths) to be vegetarian. This may present difficulties for travelers with dietary restrictions, as it is hard to adjust foods or finds foods that don't use grains or fish. While your guide can help you understand what you're ordering, it will be up to you to do your research on foods to meet your dietary preferences and furthermore, will not be guaranteed that you will be able to find meals that fit your needs in the group meals that are included.
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Visas are not required for US Passport Holders (see more info here). For all other nationalities, please check here.
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All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
Covid-19 vaccination is required for this trip.
GOod to know
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The national language is Japanese
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Currency: Yen
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Everything is very, very small. Though cleverly designed, expect small spaces for accomodation.
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Japan is one of the most expensive places to visit in the world, and therefore will not be a luxury trip, despite the higher costs.
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Japanese cuisine is delicious, creative and stunning, but it will definitely challenge your palette’s comfort zone.
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Japanese culture is completely different from anything else you’ve experienced before; be ready to expand your horizons.
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This trip will offer a mix of ancient and modern, old and new.
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Manners are important in Japan and showing respect, as you would in any country.
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It is generally a quieter country, despite bustling cities and tourist-heavy areas.
flights
Fly into OSAKA (ITM) or Kansai (KIX)
You'll need to be in Kyoto by 2pm on Day 1, however with the recent amount of flight delays we recommend planning to arrive a day early just to be safe.
Fly out of Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT)
Fly out of Tokyo at any time on day 9 or extend your trip and enjoy a few more days in Japan.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts to Osaka and from Tokyo so you can grab the best deal!
*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
