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Kyoto's old streets are well preserved.

The

Japan
 
trip

Tokyo's neon skyline.

2024 DATES

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March 23 - 31, 2024

1 Gal spot + a few Guy spots left

 

March 30 - April 7, 2024

 

April 6 - 14, 2024

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May 25 - June 2, 2024

Memorial Day trip - likely to sell out

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June 29 - July 7, 2024

4th of July trip - likely to sell out

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Aug 31 - Sept 8, 2024

Labor Day trip - likely to sell out

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Sept 14 - 22, 2024

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Sept 28 - Oct 6, 2024

 

Oct 12 - 20, 2024

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Nov 2 - 10, 2024

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*Note: Exciting itinerary changes coming for 2024 trips!

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9 days/8 nights

starting at $5,299 USD

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P.S. All payments can be broken up into a

$975 deposit + 3 additional installments.

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 and new experiences, from booming karaoke to nude Japanese hot springs!

For the love of

ANCIENT ROOTS

 

JAPANESE ART 

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MAKI

 

TEMPLES AND SHRINES​

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MODERN WONDERS

 

VIRTUAL REALITY

 

KARAOKE​

 

CREATIVE CUISINE

 

MEDITATION

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NATURE

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JAPAN​

Included

  • All accommodations on your small group trip to Japan are in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)

  • 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners with some drinks included

  • Bullet train tickets

  • Cycle tour in Kyoto

  • Day trip to Hiroshima

  • Theme-bar night out

  • Visit to famous shrines, Fushimi Inari Shrine 

  • Day trip to Ise with traditional Seafood lunch

  • Peace Memorial Park Guide

  • Tokyo intro tour

  • Sushi-making class

  • Karaoke evening

  • Trip Manager throughout

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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.

not included

  • Flights (fly into Osaka or Kansai International Airport and out of Tokyo) 

  • Airport transfers

  • Mandatory trip insurance

  • Meals not mentioned (budget around $450+, depending on personal eating/drinking habits)

  • Incidental Expenses (like taxis - budget $300)​

The cherry blossoms in Japan.

day by day

*Itinerary is indicative and is subject to minor changes

Day by day
 
 
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. 

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Check-in to your hotel in the late afternoon and get settled in. 


To kick off your trip, you’ll enjoy a popular contemporary dinner at a local izakaya and get to meet your new Japan travel group.

Kyoto's old wooden shrines.

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.

Pork ramen in Japan.

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.

Orange gates outside of Kyoto.

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.

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Arashiyama bamboo forest outside of Kyoto.

EXPLORE

 
 
Day 5 - Ise Peninsula
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

This morning you’ll have breakfast before taking a train out to the remote and rugged bluffs of the Ise Peninsula, along Japan’s southeastern coast.

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For lunch, 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.

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With more than 600 miles of coastline along the peninsula and an endless supply of secluded bays and inlets, it’s no surprise that the cuisine in this region is heavy on ocean dwellers.

Meditating in Japan's gardens.

RETREAT

Day 6 - Tokyo
REMOTE TO CITY

After breakfast with friends, 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. 

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Fresh sushi on a bed of lettuce.

EAT

 
 
Day 7 - Tokyo
TASTE OF TOKYO

In the morning, you’ll head out with the crew to explore some of Tokyo’s most colorful neighborhoods and charming parks.

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Then, after working in more than a few morning steps, it’s time to hit the kitchen for a real taste of the town—we’re going to learn how to roll up sushi as only Japanese do. Toss down some of Tokyo’s freshest tuna and then wander the streets with friends.

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That evening, we’ll all get together and head out to soak up the neon nightlife as we explore some of the city’s iconic nightlife, from tiny dives to karaoke hubs.

MARVEL

 
 
Day 8 - Tokyo
FREE DAY

Today is a free day.

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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!

Neon lights on Tokyo streets.

DISCOVER

Day 9 - Tokyo
FAREWELL!

This is our last morning in Japan.  

 

We’ll share one last breakfast with the group before we say farewell and head our separate ways.  

 

Note: There are two airports in Tokyo to fly out of, including Narita International Airport and the Haneda International Airport. 

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Koi pond.

"I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world." -MARY ANNE RADMACHER

Fast facts

FAST FACTS

Just for fun

Japan travel for millennials

Japan's volcanoes make up 10% of the world's total volcanoes.

sumo.png

Sumo wrestling is Japan's national sport.

Trip notes

  • While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.

  • 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. 

  • Everything in Japan is smaller from hotel rooms to portion sizes .

  • 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. 

  • On the Japan trip, we stay as close to historic city centers as possible. This means your accommodations will often be on the small side, quirky, and unique (we love this!).

  • Cherry Blossom traditionally is between April - May 

  • June is the rainy season but it usually does not rain every day

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.

GOod to know

  • The national language is Japanese 

  • Currency: Yen 

  • Everything is very, very small. Though cleverly designed, expect small spaces for accomodation. 

  • 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. 

  • Japanese cuisine is delicious, creative and stunning, but it will definitely challenge your palette’s comfort zone. 

  • Japanese culture is completely different from anything else you’ve experienced before; be ready to expand your horizons. 

  • This trip will offer a mix of ancient and modern, old and new. 

  • Manners are important in Japan and showing respect, as you would in any country. 

  • It is generally a quieter country, despite bustling cities and tourist-heavy areas.

jase-bloor-oCZHIa1D4EU-unsplash.jpg

flights

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!

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*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.

Bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. .jpg

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Reviews
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