Group trip to Japan - 14 Days
November 3 to 16, 2024 – CONFIRMED departure!
Check out our Stories Highlights “Japan” on Instagram to discover Japan with us!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Admire Mount Fuji from up close, Japan's iconic volcano
- Sleep in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn
- Discover Kyoto, Osaka & many of Japanese traditions
- Relax and unwind by the turquoise ocean of the Izu Peninsula
- Explore the Japanese Alps and its breathtaking scenery
- Visit Tokyo, the country's bustling capital
- Taste the delicious gastronomy of Japan
- And much more!
ITINERARY
*Please note: All activities mentioned on the itinerary are suggestions. They are therefore included in your group trip to Japan, but you are free to participate or not as you wish! You will also have free time to explore the region at your leisure. No prior experience or particular fitness level is required – everyone can enjoy this group trip to Japan and we will do our best to ensure you have the best experience possible!
* CLICK ON EACH DAY TO READ A DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Welcome to Japan! Your group trip to Japan begins upon your arrival at Tokyo Airport (Narita). We will welcome you warmly, then we will head to our hotel where we will have some free time in the evening to rest.
For those who already want to immerse themselves in the Japanese culture, you can follow your guide on a “restaurant tour”! You will have the chance to taste typical and authentic culinary treats. Whether you want to enjoy an “okonomiyaki” sitting on the ground in the traditional way or pop into a local “pub” to taste some out-of-the-ordinary skewers, this evening will definitely please you!
Night in Tokyo (Narita)
This morning we will take a fast train (Shinkansen) to go to Kyoto, this ancient and elegant city in Japan. The fast train ride is in itself a typical experience to live in Japan! Then, in the afternoon, we will visit the “old Kyoto” on foot, including the splendid Kiyomizu-Dera temple. Watch out, matcha fans! You can taste all kinds of matcha-flavored treats during our walk!
In the evening, we’ll take you to dinner at a place where they serve the BEST RAMENS in the world (and we’re not the only ones to think so)! Then, to round off this day of traditional discoveries, we will stroll through the Gion district. Keep your eyes open, this is the famous geisha district and we might come across some!
Included activities: Guided tour of Kyoto and Kiyomizu-Dera temple, then stroll in the Gion district
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
Night in Kyoto
Our day will start gently by strolling through the parks of the Osaka Castle. This historic and famous site is surrounded by a huge park and gardens (almost 2 square km). Those who wish can also visit the inside of the castle (optional activity, additional $).
Then, this afternoon we will discover the city of Osaka in the best possible way: through a food tour! Our gastronomic trip will allow us to taste typically Japanese dishes in THE gastronomic capital of the country, while discovering its fascinating history!
You will then have a little free time before discovering how exciting this city becomes when its typical neon signs light up in the evening. Have your camera handy to capture those authentic scenes of Japan!
Included activities: A guided walk in the parks of Osaka Castle, guided tour and “food tour” in Osaka
Optional activity ($ additional): Visit of the Osaka Castle (inside)
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Night in Kyoto
The discovery of Kyoto’s must-see attractions continues today with a morning visit to the Arashiyama bamboo grove. This grandiose place will undoubtedly enchant you with its giant bamboos which represent strength and prosperity. Then we will continue our walk along a peaceful river where we can observe both traditional boats sailing and local people going about their daily lives.
Then, in the afternoon, we will visit the famous Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine known for its toris tunnel which is several kilometers long. Each of these red doors is a gift that was given to Inari, a deity long revered in Japan. Without a doubt, this place of worship will not leave anyone indifferent! The Toris trail covers a few kilometers, so it will be up to you to decide the length and duration of your walk in this enchanting place!
Then, for dinner, you can discover the bustling Nishiki market where you can taste some of the best “street food” dishes in the country!
Included activities: Visit to the Arashiyama bamboo grove, stroll along the river and visit to the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine
Included meal: Breakfast
Night in Kyoto
A different, but equally breathtaking setting awaits us today! We will travel to the heart of the Japanese Alps where we will arrive early in the afternoon.
After a quick lunch, those who wish can accompany us on an easy walk of about 2 hours to capture the essence of the place while admiring the surrounding nature. We promise you a fascinating view of the mountains! Otherwise, you can relax at our fabulous hotel with a view of the mountains or in an onsen, these famous Japanese thermal baths.
Included activity: Guided walk in the Japanese Alps
Included meal: Breakfast
Night in the Japanese Alps
This morning we will take a cable car to go to the top of the mountains. Once there, we will do an easy to moderate hike (2km, 230m elevation gain) which will pass through spectacular alpine lakes and magnificent viewpoints.
Then, you will have the afternoon free to continue your discovery of the Japanese Alps or simply to relax.
Included activity: Guided hike in the Japanese Alps
Included meal: Breakfast
Night in the Japanese Alps
A must-see during any trip to Japan is definitely Mount Fuji! We will have the chance to admire this iconic volcano over the next few days directly from our base point, a city that we prefer to keep “secret” to avoid bringing the crowds 😉
We promise you quite a spectacle when we take you to one of the most popular viewpoints to admire Mount Fuji!
Then, for dinner, those who wish can taste a traditional noodle dish unique to the Fuji region (optional activity, additional $).
Included activity: Visit to the panoramic viewpoint
Optional activity ($): Traditional noodle dinner
Included meal: Breakfast
Night in the Mount Fuji region
You will have the day free to discover the region as you wish, since we will offer you a local bus pass which will be valid all day and for an unlimited number of trips!
Whether you want to take a boat ride on one of the lakes, take a cable car to a mountain peak, visit temples, an amusement park or even a ninja village, there are many options for you to make the most of your free day!
Included activity: Unlimited bus pass
Included meal: Breakfast
Night in the Mount Fuji region
Today we will get off the beaten path by going to the spectacular Izu Peninsula. Characterized by its steep cliffs and a turquoise sea, as well as its small fishing villages, we will have time to observe and discover local life in Izu.
Upon arrival, those who wish can take a walk on a long sandy beach bordered by a turquoise sea, or simply relax by our “infinity” swimming pool at our oceanfront hotel.
Those who wish can even treat themselves to a moment of relaxation in the evening in an onsen, these “natural water spas” fueled by the volcanic activity of the region.
Included activity: Relaxation in an onsen
Included meal: Breakfast
Night on the Izu Peninsula
A hidden treasure lies on the Izu Peninsula: the port town of Shimoda. We’ll start the day visiting magnificent waterfalls in peaceful surroundings, then travel to a spectacular viewpoint by funicular from where we’ll see both the area’s hills and the turquoise sea. Then, we will visit a unique natural place, followed by a moment of contemplation at an ancient place of pilgrimage directly on the seaside.
In the afternoon, we will do a short hike which is easy and accessible to everyone. Take this moment to fill up on fresh air and treat yourself to a little meditative moment!
Included activities: Visit to the waterfalls, funicular, visit to a pilgrimage site and hike by the sea
Included meal: Breakfast
Night on the Izu Peninsula
Enjoy a free morning on the beach before heading to the capital of Japan: Tokyo! In the afternoon, we will begin to visit some emblematic places of this unique city. In the evening, those who wish can follow us for an exciting evening at the arcades of Akihabara!
Included activities: Visit of Tokyo and evening in the Akihabara district
Included meal: Breakfast
Night in Tokyo
Any trip to Japan must include the must-see attractions of Tokyo, the country’s lively capital! We will stroll around the city stopping at the populous Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing IN THE WORLD, as well as the iconic statue of Hachiko, a dog with a touching story, as well as the colorful district of Shinjuku and in the “golden gai”, these small bars located in the narrow streets of Tokyo. Our local guide will be happy to introduce you to this iconic city!
Then, for dinner (optional), we offer you an unusual visit to what the Japanese call “food paradise”! Without revealing too much, we promise that this kind of place will definitely make your mouth water!
Included activity: Tokyo tour with our local guide
Optional activity ($): Dinner in a Japanese “food paradise”
Included meal: Breakfast
Night in Tokyo
Take advantage of this free day to discover Tokyo at your own pace, as we will offer you an unlimited metro pass for the day. A range of optional activities are available to you, including a visit to the Teamlab Borderless digital art museum, the sumo museum, Tokyo Disneyland or even taking part in a sushi preparation class or a taiko class, the traditional Japanese drum!
We will end the day together over dinner aboard a traditional Japanese boat. We will sail gently while admiring the illuminated city and remembering our fondest memories of this trip to Japan!
Included activities: Tokyo public transportation pass during the day and traditional boat ride in the evening
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
Night in Tokyo
We will ensure your transfer to Narita’s airport. It’s time to say goodbye and see you next time!
Included meal: Breakfast
Starting at ~3180$ USD* (4295$ CAD) - INCLUDING taxes
*3% discount for payment via Wise (bank transfer)
Regular price (online credit card payment): ~3275$ USD (4425$ CAD)
INCLUDED
- 13 nights in double occupancy rooms (2 separate beds per room). If you book alone, we will automatically pair you with another person at no cost!
- Tansportation to/from Narita airport (Tokyo)
- Private transportation and public transport (e.g. Shinkansen, a typical Japanese experience)
- 16 meals included (all breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 traditional dinners)
- All included activities mentioned in the itinerary of this group trip to Japan
- Multilingual local guides
- Multilingual trip leader (English & French)
- All taxes are included
NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to NRT airport (Narita airport, Tokyo)
- Meals other than those included (~2$ to 20$ per additional meal)
- Travel insurance
MEET LAURIE, YOUR TRIP LEADER
Laurie is the founder of Yulgo Travels and she loves meeting new people and exploring the world. Her thirst for adventure has led her to discover several continents, mainly by traveling solo with her backpack. The warm welcome from the locals and the discovery of culture and daily life abroad gave him the interest in slow travel. She enjoys traveling off the beaten path, constantly seeking adventure and human contact in the countries she visits.
With Yulgo Travels, she hopes to allow you to meet incredible people and live unforgettable experiences around the world, especially during this group trip to Japan!
LODGING
We carefully select all our accommodation to ensure comfort, safety and convenience during this group trip to Japan.
In order to live a typical Japanese experience, we will stay partly in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Otherwise, we will be staying in charming hotels located close to attractions and amenities such as restaurants, convenience stores and others during the entire stay.
FLEXIBLE BOOKING AND CANCELLATION CONDITIONS
- Reservation confirmed by a 50% deposit or full payment (balance due no later than 8 weeks before the trip).
- Payment methods accepted: bank transfer (e.g. Wise) and online payment by credit card.
- 3% of the total amount is non-refundable only for online credit card payments in case of cancellation for any reason.
- This group trip to Japan is fully transferable to another person with no additional cost or penalty!
- If we have to cancel this trip to Japan (e.g. if Japan no longer admits entry to travelers), you will be refunded in full for payments by bank transfer (Wise). 3% of the total amount is non-refundable only for online payments by credit card in case of cancellation for any reason.
- All travelers must have travel insurance that covers at a minimum emergency medical care for the duration of the trip.
If you cancel your group trip to Japan, here are the cancellation conditions:
- Cancellation up to 90 days before the trip: Payment made up to that day will be refunded in full, except for a penalty of $250 CAD that you can use as a credit (valid for 2 years) for a future trip with Yulgo Travels.*
- Cancellation between 89 and 60 days before the trip: Payment made up to that day will be refunded in full, except for a penalty of $500 CAD that you can use as a credit (valid for 2 years) for a future trip with Yulgo Travels.*
- Cancellation less than 60 days from the trip: No refund or credit possible. However, you can transfer your place to another person without cost or penalty!
* In the case of refunds of a payment made online by credit card, 3% of the total amount will not be refunded in addition to the conditions mentioned above.
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