Japan Essential 9 days - One Life Adventures

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Japan Essential 9 days - One Life Adventures

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Japan Essential 9 Days - One Life Adventures

05.04.2026

€1.645,00

Secure your place now with a small deposit.

Overview

Unleash your wanderlust and embark on an unforgettable journey through the land of the rising sun! See, taste and experience the best of Japan at an incredible price.
What sets our Japan Essentials Tour apart is the unrivalled freedom it offers. While our expert tour guides are on hand every step of the way with insider tips and recommendations, local insights and all the cultural and historical information you desire, you also have the flexibility to create your own adventure with more free time and optional activities. Experience the thrill of strolling through the bustling markets, sampling delicious street food and mingling with other travellers from all corners of the globe. We believe that travelling should be accessible to all. That's why we've designed this trip to give you the full one-life experience at a price that won't break the bank. You'll enjoy comfortable accommodation, convenient transport options (including the famous Bullet Train!) and an unforgettable itinerary full of sights, experiences and hidden gems.

Detailed information about the tour and accommodation can be found below and in the tour PDF. This can be found further down on this page.

Do you have more days? This tour is also available as a 13-day extension, including Hiroshima (Japan Essential 13 days).

Duration of the journey: 9 days / 8 nights

Start: Tokyo

End: Osaka

Transport: All transport during the tour, including bullet train (Shinkansen), underground, Romance Car & more

Meals: 4x breakfast, 4x dinner

Group size: max. 22 travellers

Accommodation: Multi-bed room and pod hostel

Age range: 18-45 years

International flights to and from the destination are not included in the price. We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding flight offer. Simply send us an enquiry.

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Languages

English

Group Size

22 people

Included/Excluded

8 overnight stays
4 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Famous Tokyo neighbourhoods (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Akihabara and more)
Visit the Senso-ji temple by night
Visit to Mt Fuji and exploration of Hakone
Fushimi-Inari red torii gates
Kiyomizu Dera Temple
The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
Climb the monkey mountain (Iwatayama)
The Arashiyama bamboo forest
Food tour in Osaka
Karaoke on the last night

Optional activities: sushi course, go-karting, kimono hire, tea ceremony, samurai museum and sword experience
International flights, travel insurance, visa, some meals, airport transfers

Worldwide adventure travel & backpacking tours

Tour PDF

Included/Excluded

8 overnight stays
4 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Famous Tokyo neighbourhoods (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Akihabara and more)
Visit the Senso-ji temple by night
Visit to Mt Fuji and exploration of Hakone
Fushimi-Inari red torii gates
Kiyomizu Dera Temple
The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
Climb the monkey mountain (Iwatayama)
The Arashiyama bamboo forest
Food tour in Osaka
Karaoke on the last night

Optional activities: sushi course, go-karting, kimono hire, tea ceremony, samurai museum and sword experience
International flights, travel insurance, visa, some meals, airport transfers

Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Japan!

Land in Tokyo! You arrive at your traditionally designed hostel in Tokyo in the Asakusa district and are greeted by your tour guide. Tonight you'll be invited to feast and get to know the rest of your group. After dinner, when the crowds have dispersed, we'll explore the iconic Senso-ji temple in Tokyo by night!

Accommodation: Shared room - Sakura Hostel Asakusa (or similar)

Activities: Welcome dinner, Senso-Ji Temple

Suggestions for leisure time: Tokyo Skytree

Meals: Dinner

Tokyo - Orientation and districts

We start the morning with an orientation briefing for Japan. You will learn simple Japanese customs and phrases to help you find your way around the country. We then head off to the birthplace of Japanese teen pop culture, Harajuku. We then head to Yoyogi Park, where the beautiful Meiji Shrine is located. Then we head to Akihabara - Tokyo's electric city - to be dazzled by all the neon lights and crazy shops. You can challenge each other in the arcades, visit the famous Maid Cafes or simply stroll around the neighbourhood.

Accommodation: Shared room - Sakura Hostel Asakusa (or similar)

Activities: Japan orientation, Tokyo neighbourhoods

Suggestions for leisure time: Maid Cafe

Meals: Breakfast

Tokyo - Sushi Class and Shibuya Crossing

The first half of the day is yours to explore on your own. Our tour guide will help you with your plans, but you can also take part in a sushi course, visit the Imperial Palace or simply lose yourself in this magical city. Tonight we'll head to Shinjuku where we'll see the unrivalled Tokyo skyline, visit the famous Omoide Yokocho alley and have some dinner before visiting the famous Shibuya Crossing. For those of you who want to go go-karting, this is the opportunity! Drive through the streets in a go-kart while wearing your favourite costume. It doesn't get any wilder than this!

Accommodation: Shared room - Sakura Hostel Asakusa (or similar)

Activities: Japan orientation, Tokyo neighbourhoods

Suggestions for leisure activities: TeamLab, street karting

Meals: Breakfast

Hakone - Mt.Fuji

Today we take the aptly named "Romance Car" to the breathtaking mountain town of Hakone. After checking into our hostel in the town of Hakone, we take the train further into the mountains. Why is Hakone so special? Well, not only is the food incredible, but you also get spectacular views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). After a day of exploring and photographing Japan's most famous mountain, we return to our guesthouse accommodation before having a family style dinner with the crew.

Accommodation: Double/triple tatami mats - Gora Gaku Guesthouse (or similar)

Activities: Sightseeing of Mt Fuji, Romance Car

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Off to Kyoto!

We bid farewell to the tranquillity of Hakone and set off on the high-speed train to the old capital of Japan: Kyoto. We check into our accommodation near the traditional neighbourhood and then set off to explore the area. In the evening, you'll be guided through Kyoto's Gion neighbourhood, famous for its geisha (Japan's traditional entertainment arts), and if you're lucky, you might even get to see one. After our walking tour, we'll take you to one of the best yakitori (grilled chicken sticks) for dinner.

Accommodation: Shared room - Piece Hostel Kyoto (or similar)

Activities: Walk through the Gion district

Suggestions for leisure time: Geisha show

Meals: Dinner at Torikizoku

Kyoto, Kiyomizu-Dera & Fushimi-Inari

We get up before sunrise and take the underground to Fushimi-Inari Shrine. We arrive early to avoid the crowds of tourists and work our way up the mountain, exploring the corridors with their endless red gates. We then head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the most famous temples in Japan. A breathtaking complex made of bamboo and wood, perched high in the mountains. The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own. If you want to experience the traditional side of Japan, you can take part in a tea ceremony and rent a kimono.

Accommodation: Shared room - Piece Hostel Kyoto (or similar)

Activities: Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari Shrine

Suggestions for leisure activities: kimono hire, tea ceremony & Nishiki market

Bamboo forest, monkey mountain

The day begins with a train journey to Arashiyama, a town surrounded by mountains and with a river flowing through it. The programme includes a visit to the bamboo forest, a climb up Monkey Mountain and an optional traditional Japanese boat trip through the valleys. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own.

You have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Accommodation: Shared room - Piece Hostel Kyoto (or similar)

Activities: Arashiyama bamboo forest, monkey mountain

Suggestions for leisure: Traditional boat from Arashiyama

Kyoto - Zen Garden & Golden Pavilion

You'll head to the stunning Golden Pavilion, an impressive gold-clad building surrounded by a lake and a beautiful traditional Japanese garden. You'll then visit the peaceful Daitoku-ji, a complex of ancient temples nestled in a verdant setting where you can reflect on your adventures so far in a tranquil environment. Later, you will explore the famous Dotonbori district in Osaka, where you will experience the food, people, lights and vibrant colours of the „cuisine of Japan“. Your guide will show you the best places for street food and you will have the opportunity to sample some of the delicacies that make Osaka such a renowned foodie city. The evening ends with a night of karaoke and drinks.

Accommodation: Shared room - The Stay Shinsaibashi (or similar)

Activities: Golden Pavilion, visit to the Zen Garden, visit to the Imperial Palace, Osaka Food Tour, Karaoke

Suggestions for leisure time: Heian Shrine

Meals: Dinner

Goodbye!

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your group and the new friends you've made on your trip. We hope you enjoyed your Japan experience!

Tour Highlights

Visit the Senso-ji temple by night
Visit to Mt Fuji and exploration of Hakone
Kiyomizu Dera Temple
The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
The Arashiyama bamboo forest

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many of our participants are travelling alone. When you join our trip, you immediately become part of a group and have the opportunity to meet other adventurers. It's a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and share unforgettable experiences together!

You can secure your tour with a deposit of 200 EUR. The balance is not due until 45 days before the start of the tour. However, if you book within 45 days of the tour start date, the full tour price is payable immediately. This means you can plan your trip flexibly and look forward to your adventure!

If you make an enquiry, we will then contact you by phone to discuss all the details for preparing the offer. For example, we will clarify whether you need a flight offer and discuss all the important travel topics with you. You will then receive a personalised offer from your travel consultant by email. This ensures that all your wishes are taken into account and that you are well informed.

After your booking, you will receive a tour confirmation and your flight documents if you have booked the flight through us. You will be given access to a packing list and to online groups where you can exchange ideas with other participants. Your tour guide will contact you around 2-4 weeks before the start of the tour and provide you with final details about your journey and the start of the tour. This way you are well prepared and can network with your fellow travellers in advance.

As the group participants are travelling from many different countries, the flights to and from the tour are booked individually and are not included in the tour price. We will be happy to create and send you a suitable flight offer. Simply make a non-binding enquiry or let us know in the notes when booking and we will send you a flight offer once your booking has been finalised. This way you can ensure that you get the best possible flight for your needs and that your journey goes smoothly.

Where should I fly to:
One of the two airports in Tokyo. Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT).

Latest arrival time:
You can arrive at any time on the first day of the tour. However, a welcome dinner is planned in the evening, which is why you should be at your first accommodation before 6 pm if possible so as not to miss it. This way you can get to know the other participants right at the start and have a relaxed start to your adventure.

Airport transfer:
The airport transfer on your arrival is not included in the price. However, you will receive precise instructions on how to find your first accommodation in your welcome email. This is super easy in Japan and of course you have Wi-Fi everywhere to contact your guide if you have any questions on site.

Your triplanet team will also be happy to put together a suitable flight offer for you.

If you arrive at 21:00, this is not a problem, but you will miss the welcome dinner and the night walk at Senso-ji Temple. Remember that all public transport into the city stops at midnight if your flight is delayed. In this case, you will find information on how to get into the city after midnight in your welcome email.

Where should I take off:
The tour ends in Osaka and the nearest airport is Osaka Airport (KIX). You can also fly back from Tokyo, please note the following:
We recommend departing from Tokyo no earlier than 4pm. It takes 3 hours to get to Tokyo on the included train and another 1 hour to reach the airport, and you need to be there at least 3 hours before your flight.

Earliest departure time:
You can leave your accommodation in Osaka at any time, as there are no more activities planned on the last day of the tour.

Airport transfer:
The airport transfer after the end of the tour is not included in the price, as many participants travel on individually within the country. However, your guide will be happy to organise a transfer for you on site for a small fee. This way you can finish your trip relaxed and worry-free. Simply speak to your guide to clarify the details and book the transfer.

Your triplanet team will also be happy to put together a suitable flight offer for you.

For those who wish to return to Tokyo after completing the tour in Osaka, it is possible to include the cost of the train in the ticket price. This can be booked by triplanet at the time of booking. Those guests wishing to book their return journey by train during the tour will need to do so as soon as possible as the train sells out quickly, so we recommend doing this before you arrive.

You will need to transport your luggage between accommodation, but during the day when you are travelling you can leave your luggage safely in the hostel.

We recommend that you do not take more than 15 kg on this trip and, if possible, take a rucksack instead of a suitcase. You don't need to carry your luggage on the daily excursions, but you will need to transport it between the individual accommodations, so we recommend packing as little as possible.

The luggage limit on the Shinkansen (high-speed train) is very strict. Bags over 160 cm (height x width x length) must be reserved in advance and bags over 251 cm cannot be transported even with a reservation.

This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness as you will be doing a lot of walking. There will be some days when you will walk more than about 8-10 kilometres. Please bring suitable footwear!

You will have a few hours to explore the area before your guide takes you back to your accommodation by metro. However, you can always stay longer in an area if you wish and your guide will give you clear instructions on how to use public transport on your own.

The Japan Rail Pass is not included in the price and you do not need to buy it as we take care of the transport. We try to use local transport to provide an authentic experience.

Yes, we can arrange this for you. An extra night in a single room costs EUR 40.00. This way you can start your journey relaxed and feel comfortable from the very beginning. You can also get to know other travellers beforehand.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer a single room supplement for our trip to Japan because it is extremely difficult to find a single room. Almost all rooms are twin rooms, so the guest would basically have to pay the cost of two people to have a room to themselves. However, we will definitely try to match you with another solo traveller.

Our tour participants come from all over the world! On our trips, you will meet adventurers from different countries and cultures, which makes every tour a unique and enriching experience. This diversity makes for exciting conversations and new friendships that last beyond the trip.

As a rule, 20-30% of participants come from German-speaking countries. Other frequent countries of origin are the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, the UK, Australia, Brazil and Japan.

Yes, you can get in touch with other participants before the trip via various online platforms. You will be given access to these platforms after your booking or around 4 weeks before the start of the tour. This allows you to exchange ideas in advance and maybe even find travel partners for the journey!

Yes, the tour offers a good mix of included activities and free time. You have the option of doing something either with the other participants or on your own. The guide always has great tips for your free time. If you don't want to take part in an activity, that's no problem. Just let the guide know. This way, you can organise your trip entirely according to your wishes.

Whilst we do not include an onsen experience in our packages, there are opportunities to do so during the tour. During your stay in Takayama, you will have some free time where your guide can show you the way to the onsen in the area.

Don't worry if your English is not perfect. The tour guides are used to working with participants whose native language is not English and will adapt accordingly. There are also often many participants from German-speaking countries, which can make communication easier.

You can find more useful information on this topic in our BLOG.

You have various options for the meals that are not included. You can join the group and go out to eat together. The guide always has excellent tips for restaurants that offer good value for money. Of course, you are also free to go out to eat on your own or with other participants. There are numerous inexpensive and good options on site to cater for you. This gives you the flexibility to organise your meals according to your own wishes and needs.

Yes, that's no problem. You will be asked about your dietary requirements during the booking process. We can cater for various dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and much more. Our guides are also trained to look out for allergies and take appropriate precautions. So you can enjoy your trip worry-free!

German, Austrian and Swiss nationals do not require a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. It is important that the passport is valid for at least six months upon entry. Citizens of other countries should enquire about the specific visa requirements at the relevant ministry or at the Japanese embassy in their home country.

Entry requirements are subject to change. Please check the current regulations under the following links or with your respective ministry before travelling:

German citizenship

Austrian citizenship

Swiss nationality

Yes, the accommodation offers fast Wi-Fi access. You can also buy a SIM card or eSIM to stay connected while travelling.

If you would like to secure eSIM access before you start your journey, you will find a link to our partner airalo under the link HERE.

So you're always online and can share your experiences!

Yes, the age limit for this tour is 18-45 years. This age restriction ensures that the group shares a similar life stage and interests, which strengthens the sense of community and dynamics within the group. Many of our activities are aimed at an active and adventurous audience that is flexible and open to new experiences. The age restriction helps to ensure that all participants have similar expectations and needs, making the trip more enjoyable and enriching for all involved.

If you are looking for a tour without age restrictions, you can find it in the tour overview or simply contact us. :)

Travel health insurance is compulsory on this tour to protect you. This can already be taken out at a reasonable price. We also recommend taking out travel cancellation, trip interruption and baggage insurance. These insurances offer you comprehensive protection and security during your trip.

You can conveniently calculate and take out these insurance policies online via our partners. You will find the corresponding link HERE.

We recommend a budget of around €40-80 per day for this tour, depending on your personal expenses. Additional costs may include some meals, drinks, souvenirs and other personal expenses. It's always good to plan a little extra to stay flexible and cover unexpected expenses.

It is best to take a Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card with you. A “normal” debit card will also work at most ATMs. There are many ATMs on site where you can withdraw cash. We also recommend taking a small cash reserve with you and exchanging it locally. We advise against exchanging into the local currency in advance or at the airport, as this is usually associated with higher fees. Your guide will be happy to give you tips on the best places to withdraw or exchange money.

For cash withdrawals abroad, we recommend a DKB debit or credit card. You can find a link and more information HERE.

We recommend travelling with a rucksack and packing light! 10-15kg should be enough. It's usually quite hot and it's no fun lugging around a huge suitcase. You can do your laundry or have it done for little money in most accommodation.
However, if you prefer a suitcase, that's no problem. You are also welcome to travel with a trolley or suitcase. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and can transport your luggage easily.

If you are still looking for suitable backpacks, you will find HERE our recommendations.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for this trip. However, we would like to point out that we are not allowed to make any vaccination recommendations. It is important that you speak to a doctor to find out which vaccinations are recommended in your particular case. Your doctor can give you the best advice to ensure that you are healthy and safe when travelling.

* Free change or conversion to an open-dated booking up to 35 days before the start of the tour.
* Cancellation fees of 200€ up to 35 days before the start of the tour, thereafter full tour price.

Requests for changes or cancellations must be made by email to info@triplanet.com.

These conditions ensure flexibility in travel planning and at the same time offer security for last-minute changes or cancellations.

Yes, together with the invoice you will receive a security certificate for your trip. This security certificate guarantees that the money you have paid is secured in the event of triplanet's insolvency. So you can book worry-free and look forward to your adventure.

Inquiry

Language

English

Countries

Japan

Operator

One Life Adventures

Tour duration

10 days & shorter