Last Updated on November 13, 2023 by Christine Kaaloa
Summary
Watch sumo wrestlers train in Tokyo, take a ride on Japan’s bullet train, stay at a ryokan in Hakone and eat tasty Japanese food every step of the way.
We will weave through Japan’s best highlights to experience a variety of legendary faces in food, neighborhoods, artisans and famous attractions. We’ll eat our way through Tsukiji Market and explore Gion in search of geisha and learn how to make bento boxes in Kyoto.
Visiting Japan’s ex-capital, we will experience a tea ceremony in Kyoto as we temple hop and stroll through a geisha district.
Finally, we’ll make our way to Japan’s kitchen to learn how to cook foods that made Osaka a culinary innovator.
You will have a free day where you can spend it sightseeing or shopping at your leisure or you can join Christine on an excursion.
Bring your camera and be prepared to take a lot of photos, because you will experience the mystique that intoxicates travelers when it comes to Japanese culture. You’ll make lasting memories in Japan and with myself -Christine- as your host on this amazing once-in-a-lifetime GRRRLTRAVELER adventure!
Trip Overview
This Iconic Japan Group Tour for Solo Travelers is a personally customized and organized group trip itinerary. This itinerary is jam-packed with drool-worthy, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and food. We will satisfy our curiosities about Japan’s cultural mystique.
You will have one day to choose an optional Nara trip, return home or travel onward. The trip will have a local guide to aid our deeper understanding of the culture and a manager will accompany us to ensure safety.
- Trip Duration: 8 days
- Trip Date: 2023
- Route:📍 Tokyo 📍Hakone & Mount Fuji 📍Kyoto 📍Osaka 📍Optional Nara
- Number of Spots: 8 guests needed to operate this tour; 12 spots available
Note: Do not book your flights until I have solidified our minimum. - Arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT – Tokyo)
Japan Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo Welcome
Konnichiwa! You will arrive into Narita International Airport (NRT) and we will provide two pickup windows with a shared van to our hotel in Ginza.
In the evening, you’ll meet the rest of your travel crew buddies and we’ll set off into the neon Tokyo lights for an Izakaya food tour in Ebisu! Izakaya food is typically known as bar food.
You’ll experience the way locals eat and drink in Tokyo and different authentic Izakaya. Starting in Ebisu, you’ll try a variety of food and drinks that local Japanese people eat on a daily basis, including yakitori grilled chicken skewers, sashimi, Japanese cocktails, and more! You’ll eat and drink to our heart’s content and find yourself full after this tour!
Included: Airport transfers (we have two time windows for pickups), Dinner.
Day 2: Tokyo
Sumo wrestling originated in ancient times as a performance for the gods and is the unofficial national sport of Japan. You’ll get up close and personal with two former Sumo wrestlers as they demonstrate and explain some of the training and competition techniques of this fascinating sport. Maybe you’ll even have the opportunity to challenge them to a friendly Sumo match!
Next, you’ll sit down to a bowl of hearty chanko nabe as the sumo answers your many questions. The hot pot dish is eaten by wrestlers in training.
In the afternoon you’ll visit teamLab Planets TOKYO and with Light, Sound, And Water. You might have seen it on Instagram. The installations are stunning and memorable.
The rest of the day is leisure time to explore more of Tokyo or shop on your own or with your new travel buddies.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Tokyo
Although the fish auction and wholesale market has moved, Tsukiji Market is still one of the best food areas in all of Tokyo, with shops dating back over 100 years or more! You’ll visit hidden gems of the market with a food tour where we taste dishes you simply cannot find anywhere else. There are many flavors in this market, that make up the heart and soul of Japanese cuisine.
Then we’ll step back into time to visit Asakusa’s landmarks of worship like Sensoji temple and take a stroll down Nakamise Dori Tour, as we see Japanese snack vendors craft food before our eyes.
Lastly, we’ll begin our introduction to wagashi (aka Japanese traditional sweets) through a “Taiyaki” making class. We’ll try our hand and making different types of taiyaki with various fillings from black bean to keema curry and cheese and sit down to enjoy what we made.
Included : Breakfast, luggage forwarding fee
Day 4: Hakone
Today we’re off to scenic Hakone via the ‘Romance Car’, a limited express train journey into Hakone.
Once in Hakone, we’ll ride in a cablecar to the Hakone Ropeway and soar above the active volcanic site, Owakudani (aka Great Boiling Valley). Watch the steam rising from the mountain, as thermal water grazes just under the rocky façade at extraordinarily hot temperatures. Stop amongst the steamy rocks, and see if you can spot Mt. Fuji in the distance before trying kuro-tamago, or a black egg.
You’ll descend the mountain via ropeway to Togendai, where you’ll board a pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashi, surrounded by a volcanic crater nearly three-thousand years old. Finally, it’s time to bid farewell to Hakone, so we’ll hop on a bus to Odawara to catch a bullet train back to Tokyo.
Tonight is a special treat– you’ll spend the evening in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, a type of inn that originated in the Edo period. Feast on a local dinner and soak your body in the natural onsen hot spring baths. Ahhhh…
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Kyoto
This morning, you’ll board the Shinkasen train from Hakone to Kyoto.
Arriving in Kyoto, our next guide will escort us to our hotel in the Marutamachi area.
You’ll freshen up and then we’ll head out to explore the Gion area with our local guide.
Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Kyoto
Ohayo! Today we’re off to our morning Bento Class where you’ll learn about Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, and miso soup.You’ll learn the cultural background of the well- known Japanese “Bento” and local tricks to making it aesthetically beautiful. Good news—you’ll get to enjoy the bento lunch you just made!
Kyoto is the home of most of Japan’s tea ceremony schools, so we’re going to the source of where most practitioners buy their tea. In this tea room, you’ll experience a Japanese Tea ceremony.
Finally, we end our day with a walk through Nishiki Market to learn about what makes this market the Kitchen of Kyoto.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Kyoto
Wake up early or sleep in. Today is your free day. Stay in Kyoto to explore more highlights like Arashiyama, Inari Fushimi, the Golden Temple or shop souvenirs.
Christine will orchestrate an exploration itinerary, which you may vote on and join, at your own expense.
Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Osaka
It’s always a little sad to say goodbye to Kyoto. But today, we’re taking the train to Osaka, the Kitchen of Japan and a street food lover’s dream.
We’ll check into our hotel and in the afternoon, you’ll hop aboard an food tour, exploring Osaka’s backstreets. You will be able to enjoy the delicious local foods on this walk around the main attractions of this vibrant city. Start with a visit to Umeda Sky Building to get a birds eye view of Osaka before heading off to explore the city. It is one of the symbolic landmarks of the city. Then we’re off to Shinsekai (aka New World District) where you will try the local specialty of kushikatsu (deep fried skewers).
Then we’re off to the Namba area to take some pictures at Osaka s most famous landmark, the Glico Man neon sign. You will visit will Hozenji Yokocho, a stone-paved alley of over 60 restaurant shops.
Finally, we’ll end at Kuromon Market to see where the locals pick up their fresh ingredients and we’ll get to experience Takoyaki.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Sayonara, Osaka!
Time flies so fast when you’re having fun. It’s time to say farewell to Japan and our travel family.
You can extend your Japan journey from here or head to the airport to catch your flight. Christine will be around to escort you to the train station.
Included: Limited express train tickets from Shin-Osaka to Kansai Airport.
Things to Know about this Japan Adventure
What is included?
Trip Inclusions
These are activities where we will have a local guide to share insight and answer your questions for an enhanced experience.
Breakfast (9), Lunch (2), Dinner (2)
- Double occupancy rooms in 4* Japanese hotels
- Two Airport Pickup window times (shared van)
- One train ticket to Osaka Airport
- Local English-speaking guides
- City transport/transfers
- Romance Car ticket
- Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto
- Food Tours
- Cooking workshops
- Kyoto Tea Ceremony
- Entrance fees to Rides, Attractions, Museums
- Unlimited day pass Hakone
- Whatsapp (or Facebook) Group to stay connected during the trip.Notify us if you have a vegetarian/restrictive diet or allergies.
Dietary note and Japanese food: Japanese culture can pride itself on quality and tradition. We may not be able to accommodate special diets in certain situations, but we will make our best effort to see where alternative solutions can be provided.
Trip Exclusions
- International flights to and from Japan
- Trip Insurance is *required*.
- Japan Visa ( if required)
- Covid vaccinations
- Pre and post-travel COVID-19 tests for Japan entry
- Airport Transfers Outside of Designated Times
- You will be responsible for some meals. Budget between $20 per meal (extra if you drink alcohol).
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips or gratuities for guides in each city (Tips are not expected but appreciated)
- Japanese SIM card
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Additional Hotel room services
Japan Trip Essentials
We’ll be sending updates on details as we near the trip dates.
Electronics & Internet
Japan SIM Card with Unlimited Data for 8, 16, or 31 Days
Narita Airport pickup: Unlimited Japan Pocket WiFi Router 4G LTE
Universal Travel Adapter with 4 USB ports + plug outlet
10,000mAh Power Bank – stay charged on-the-go
Travel convenience
Sitgo foldout seat for travelers
Trip Insurance
SafetyWing – covers Covid + Quarantine protection- inexpensive
World Nomads. – adventure and equipment coverage – low moderate
Trip Packing
Ultimate trip packing checklist tool (Free download)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these tours for solo travelers only?
The tours are open to soloists, friends and couples. Just let us know if you would like to room together.
Do I book my own flights?
Yes. You must book your flights To and From the start and end of the tour. You can come as early or leave as late as you please at your own expense. I like to compare prices between Google Flights and Skyscanner (here are my booking tips).
What are the Covid restrictions in Japan?
For the safety and easy passage of all, all guests on this trip are required to be Covid vaccinated and will be asked to provide proof of vaccination.
- Currently: Anyone arriving to Japan will be required to present a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours. Fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt.
What if I cannot travel because of COVID restrictions?
Once the deposit is paid and the trip is non-refundable if there is no cancellation/postponement due to force majeur or the trip not making it’s minimum pax requirements. This is why I require all guests to purchase trip insurance so that in the case of unforeseen circumstances, you are able to recover money.
What type of hotels are we staying in?
Our accommodations are 3*-4* hotels
I reserved my spot on your trip. Should I book my flight now?
I’m excited to have you on my tour! But for this adventure to be guaranteed, it needs a minimum of eight people to run. Once I have cleared that minimum, you’ll be notified ASAP that it is okay to book your trip. Should the group fail to meet this minimum, those booked will be informed no later than 60 days before the arrival date.
Can I have my own room?
The tour price is based on double occupancy. I will pair you with another guest of the same sex. If you need a room to yourself, we have a single room supplement option for an extra fee.
If you are traveling with a friend, partner or a family member, let me know upon booking so I can pair you together.
While every effort is made to confirm the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary, we reserve the right to change accommodation to an equal or better standard with no additional cost to you.
Is Japan safe?
Whenever in doubt it is advised to always check your government website to read the latest news or travel warnings on Japan and research the etiquette of the culture. But yes, Japan is safe and is low in violent crime and theft.
However, travel is unpredictable. Any trip has potential to go awry, as we are at the mercy of flight cancellations, weather, traffic, festival season, COVID, other people, etc… This is why travel insurance is mandatory.
Is there a waitlist?
If a tour is sold out, we have a wait list. If a traveler does not pay for their spot within 120 days of the tour start date, the spot will be released to the waitlist.
Do I need to get trip insurance?
100% Yes! Without it, you cannot join this adventure. Your trip insurance must cover all the trip dates and you will be asked to show proof and your policy number.
Travel is unpredictable. Your insurance policy must cover Japan. If you’re uncertain, then ask your insurance provider.
I recommend your insurance also cover trip and flight cancellations, delays, medical and emergency coverage, as well as quarantine/cancellation in the case of COVID.
You are welcome to use your preferred travel insurance company if it covers Japan. Most credit card travel insurance policies, tend to be basic, so you will need to call and ask your credit card company about their policy.
Although my credit card covers basic trip insurance, I still add trip insurance through World Nomads for my international trips. While I do get a small commission for referrals –at no extra cost to you– I use it on all my international adventures, because it covers adventure activities that many insurance providers do not, along with basic theft insurance on my lesser camera equipment. It’s a little pricy but offers greater coverage. I always read the fine print of every insurance policy so I do not miss the exclusions or claim specifications (these can be tricky!) .
You can also use this recommended trip insurance finder tool to do your own policy comparison according to your budget.
Will there be downtime on this tour?
Yes. We will be traveling at a relaxed pace. I am purposely not be trying to fill the itinerary, so you have time for your own explorations. But we will have local tour manager and guide for you to consult for leisure recommendations.
Do I need a Japan Tourist Visa?
Currently U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short term stays up to 3 months. Please check to see the visa requirement for your country.
Can I stay in Japan longer (after the tour or arrive earlier)?
Absolutely.
Is my deposit non-refundable?
The deposit to reserve your spot is $600.
Your deposit is refundable for the first 30 days. After that, it is non-refundable.
There is nothing I want more than to provide you with a memorable trip experience. The reason tour deposit is nonrefundable is that the moment you book a spot, there are expenses that go into holding your spot: from payment processing fees, securing our rates with local vendors & hotels, administrative fees and more. I’d like to keep running these adventures and make them high-quality and enjoyable experiences for all, so I appreciate your understanding and respect of my strict policies.
How to make payments?
Payments are split into two installments: a deposit to reserve your spot and a final payment for the balance. Remainder balance is due 120 days before the tour starts. Failure to meet that deadline may see your place on the trip cancelled.
You may pay by bank transfer (no fees) or credit card (fees will apply).
Once your final balance payment is received you will receive a detailed itinerary of the trip itinerary and operator.
In the case we do not make our minimum PAX to operate, we will refund your payment, minus the non-refundable deposit.
When will we be notified if the adventure will go through?
I’ll notify all guests approximately 90 days (or earlier) before the tour date.
Special diets
Please let us know of any special dietary concerns before booking. Vegetarian diets may be accommodated but in some cases, the options may not always be as sexy. Other diets may pose some difficulty in accommodating, so you’ll want to ask before booking.
How are we making a positive impact through this trip?
What if I need to cancel my booking?
Please read our Terms & Conditions in full.
More Trip Questions?
Feel free to contact me via the Contact Form or ask them on the signup form.
Travel with PAWSitive Impact
$2-a-Day program to support street animal rescue
Each year, Christine makes personal contributions to her favorite street animal rescue organizations around the globe. So for each guest GRRRLTRAVELER hosts, we will donate $2-a-day to a street animal rescue organization/s. This doesn’t sound like much by western standards, but to a grass-roots or non-profit organization in a developing country that does not receive government funding, it can save many lives. If every guest has $2/day donated on their behalf, the dollars add up!
Trip Host
I’m excited to share this itinerary with you. Japan is a dazzling cosmopolitan country for food and culture lovers. It is one of my favorite countries and I have been here over three times. To keep it a little fresh for me, some of these attractions, we’ll be exploring for the first time together. You’ve watched me travel on YouTube and I can’t wait to take you on my next adventure!
Your Host: Between the curious Hawaii girl next door and solo female travel YouTuber, Christine of GRRRLTRAVELER takes you inside the adventure of travel, food, and culture, one destination at a time. Join me as I show you how to survive travel by going local and creating a memorable and exciting adventure!
Responsible Partners: I am partnering with responsible local operators and vendors.We will have a minimal impact on the natural environment while remaining respectful and observant of local customs and supportive of local economies.
