This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with the "Japan: Castles & Cuisine" tour, designed for adventurous 18-to-thirtysomethings. This small group rail tour kicks off in Kyoto, where you'll connect with fellow travelers and explore the city's rich history. Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, where you can visit the Peace Park and Museum, and take a ferry to the enchanting Miyajima Island. Savor the culinary delights of Osaka, Japan's food capital, and experience its vibrant nightlife. With free time in each city, you'll have the chance to discover local gems and indulge in regional specialties. Accommodation is in hostels with shared facilities, ensuring a social and immersive experience. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and camaraderie, making it an ideal choice for young travelers seeking an authentic taste of Japan. ...more ...less
Highlights
Explore the historic city of Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Museum.
Visit the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate.
Experience the culinary delights of Osaka, including takoyaki and kushikatsu.
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Osaka with your fellow travelers.
Spend free time exploring Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka.
Take a bullet train ride between Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka.
Hike around Mt Misen on Miyajima Island for spectacular views.
Arrive at any time and welcome to Japan's imperial city and spiritual heart.
For your first night out, immerse yourself in the evening serenity of Kyoto with your fellow travellers and CEO.
We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience this metropolis.
ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Kyoto/Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation:
Hiroshima Wabisabi Hostel
Accommodation Name: We Base Hiroshima
Board a bullet train and travel to Hiroshima, known for its tragic history, powerful survival, and so much more. Opt to visit the Peace Park and Museum, Shukkei-en traditional Japanese garden, or Hiroshima Castle.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY Get out and explore this historic city.
TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Day 3: Hiroshima
Location: Miyajima
Accommodation:
Hiroshima Wabisabi Hostel
Accommodation Name: We Base Hiroshima
Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate and meet the friendly local deer. Opt to go for an easy hike around Mt Misen, and be sure to sample some oysters – a regional specialty.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
ACTIVITY: Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend free time however you choose. Opt to hike, try the region's famed oysters, or check out the local temples.
Catch a train to Osaka, one of Japan's culinary capitals with lots of neon lights and an outstanding nightlife. With free time, spend the afternoon exploring this diverse city with heaps to offer, including Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi shopping street, and the Dotombori Bridge. Be sure to try takoyaki, the city's famous octopus snack, or share a group meal of kushikatsu.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Get to know this vibrant city and be sure to sample some local eats like takoyaki or yakitori.
TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Get to know this captivating city with a day to freely explore. Check out the ramen museum or browse Umeda's many shops. Get ready to experience Osaka's buzzing nightlife on a final night out with your new friends. Grab a drink on our tab and reminisce the night away!
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Continue exploring this vibrant city and be sure to experience the energy after dark on a final night out with the group.
ACTIVITY: Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Osaka. Follow your CEO to the best spot and enjoy a drink on us to reminisce about all the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends (and add tonight to the list)!
Day 6: Osaka
Location: Osaka
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
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Stay in hostels for 5 nights with multi-share and shared facilities, offering a comfortable and social environment for travelers.
Group Size
Max 16, avg 14.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Japan using local trains, bullet trains, ferries, and walking, providing an authentic and efficient way to explore the country.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers.
Important Notes
1. Combo Trip
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
2. Rail Pass
This tour doesn’t include a Japan rail pass. You may notice members of your group booked on a longer combo tour will have a valid rail pass for a portion of your time together and that it grants them unlimited access to some forms of transport. If you're interested in exploring more of Japan with G Adventures, be sure to check out our 'Epic Japan' tour!
3. Multi-share Accommodation
18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in Japan is multi-share. For more information, see About Accommodation.
4. Tattoos
Tattoos are not common or widely accepted in Japan. There is no cause for concern, but do your best to cover your tattoos when possible and note that you may not be permitted to enter public spas or onsens (hot springs).
5. Luggage size restriction – Effective from May 2020 onwards
All G Adventures tours in Japan use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size. Your luggage must be less than 160cm in total. This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments.
We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day, in addition to your carry-on sized luggage. Please see “What to take” under Tour details for more information.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Japan is one of the most populous countries in the world and space is at a premium. Therefore, hotel and hostel rooms are small. Additionally, some Japanese hotels do not have designating non-smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deodorize rooms before check-in.
Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights on this tour will be multi-share. This may involve 4-6 group members sharing a room. The majority of accommodation will have shared bathroom facilities.
Where we use multi-share hostels, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see our Japan tours in our Classic Travel Style.
It’s essential to pack as lightly as possible for rail travel in Japan. All G Adventures tours use the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, which have a restriction on maximum luggage size.
Any luggage brought on board must be less than 160cm in total (calculated as the sum of the height + width + depth of your luggage). This is roughly the size that most airline companies consider as "carry-on baggage" and allow in overhead storage compartments. We strongly recommend bringing a day pack or backpack to use during the day (for daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, etc.).
Please note that travellers who bring luggage that exceeds this restriction will be directly penalized by the Central Japan Railway Company. Any luggage between 160–250cm will require a fee of 1,000 JPY per luggage, for each leg of your train journey, and is strictly subject to availability. Any luggage over 251cm in total is prohibited on the Shinkansen trains.
If you absolutely must bring more than what fits into a single carry-on bag plus day pack, you may bring a second carry-on bag which also must be less than 160cm in total. Please note, however, that as with all G Adventures tours, you must be able to carry your luggage unassisted.
You will also be walking with your luggage in busy public train stations to catch connecting trains, so it is highly recommended that you travel light, have easy to handle luggage, and are capable of walking up and down the stairs with your luggage without any assistance. A large bag will be an inconvenience to you and slow you down!
We recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg (22-30 lbs). Large suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips. We suggest travellers bring a rucksack or rolling bag of small to medium size. You will also need a day-pack to carry daily essentials like water, cameras, passport, etc.
Luggage Transfer - Japan’s "takuhaibin" service is a convenient and reliable way to transfer luggage from one location to another throughout the country. Pick-up/drop-off/delivery dates and times can be easily scheduled (usually overnight) and costs are moderate. Service can be arranged at most hotels and airports. Using takuhaibin to send your luggage between hotels, or from hotel to airport, is a great way to travel light and avoid hauling large bags on crowded trains or up and down stairs – just be sure to pack an overnight bag with everything you’ll need until you’re reunited with your luggage the following day.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in hostels for 5 nights, with multi-share and shared facilities.
Are meals included in the tour package?
No meals are included in the tour package. It is recommended to allow USD280-365 for meals during the trip.
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses local trains, bullet trains, ferries, and walking for transportation between destinations and activities.
Is there a minimum age requirement for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age requirement for this tour is 18 years.
What should I know about luggage restrictions on this tour?
Luggage must be less than 160cm in total size due to restrictions on the Shinkansen bullet trains. It is recommended to bring a day pack or backpack in addition to your carry-on sized luggage.
What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are a visit to Miyajima Island, free time in Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 14 participants.
What should I consider regarding local dress during the tour?
In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. It is recommended to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing to stay cool in the hot and humid climate.
How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
show more
Reviews of this operator
Lynsey M, UK
Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires: Waterfalls & White Sands
08-Nov-2021
This tour was very good. I would reccomend it. It is great to see the difference in the three countries, Iguassu Falls definitely a highlight on my whole South America trip.
Matthew Southwood
UK
Southern Divide
10-Jan-2025
We’ve just finished this trip. Completely amazing and enjoyable. It was busy but filled with unforgettable experiences. The hotels were better than expected, all fine and mostly really nice. The included activities were great and plenty of others to choose from as well. The guide, Juber, was amazing seemed to go way beyond what you’d expect and always available to help. A few highlights Machu Picchu, salt flats, Atacama Desert, horse riding, San Pedro. We did Peru, Bolivia and Chile some of the group were continuing on to Argentina.
I think only note of caution was the silver mine tour in Potosi, it is quite daunting going down into the mine and 4 out of 10 of us on the group didn’t make it down. Perhaps a little more warning could have been provided beforehand
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Connie McKain Albright
Galapagos
10-Jan-2023
This was our first trip with G Adventures. We took the 8 day trip around Galapagos on their ship Yolita II. The guide, Adrienne, was knowledgeable and very pleasant. Each day had a variety of activities to choose from so you could fill your day or pick and choose what you wanted to do. The guide knew where to look for various animals so we saw an abundance of wildlife - lots of different sea birds, sea lions, a few kinds of iguanas, and many kinds of fishes.
The only negative, and it's not G Adventures fault, is that the little ship rocks and rolls and night which can make sleeping challenging.
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Trustpilot
Tina. G, Canada
DAK
08-Nov-2021
The tour was great! Our guide Peter was very knowledgeable and gave us just the right amount of information about the sights and animals we were seeing. He was also very personable and had a great sense of humour. Our cook was great as well! They were both flexible and accomodated our requests to spend longer looking at some animals, to visit craft markets, etc. The lodge accommodations both inside and outside Kruger National Park were fantastic.
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Sandra Salter
I have taken four trips with G…
18-Dec-2022
I have taken four trips with G Adventures. The Guides have been so knowledgeable and friendly. Each trip has been thoroughly planned. The trips have been once in a lifetime experiences.
Trustpilot
Jil S, Canada
Costa Rica Adventure
08-Nov-2021
The tour was excellent! I think there was something for everyone on this tour... lots of hiking and nature walks for nature lovers, a plethora of optional activities for the adventurous and lots of downtime for the ones who just want to relax. I loved it!
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Fergus Lawrence Park
Uk
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18-Dec-2023
Fantastic trip overall with very efficient staff on board. Fantastic food throughout. Deluxe cabin was disappointing and not as advertised and many problems with the air conditioning in our cabin meant we had 2 sleepless nights.
Fergus Lawrence Park
Uk
Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Phuket
18-Dec-2023
Fantastic trip overall with very efficient staff on board. Fantastic food throughout. Deluxe cabin was disappointing and not as advertised and many problems with the air conditioning in our cabin meant we had 2 sleepless nights.
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of
350 USDper person
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.</p>","lat":"35.011564","lng":"135.768149"},{"title":"Day 2: Kyoto/Hiroshima","name":"Hiroshima","description":"Board a bullet train and travel to Hiroshima, known for its tragic history, powerful survival, and so much more. Opt to visit the Peace Park and Museum, Shukkei-en traditional Japanese garden, or Hiroshima Castle.<p><strong>FREE TIME: HALF DAY</strong> Get out and explore this historic city.</p><p><strong>TRANSPORT: </strong> Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.</p>","lat":"34.385289","lng":"132.455306"},{"title":"Day 3: Hiroshima","name":"Miyajima","description":"Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate and meet the friendly local deer. Opt to go for an easy hike around Mt Misen, and be sure to sample some oysters – a regional specialty.<p><strong>TRANSPORT: </strong> Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.</p><p><strong>ACTIVITY: </strong> Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.</p><p><strong>FREE TIME: AFTERNOON</strong> Spend free time however you choose. 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Be sure to try takoyaki, the city's famous octopus snack, or share a group meal of kushikatsu.<p><strong>FREE TIME: AFTERNOON</strong> Get to know this vibrant city and be sure to sample some local eats like takoyaki or yakitori. </p><p><strong>TRANSPORT: </strong> Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.</p>","lat":"34.385289","lng":"132.455306"},{"title":"Day 4: Hiroshima/Osaka","name":"Osaka","description":"Catch a train to Osaka, one of Japan's culinary capitals with lots of neon lights and an outstanding nightlife. With free time, spend the afternoon exploring this diverse city with heaps to offer, including Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi shopping street, and the Dotombori Bridge. Be sure to try takoyaki, the city's famous octopus snack, or share a group meal of kushikatsu.<p><strong>FREE TIME: AFTERNOON</strong> Get to know this vibrant city and be sure to sample some local eats like takoyaki or yakitori. </p><p><strong>TRANSPORT: </strong> Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.</p>","lat":"34.693725","lng":"135.502254"},{"title":"Day 5: Osaka","name":"Osaka","description":"Get to know this captivating city with a day to freely explore. Check out the ramen museum or browse Umeda's many shops. Get ready to experience Osaka's buzzing nightlife on a final night out with your new friends. Grab a drink on our tab and reminisce the night away!<p><strong>FREE TIME: FULL DAY</strong> Continue exploring this vibrant city and be sure to experience the energy after dark on a final night out with the group.</p><p><strong>ACTIVITY: </strong> Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Osaka. Follow your CEO to the best spot and enjoy a drink on us to reminisce about all the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends (and add tonight to the list)!</p>","lat":"34.693725","lng":"135.502254"},{"title":"Day 6: Osaka","name":"Osaka","description":"Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.<p>We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.</p><p><strong>ACTIVITY: </strong> Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure. </p>","lat":"34.693725","lng":"135.502254"}]
