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2026

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Essential Japan (6 destinations)

10 days
From Tokyo to Osaka
4.5
22 traveler reviews

No departure dates available

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Plan your adventure:
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 16
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Tokyo's vibrant Shibuya and Harajuku
  • Travel by bullet train to historic Kanazawa
  • Discover Kyoto's temples and Geisha culture
  • Visit Hiroshima's Peace Park and A-Bomb Dome
  • Experience Osaka's food scene and neon lights

Itinerary

View Full Itinerary
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Tokyo
  2. Day 2 Tokyo
  3. Day 3 Kanazawa
  4. Day 4 Kanazawa
  5. Day 5 Kyoto
  6. Day 6 Kyoto
  7. Day 7 Hiroshima
  8. Day 8 Hiroshima
  9. Day 9 Osaka
  10. Day 10 Osaka
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Number of tours

875

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

7 hours

Response rate

88%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.2
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.4
  • 4.5

Sort by

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Highest First
Lowest First
  • TK
    · August 30th, 2025
    Loved our guide Benjamin, itinery was great as...
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    We are so happy to read of your adventure with us, Tarun! Japan is certainly an easy place to want to return to, and we are thrilled to know you are taking away some amazing memories. Benjamin is an asset to us and our travellers to be sure, and we... Show more
    Trip date: August 2025
  • CK
    · June 11th, 2024
    Depends on the group size and the guide if the tour is great or just ok. Nice trip, good accommodation but less motivated / trained guide.
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Hey Christian, thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear that your guide lacked motivation. Your feedback has been shared with the operations manager in Japan to ensure that he is given further support to develop his skills.
    Trip date: May 2024
  • DS
    · November 27th, 2023
    Fantastic trip of a lifetime! Amazing from...
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Thank you so much Daniel for leaving such a positive review! We are so pleased that you found the itinerary and your tour leader to be fantastic and that they both made your time in Japan so special.
    Trip date: November 2023
  • Essential Japan (6 destinations) reviewer 4
    · October 15th, 2023
    Yutaka was a great guide, helped get everything...
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Hi Jeremy, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with us! We're so glad you had an awesome time with us!
    Trip date: October 2023
  • LG
    · March 27th, 2023
    the tour guide was excellent he showed us a lot of temples and places you would not normally see while travelling on your own
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Hi Leila, thank you for leaving a review. We're delighted to hear that your local leader showed you all of the hidden gems of Japan. Sounds like an incredible experience, we hope to welcome you on another Intrepid adventure soon. All of our local... Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
  • SN
    · December 3rd, 2022
    Excellent tour leader and very well-organized trip. Would recommend to others.
    Show more
    Trip date: November 2022
  • Essential Japan (6 destinations) reviewer 7
    · April 1st, 2020
    Everything was very well organized and informative
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Thank you Ryan!
    Trip date: February 2020
  • Essential Japan (6 destinations) reviewer 8
    · December 1st, 2019
    Great and flexible enough to head out on your own
    Show more
    Trip date: November 2019
  • EZ
    · October 27th, 2019
    One of a kind one of a kind
    Show more
    Trip date: October 2019
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Trip was definitely made better when you have a good tour leader. Tomomi was great, so helpful and made the experience easy and fun.
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2019

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
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Apr
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
  • From Sunday
    8 Feb, 2026
    To Tuesday
    17 Feb, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,920 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
  • From Sunday
    22 Feb, 2026
    To Tuesday
    3 Mar, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,895 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
  • From Thursday
    26 Feb, 2026
    To Saturday
    7 Mar, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $1,895 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
  • From Sunday
    8 Mar, 2026
    To Tuesday
    17 Mar, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,060 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
  • From Thursday
    12 Mar, 2026
    To Saturday
    21 Mar, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,195 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
  • From Thursday
    19 Mar, 2026
    To Saturday
    28 Mar, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,020 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
  • From Sunday
    22 Mar, 2026
    To Tuesday
    31 Mar, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,020 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
  • From Tuesday
    24 Mar, 2026
    To Thursday
    2 Apr, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,080 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
  • From Thursday
    26 Mar, 2026
    To Saturday
    4 Apr, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,080 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
  • From Sunday
    29 Mar, 2026
    To Tuesday
    7 Apr, 2026
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $2,080 per person
    with 2026-2026 Version
    View this tour
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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    • Rated excellent on
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    • Free eSim with every purchase

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More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • R

    Ron

    Asked on December 1st, 2025

    We want to visit Japan in April, 2026, during cherry blossom with 7 to 9 days. We want to fly into Tokyo and fly out from Tokyo. Please propose tour plans.

    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2025

      We are excited to start the planning phase with you. In order to assist with a customized trip, we would require at least 6 or more passengers per group. We recommend going through our trips and let us know if you are interested in any one of them.

  • A

    Amy

    Asked on November 26th, 2025

    I am 66yrs but I am quite fit and could definifely cope with this trip.

    Age Range
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten November 2025

      This trip is specifically for travelers who are 18 to 35 year old's hence you will have to look for an alternative tour which is available on our website.

  • G

    Grace

    Asked on October 22nd, 2025

    Could you provide me a letter of invitation, or a point of contact and accommodation plans, as this is the requirement for the visa application?

    Accommodation
    Visa
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten October 2025

      Once you make a confirmed booking with us, we'll be able to issue a detailed hotel list and itinerary, which you can use as part of your visa application. This document includes the names and addresses of the accommodations you'll be staying at during the tour.

    • G

      Grace

      TravelerWritten October 2025

      Could you please send me the accommodation list so I can go ahead and proceed to apply for the visa?

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten October 2025

      Please see the hotel list below and kindly note that the hotels are subject to change. Tokyo - Imano Tokyo Hostel, Kanazawa – Torifito Hotel & Pod Hostel, Kyoto - Piece Hostel Sanjo, Hiroshima - Ikawa Ryokan, Osaka - Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel

    • G
      2 more answers
  • J

    Jan

    Asked on October 13th, 2025

    What are the differences between the two Essential Japan (from Tokyo to Osaka) tours?

    Operator
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten October 2025

      We operate only one Essential Japan trip, which is the fully guided trip. If you've seen another trip with a similar name, it's likely being offered by a different operator.

    • J

      Jan

      TravelerWritten October 2025

      Are these two Intrepid trips the same?

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten October 2025

      Yes, both trips are the same. The only difference is that one is partially guided, while the other is fully guided.

    • J
      2 more answers
  • S

    Steven

    Asked on September 28th, 2025

    Is this tour available in March 2026?

    Price / Availability
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten September 2025

      Yes, this tour is available in March 2026 on the following departure dates: 8 March, 12 March, 19 March, 22 March, 24 March.

  • A

    Adam

    Asked on September 25th, 2025

    Is the age limit strict?

    Age Range
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten September 2025

      This particular itinerary is specially designed for travelers aged 18–35, so the age limit is strict.

  • K

    Ken

    Asked on September 11th, 2025

    Would I be able to join this group?

    Age Range
    • K

      Ken

      TravelerWritten September 2025

      Could an active young thinking senior fit in this group?

    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten September 2025

      This particular itinerary is designed for travelers aged 18-35. Given the nature of the activities and group dynamic, we kindly suggest considering an open-age group tour for a more suitable experience.

    • 1 more answer
  • F

    Frank

    Asked on August 27th, 2025

    Is there anyway I can still book this tour? Please also advise if Mt Fuji is included in this your.

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten August 2025

      Unfortunately, all travelers booking onto our Essential Japan trip much be within the age range of 18 - 35. This trip also does not include Mount Fuji. We recommend checking out our Japan Highlights itinerary. It is open to all ages and includes an unbeatable view of Mt Fuji on Day 3 in Mishima.

  • N

    Neil

    Asked on August 17th, 2025

    Could we join this tour?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten August 2025

      This particular tour is exclusively designed for travelers aged between 18–35 years. Unfortunately, we won't be able to accept you and your girlfriend on this departure. If you'd like, we'd be happy to recommend alternative Japan tours that are open to all age groups and may be a better fit for you both.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 7 hours.

No departure dates available

No dates, no problem! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive:

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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 320012

  • Currency
    ¥
    Yen
    Japan
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before April 6th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after April 6th, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec