Ultimate Japan - 23 Days
Who is this trip for
Age range
15 - 99Start / End
- Tokyo
- Osaka
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 12Meals included
11Highlights
- Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of the iconic Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
- Stay in a countryside homestay, taking you off the beaten track to experience classic Japanese hospitality. Feast on home-cooked meals over conversations with your welcoming hosts and learn about rural life in Japan.
- Explore the iconic temples of Kyoto and craft your own experience in this ancient capital during your free time, with recommendations from your local leader.
- Watch the steam coming out of the ‘hells’ (hot spring pools in Jigoku) of Beppu, then cook and steam your food right in the hot spring steam, said to be rich with healthy minerals.
- Discover the little town of Takayama that sits within the Japanese Northern Alps and take in the stunning view of the five peaks of Mount Aso from the Daikanbo Observatory.
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Summary
Discover some of the best landmarks and cultural gems on this 23-day adventure through Japan. Ride the scenic Hakone ropeway, wander through the Hida Folk Village in Takayama and learn about the sobering past of Hiroshima. See the floating Torri gate of Miyajima Island, veer off the veer off the main island of Honshu to the naturally beautiful southwest and walk through art-laden castles. Spend a night in a tranquil homestay in Usuki, relax in the steam of Beppu’s onsen and soak up the peace in the caldera of Mt Aso in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. See the Peace Park in Nagasaki, indulge in traditional dishes and try local sake along the way.
Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore including fascinating museums, world-class shopping centres and neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the Hama Rikyu Garden, visit the Sumida Hokusai Museum or explore Ueno Park. After your meeting, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Hakone
This morning, travel to Hakone – a scenic hot spring town in the foothills of Mt Fuji. When you arrive, the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the iconic red gate that stands in the water of Lake Ashi, visit Hakone Shrine, wander through modern sculptures and beautiful gardens at the Hakone Open-Air Museum or simply relax in one of Hakone’s numerous onsens (hot springs). Tonight, why not find a local restaurant for dinner and try black eggs, which are cooked in the hot springs of Owakudani, paired with a local beer.
Day 3
Hakone
This morning, hop on a boat across Ashinoko Lake, then ride the Hakone ropeway cable car to the top of the surrounding mountains. The area around the lake offers plenty of stunning views, and you may even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance if weather conditions are clear. The afternoon is free to further explore Hakone’s mountain scenery and volcanic sites. Maybe visit the boiling sulphur springs of Owakudani, go for a walk through the hills of the famed grassland ecosystem of Sengokuhara or discover a collection of art at the Pola Museum of Art.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (16 nights), Japanese Inn (3 nights), Homestay (3 night)
Meals
Breakfasts: 6, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 4
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Oct 25
from £7,010Mar 26
from £6,982May 26
from £7,262Jul 26
from £6,542Aug 26
from £6,287Sep 26
from £7,262Oct 26
from £7,556Nov 26
from £7,267Feb 27
from £7,330Mar 27
from £7,551May 27
from £7,551Jul 27
from £7,330Aug 27
from £7,330Sep 27
from £7,766Oct 27
from £7,855Nov 27
from £7,629
- Save 2%Sun 16 Aug 2026 > Mon 7 Sep 20266+ spaces of 12 leftPay Monthly£6,675£6,542Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Save 2%Sun 23 Aug 2026 > Mon 14 Sep 20266+ spaces of 12 leftPay Monthly£6,415Best offer£6,287Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
If you want to travel with a small group of adventurers, into locations that big travel companies don’t have access, then try INTREPID . They think outside of the box.
Paul Jun, 2025 VerifiedThis is a brilliant trip if you want to cover a lot of Japan in one go and see some of the Country less travelled as well as the hotspots. Pay attention to the trip notes physical rating it’s written for a reason and pack light.
Michael Sep, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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