Solo-ish Japan

Solo-ish Japan

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11 Days From

$4799

Solo-ish Japan

11 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan

Visiting: Tokyo, Nagano, Fukui, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka

Tour operator:

G Adventures

Tour code:

26295

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

2 - Light

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Walking

From: $4799

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Solo-ish Japan" adventure, a captivating journey through the heart of Japan designed for solo travelers seeking camaraderie. This small group tour offers an immersive experience, starting in Tokyo with a Japanese cooking class and visits to iconic sites like Shibuya Crossing and Senso-ji Temple. Travel by bullet train to explore the historic Matsumoto Castle, the serene Zenko-ji Temple, and the traditional Takefu Knife Village. Enjoy unique stays at a Japanese temple and a ryokan, and visit the poignant Hiroshima Peace Park. Discover the cultural richness of Kyoto's Gion district and the natural beauty of Miyajima Island. With a mix of guided tours and free time, this trip balances adventure and relaxation, all while fostering connections with fellow travelers. Accommodations include hotels, a temple stay, and a ryokan, with transport via bullet train, local train, and private vehicle. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Japan's vibrant culture and history.

Highlights

  • Japanese cooking class in Tokyo

  • Visit Shibuya crossing

  • Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

  • Overnight stay at a Japanese Temple in Nagano

  • Explore Matsumoto Castle

  • Tour Takefu Knife Village

  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Park

  • Visit Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Dinner Party: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Japan! Meet your included arrival transfer at the airport to head to the hotel where you'll meet your other Solo-ish travellers and CEO for a welcome briefing. Then head off with your new travel mates for a dinner party in Tokyo! Together you'll cook some of Japan's most popular dishes like onigiri, triangular rice balls, gyoza, fried dumplings and teriyaki. After working together to make the meal, have a seat next to another Solo-ish friend and enjoy the delicious Japanese food!

Make sure to arrive no later than 2:00 pm to make it to your welcome briefing and then head to your local cooking class.

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.

ACTIVITY: Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Japanese food is revered as the best food in the world by travelers and world renowned chefs alike. Dive head first into this top culinary country by making gyoza, onigiri and teriyaki, some of the most popular dishes in the country and internationally. Then sit down together to enjoy the meal and get to know your fellow solo-ish travellers.

Day 2: We Day: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Experience the most fascinating sides of Tokyo with your amazing CEO as your guide. Walk through some of the most important neighborhoods in Tokyo like Shinjuku, Harakuju and Shibuya. Walk through the Golden Gai of Shinjuku. Pop in and out of shops along Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya. Then visit a game center to experience purikura, a Japanese photo booth. Take cute and silly photos with your fellow Solo-ish travellers and learn how to edit the photos like they do in Tokyo!

ACTIVITY: With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Enjoy a day connecting with Japanese culture and city life with a tour of Tokyo's highlights and legendary neighborhoods. Admire the neon signs in Shinjuku. See the center of Japanese fashion and culture in Harajuku and visit the biggest shinto shrine in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu Shrine. Then experience the world of Purikura, Japanese photo booth. With your fellow Solo-ish travellers and CEO, learn how to take and edit this perfect memento.

Day 3: G Day: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Temple stay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start today off with a special surprise that is sure to bring you luck this trip! Then take a local train to Asakusa, one of Tokyo's more famous neighborhoods. On a tour with your CEO, visit the amazing Senso ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Then spend some free time in Asakusa, soaking in this cultural gem. Opt to explore Nakamise shopping street, try some intense matcha ice cream or sit down at a cute mochi cafe. Feel free to ask your CEO for recommendations. After some exploration, take the bullet train to Nagano and check into your Temple stay for the night.

ACTIVITY: With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the worlds coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to 11. Join your CEO for a tour of the Senso ji Shrine in Asakusa. Many consider this shrine to be the most beautiful in all of Japan. After a tour, enjoy free time in Asakusa neighbor to explore the cute cafes, amazing restaurants and fun shops.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

ACTIVITY: Visit the enshrined Buddhist temple, in the heart of Nagano city, built almost 1500 years ago. Spend a night in this temple's shukubo, temple lodging, and learn how the Buddhist monks live in this beautiful temple.

Day 4: Nagano

Location: Nagano

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise with the sun this morning and join the monks for their morning prayer ritual in Zenkō-ji temple. You'll have the special opportunity to hear their chanting in the main temple hall. We'll have breakfast in the Shubuko temple before heading off to Yudanaka where we can see the Japanese Macaques bathing in the hot springs. Then head back to Nagano for the night.

ACTIVITY: Awaken early and join the monks for their sunrise morning prayer ritual. Listen to their chanting, their kansho bell ringing and enjoy the time in the oasaji, the main hall of the temple.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild snow monkeys can be seen bathing in the natural hot springs. The pool where most of the monkeys soak is man made, fed by the hot springs. Along the walking paths up to the pools other monkeys tend to stop and watch visitors curiously.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Day 5: Nagano

Location: Nagano

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit one of Japan's grandest castles in the country, Matsumoto Castle. Built in the 1500's, this six story tower still maintains its original wood and stone work. Walk along the moat and over the many bridges. Then enjoy a free afternoon to explore Nagano.

ACTIVITY: Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most treasured castles, maintaining it's original wooden interior and stone exterior. Take a tour of this castle where 16th century Samurai once roamed.

FREE TIME: Enjoy free time in the city of Nagano.

Day 6: Fukui

Location: Fukui

Accommodation Name: Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, catch the bullet train to the town of Fukui. After arrival, visit the Eiheiji Temple, tucked deep in the mountains. A visit to this picturesque temple in the forest will help you start your day off on a peaceful foot. Then take a tour of Takefu Knife Village and watch as the steel-smith's wield knives with this 700 year old tradition. In the afternoon, arrive to your ryokan stay, a traditional Japanese Inn, where you'll sleep on traditional tatami mats and have a chance to soak in the onsen.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

ACTIVITY: Feel like you've been transported to a Ghibli movie when visiting Eiheiji Temple, the Temple of Eternal Peace. Walk up the mossy steps through the forest to the picturesque temple on the hill.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Takefu Knife Village and tour this historic knife factory. Japense knives are famous around the world for being thinner, harder and sharper. Qualities that make a great kitchen knife. Watch as the sword-smiths shape the steel, the tradition used for Echizen blades for over 700 years, and learn about the history of these master sword and knife makers.

ACTIVITY: Experience traditional Japanese life with a night at a traditional Japanese Inn. Stay in tatami-matted rooms and enjoy a glimpse into Japanese culture and history. Enjoy the Japanese hot springs, onsen, and relax in the hot water.

Day 7: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel to the historic city of Kyoto by bullet train this morning. Opt to join your CEO for lunch in the Nishiki Fish Market before your afternoon adventures. Then join your CEO as they lead you on a tour of the famous Gion district. Walk through the streets that Geishas walk through daily and visit the Yasaka Shrine together.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Yasaka Shrine, also known as the Gion Shrine, in the heart of Kyoto. Admire the beautiful architecture from over 1350 years ago and see the hundreds of lanterns.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

ACTIVITY: Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.

Day 8: Me Day: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

On your Me Day, spend it exactly how you want! If you're looking for some alone time, today is your day to do some solo adventures. Opt to hike Fushimi Inari Shrine or visit the Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple. If you'd rather spend the day with your CEO & fellow solo-ish travellers, opt to join your CEO for a morning meditation and zen garden visit, followed by a tour of Arashiyama Bamboo forest and Tenryuji Temple.

ACTIVITY: Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for an incredible activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.

Day 9: Kyoto/Hiroshima

CRISTINA TIRON

Location: Hiroshima

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Another bullet train ride brings us to Hiroshima this morning. Arrive in the late morning, head to the hotel, then spend some free time for lunch. This afternoon, we visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a park that was built on a field created by the explosion of the nuclear bomb. After some time there, enjoy a free evening in Hiroshima.ACTIVITY: Walk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace.TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Day 10: Hiroshima

CRISTINA TIRON

Location: Hiroshima

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we'll visit Miyajima, "Shrine Island." After taking a local train and a ferry ride to the arrive, we'll visit the beautiful Istukushima Shrine. This coastal shrine is almost 1500 years old. Spend some time admiring this historic structure before enjoying free time on the island. In the afternoon, take the ferry and local train back to Hiroshima. Opt to join your CEO for a farewell dinner over some local okonomiyaki.

ACTIVITY: On the coast of Miyajima Island lives Itsukushima Shrine. Built in late 500 AD, this beautiful shrine boasts floating torii gates and beautiful prayer halls, all connected by a boardwalk.

FREE TIME: Enjoy free time exploring Miyajima Island.

Day 11: Osaka

たけほがら

Location: Osaka

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ride one last bullet train with your CEO & fellow solo-ish travellers to Shin Osaka station. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers as your tour ends upon arrival at the airport. You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends!

For those continuing travels in Japan, your CEO will help you find the correct train in Shin Osaka Station. If you're headed to the airport, your CEO will accompany you from Shin Osaka to Kansai Airport (KIX).

Additional Information: Please book return flights no earlier than 4:00 pm.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

What's Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    Dinner Party: Dinner Party, Tokyo
    We Day: Tokyo Highlights Tour & Photo Experience, Tokyo
    G Day: Senso ji Temple and Asakusa Neighbourhood, Tokyo
    Your Local Living Moment: Zenko

  • Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine

  • Visit Shibuya crossing

  • Explore Asakusa with your CEO

  • Visit Snow Monkey Park

  • Explore Matsumoto Castle

  • Tour Takefu Knife Village

  • Visit Hiroshima Peace Park

  • Visit Miyajima Island

  • Explore Gion with your CEO

show more

Mode of Transport

Travel across Japan using a combination of bullet trains, local trains, private vehicles, and walking, ensuring a seamless and authentic journey.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of traditional and modern Japanese accommodations with 8 nights in hotels, a unique multi-share temple stay for 1 night, and a night in a traditional Ryokan.

Meals Included

10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Group Size

Max 16, avg 12

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.

Group Leader

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officer's (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 traveling 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.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures knows that worldwide, local cuisines define the cultures. We think sampling regional delicacies are intrinsic to truly experiencing the country. We want you to be able to try foods according to your individual tastes, comforts, and budgets.



Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. At times, meals will be taken together as a group. Other times, your CEO will point you in the direction of several delicious options, and you will have free time to pick and choose at will. Often in Japan it is fun to get some snacks and beverages with the salarymen in the evenings at small restaurants, and other times it is fun to sit with a few friends at a sushi train.



Your CEO will always strive to cater for all dietary requirements/preferences, but please keep in mind that Vegetarianism/Veganism and Gluten Free Options are very uncommon in Japan, especially in rural areas, so this may mean a more limited selection for you.



Please refer to the Meals Included and Budget Information for information regarding included meals on your trip. Japan's kitchen is at your fingertips!

What to Take

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.

Spending Money

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 kind of transportation is used during the Solo-ish Japan tour?

    The tour uses a combination of bullet trains, local trains, private vehicles, and walking to get around.

  • What types of accommodations are provided on the Solo-ish Japan tour?

    Accommodations include hotels for 8 nights, a temple stay for 1 night in a multi-share setting, and a ryokan stay for 1 night.

  • Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers on this tour?

    No, solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodations with someone of the same sex, and there is no single supplement fee.

  • What meals are included in the Solo-ish Japan tour?

    The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners.

  • What is the maximum group size for the Solo-ish Japan tour?

    The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 12 participants.

  • What unique experiences are included in the Solo-ish Japan tour?

    Unique experiences include a Japanese cooking class, an overnight stay at a Japanese temple, a tour of Takefu Knife Village, and a stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan.

  • 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 policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    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 USD per 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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