Japan: Another World

Dine with a trainee geisha in Kyoto, spend the night at a temple with Buddhist monks & meet an atomic bomb survivor

What's Included

Max 14 travellers per group
Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Hand-picked 3-4 star hotels & traditional ryokan
11 nights' accommodation in twin rooms
Local trains, bullet train & minibus
We offset your carbon emissions
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip

Flashpackers are required to produce proof of COVID-19 vaccination 30 days before departure OR proof of a negative test within 72 hours of their adventure starting. Flashpackers must also provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

About your trip

Prepare to be disoriented by a sensory world, where ancient customs meet futuristic cities and quirky trends. But once in Japan, where to begin?

Enter Flash Pack. Let us show you – in just 12 days – the Japan we know you’ll love.

On this adventure, you’ll take in iconic sights, like Tokyo’s neon-lit Shibuya and Kyoto’s bamboo forest, but it’s those can’t-do-by-yourself encounters that will leave the deepest impression. Like staying overnight at a Buddhist temple and joining the monks for prayers, experiencing an authentic kaiseki meal hosted by an apprentice geisha, and meeting an atomic bomb survivor to hear their extraordinary stories.

Together with your group, you’ll master the art of making steaming fresh ramen – so much more delicious than you’ll ever find at home. You’ll experience the meditative beauty of a matcha tea ceremony steeped in centuries-old tradition. You’ll even have lunch with a sumo wrestler and feel the raw power of these giant athletes demonstrating their moves a few feet before your eyes.

Along the way, there’ll be sushi, sake, kimonos and karaoke, and, as always, some beautiful places to stay. In just under two weeks, you‘ll experience the true essence of this highly addictive destination. Are you ready for another world?

Our Favourite Hotels

Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.

Gate Hotel Ryogoku, Tokyo

Offering spacious, light-filled rooms right next to the river, the Gate Hotel offers authentic Japanese hospitality minutes from the heart of Tokyo. The outdoor terrace is particularly atmospheric at night with the illuminated city skyline as a backdrop.

Sekishoin Shukubo

Founded 1,100 years ago, Sekishoin Shukubo is a historic Buddhist temple in Mount Koyasan. Rooms are decorated in Japanese style with tatami floors and futon beds, and there’s a beautiful traditional Japanese garden – the perfect place to disconnect.

Setsugetsuka Ryokan, Gora

The open-air bath on your balcony will be the star of the show at this authentic ryokan – though make sure you take time to bathe in the hot springs too. Nestled on the hillside, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and birdsong; an ideal place to slow down the pace.

Important Notes

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Osaka International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX). Fly out of Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT).

What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Upon arrival on Day 1, please arrive at the airport by 3pm or earlier.

After arriving at either Osaka International (Itami) Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX), please proceed through immigration. Once you have collected your luggage, proceed to the exit of the security area where you will be met by a Flash Pack representative and taken to your hotel by taxi.

You will then meet at 4.30 pm in the hotel lobby, ready for your street food tour starting at 5 pm.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Do I need a visa?

You do not need a visa if you’re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada for up to 90 days. Please check with your local consulate if the country you are travelling from requires a visa or visit the Japan government website: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.

What are the current Covid entry restrictions?

Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travellers to comply with pre-arrival testing and/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.

Special notes about transport & luggage

This itinerary makes extensive use of public transport, as it is the fastest and most reliable way to see Japan. When you travel by bullet train, a minibus takes your luggage, so you will need an overnight bag. This means that on two nights (in Koyasan and Kyoto) you will be without your main luggage. It is best to pack light for this adventure.

What is the accommodation like?

We stay in beautiful three-to four-star properties throughout, however, we spend one night in a ryokan in Koyasan which is a traditional Japanese inn, and one night at a Buddhist temple.

Flashpackers looking for a truly Japanese experience will love it, but these particular experiences are lacking the facilities of a typical Flash Pack hotel.

Please get in touch with our Sales Team if you would like further information on the above.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Most dietary requirements can be catered for on this trip, however if you have a severe gluten allergy we suggest that you contact a member of our team before booking.

If you’re allergic to soy it may also be more complicated. Soy-free options are available everywhere, apart from at the Buddhist temple, where we will source an alternative meal for y0u.

There are an increasing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, especially in big cities, but the menu will be more limited away from urban areas.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

While this trip doesn’t include any strenuous activities, it does involve a lot of walking and using public transport. Flashpackers have been clocking up around 18,000 steps a day.

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Are tattoos forbidden in Japan?

Tattoos are only forbidden when using public bathing facilities, such as onsen, pools, and group bathing areas in gyms and hotels. That means customers who have tattoos may be denied access from public facilities unless they can cover their tattoos. However, more and more onsen are starting to permit tattoos, especially in tourist areas, and having a tattoo won’t affect any of the other activities.

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