Delve Deep: Intro to Japan

Rise and shrine! We’re off to check out Meiji Jingu this morning – Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrine. Take in all the spiritual vibes, make an offering and wander the blooming (or not) gardens. Next, we’re heading to the uber-kooky Harajuku district (aka cosplay heaven) with our in-the-know Trip Leader. Expect: neon tutus, rainbow-coloured wigs, bubble tea and fairy floss. We’ll also swing by the iconic Shibuya Crossing. It’s all the crazy. Later: thought you could come to Japan and not get involved in some K-A-R-A-OKE? Think again! Gather the gang and bust out some bangers at tonight’s included karaoke bar experience.

This is your day, 100% your way. But if you need some recommendations, we’ve got your back. Wander the futuristic neon-lit streets of Shibuya. Or join an optional full-day tour of Mt Fuji and Hakone. Fill your camera roll with scenes of Japan’s most ICONIC landscape. Check out the Oshino Ninja Village (as awesome as it sounds). Cruise across stunning Lake Ashi. And soak up the beauty of the serene Hakone Shrine. This is what you came for.

Up and at ‘em: it’s an early start to get the Shinkansen (bullet train FYI) to Kyoto. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines this place ticks all the spiritual boxes. After lunch, we’ll visit the incredible Fushimi Inari Shrine – with plenty of time to hike to the top and explore the torii gates. Then the afternoon is yours. Tonight, we’ll regroup for an included dinner – another chance to show off your chopstick skills. Or not.

Time to explore this place with our expert Trip Leader. We’ll tick off the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion before moving on to Arashiyama to visit the Tenryu-ji Temple. Grab a bite to eat then head out to explore the sprawling bamboo forest and Togetsu-kyo bridge. Then, the rest is up to you. Lose yourself, find yourself, then grab a biru at a local watering hole.

Just when you thought your jeans couldn’t get any tighter – today we’re headed for Osaka: the foodie capital of Japan. Here, they even have a word for “scoff till you drop”: kuidaore. Down your cup of matcha – we’ve got a late morning food tour of Osaka’s backstreets to sink our teeth into. We’ll finish up at Kuromon Market where you’ll have the chance to try okonomiyaki (teppanyaki pancakes) and takoyaki (fried octopus balls). They’re tastier than they sound, trust us. Tummies full – the rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking. Whatever you get up to, just make sure you’re back in time for tonight’s included dinner.

Time to say sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun. Swap those Insta handles – you’re going to need them to organise next year’s reunion trip. What’s next? We've got Delve Deep trips to Southeast Asia which you can hop straight on. Just saying...