Legend of Japan (2026) - 12 Day Trip

Morning! Today we’re kicking things off with a walking tour to get familiar with Tokyo. Your Tru Leader will show you around some of their favourite local spots, and there might even be time for a quick matcha stop! Of course, no visit to Tokyo is complete without exploring the famous Senso-ji Temple, where we’ll soak in a bit of culture before heading to our next experience: sake tasting! Try a few different flavours of Japan’s iconic rice wine and learn a bit about its history. Then it’s time to head out and experience the bright lights and buzzing energy of Shinjuku. The perfect first full day in Japan!

It’s our final full day in Tokyo, and we’ll be visiting some more city highlights. We’ll start at Yoyogi Park, a lush green space in the heart of the city, then head to the iconic Meiji Shrine. Later, we’ll explore Omoide Yokocho, a lively area filled with food stalls and bars, also known as Memory Lane. After a day of exploring, we’ll grab some dinner and prepare for an early start tomorrow. But if you're up for it, karaoke can also be on the cards!

Next, we’re heading to Odawara, known for its beautiful castle and as the gateway to Hakone! Once we arrive, we’ll take a cable car ride to enjoy the views before going on a sightseeing cruise. After that, we’ll check into our accommodation and have a free afternoon to do as you please, whether that’s visiting bakeries, exploring local spots, or simply relaxing.

Our next stop is Kyoto! This morning we'll travel over to this iconic spot and once we arrive, we'll head straight out to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. If you are looking for the ultimate pic for the gram, now's your chance! Later on, we'll head over to the beautiful Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. We'll explore the area before experiencing a traditional tea ceremony - don't worry if you're more of a coffee person, this is SO much more than a drink stop, trust us!

Ready for more bucket-list moments? We'll you're in for a proper trip today! This morning we'll get up early to explore the Fushimi-Inari Red Gates to explore before the crowds. Afterwards, we'll visit the Golden Temple, it's even more beautiful in person! After an amazing morning, it's only right we have an afternoon to match it - how does a Samurai class sound? We'll get all dressed up, learn the basic skills and try them out in this awesome experience.

Grab your matcha, we’re off to Koyasan! We're headed towards an area in the mountains that's famous for its numerous temples. In the afternoon, we'll have some free time before heading out on a walking tour of the oldest cemetery in Japan. We'll learn all about its history and be immersed in the spirit!

Did someone say bullet train? We're travelling towards Osaka and we're jumping on the fastest form of land transport - we'll zoom over 500km toward Osaka. Once we arrive, we'll visit the stunning Osaka Castle, it's like something out of a Disney movie! This evening, after a bit of free time, we'll explore Dotonbori, famous for its bright neon signs. The retro vibe of the neighbourhood is super fun and the perfect backdrop for a great night out!

Ready for some history? We're heading to Hiroshima this morning, one of the two cities that were victim of the atomic bombings in 1945. Today, it's a bustling city that is SO worth visiting. We'll start our time here with an orientation walk around some of the key locations before heading downtown to the heart of the city.

It is only right that we lean into the history of such an infamous location, so today we will head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Here we'll learn about Hiroshima before, during and after the events on 6th August 1945. After a powerful morning, we'll have a free afternoon for you to spend as you please, explore more of the city's highlights, browse the shops or head to one of the many parks in the city for a peaceful escape.

This morning we're up early to head back to Osaka! After spending the last 10 days being surrounded by amazing food and sensational sushi, it's only right that we make our own, right? Before lunch, we'll head over to slice and dice at a traditional class, and we'll get to taste the fruits of our labour for lunch - what a treat! For our final afternoon in Osaka, we'll head out, with full bellies, for a few hours of sightseeing and soaking in every last magical moment. Then it's time for one last group meal - we're not crying, you are...it's going to be emotional for sure!

Can you believe how fast these last 12 days have flown! Time does fly when you are having the time of your life in one of the most amazing countries on earth. Whether you are headed home or you have a few more days of exploring, your Tru Leader will be there to guide you in the right direction. See you next time!