Thailand Island Hopper

Legend of Japan

Tokyo - Osaka

5.00 (17 Reviews)

Been dreaming of visiting Japan, but you don't know where to start? We've got you sorted!

  • 12 Days
  • 6 Places
  • 20 Activities

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Legend of Japan
From U$2,750 / person Check Dates →

From

U$2,750 / person

Just U$229.00 per day

Next Departure 23 Nov 2026
Duration 12 Days
Check Dates →
Flexible payments

Pay a U$280 deposit and spread the rest interest-free.
Balance due 60 days before departure.

ATOL Protected ABTA — Travel With Confidence

12 incredible days backpacking in Japan

Looking for the ultimate Japan adventure? Want to discover the history, culture and food scene of Japan in 12 incredible days? Been dreaming of visiting Japan, but you don't know where to start? We've got you sorted! This adventure takes you through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and more in 12 days. With SO many bucket-list moments, this is the ultimate way to explore Japan in a stress-free way. Leave the planning up to us and thank us later for curating the ultimate route across one of the most amazing countries in the world!

classic travel style logo

Travel Style

What You Get

Included As Standard

Local Legend
Not your typical guide, more like a mate who happens to know the way.
Transport
Public Transport (Metro, Bus and Train) Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
Accommodation
11 nights Accommodation Mix of hostel dorms and twin share rooms Temple overnight stay

Included Activities

5 Experience Types · 1 Intentional Journey

Local Lens

Experiences

Direct connections with local culture, traditions, and communities. Cooking with families, exploring neighbourhoods with locals, and participating in generational cultural practices.

Rise Up

Experiences

Intentional challenges in supportive settings. Summit hikes, independent navigation, and experiences that push your limits.

Bucket List

Experiences

World-famous landmarks, extraordinary landscapes, and universally recognised destinations that inspire travel aspirations.

Tru-ly Unique

Experiences

The moments you won’t get anywhere else! These experiences are exclusive to Tru trips and really are something special!

Unplugged

Experiences

Intentional slowness, presence, and tech-free moments in nature or group settings enable reflection and authentic connection.

Explore Senso-Ji Temple
Day 2

Step through the giant red lantern of the Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. Browse the snack and souvenir stalls of Nakamise Street on your way in.

Sipping Sake
Day 2

Discover Japan's famous rice wine with a tasting session, learning how sake is made and sampling a range of flavours. Kanpai!

Exploring Tokyo
Day 3

Dive into the neon buzz of Tokyo, from the world-famous Shibuya Crossing to the quirky fashion streets of Harajuku. Every corner of this city is full of surprises.

Yoyogi Park
Day 3

Escape the city buzz at Yoyogi Park, one of Tokyo's biggest green spaces and a favourite hangout for locals. Keep an eye out for street performers, musicians and dancers showing off their moves.

Discover the Meiji Shrine
Day 3

Walk under giant wooden torii gates and through a peaceful forest to the Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines.

Exploring Hakone & Sightseeing Cruise
Day 4

Take in one of Japan’s most iconic sights with incredible views of Mount Fuji from the ropeway, followed by a scenic cruise across Lake Ashi. A classic Japan experience and a must-have memory for any traveller.

Fushimi-Inari Red Temple
Day 5

Walk through thousands of bright orange torii gates winding up the mountain at Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan's most iconic sights. Keep climbing for quieter trails and views over Kyoto.

Tea Ceremony
Day 5

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and learn about the customs and meaning behind this important part of Japanese culture.

Visit Kinkaku-Ji Golden Temple
Day 6

Marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, covered in shimmering gold leaf and perfectly reflected in the pond below. It's one of Kyoto's most breathtaking sights.

Bamboo Forest Exploring
Day 6

Wander through Arashiyama's towering Bamboo Forest, where giant stalks sway and creak above you. It's like stepping into another world.

Samurai Experience
Day 6

Challenge yourself to learn traditional samurai techniques and skills. Try something completely new, push beyond your comfort zone, and discover what you’re capable of.

Cemetery Walking Tour
Day 7

We take a walk through Okuno-in, the oldest, largest cemetery in Japan, with over 200,000 graves, and a history of over 1200 years. During the walk, we learn about the history and foundations of Shingon Buddhism, ending in a visit to the eternal resting place of Kobo Daishi, the legendary founder of the religion.

Koyasan Temple Stay
Day 7

Step away from the busy cities and experience a slower pace of life during your temple stay. Live like the locals, embracing simple routines, peaceful surroundings, and a more intentional way of being present. Free from the usual distractions, it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, the group, and a unique side of Japanese culture.

Life Beyond the Temple
Day 7

A small group session with a monk discussing various topics such as modern life, mindfulness, purpose, and Japanese culture.

Hiroshima Peace Museum
Day 8

Take time to engage with Hiroshima’s history and stories of resilience. Reflect on the experiences shared through the museum and consider how people found strength to rebuild and move forward.

Exploring the Downtown District
Day
Exploring Hiroshima
Day 9

Discover Hiroshima's moving history at the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, a powerful reminder of the city's past.

Osaka Castle & Neon Streets
Day 10

Explore the grand Osaka Castle, surrounded by moats, stone walls and leafy grounds. As night falls, head to the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori, snap a pic with the famous Glico Running Man and feast on sizzling takoyaki.

Osaka Food Mission
Day 10
Sushi Cooking Class
Day 11

Roll up your sleeves and learn to make sushi from scratch, from perfecting your rice to rolling like a pro. Then tuck into your creations!

Itinerary

1

Welcome To Japan!

Touchdown in Tokyo! It's even better than the photos, right? Once you have landed, make your way over to the hostel, check in, meet your amazing Tru Leader and, if you're not too jet-lagged, head out to explore! This evening, we’ll meet for a welcome dinner and get to know each other before enjoying our first night out in the city.

  • Tokyo
2

Temples & Sake!

Morning! Today, we’re kicking things off with a walking tour to get familiar with Tokyo. No visit to Tokyo is complete without exploring the famous Senso-ji Temple, where we’ll soak in a bit of culture before exploring Akihabara (also known as the “electric town”). Afterwards, we'll head to our next experience: sake tasting! Here we'll 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!

  • Tokyo
  • Explore Senso-Ji Temple
  • Sipping Sake
  • Exploring Tokyo, Senso-Ji Temple & Sake Tasting
3

Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine & More!

Morning! It's our final full day in Tokyo, and we're exploring some more of the city's highlights. We'll explore the amazing Meiji Shrine and then head over to Harajuku and walk along Takeshita-Dori, which is the heart of all this fashion and culture! In the evening, after another busy day of exploring, we'll head for some food. First, we'll head to Omoide yokocho, a single alleyway that is almost all Yakitori restaurants for a bite. Then to Golden Gai, a super cool area, full of bars and if karaoke is calling your name, that can be on the cards too, of course!

  • Exploring Tokyo
  • Yoyogi Park
  • Discover the Meiji Shrine
  • Tokyo
  • Meiji-Jingu, Harajuku (Takeshita-Dori) and Golden Gai
4

Exploring Hakone & Sightseeing Cruise

Ready for a more peaceful part of this amazing country? Odawara is where we are heading next, and it is known for being home to a beautiful castle! It is a long travel day today, but it is SO worth it! Once we arrive, we'll have the chance to take in some of the views (maybe if we get lucky, we'll see Mount Fuji) before heading for a sightseeing cruise!

  • Hakone
  • Exploring Hakone & Sightseeing Cruise
  • Ropeway Cable Car & Pirate Ship Cruise
5

Fushimi-inari Shrine & Tea Ceremony

This morning, we are up early to travel over to Kyoto. In the afternoon, we'll experience a traditional Tea Ceremony, if you're looking for a proper immersive experience - this is it! We'll also get to explore some of Ninenzaka, an iconic old town shopping street surrounded by famous temples, pagodas, and statues. Finally, we'll head to Fushimi-Inari Shrine, so get your cameras at the ready!

  • Kyoto
  • Fushimi-Inari Red Temple
  • Tea Ceremony
  • Fushimi-Inari Shrine & Tea Ceremony
Local Lens
6

Bamboo Forest & Samurai Experience

This morning, 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 Kinkaku-Ji before stepping into the world of Samurai! Epic right?

  • Visit Kinkaku-Ji Golden Temple
  • Bamboo Forest Exploring
  • Samurai Experience
  • Kyoto
  • Bamboo forest, Kinkaku-Ji and Samurai experience
Rise Up
7

Traditional Temple Stay & Night Cemetery Walking Tour

Grab your matcha; we’re off to Koyasan! Koyasan is the most sacred place in the world for Japanese Shingon Buddhists, and its founder has been in eternal meditation here for over 1200 years. 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! In the evening, we'll head over to the Konpon-Daito Pagoda and the Daimon Gate, as they will be all lit up! Then we'll settle down and soak in the magic of stay in the temple overnight!

  • Koyasan
  • Cemetery Walking Tour
  • Koyasan Temple Stay
  • Life Beyond the Temple
  • Cemetery Walking Tour, Temple Overnight Stay
  • 1 x Dinner
Unplugged
Tru-ly Unique
8

Hiroshima Peace Museum & The Downtown District

This morning, before we head off to the next spot, we will immerse ourselves in the monks' culture as we take part in their fire ceremony, where the monks do their daily recitation of a sutra. Then it's time to hit the road! Ready for some history? We're heading to Hiroshima, one of the two cities that were victims of the atomic bombings in 1945. Today, it's a bustling city that is SO worth visiting. We'll start our time here with a visit to the museum, which will give us a great insight into life here after the events of 1945. Afterwards, we'll take an orientation walk around some of the key locations, such as the Genbaku Dome, which was the only building left standing at ground zero. In the evening, we will head out for a Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki!

  • Hiroshima
  • Hiroshima Peace Museum
  • Hiroshima Orientation & Downtown Walk
9

Exploring Hiroshima

Today, we'll have free time for you to spend as you please, explore more of the city's highlights, browse the shops and head to one of the many parks in the city for a peaceful escape.

  • Hiroshima
  • Exploring Hiroshima
  • Hiroshima Orientation Walk
10

Osaka Exploring

We're travelling towards Osaka today! We'll end our journey on a local train that will take us through the magical mountains of Wakayama! Once we arrive, we'll visit the stunning Osaka Castle, which is like something out of a Disney movie! This evening, after a bit of free time, we'll explore Dotonbori, famous for its incredible street food and bright neon signs. The retro vibe of the neighbourhood is super fun and the perfect backdrop for a great night out!

  • Osaka Castle & Neon Streets
  • Osaka Food Mission
  • Osaka
  • Osaka Castle & Dotonbori Exploring
  • 1 x Breakfast
Tru-ly Unique
11

Slicing & Dicing In A Sushi Class

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 - 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!

  • Sushi Cooking Class
  • Sushi Class
  • 1 x Lunch
  • Osaka
12

Chilled Checkout

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!

  • Osaka
  • Help with onward travel

Map

WHERE WE STAY

FAQs

Where does the trip start & finish?

The trip starts in Tokyo and finishes in Osaka.

Which airport do I need to fly into?

You can fly into either Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT).

How do I get to the start hostel?

There are many options, as Japan’s public transport is frequent. You can jump on a bus from the airport, take the monorail or jump in a taxi! The hostel is around 40 minutes from Haneda Airport and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Narita Airport.

What is the closest airport to the end destination?

The closest airport to the end destination is Kansai International Airport (KIX).

What accommodation is included on this trip?

The accommodation on this trip is shared mixed-sex dorms.

Can I book a pre-night/airport transfer?

You can book pre-nights, airport transfers and other extras at the time of booking or up to 7 days before the tour starts.

These can be booked:
-Through your online account area
-Through our sales team, you can contact them at info@trutravels.com

Is my money protected?

Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe.

Do you have age limits for your tours?

Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We do have an upper age limit of 45 on our tours. If you are over 45 and have travelled with us before please contact our sales team at info@trutravels.com.

 

Our Essentials trips are exclusively built for travellers aged 18-29! Don't worry if this isn't you - our incredible Classic, Flashpacker, Limited Edition, Multi-country and Ski tours are open to everyone under 45! There's a perfect style of tour for everyone - happy browsing!

Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?

Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!

Do many TruTravellers travel alone?

Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.

What time shall I arrive on Day 1?

You can arrive any time on Day 1 of the tour. There are no scheduled activities during Day 1 on our tours but there will be a welcome meal with the group at around 5 pm. During this first evening, your guide will give you a run-down on the trip, you'll get to meet all the group and of course, you'll do some icebreakers to get to know each other a bit better! For more information on your arrival day contact the team at info@trutravels.com.

Will I be able to contact/meet people before the tour starts?

Yes, of course! You will receive a welcome email from your tour leader a week before your tour starts. This will include a QR code to join the group chat on WhatsApp and other important information before joining. In the meantime, you can join our Facebook group TruTravellers to connect with others.

Are TruTravels tours drinking and party-oriented?

No! Whether you love a sunset beer or prefer an early night in order to make the most out of every day, or even a bit of both, it's up to you how you spend your time on tour! Our guides are always on hand to suggest a range of evening activities on tour. From night markets to rooftop bars, fire shows and local cultural experiences, there's a huge variety of options! There's no pressure, ever - it's your adventure after all!

Do I have to arrive at a specific time?

You’re welcome to arrive at any time on Day 1 of the tour. Hotel/hostel check-in is usually from around 2 pm, so most people tend to plan their arrival for around this time. However, if you’d like to arrive a little earlier, we can also help arrange pre-nights at the starting accommodation.

There are no planned activities during the day on Day 1, giving everyone plenty of time to arrive, check in and settle in before the tour officially begins. In the evening, the group will usually head out for a welcome dinner at around 7 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Your guide will also give you a quick overview of the trip and help break the ice, so everyone can get to know each other before the adventure begins!

Can I change the date of my tour?

Yes! If you are more than 60 days out from your tour you can change the date of your tour once. You can also switch to another tour which is the same value or more.

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