Delve Deep: Intro to Japan 2023-24

Seven days. Three legendary cities. And all the ancient temples, glittering skyscrapers, quirky neighbourhoods and local eats you can handle. Ready to experience this jaw-dropping country properly? You’re in exactly the right place. First: say konnichiwa to your fellow explorers. Then: prepare for your first taste of Japan – we’ve got a group dinner in the traditional Asakusa district lined up. Yep, you’re really here.

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 to watch the Mario Karts zoom past. It’s all the crazy. And this afternoon? Add ‘sushi-making-ninja' to your LinkedIn profile after learning from the pros at an optional sushi lesson. Non-sushi-lovers should check out Omoide Yokocho (aka Piss Alley – we know, stay with us). Despite the unfortunate name, this tiny narrow street is lined with all the best izakaya restaurants. Pull up a pew with the locals, order a yakitori grill and dig in. Then: 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. Get the low-down on East Tokyo with an optional cycling tour. Pedal past the district’s awe-inspiring shrines and temples, uncover the local sake bars and hip art galleries, and get inside scoop on those hidden gems with a local guide. Ready to plunge into a world of manga and anime? Put on your Sailor Moon outfit and explore Tokyo’s famous Akihabara district on an optional tour. Or if the snow-topped peaks and gleaming lakes of Mt Fuji sound more like you, there’s a day trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region on the cards too. Later, you can wander the futuristic neon-lit streets of Shibuya or join an optional tour of the buzzing Shinjuku district. With heaps of restaurants, bars and blaring dance joints, this is where the locals go to party.

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. If you want, spend the rest of the day dressed up as a geisha or samurai (we told you it would get weird). 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. And for dinner tonight, head to Nishiki Warai for seriously good yakisoba and okonomiyaki *wipes drool from chin*.

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 an intro tour to the city starting with the majestic Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building. SD cards full of EPIC views over the city – the rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking. History buff? There are plenty of temples and an awesome castle to explore. Or hunt down Ichiran Ramen for a unique lunch experience. Whatever you get up to, just make sure you’re back in time for tonight’s included dinner. Later: make the most of your last night with the gang and head to the buzzing Uranamba district for micro bars, plenty of sake and round two of a slightly-out-of-tune battle of the ballads. The Drunken Clam karaoke bar is where it’s at.

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...