Delve Deep: Japan 2023-24

You ready for 12 UNbelievable days of delving deep into Japanese culture? Discovering the ultra-modern, the ancient traditions and alllll the local eats – plus the weird, whacky and totally wonderful in between? We thought so. First: say konnichiwa to your fellow explorers. Then: we’ll kick things off with a group dinner in the traditional Asakusa district, where craft shops and steaming food stalls line the buzzing streets. Nihon e yokoso – welcome to Japan!

Down your cup of matcha – we’re off to check out the Meiji Shrine 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 quirky Harajuku district (aka cosplay heaven) with our in-the-know Trip Leader. Expect kawaii culture galore: neon tutus, rainbow-coloured wigs, bubble tea and fairy floss. We’ll also swing by the legendary Shibuya Crossing to watch the Mario Karts zoom past. It’s all the crazy. Then: the afternoon’s yours to wander the futuristic streets of Shibuya, or join an optional sushi-making experience (heads up – spaces are limited so let us know if you’re keen before you jet off). And tonight? It starts with a ‘K’ and ends with an ‘E’. Nope, not kale. K-A-R-A-O-K-E time!

It’s your last day in Tokyo – so, you do you. Been waiting for an opportunity to shamelessly wear Mickey Mouse headwear and fan-girl/boy over Cinderella? An optional trip to Tokyo Disneyland is calling. Or if the snow-topped peaks and gleaming lakes of Mt Fiji sound more like you – there’s a day trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region on the cards too. Alternatively, stick around the city and check out the ins and outs of East Tokyo with an optional cycling tour (psst: tell us in advance if this sounds like your vibe). This evening: quiz your Trip Leader on where to find the best ramen – and be prepared to order on a ticket machine with pictures of the dishes. It might be a lucky dip, but that’s what adventuring is all about.

Rise and shine – it’s an early start to get the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train FYI) to Takayama. Glue your face to the window as we zoom through the incredible Japanese Alps. Once we’ve pulled in, we'll check into our authentic AF accommodation: a traditional ryokan – complete with tatami-matted floors and sliding doors straight out of The Last Samurai. This afternoon, it’s time to visit a traditional Hida folk village for an insight into what mountain life was like back in the day. Hankering for even MORE local culture? We’ve got a visit to a traditional onsen on offer too. Disclaimer: while the onsen is 100% optional, nudity is not – and tattoos are a no-no here. Finally: an optional Hida beef dinner with the gang is on the menu – vegetarians look away now.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so we’ll kick things off traditional-style in the ryokan before visiting the bustling morning riverside markets. Then, strap on your Nikes to explore Takayama Jin'ya – the last remaining government outpost from the time of the Samurai and Shoguns. Round it all up with a sampling of the good stuff at a local sake brewery before jumping on the train to Hiroshima. And tonight? An included group dinner's on the cards, so get ready to show off your expert chopstick skills (or drop even more stuff down your T-shirt).

You’ve seen the photos. Read the book. Now it’s time to experience the history for yourself. Take a tour of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Musuem – home of the A Bomb Dome. Then, it’s all aboard the ferry to the island of Miyajima. With an afternoon free to explore you just gotta visit the Itsukushima Shrine before settling in for sunset. The floating torii gate may be undergoing renovations, but the view is still pretty spectacular. Back in Hiroshima, put those fat pants to the test with a steaming bowl of Onomichi ramen – chased with a glass of the local sake. When in Japan, right?

And 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. Dump your bags at tonight’s traditional Buddhist lodge and go get it! The afternoon is totally up to you. Regroup tonight for an included dinner, then head to the buzzing Ura-Namba district for micro bars, plenty of sake and a spot more karaoke (the Drunken Clam is the best FYI).

Tuck into a traditional Buddhist breakfast before heading out to do your own thing. It’s your chance to uncover the real Osaka – so make every second count. Thrill-seeker? Jump aboard an optional day trip to Universal Studios. Foodie? Head to the Dotonbori district (aka Eat Street). History buff? There are plenty of temples and an awesome castle to explore. Tonight, the local experts will show us the ins and outs of Osaka’s nightlife on an optional tour.

Ever wondered what life as a Buddhist monk was really like? Rise early and find out with a morning Buddhist ritual – complete with Goma Kito Fire Ceremony and a walk around the temple with a local monk. Then we’re hitting the tracks to Japan’s traditional capital, Kyoto. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, this place ticks all the spiritual boxes. We’ll visit the incredible Fushimi Inari Shrine – with plenty of time to hike to the top and explore the torii gates. Then, dinner is up to you. Our suggestion? Head to Nishiki Warai for seriously good yakisoba and okonomiyaki *wipes drool from chin*.

Time to explore this place properly with our expert Trip Leader. We’ll tick off the Zen Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion and Tenryu-ji Temple before moving on to the sprawling Arashiyama bamboo grove, where there’s free time to delve deeper into this fairytale forest. All the walking making you hangry? DW, we’re stopping by the Nishiki food market next. Food baby in tow, we’ll then head to the Gion district to say g’day to the geishas. Afterwards: the evening’s yours for exploring. Discover the traditional restaurants and teahouses along lantern-lit Pontocho Alley. Or slurp up some more noodles and watch life go by in one of the Kawaramachi district’s relaxed cafés.

PSA: this is your last day in Kyoto. Get moving! Check out Yokai (‘Monster’) Street, where homemade creatures from Japanese folklore are waiting to greet you outside the shops. Or for something to impress those Tinder dates with, there’s an optional ramen cooking class on offer. You can even dress up as a geisha or samurai (we told you it would get weird). Later, we’ll regroup and head to a local eatery for a send-off to remember. This has been one hell of a trip.

After breakfast it’s sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun and our newfound family. Swap Snapchats and start planning that next adventure. We hear the ski season here is pretty sick.