Japan is on everyone’s bucket list, but that doesn’t mean you need to wait for a travel buddy to book that ticket. This 11-day Solo-ish adventure makes exploring Japan on your own effortless, giving you just the right mix of time with your expert CEO and fellow travelers, along with plenty of freedom to explore solo. Spend the night at a Japanese temple with your travel mates, diving deep into this beautifully unique way of life. And, because no trip to Japan is complete without a stay at a traditional ryokan, you’ll overnight in Fukui — a gem off the beaten path, famed for its knife-making heritage. Your CEO will guide you to the must-sees of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, and we’re pretty sure you’ll be planning your next visit long before you say “Sayonara.”
Day 1: Dinner Party: TokyoWelcome to Japan! Meet your included arrival transfer at the airport to head to the hotel where you'll meet your other Solo-ish travellers and CEO for a welcome briefing. Then head off with your new travel mates for a dinner party in Tokyo! Together you'll cook some of Japan's most popular dishes like onigiri, triangular rice balls, gyoza, fried dumplings and teriyaki. After working together to make the meal, have a seat next to another Solo-ish friend and enjoy the delicious Japanese food!
Day 2: We Day: TokyoExperience the most fascinating sides of Tokyo with your amazing CEO as your guide. Walk through some of the most important neighborhoods in Tokyo like Shinjuku, Harakuju and Shibuya. Walk through the Golden Gai of Shinjuku. Pop in and out of shops along Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya. Then visit a game center to experience purikura, a Japanese photo booth. Take cute and silly photos with your fellow Solo-ish travellers and learn how to edit the photos like they do in Tokyo!
Day 3: G Day: TokyoStart today off with a special surprise that is sure to bring you luck this trip! Then take a local train to Asakusa, one of Tokyo's more famous neighborhoods. On a tour with your CEO, visit the amazing Senso ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Then spend some free time in Asakusa, soaking in this cultural gem. Opt to explore Nakamise shopping street, try some intense matcha ice cream or sit down at a cute mochi cafe. Feel free to ask your CEO for recommendations. After some exploration, take the bullet train to Nagano and check into your Temple stay for the night.
Day 4: NaganoRise with the sun this morning and join the monks for their morning prayer ritual in Zenkō-ji temple. You'll have the special opportunity to hear their chanting in the main temple hall. We'll have breakfast in the Shubuko temple before heading off to Yudanaka where we can see the Japanese Macaques bathing in the hot springs. Then head back to Nagano for the night.
Day 5: NaganoVisit one of Japan's grandest castles in the country, Matsumoto Castle. Built in the 1500's, this six story tower still maintains its original wood and stone work. Walk along the moat and over the many bridges. Then enjoy a free afternoon to explore Nagano.
Day 6: FukuiAfter breakfast this morning, catch the bullet train to the town of Fukui. After arrival, visit the Eiheiji Temple, tucked deep in the mountains. A visit to this picturesque temple in the forest will help you start your day off on a peaceful foot. Then take a tour of Takefu Knife Village and watch as the steel-smith's wield knives with this 700 year old tradition. In the afternoon, arrive to your ryokan stay, a traditional Japanese Inn, where you'll sleep on traditional tatami mats and have a chance to soak in the onsen.
Day 7: KyotoTravel to the historic city of Kyoto by bullet train this morning. Opt to join your CEO for lunch in the Nishiki Fish Market before your afternoon adventures. Then join your CEO as they lead you on a tour of the famous Gion district. Walk through the streets that Geishas walk through daily and visit the Yasaka Shrine together.
Day 8: Me Day: KyotoOn your Me Day, spend it exactly how you want! If you're looking for some alone time, today is your day to do some solo adventures. Opt to hike Fushimi Inari Shrine or visit the Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple. If you'd rather spend the day with your CEO & fellow solo-ish travellers, opt to join your CEO for a morning meditation and zen garden visit, followed by a tour of Arashiyama Bamboo forest and Tenryuji Temple.
Day 9: Kyoto/HiroshimaAnother bullet train ride brings us to Hiroshima this morning. Arrive in the late morning, head to the hotel, then spend some free time for lunch. This afternoon, we visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a park that was built on a field created by the explosion of the nuclear bomb. After some time there, enjoy a free evening in Hiroshima.
Day 10: HiroshimaToday we'll visit Miyajima, "Shrine Island." After taking a local train and a ferry ride to the arrive, we'll visit the beautiful Istukushima Shrine. This coastal shrine is almost 1500 years old. Spend some time admiring this historic structure before enjoying free time on the island. In the afternoon, take the ferry and local train back to Hiroshima. Opt to join your CEO for a farewell dinner over some local okonomiyaki.
Day 11: OsakaRide one last bullet train with your CEO & fellow solo-ish travellers to Shin Osaka station. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers as your tour ends upon arrival at the airport. You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends!
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