Japan: Another World With Sam
Dine with a trainee geisha in Kyoto, spend the night at a temple with Buddhist monks & meet an atomic bomb survivor - £200 deposit to secure your spot
What's Included
- Max 14 travellers per group
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
- 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
March 15th – March 26th, 2025
ABOUT SAM HODENIUS @colorcrrush
Your guide to Japan! With years living there, I’m an expert at uncovering hidden gems. Having traveled solo through most of Japan, I invite you to join my adventure with Flash Pack! From bustling cityscapes to serene countryside, let’s explore Japan’s essence. Specializing in solo travel and off-the-beaten-path experiences, I’m excited to share my love for Japan and indulge in authentic moments. My travel philosophy: Experiencing > Seeing. Let’s embrace local culture, try different foods, and learn together. Packing essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, and my trusted Sailor Moon water bottle. I’m keen on sharing insights into photography, videography, and Japanese language. Let’s create lifelong memories and new friendships!
About your trip
Prepare to be disoriented by a sensory world, where ancient customs meet futuristic cities and quirky trends. But once in Japan, where to begin?
Enter Flash Pack. Let us show you – in just 12 days – the Japan we know you’ll love.
On this adventure, you’ll take in iconic sights, like Tokyo’s neon-lit Shibuya and Kyoto’s bamboo forest, but it’s those can’t-do-by-yourself encounters that will leave the deepest impression. Like staying overnight at a Buddhist temple and joining the monks for prayers, experiencing an authentic kaiseki meal hosted by an apprentice geisha, and meeting an atomic bomb survivor to hear their extraordinary stories.
Together with your group, you’ll master the art of making steaming fresh ramen – so much more delicious than you’ll ever find at home. You’ll experience the meditative beauty of a matcha tea ceremony steeped in centuries-old tradition.
Along the way, there’ll be sushi, sake, kimonos and karaoke, and, as always, some beautiful places to stay. In just under two weeks, you‘ll experience the true essence of this highly addictive destination. Are you ready for another world?
- Touch down in Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting at the airport to take you to your boutique downtown hotel
- Dive into the bustling, brightly lit streets on a local-led food tour; sampling everything from okonomiyaki and tempura to authentic wagyu beef
- Swap fast-paced city life for the peaceful forests of Koyasan, the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism, dotted with ornate temples and steeped in sacred history
- Stay the night in a temple, sleeping on traditional tatami mats, joining the monks for prayers and experiencing their unique dining practices
- Dare to brave all as you soak in a shukubo communal hot water bath – a quintessential Japanese experience
- Wake early for morning prayers, before your first experience of Japan’s futuristic bullet train, which will speed you cross-country to Hiroshima
- Visit the Peace Memorial Park to learn about the impact of the world’s first atomic bomb and meet an atomic bomb survivor to hear a moving first-hand account
- Spend a free evening exploring Hiroshima; once reduced to rubble, the city is now a lively metropolis full of restaurants, shops and bars
- Hop on a train and ferry to visit the ‘floating’ 12th-century Itsukushima Shrine – a World Heritage site and one of the most photogenic torii gates in Japan
- Enjoy an indulgent tasting of fresh locally farmed oysters for lunch, washed down with a glass of cold, premier cru Chablis – a match made in heaven
- Explore the small forested island of Miyajima before returning to Hiroshima for a relaxed afternoon
- Travel by bullet train to Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto, and head straight to Nishiki Market for lunch, sampling anything from pickled vegetables to fresh sashimi skewers
- Visit the impressive sight of Shinto shrine of Fushimi Inari, where thousands of vermilion torii gates wind a path over a wooded mountain
- Take time to enjoy Kyoto; this tranquil but enriching city is full of beautiful temples, imperial palaces and serene Zen gardens
- Head to Kyoto’s mountains and board a traditional flat-bottomed boat for a trip down the Hozugawa River, expertly steered using bamboo poles
- Spend some time exploring the scenic area of Arashiyama, with its famous bamboo forest – a bright green wonderland of giant swaying stalks
- Learn the art of making ramen noodles from scratch, under the guidance of a private chef; finish your day in true Japanese style, singing karaoke with your group
- Take part in a formal geisha tea ceremony, a mindful and meditative experience that’s part of a centuries-old tradition
- Sit down to an authentic kaiseki dinner, entertained by a maiko (trainee) geisha, who will dance, sing and play music for your group
- Travel to the mountain town of Hakone and ride the gondola ropeway over the ‘great boiling valley’ of Owakudani; sample an egg boiled in sulphuric hot springs water
- Spend the night in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn, sleeping on futons and soaking in the thermal water of the onsite onsen (bathhouse)
- Take a boat cruise across Ashinoko crater lake with stunning views of Mount Fuji; then climb the steps to Hakone shrine with its ‘floating’ torii gate
- Arrive in Tokyo, the world’s biggest city, and prepare to be mesmerised by its energy; visit the popular districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku, flooded with neon lights
- Meet a retired sumo wrestler, who will demonstrate some moves; put on a sumo suit and wrestle with them, before a traditional chanko nabe (very high calorie) lunch
- Perhaps you’ll chose to spend a free afternoon sampling fresh seafood at the local fish market, followed by a shopping spree in Tokyo’s commercial haven, Gion
- Explore the backstreets of Tokyo’s trendy Fukagawa district on a cycling tour, led by a local guide; discover cute coffee shops, art galleries, small wineries and sake breweries
- Learn the art of sushi making in a private workshop with your group; feel the fresh sushi melt in your mouth, unlike anything you’ve experienced at home
- Gaze out across the lights of the city as you enjoy a farewell drink with your group, raising a toast to new friendships and the incredible adventure you’ve shared
- Bid farewell to your group and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a transfer
- Arrive home feeling truly inspired by the alternative world you’ve experienced; you’ve shared some incredible authentic experiences and made a whole new group of friends
Our Favourite Hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Gate Hotel Ryogoku, Tokyo
Offering spacious, light-filled rooms right next to the river, the Gate Hotel offers authentic Japanese hospitality minutes from the heart of Tokyo. The outdoor terrace is particularly atmospheric at night with the illuminated city skyline as a backdrop.
Sekishoin Shukubo
Founded 1,100 years ago, Sekishoin Shukubo is a historic Buddhist temple in Mount Koyasan. Rooms are decorated in Japanese style with tatami floors and futon beds, and there’s a beautiful traditional Japanese garden – the perfect place to disconnect.
Setsugetsuka Ryokan, Gora
The open-air bath on your balcony will be the star of the show at this authentic ryokan – though make sure you take time to bathe in the hot springs too. Nestled on the hillside, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and birdsong; an ideal place to slow down the pace.
Important Notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Osaka International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX). Fly out of Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT).
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What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Upon arrival on Day 1, please arrive at the airport by 3pm or earlier.
After arriving at either Osaka International (Itami) Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX), please proceed through immigration. Once you have collected your luggage, proceed to the exit of the security area where you will be met by a Flash Pack representative and taken to your hotel by taxi.
You will then meet at 4.30 pm in the hotel lobby, ready for your street food tour starting at 5 pm.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Do I need a visa?
You do not need a visa if you’re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada for up to 90 days. Please check with your local consulate if the country you are travelling from requires a visa or visit the Japan government website: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.
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What are the current Covid entry restrictions?
Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travellers to comply with pre-arrival testing and/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.
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Special notes about transport & luggage
This itinerary makes extensive use of public transport, as it is the fastest and most reliable way to see Japan. When you travel by bullet train, a minibus takes your luggage, so you will need an overnight bag. This means that on two nights (in Koyasan and Kyoto) you will be without your main luggage. It is best to pack light for this adventure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We stay in beautiful three-to four-star properties throughout, however, we spend one night in a ryokan in Koyasan which is a traditional Japanese inn, and one night at a Buddhist temple.
Flashpackers looking for a truly Japanese experience will love it, but these particular experiences are lacking the facilities of a typical Flash Pack hotel.
Please get in touch with our Sales Team if you would like further information on the above.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Most dietary requirements can be catered for on this trip, however if you have a severe gluten allergy we suggest that you contact a member of our team before booking.
If you’re allergic to soy it may also be more complicated. Soy-free options are available everywhere, apart from at the Buddhist temple, where we will source an alternative meal for y0u.
There are an increasing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, especially in big cities, but the menu will be more limited away from urban areas.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
While this trip doesn’t include any strenuous activities, it does involve a lot of walking and using public transport. Flashpackers have been clocking up around 18,000 steps a day.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Are tattoos forbidden in Japan?
Tattoos are only forbidden when using public bathing facilities, such as onsen, pools, and group bathing areas in gyms and hotels. That means customers who have tattoos may be denied access from public facilities unless they can cover their tattoos. However, more and more onsen are starting to permit tattoos, especially in tourist areas, and having a tattoo won’t affect any of the other activities.
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