The
Japan
trip
For the love of
ANCIENT TEMPLES
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SUSHI & RAMEN
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​BAMBOO FORESTS
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KAWAII CULTURE
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TRADITIONAL TEA
KARAOKE
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NATURAL HOT SPRINGS
BULLET TRAINS
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IZAKAYA​
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JAPAN​
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Japan is crafted for travelers in their 20s and 30s, offering a perfect balance of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modern life—a fascinating blend of the old and the new.
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You’ll explore everything from peaceful shrines and remote villages to the vibrant, futuristic streets. Along the way, you’ll bond with a great group of fellow travelers, savor Japan’s legendary cuisine, sing your heart out at karaoke, and relax in a traditional Japanese onsen.
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Trust us—you’ve never experienced anything quite like Japan.
2025 dates
Mar 22 - 30, 2025
Apr 5 - 13, 2025
May 24 - Jun 1, 2025
Memorial Day Trip - likely to sell out​
Oct 11 - 19, 2025​
Limited single room upgrades starting from $1,199 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
P.S. All payments can be broken up into a
$525 deposit + 3 additional installments.
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*Please note: Due to requirements from our suppliers, the Japan Trip follows a 91-Day Cancellation Policy.
9 days/8 nights
starting at $6,199 USD
Included
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8 night accommodations in shared rooms (single room upgrade available on request)
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Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners with some drinks included
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Transportation: All bullet train tickets, private transfers, ICI cards for the bus, metro and local train system
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Tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
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Hands-on pottery lesson
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Zen meditation class led by a monk
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Guided hike to top of Mt. Kurama
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Tickets to Osaka Castle
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Local foodie tour through Dotonbori
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Tea tasting on a green tea plantation
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Private onsen bath and stay in traditional ryokan
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Organized karaoke night
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Toyosu Market experience
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Traditional sushi-making class
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FTLO Trip Leader
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*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights (fly into Osaka or Kansai International Airport and out of Tokyo)
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Airport transfers
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $450+, depending on eating/drinking habits)
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Incidental expenses (like taxis - budget $300)
day by day
Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs HERE.
Day 1 - Kyoto
Konnichiwa
There’s something about Kyoto’s rich history, preservation of the arts, and natural beauty that sets it apart from other cities in Japan. Though it’s expansive, Kyoto has a much different energy than Tokyo or Osaka. Its slower pace allows you to ease into your surroundings, shake off the jet lag, and fully immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture.
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After checking into the hotel, we’ll regroup in the evening for our first Izakaya dinner. These traditional Japanese pubs are the perfect introduction to the country’s simple yet extraordinary cuisine.
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Together, we’ll raise our first of many toasts, saying “Kanpai” to new friendships and an unforgettable start to an epic 9-day journey!
Arrive
Day 2 - Kyoto
TIMELESS TRADITION
Our first full day in Kyoto offers an introduction to the city's timeless traditions, blending history, art, and spirituality. We’ll kick things off with a visit to a 1,200-year-old temple, tucked away in the serene, wooded hills just east of the city, before enjoying lunch in a tranquil setting nearby.
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In the afternoon, we’ll dive into Kyoto’s rich artistic heritage with a hands-on pottery lesson. Here, you’ll experience the beauty of wabi-sabi—finding perfection in imperfection—while crafting your own ceramic masterpiece.
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There’s no better way to unwind from the day than with a serene meditation session led by a Zen monk, setting the perfect tone for relaxation. We’ve left the evening free, whether you’re in the mood for chill vibes or eager to explore Kyoto alongside your new crew of friends.
DEVOUR
Day 3 - Kurama & Kibune
VIEWS FROM THE TOP
Today, we’ll embark on a day trip to a charming town just under an hour by train from Kyoto. Our adventure begins with a hike up Mt. Kurama, then continues to the nearby village of Kibune, a scenic trek that takes about four hours in total. As we walk through the forest, keep an eye out for songbirds, monkeys, and other wildlife along the way. We’ll stop for lunch before heading back to Kyoto in the late afternoon where your evening is free.
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For nature lovers, Arashiyama’s bamboo forest or a sunset walk along the Kamo River are great options. Afterwards, you can stroll through Pontocho Alley for a lively atmosphere and endless dinner choices. We recommend trying your first udon or ramen—just don’t forget to slurp your noodles!
VENTURE
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Day 4 - Osaka
foodie PARADISE
Get ready for a day trip to Osaka, known as "Japan’s Kitchen" and the third-largest city in the country! We’ll start with a visit to Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, offering incredible views of the city skyline. Then, it’s off to explore the bustling, neon-lit streets of Dotombori, which is the heart of Osaka’s food scene. This area is a sensory overload (in a good way!) with giant moving mascots, glowing signs, and mouthwatering aromas from countless street food stalls.
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On our local foodie tour, we’ll dive into Osaka’s culinary treasures—sampling everything from Takoyaki (gooey octopus balls) and crispy Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), to sweet treats like Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean). You’ll discover hidden gems and taste the best of the Kansai region. By the end of the day, you’ll head back to Kyoto with a full (but happy) belly!
Relax
Day 5: IZU & SHUZENJI
TEA & ONSEN OASIS
Bye, Kyoto! Up next, we’re headed to the Izu Peninsula via bullet train, where our first stop will be a local farmer's green tea plantation. We will spend some time strolling through the lush tea fields, breathing in the fragrant aromas, and sampling tea straight from the source. This is where you’ll truly appreciate the artistry and care that goes into each cup.
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Next, we’ll make our way to Shuzenji for the ultimate onsen experience, where we’ll have a chance to soak in Japan’s famous hot springs. Picture yourself walking past serene bamboo forests and temples before we check into our traditional ryokan, where you’ll unwind on tatami mats. This is your moment for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the ryokan.
immerse
Day 6 - Tokyo
TIME FOR TOKYO
Hope you’re feeling recharged and well-rested because today we’re heading to the big city—Tokyo, the largest city in the world, with over 38 million people! We’ll be dropped off at our hotel in the bustling Shinjuku District, right in the heart of the action.
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From bar hopping in Golden Gai, which boasts hundreds of tiny bars nestled within six narrow alleys, to exploring Omoide Yokocho (affectionately nicknamed “Piss Alley” due to its post-WWII roots, when toilet facilities were scarce—don’t worry, it’s much cleaner now), you and the crew can choose whether you want to dive into the vibrant streets upon arrival or take a moment to settle in before our group dinner.
savour
Day 7 - Tokyo
LOCAL CATCH
Today's adventure is perfect for fresh fish fanatics as we head to Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market, renowned for its tuna auction and incredible selection of ultra-fresh seafood. You’ll gain insight from our local tour guide into the daily seafood trade and discover the variety of fish that passes through the market each day. Our guide will share tips on how to pick the best vendors and help you choose the freshest ingredients for our sushi-making lesson.
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Cooking with locals is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the culture, so we’re rolling up our sleeves and learning from the pros. By the end of this delicious lesson, you’ll not only have mastered the art of the perfect sushi roll but also perfected the skill of finishing every last grain of rice (it’s tradition; we don’t make the rules)! On our way back, we’ll stop by the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, and then the evening is yours to tear up the Tokyo streets with your friends!
connect
Day 8 - Tokyo
THE LAST SONG
You could easily spend a lifetime exploring this city, but sadly, today marks our last full day in Tokyo together — and we think you should head to Akihabara! The vibrant energy is infectious, with the sounds of games and laughter filling the air. So whether you’re racing against friends in thrilling arcade games or testing your skills on claw machines, this lively district is the perfect place to embrace your inner child and have some fun.
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We’ll gather at night for our farewell dinner to raise one final Kanpai — a toast to celebrate the incredible memories we've shared and the friendships we’ve forged along the way. But don’t think this is the end of the road! We’ll cap off our time together with a final song at a karaoke bar.
DISCOVER
Day 9 - Tokyo
Sayonara
Before we part ways, let’s gather for one last delicious breakfast together, savoring the memories we’ve made as a group. While our Japan adventure may be coming to a close, there’s always more of Asia to see if you have time to stick around.
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If you’re looking for a change of scenery, head to Vietnam where bustling markets and mouthwatering street food await. Thailand is another great option if you’re looking for stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Regardless, we can’t wait for our next adventure together! Until next time!
FAST FACTS
about Japan
Japan is home to a rich cultural heritage steeped in tradition. Its history, spanning millennia, melds ancient practices with modern innovations. The nation reveres traditions like tea ceremonies, sumo wrestling, and cherry blossom festivals while also placing huge importance on cutting-edge technology and urban sophistication. Major cities pulse with energy, housing futuristic skyscrapers alongside historic temples.
GOod to know
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The national language is Japanese.
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The currency in Japan is the yen.
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Everything is very, very small. Though cleverly designed, expect small spaces for accommodation.
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Japan is one of the most expensive places to visit in the world, and therefore will not be a luxury trip, despite the higher costs.
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Japanese cuisine is delicious, creative, and stunning, but it will definitely challenge your palette’s comfort zone.
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Japanese culture is completely different from anything else you’ve experienced before; be ready to expand your horizons.
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This trip will offer a mix of ancient and modern, old and new.
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Manners are important in Japan and showing respect, as you would in any country.
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It is generally a quieter country, despite bustling cities and tourist-heavy areas.
Trip notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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In Japan, you'll find everything from hotel rooms to portion sizes to be smaller.
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Public transportation: Japanese trains are very efficient, and traffic in the major cities is bad, so this whole trip is done on public transport. Try to pack lightly.
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When visiting Japan, we stay as close to historic city centers as possible. This means your accommodations will often be on the small side, quirky, and unique (we love this!).
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Cherry Blossom season usually falls between April and May.
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June is the rainy season, but it usually does not rain every day
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Seafood is a staple of Japanese cuisine and can be found in many dishes. If you are a selective eater, please be aware that meals will often include seafood.
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Note for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free: In Japanese culture, foods without the actual meat of an animal (such as beef broths) are considered vegetarian. This may present difficulties for travelers with dietary restrictions, as it is hard to adjust foods or find foods that don't use grains or fish. While your guide can help you understand what you're ordering, it will be up to you to do your research on foods that meet your dietary preferences. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to find meals that fit your needs during the group meals that are included.
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All activities are weather-dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
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If you’re interested in visiting the Ghibli Museum, a quirky walk through the works of the renowned animation studio Studio Ghibli, you’ll need to book early to reserve your spot. It's best to visit on day 8 of your trip.
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* The Japan Trip follows a 91-Day Cancellation Policy, different from other FTLO Trips
flight information
Fly into OSAKA (ITM) or Kansai (KIX)
You'll need to be in Kyoto by 1 pm on Day 1. We do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own!
Fly out of Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT)
Fly out of Tokyo at any time on day 9 or extend your trip and enjoy a few more days in Japan.
Alumni Reviews
We know how much you'll love the Japan trip...
but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning more about our Japan trip?
Have a question? We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.