BACKPACKING JAPAN

BACKPACKING JAPAN

Trip Dates : 14th November to 23rd November (limited slots)

Travel with us through major towns, top rated destinations, sites and off-beat locations to discover countless hidden gems. Travel by high speed JR train & local trains, sleep in premium hotels, sing your heart out at karaoke bars with the locals, stock up on sushi and sake, visit Japan’s quirky cafes and immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Every day you’ll see a different side of Japan on our epic budget trip to this fascinating country. The daily contrast makes travelling here completely unique and – if done the right way – very ‘doable’ on a budget.

Highlights of the trip

⇒ JR high speed train journeys
⇒ The Season of Divine Autumn
⇒ Daily workout(ample walking)
⇒ Unesco Protected Zones
⇒ Heritage Sites
⇒ Ancient shrines
⇒ Instagammable Spots
⇒ Edo era architecture
⇒ Offbeat locations

Book early as the rooms are limited (Thanks to Autumn Season)

Itinerary:

Day 1: HOKKAIDO ARRIVAL (14th November)

• Meeting point in Hokkaido will be your hotel & meeting time will depend on the flight you book
• Arrive at the airport & take the airport train to your hotel (train ticket will be provided to you)
• Board your train (we will guide you with all the steps to reach your hotel. Your hotel is very well connected to the train station & it is within walking distance from the Sapporo station)
• Meet & connect with other travellers as you are going to be with them for the next 10 days
• Complete check-in formalities
• Evening visit to Tanu-kikoji shopping street
• Next stop is Susukino street for nightlife
• Overnight stay in Sapporo

Day 2: MOAI STONEHENGE STATUES (Hill of the Buddha)

The Hill of the Buddha, located within the Makomanai Takino Cemetery, is an ideal half-day trip from central Sapporo. Designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, it features a 13.5-meter Buddha statue The cemetery also hosts a massive line of Moai statues (replicas from Easter Island) and a replica of Stonehenge.

Back to your hotel by evening and night time is free if you wish to try an izakaya or taste some king crabs

Day 3: OTARU DAY TRIP

Otaru is a charming port city just 30–45 minutes from Sapporo by train, famous for its historic canal, glassware, and fresh seafood. Also famous for its glass souvenirs so don’t forget to buy one from Otaru!

Things we cover :
*Otaru Canal (city’ most iconic landmark)
*Sakaimachi street (preserved merchant street)
*Tanaka Sake Brewery ( A 100 year old brewery)

Last stop of the day will be the cool German Japanese brewery (Otaru brewery) where we all can chill for a bit.They have traditional-style German lagers, Dunkel, wheats and dark ales in ceramic mugs or large steins.

Back to Sapporo by evening.

Day 4: UNDERWATER TRAIN TO TOKYO

Take the train to Tokyo through the famous tunnel

• Experience ‘Shibuya Crossing’ in the evening
• Statue of Hachikō for the dog lovers
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Tokyo

Known as Tokyo’s fashion capital, Shibuya is home to many high end stores.

-Overnight stay in Tokyo

Day 5: SHINJUKU (AUTUMN) GYOEN & TEAMLABS BORDERLESS

Post breakfast we will explore the Shinjuku on foot & it’s a beautiful walk that you’ll definitely enjoy.

Highlights of the day :
• Visit TeamLabs Borderless for an immersive digital art experience
• Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful time (Capture Autumn colours here)
• Free time for shopping at Shinjuku
• Back to hotel by evening

Boys can even rent a girlfriend , girls can rent a boyfriend or even an old man if they want to talk to someone !
Ample of Anime and Manga attractions in Tokyo if you are a fan!

Overnight stay in Tokyo!

Day 6: MOUNT FUJI DAY TRIP FROM LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO 

• Early breakfast & then we will take the train to Otsuki
• Fuji line will drop us to Kawaguchiko
• Walk to the Kawaguchiko lake
• Enjoy the views of Mount Fuji (visibility is always an issue as the views depend on your luck)
• E-Scooter is optional if you wish to try (license not required)
• please don’t invite any injury & be honest if you don’t want to try it
• You can even walk / cycle to the lake as it’s only a 15-minute walk
• Free time in the afternoon for lunch
(Please do check the timing of the restaurants if you wish to try one)
• Return to Tokyo by evening
• Overnight dinner & stay in Tokyo

Day 7: OSAKA – MARIO KART – DOTONBARI 

After a relaxed breakfast hit the streets of Osaka

•Visit Shinsaibashi & Dotonbari
•Try street food or the famous cheesecake
Today you will do a fun activity : Street Mario Kart (idp required) & you will explore Osaka in the most fun way possible (advance bookings mandatory for this tour)

Overnight stay in Osaka (good day to party in Osaka with your new friends)

Day 8: HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA

•Post breakfast transfer the luggage
•Take the Sakura line for Hiroshima
•Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome & the park behind it for Autumn colours
(Peace memorial is optional & those interested can do this in their free time)
•Ferry to Miyajima after Lunch
•Itsukushima Shrine & click selfies with the Nara deer
•Return to Namba by evening
•Overnight stay at your hotel in Namba

Day 9: KYOTO BABY & FUSHIMI INARI

We’ll rise before dawn and take the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. We work our way through the mountain exploring corridors of never ending red gates.

➡️ it’s not mandatory that you have to walk all the way up ! You walk as much as you want (30 minutes or 1 hour or 2 hours)
• Visit the Nishiki market
• Capture the true essence of the historic food market
• Walk towards Gion street. (You might even see a Geisha walking in this area if you’re lucky)

Note : It’s prohibited to click a picture of a Geisha

• Tatami Starbucks is trending & you might want to stop to click or grab a coffee
• Kimono dresses are available for rentals here if you’d like
• Walk back to the hotel at your own pace after enjoying the sunset or coffee at the vintage looking Starbucks. The evenings are very pretty in the Gion district and we highly recommend you to explore all of it on foot!
• You can even enjoy the Autumn colours near the riverside and or near the Tatsumi bridge across the Kamo river (highly recommended)

You can also hop some cute cafes in Kyoto today or maybe try Sake at an authentic izakaya. Kyoto is really beautiful & you will definitely enjoy your time here.

Overnight stay at your hotel

Day 10: SAYONARA : OSAKA!

Spend your morning doing last minute shopping on the busy streets of Osaka!!
• Last breakfast together
• Check out (Trip ends here)
• Time for a group hug on this sad day
• Fly from Osaka to India or extend your stay if you can manage more days of leave

Trip Fees : INR 199000 + 5% GST + 2% TCS (refundable)

Please note ::
* You have to walk daily in Japan so get a good shoe (but if you don’t want to see a lot of places you can definitely take it slow without the group on some days)
* Toilets can be really fancy in Japan but read the instructions properly or you’ll end up burning your back side
* Many Indians complaint about the food in Japan & if you are fussy about food then you can definitely carry a couple of Maggi cups, cup food or ready to eat packets as you may not like the food at all
* You will get a Japanese / basic Western style breakfast to start your day
* Indian food is available in all Cities if you are fussy about it
* Hotels are located close to the train stations (ask for Hotel names)
* 3 star hotels on Twin / Double occupancy
* Rooms are not big in Japan (almost everywhere)
* JR Rail pass valid for 7 full days