Experience daily life in Japan in extraordinary ways.

Explore Japan like a local, ducking into small izakayas for a drink, soaking in hot springs, and speeding from one place to the next on the bullet train.

 
 

Imagine yourself on an all-inclusive trip to Japan…

strolling the backstreets of Kyoto, enjoying the performance of the mysterious maikos, and exploring some of the best cuisines in the world - from the freshest seafood to perfectly crafted noodle dishes.

 
 
 

11 - Day Inside Japan Tour Trip Details

 

This all-inclusive trip to Japan will take you inside the soul of Japan, visiting the local hotspots of Osaka, the cultural city of Kyoto, small towns in the countryside, and the bright lights and big-city buzz of Tokyo.

 
 
 

Dates

May 19 - 29, 2024 | SOLD OUT! Join the waitlist!
November 3 - 13, 2024 | Only 6 spots left!
May 18 - 28, 2025
August 31 - September 10, 2025
October 19 - 29, 2025

Pricing

2024 Trips
$13,850 per person based on double occupancy
$16,620 per person based on single occupancy

2025 Trips
$14,850 per person based on double occupancy
$17,820 per person based on single occupancy

Group Size

6 to 12 travelers

Destinations

Osaka
Kyoto
Ishikawa
Tokyo

Trip Inclusions

✓ 4-5* Boutique Accommodations

✓ Airport meet and greet with private transfers

✓All ground transportation

✓ All meals (except for 2 dinners)

✓ Sake tasting and select alcoholic beverages with most meals

✓ All activities, experiences, tours, and sightseeing

✓ English-speaking local guides

✓ Accommodate dietary restrictions

✓ All taxes and tips for all drivers, guides, restaurants, and more

✓ 24/7 Tour Host

Exclusions: transportation or airfare to/from the arrival and departure points, travel protection and trip cancellation protection, hotel room incidentals, and premium alcoholic beverages

Boutique accommodations on this trip feature varying room categories, with optional upgrades available based on booking priority. Inquire upon booking for more information.

 
 

Save your seat now and finalize trip details later! If plans change, you have 24 hours to request a refund and get fully reimbursed to your original payment method. Learn more here.
Booking within 90 days of a trip? Learn more here.

 
 
 
 

Trip to Japan Highlights

  • We focus on supporting the local economy by highlighting and working with family-owned and local businesses. Here are a few of the specific ways you’ll get to explore with us and our friends in Japan:

    • Step into “a day in the life” in Osaka with Yoko

    • Enjoy a private tea tasting with the owner, Daiki, after a tour of his tea farm

    • Taste the unique flavors of the famous Outer Tsukiji Fish Market alongside our local guide

    • Learn the regional art of hikimono-kiji, or turning wood on a lathe, as you learn to carve your own bowl at an artisan's studio

    • Stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, and experience the hot springs

  • Enjoy unique dining experiences that highlight the culture and traditions of each destination.

    • Enjoy a laid-back izakaya dinner in Osaka with Yoko

    • Watch master chefs cook a multi-course tempura tasting right before your eyes

    • Indulge in a hearty ramen lunch in the city center of Kyoto

    • Experience shojin-ryori, a Japanese Buddhist cuisine, at the tranquil Tenryuji Temple

  • On this trip, you’ll experience different areas of Japan as local friends and guides highlight the cuisine and traditions in each area. What this looks like:

    • Learn how to harvest perfect tea leaves and the process of turning them into Japanese green tea

    • Experience first-hand a private kaiseki dinner and performance by a Maiko, Kyoto’s Geisha-in-training, where you can gain some insight into a life so different from yours

    • Deep dive into the regional dishes special to Osaka with Yoko in a cooking class

  • Meet our favorite tour guides, artisans, farmers, and families when you visit their homes and businesses, prepare meals, dine together, and share stories. In addition, make new friends within your group of like-valued travelers with whom you will share experiences and make memories together.

    Here is a highlight of just a few of our friends you’ll get to meet on the trip:

    • Carly - your trusted tour host who will lead you on your trip through Japan. She will help you thoughtfully navigate customs and traditions.

    • Yoko - as your guide in the food-heaven city of Osaka, Yoko will show you her favorite stops around town and teach you how to make a few regional dishes in a cooking class.

    • Daiki - A tea farm owner who also runs a cafe where they make the best tea desserts. We will explore the farm while Daiki shares his passion for Japanese tea with us.

    • Mrs. Konishi - a tea practitioner who is trained in the art of Japanese tea ceremony, will host us in her home for a private tea ceremony. A rare in-home experience for many travelers to Japan.

  • No juggling itineraries or trip logistics. As soon as you arrive, we take care of every single thing so you don’t have to.

 

Japan Itinerary

Our detailed itinerary is always subject to change as we constantly research, update our trip, and coordinate with our friends in Japan to work with their schedules! This itinerary is a great resource for getting an idea of what kind of experiences you’ll have when you travel with us to Japan.

 
 

Day One - Osaka

Welcome to Japan!

Upon arrival at one of Osaka’s International Airports (KIX or ITM), a driver will be waiting to take you into the heart of the city in a private car, approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour. Your tour leader, Carly, will meet you at the hotel lobby to help with check-in.

We will have a short introduction and welcome before meeting our first local friend, Yoko. Yoko will introduce you to the city through a walking tour that will feel like strolling the streets with a group of friends. We’ll walk through neighborhoods where the locals live and visit a unique, unexpected place where Japanese people get their food.

We’ll make our way to the city center for a spirited tour of Osakan life on our way to an izakaya for casual dinner with Yoko. And in the spirit of eating like a local, you’ll get a quick Japanese lesson and do some ordering on your own!

 
 
 

Day Two - Osaka

We’ll kick off our day with a walking food tour through an off-the-beaten-path neighborhood in Osaka where we’ll explore a Japanese shopping street, or shotengai, where loyal customers have been visiting their favorite vendors for decades.

Unlike the busy markets with a lot of vendors, we’ll stroll down quieter streets where locals visit daily to shop for tea, fruits, vegetables, and other staple Japanese pantry provisions.

In the evening, we’ll meet up with Yoko, as she leads us through a cooking class where we will learn to make regional food and enjoy dishes that are special to Osaka.

 
 
 

Day Three - Wazuka and Kyoto

We’ll journey towards a small tea town outside of Kyoto. We’ll join our friends who own a small and growing tea business in their fields. The reward at the top is a beautiful view of the surrounding tea farms. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect tea leaves as well as the process of harvesting and producing tea.

Upon our return to the owner’s cafe, we’ll stop for a tasting of the tea, learn the differences in flavor, and enjoy a light lunch before heading to Kyoto. Upon our arrival, you can relax or explore on your own for a few hours.

Then we’ll meet our local guide in the lobby as we begin to explore the city of Kyoto, full of culture and tradition. We’ll meander through the picturesque scenes of the Pontocho neighborhood on our way to dinner - a multi-course tempura tasting. You’ll watch master chefs lightly fry the delicious vegetables, shrimp, and other items right before your eyes - so you’re tasting them as fresh as possible.

 
 
 

Day Four - Kyoto

We will drive to a local home to have a special, private tea ceremony. First, you’ll get to see a collection of real kimonos, handmade in Japan from silk (beware the impostors in many stores advertising “kimonos”). Many kimonos last for decades and are passed down from generation to generation.

After our tea ceremony, we’ll head back to the city center for a casual, yet hearty ramen lunch! Enjoy a little free time after luch to explore the neighborhood cafes before we head out for an elegant evening.

When the sun begins to set, we will duck into a dimly lit machiya (tea house) in the neighborhood of Gion, for a private kaiseki dinner and performance by a Maiko, Kyoto’s Geisha-in-training. You’ll have an opportunity to play games, ask questions, and gain some insight into a life so vastly different from your own.

 
 
 

Day Five - Western Kyoto

We’ll set off to Western Kyoto, to experience a side that many visitors don’t see. We’ll explore a historically preserved neighborhood and temple before strolling through the Arashiyama bamboo forest toward the scenic Okochi Sanso Villa and surrounding gardens.

We’ll enjoy a light lunch known as shojin-ryori, Japanese Buddhist cuisine, at the tranquil Tenryuji Temple.

After a peaceful day, enjoy a free evening on your own exploring all that Kyoto has to offer.

 
 
 

Day Six - Ishikawa

We’ll check out of our hotel and meet in the lobby. You will pack an overnight bag for two nights to take with you to the ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) while the rest of your luggage will be transferred directly to our Tokyo hotel.

We will make our way to Kyoto Station where we will catch an express train for approximately 2 hours to a small hot spring town.

Upon arriving in the small town tucked into the woods, we’ll grab soba for lunch and go for a private sake tasting with a sake sommelier.

Then we’ll enjoy a walk along the river for about 15 minutes before reaching our quaint, quiet, traditional, tranquil retreat for the night.

After arriving at our ryokan, you will have a short introduction about what it’s like to stay in this traditional inn, including how your Japanese rooms with tatami mat floors will be prepared with futons. You’ll also learn about the customs for using the traditional shared bathing facilities at the ryokan. The hot spring baths are divided between men and women. Then for dinner, we’ll enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal.

 
 
 

Day Seven - Ishikawa

Try your hand at the local craft of wood carving at an artisan’s studio where he’ll guide you through the process of carving your own bowl on a lathe.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the town and discover its gems on your own! We will equip you with recommendations on what to do and where to do some shopping in the town.

We will regroup at the end of the day to have dinner together at a nearby French Japanese fusion restaurant.

 
 
 

Day Eight - Ishikawa and Tokyo

Have a leisurely morning on your own as you relax in the hot spring bath or visit the town again. We’ll depart the ryokan together by private vehicle for about a one-hour drive to the train station. There you will choose from a variety of eki-ben, or train bento, options to take with you on the train. Then we’ll board our bullet train and head to Tokyo. The speeding journey lasts about 3 hours.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, we’ll be met by our English-speaking driver who will take us for a short drive to our boutique hotel in a quieter part of the city.

After settling into our hotel, we’ll head to the Ginza neighborhood to contrast the izakayas in Osaka to those in Tokyo. Indulge in local fare as we taste our way through Tokyo with our local guide.

 
 
 

Day Nine - Tokyo

We’ll meet our tour guide for a day full of sightseeing like a local - taking the cleanest, fastest, most punctual public transportation in the world to visit small eateries, you’ll get to see Tokyo from the inside perspective.

We will end our day in a hip neighborhood with a farm-to-table lunch.

We’ll provide you with a day pass for all public transportation, and you can join us as we go back to our hotel or you can explore Tokyo on your own. We are happy to suggest neighborhoods or restaurants.

 
 
 

Day Ten - Tokyo

It’s off to the famous Outer Tsukiji Fish Market for a tasty food tour through the market and getting to know the vendors. We’ll pick up provisions in the market before heading to our sushi cooking class for lunch.

Gather with your fellow travelers to drive about 30 minutes to a Tokyo restaurant surrounded by gardens, which feels like a sanctuary within the city. Enjoy our farewell dinner together in a private room with a choice of tasting menus.

 
 
 

Day Eleven - Tokyo

On our day of departure, we will have an optional group breakfast at the hotel. Given the distance of the airports in Tokyo, we have arranged for travelers to take the LimoBus shuttle departing from our hotel to either Narita (NRT - approximately 1.5 hours) or Haneda (HND - approximately 1 hour) airport for departures. We will arrange which LimoBus you will depart on given your flight time, and we will escort you to the shuttle.

 
 
 

*Itinerary, hotels, activities, and modes of transportation are subject to change based on availability and/or weather conditions. In the event a hotel is unavailable, another comparable 4-5 star hotel will be substituted. All Terms and Conditions will be sent upon inquiry and must be agreed upon during booking.

 
 
 

What Travelers Say

 
 
 

Talk to the Trip Host

 

Ask a tour host your questions! Or if your bags are already packed, you can go ahead and secure your spot here!

 
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a small business, we strive to be flexible and accommodate all bookings. If a deposit is made less than 90 days before a trip, we will do our best to confirm your spot. However, if we are unable to do so, your deposit will be transferable to any other TTLT trip of your choice or will be refunded, according to your preference.

  • Yes, you can travel to Japan without knowing Japanese, but knowing some basic phrases and vocabulary can be helpful. You will also have a 24/7 tour host with you the entire time to help you navigate the language and the areas you will be visiting.

    But here are a few points to keep in mind if you plan to travel to Japan without knowing Japanese:

    English Signage: In major cities and tourist areas, you will often find signs in both Japanese and English, making it easier to navigate public transportation systems, streets, and attractions.

    English-speaking Personnel: Many hotels, airports, and popular tourist spots have staff members who can communicate in English.

    Learn Basic Phrases: While not necessary, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can be helpful and show respect to the locals. Simple greetings like "hello" (konnichiwa) and "thank you" (arigatou gozaimasu) can go a long way in making a positive impression. Learn 8 useful Japanese phrases for dining out or 7 important Japanese phrases for visitors.

    Japanese Hospitality: The Japanese are known for their hospitality and willingness to assist visitors. Even if you encounter language barriers, locals often try their best to help you find your way or understand your needs. Read our complete guide on how to successfully navigate Japanese hospitality.

  • Traveling to Japan in a small group is an incredibly rewarding experience, providing numerous advantages that make it the best way to explore this captivating country. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity for enhanced cultural immersion. With a smaller group of fellow travelers, you can delve deeper into Japanese culture, participating in authentic activities and interacting with locals on a more personal level. Whether it's learning traditional tea ceremonies, trying your hand at calligraphy, or joining a local festival, being part of a small group allows for more meaningful experiences and genuine connections. We’ve answered your most common questions about our Japan trip to help you decide if it’s the right trip for you!

    This isn’t the only way to travel to Japan though and have a wonderful experience.

    Travel Consulting - Great if you’re looking for personalized recommendations from a Japan expert and want to travel confidently, but want to manage bookings and trip logistics on your own.

    Private Trips - Great if you want a Japan expert to build out a personalized itinerary full of quality experiences based on your interests and preferences, handle all bookings from experiences to hotels, and arrange all transportation. By letting us handle trip logistics, you don’t need to spend time building your own trip.

    3-Day Itinerary to Tokyo - Great if you’re looking for additional guidance to Tokyo. This self-guided itinerary comes with pre-booked experiences with our favorite local operators and top recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities, and shops.

    You can also check out our free resources for traveling to Japan, Japan airport questions, and more!

  • Travelers should be comfortable engaging in activities like city tours with a few hours of walking, exploring historical sites, taking light hikes in scenic areas like a tea farm or temple with varying terrain, as well as walking up and down stairs as we occasionally utilize public transportation in the city.

    Travelers should be prepared for a mix of activities that involve moderate walking distances, standing for extended periods, sitting on the floors, and a range of engaging experiences suitable for those with average physical abilities.

    If you have any specific questions you’d like to discuss with the tour host, contact us!

  • Upon payment, travelers have a 24-hour period to request a refund with full reimbursement to the original payment method. After 24 hours from payment, the travel deposit becomes non-refundable consistent with our Terms & Conditions. Any cancellation or refund requests made thereafter will not be eligible for reimbursement. To request a refund, contact us at hello@thetablelesstraveled.com.

  • We prioritize delivering exceptional and exclusive travel experiences to our travelers. Our commitment to maintaining the highest quality in every aspect of your journey, from accommodations to activities, is paramount. By refraining from offering discounts, we ensure that our travelers receive access to unique, carefully curated experiences that set us apart.

    Additionally, we believe in fair compensation for the friends and partners we collaborate with around the world. This allows us to build and maintain strong relationships, ensuring that every element of your travel experience is delivered with excellence. By upholding fair compensation standards, we contribute to the sustainability of the travel industry, have a positive social impact, and support local communities and economies in the destinations we explore.

    For those who appreciate exceptional value, we have exciting travel bonuses that are exclusively revealed on our annual trip launch date and during the Black Friday weekend. To be the first to know about these incredible offers, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter.

 
 
 

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