JAPAN ADVENTURE

13-23 FEB 2027

NEXT TOUR DATE

£3495

TOUR PRICE EXC. FLIGHTS

£295

DEPOSIT

Itinerary below

Go for it + start your adventure!

3 STOPS + LOADS MORE DESTINATIONS

11 DAYS

20 TRIPS, TRANSFERS & EXPERIENCES

14 NEW FRIENDS

Enjoy longer action packed stays of 4 nights each in Tokyo and Kyoto to see these amazing cities and neighbouring destinations of Mount Fuji Kawaguchiko, Kamakura, Arashiyama and Nara, broken up by 2 days in the stunning nature of the Izu Peninsula!

Stay for 10 nights, 11 days in carefully handpicked accommodation of a very high standard, from modern Japanese style apartment hotels in incredibly central locations in Tokyo's iconic Shinjuku area and the heart of Kyoto, and a luxurious yet traditional Japanese rural ryokan resort with an award winning onsen spa and authentic Japanese style rooms with tatami flooring, balconies overlooking rice fields, private open air baths and kimono robes!

Prepare for an epic itinerary blending 20 amazing trips, transfers and experiences from iconic highlights to hidden gems I've found on my travels! We'll hunt for pop culture treasures in Shinjuku, step into the world-famous Shibuya Crossing chaos, catch sunset from the Shibuya Sky bar, chase the ultimate Mount Fuji views, unwind as the Japanese do at a luxury hot springs spa, ride the famous bullet train, summit a volcano that looks like an upside-down matcha pudding cup, visit volcanic rocks and bright red shrines beside turquoise seas, stand before breathtaking giant buddhas and temples, meet a geisha in person, unleash our inner ninja warrior, make our own chopsticks, and step into the living postcards of soaring bamboo groves and endless red torii gate tunnels... This is the bucket list Japanese adventure you've been dreaming of!

Travel with up to 14 like-minded women and me (TQ owner, Mel) to take care of everything... I've designed all our group trips and you may start as strangers, but you'll quickly feel like you're travelling with new friends, including me - I'm just the one who makes sure everything goes amazing!

OUR ITINERARY

DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN TOKYO & EXPLORE SHINJUKU!

You’ll be picked up at the airport and brought to our Japanese home for the next 4 nights, in the heart of the city's coolest and quirkiest area, Shinjuku! Iconic Tokyo brings neon lights, anime characters, playful pop culture and bustling city life to mind, and that's what Shinjuku is all about.

If you're dreading sleeping in capsule pods, forget all that (this is Travel Queen after all)... I've found us an amazing Japanese style apartment hotel with rooms easily double, if not triple the size of most in Tokyo. After ALL the amazing things we have lined up, you'll come home to chill with plenty of space, big comfy beds, traditional Japanese style seating areas with tatami mat flooring, spacious ensuite bathrooms and an equipped kitchenette and dining table for enjoying the legendary Japanese 'konbini' store delights!

After dinner as the sun starts to set, it's Shinjuku treasure hunt time through this maze of neon-lit streets, hunting down iconic sights from the 3D cat leaping from a giant screen, the red crab clinging to the side of a skyscraper, the famous Godzilla head looming over Kabukicho, spotting Tokyo’s street culture along the way, from traditional Japanese fashion to the colourful Harajuku-style looks that make the city feel like a living fashion show. It's the contrasts that make Tokyo so fascinating: bright neon and quiet backstreets, modern pop culture and centuries-old traditions, bustling crowds and tiny hidden corners. We'll end along mysterious Memory Lane, where intimate drinking spots with yakitori barbecues glow beneath the lanterns, the perfect first night to get to know your new travel buddies!

Welcome to Japan, I absolutely fell in love with it, and I know you will too!

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DAY 2 - FOREST SHRINE TO HARAJUKU & SHIBUYA CROSSING!

Today we'll travel through more of Tokyo's contrasts, starting with morning rituals at the traditional and spiritual heart of one of the city's most important shrines, through to sunset overlooking one of the most iconic bustling city views in the world.

Our day begins by stepping through a massive cypress wood torii gate to enter Meiji Jingu Shrine, a sacred forest oasis where towering old trees line a grand pathway to the entrance. Embrace spiritual Japan and purify your spirit, receive poetic divine fortunes, write and hang wooden prayer tablets, and buy sacred protective amulets, before passing the famous wall of colourful sake barrels offered to the enshrined spirits.

Next is the pop culture playground of Harajuku! You'll have free time to explore quirky, high-energy Takeshita Street, bursting with wild rainbow cotton candy, decadent crêpes, and storefronts blasting J-pop, amidst a sea of cute to anime to gothic fashion. Explore hidden vintage clothing boutiques or see what's the weirdest street food snack you can find!

Brace yourself as we step into the absolute epicentre of Tokyo: the legendary Shibuya Crossing. Waves of people surge from all sides, creating perfectly synchronised chaos beneath towering neon screens. We'll take time to feel the energy of this place and capture it with the perfect shots, before we head up to see the amazing views of it and the whole of Tokyo from the Shibuya Sky Bar as the sun sets. We'll be here on 14 February; not a bad gift to yourself for Valentine's Day eh? :-)

1/17

DAY 3 - HIDDEN TEMPLE HUNTING IN KAMAKURA BEACH TOWN!

Our journey today will take us out of the city to a very different and much more tranquil side to Tokyo, through the forest and hidden temples and shrines of beach town Kamakura.

Picture pure, rustic places with hardly any tourists, just local Japanese people authentically embracing their Shinto buddhist faith. I'll guide you to an underground cave where you wash your money for future wealth, the sacred "husband and wife" rocks where you tie a red thread to bring luck in love, and smash sake dishes to destroy bad luck! Or your favourite part of the day might be walking completely alone through a breathtaking, secluded tunnel of vibrant red torii gates, hidden away in the quiet woods, if you're as lucky as I was when I discovered this place.

After all that exploring we'll enjoy food and free time wandering the town's bustling Komachi Street, home to quaint Japanese souvenirs and treats, matcha ice cream anyone?

In the afternoon join me to walk to the Kotoku-in Temple, home to the Great Daibatsu Big Buddha statue, or walk down to the beach to chill. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance. In the evening we head back to the city and our Japanese home away from home, to rest up for more adventure tomorrow...

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DAY 4 - GET UP CLOSE TO MOUNT FUJI!

We're getting out of the city again today for another scenic train ride, this time to Lake Kawaguchiko, with our sights set on the ultimate Japanese prize: a clear view of Mount Fuji.

Even though this legendary peak is notoriously shy and famously loves to hide behind a blanket of clouds, spotting its snow-capped crown is considered the ultimate sign of good luck while visiting Japan - so we are heading to the lakeside, crossing our fingers, and giving it our absolute best shot!

I've purposely designed this tour to take place in February for a few different reasons, but one big one is that it is hands down one of the very best months to have the BEST chance of having the perfect clear days you need to see this sacred, and pretty rare, sight... and the snow capped peak is the icing on the cake!

(For another BIG reason why February is the uniquely perfect month to visit and see the highly sought after Japanese cherry blossoms, without the masses spoiling the rest of your Japan trip, scroll down to the Izu part of our itinerary on Day 6...)

With glimpses possible from the train itself, we'll arrive to the town and I'll show you around the area and the best vantage points, and you'll have the chance to take a boat trip on the lake and travel up to a viewpoint by cable car for even more views.

If you would prefer more time to explore Tokyo itself, you can opt out of this day trip too of course and do whatever you like with your day!

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DAY 5 - VOLCANIC IZU PENINSULA & HOT SPRING JAPANESE SPA RETREAT!

After a busy few days in and around Tokyo and before an action packed itinerary coming up in bustling Kyoto, of iconic bamboo groves, geishas, famous torii gate tunnels, sumo wrestling and ninja play... we head to the part of Japan that's my proudest find, and one I haven't found on any other group tour operator's route yet (that's a goal of mine on every tour!)

The Izu Peninsula is one of Japan's hidden gems, to most foreign tourists anyway. This is where the Japanese come on holiday or to get away from the city for the weekend. It's the perfect breath of fresh air between cities and if you're anything like me, you'll love it because most of what we do here is by the sea!

Where we stay here is very special too; a beautiful Japanese style, rural ryokan retreat with an award winning onsen spa and authentic Japanese rooms with tatami flooring, balconies overlooking rice fields, private open air baths, kimono robes and slippers, that you can even wear to dinner!

First we're off to Mount Omuro, a spectacularly symmetrical volcano that looks like a giant, upside down matcha pudding cup. Its flawlessly smooth silhouette is covered in velvety, vibrant green grass, making it look more like a Studio Ghibli film backdrop than a real natural landmark. We'll take the chair lift to the top for stunning views of its interior and out to the volcanic Izu coastline. That's our next stop, a walk along the breathtaking Jogasaki coastal trail, carved out of black volcanic rock, before crossing a dramatic suspension bridge above the crashing waves below.

Okay, now it's time to head to our spa retreat for the evening!

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DAY 6 - SCENIC COASTAL TRAIN TO CHERRY BLOSSOMS & BEACH SHRINE!

Today we're catching a scenic coastal train to the brilliant white sands of Shirahama Beach, where a striking red torii gate stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the crashing turquoise sea, as a spiritual portal 'welcoming sea-faring deities back to the mainland'. Because the shrine honours the goddess of women and marriage, the gate itself is considered a major spiritual "power spot" where locals believe that standing before it brings immense good fortune. Seems quite apt that we go here as a group of women, it's also beautiful to look at, and you know, worth a shot!

One of our main stops today is the town of Kawazu, where we'll wander down paths framed by spectacular, vibrant pink cherry blossom trees framing the riverbank. While tourists from all over the world flock to Japan in droves for the most famous cherry blossom season at the end of March/early April, my Japanese friends strongly advised me against this, due to massive crowds causing long queues and inflated prices everywhere. Timing that season also shifts unpredictably every year because of weather patterns, with that type of blossom famously lasting only a few fleeting days, meaning you could pay double the price, fight endless queues, and still miss them completely.

By visiting in February we get to see the Kawazu-zakura cherry blossom, which blooms reliably across a much longer period, without the stressful crowds affecting our trip... and that's why you book with Travel Queen, because I work all this out for you ;-)

After a lovely leisurely sightseeing day, its back to our spa retreat for more relaxing, Japanese style...

1/22

DAY 7 - TRAVEL TO KYOTO & EVE OPTIONS INC. SUMO SHOW!

Start the day with a dip in your private outdoor bath or the main onsen spa one last time, and let the volcanic hot spring minerals do their thing. After a relaxing escape along the pretty Izu Peninsula, it’s time to travel west toward Kyoto, swapping the slow-paced coastal train tracks for the supersonic style speed of Japan's legendary Shinkansen bullet train! Seeing these iconic Japanese bad boys whip past you in the station at full speed is an experience in itself, but it's even better being in one, slicing through the Japanese countryside up to 200mph, yet still enjoying a surprisingly smooth ride!

After arriving in Kyoto we'll settle into our third and final Japanese home, another fantastic and spacious apartment style hotel with way more room than is the norm in Japan. Relax after our journey, maybe stock up your apartment kitchen fridge with your fave Japanese snacks and drinks from the local konbini store, and get ready... It might be our last stop but we still have 4 more nights here and so much more to see.

Tonight is a free night for you to do what you like after our travel day, and there's lots to choose from, or just take time to chill. Grab some food from Kyoto's ramen 'theme park', head to famous Pontocho Alley's lantern lit, intimate drinking and dining dens, or visit teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, a massive, sensory wonderland where you can wade through glowing liquids, shape floating cloud sculptures made of bubbles, and interact with larger-than-life light projections.

Or if you want a welcome to Kyoto like no other, opt for VIP front row seats at a sumo show, where you get to practice the moves, challenge the wrestlers and make some unforgettable memories... or just watch the bravest of your new travel buddies and take some amazing photos!

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DAY 8 - KIYOMIZU TEMPLE, HIGASHIYAMA & GEISHA SPOTTING!

Today we step back in time to traditional Kyoto as we explore the city's most iconic temple, Kiyomizu-dera, a sacred UNESCO World Heritage site perched majestically on the slopes of Mount Otowa, with sweeping, panoramic views of Kyoto stretching out below us. I went to a LOT of temples in Japan, and this was my favourite overall, as it had both wow factor and it's where I felt the most special, spiritual connection.

After wandering through the temple's vibrant pagodas and serene paths (and watching people line up to try and lift THAT spear!), we'll reach the quaint, stone-paved lanes of Higashiyama. You'll have free time here to explore the historic wooden storefronts and browse local artisan arts and crafts, delicate matcha treats and traditional Kyoto souvenirs.

If you've been dreaming of 'Memoirs of a Geisha' vibes for your Japan trip, you'll be in your element today! You'll see people dressed in gorgeous geisha get-up all day, from tourists playing the part in rental kimonos to breathtaking glimpses of real geishas gliding gracefully through the twilight on their way to work. It's great to catch this, but we don't leave this important part of your Japan trip to chance, and have a very special experience set up for you to actually meet a geisha in person.

A geisha is far from just a basic entertainer. She is a high-profile master of classical Japanese arts who spends years training to perfect deeply respected traditional dance, rare instruments, centuries-old rituals of artistic hair and beauty transformations and the art of brilliant conversation. Watching her perform a tea ceremony, dance and meeting her in person is like getting an exclusive, backstage pass to living history, true elegance, iconic fashion and sometimes, surprisingly sharp wit!

We'll end our day at famous Pontocho Alley's lantern lit, intimate drinking and dining dens, sampling more delicious Japanese food and drinks.

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DAY 9 - BAMBOO FORESTS, CHOPSTICK MAKING & NINJA PLAY!

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Japan's most famous sights for a reason, and I will still take you to see it as it is beautiful, but we will also escape the masses that congregate there and venture further to a hidden, waaaay more peaceful bamboo grove, tucked away behind a secluded, mysterious temple filled with 8,000 small, stone Buddhas.

Most importantly, visiting here gives you a sense of why these soaring bamboo groves are so special and serene, without the crowds, but yes it does also make for a much more beautiful photo too ;-)

After the scenic walk back to the charming village of Arashiyama, we'll take a break for lunch at a very cool street food market where you can take your pick of Japanese delights, before our fun afternoon getting hands on with Japanese arts and crafts!

You will have mastered how to use them throughout the trip, so now you get to make your own to take home as the perfect souvenir or gift... it's chopstick making time! You can even choose the type of wood and engrave them how you like, in English or Japanese symbols.

For a tasty little break, we'll visit the bamboo terrace café to sample their quirky matcha coffees, cocktails or ice creams, before ending the day unleashing our inner warriors in full ninja gear, with star-throwing, blow darts, and if you're up for it, an epic walk in full ninja gear to a temple featuring a legendary dragon ceiling painting!

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DAY 10 - KYOTO'S ICONIC TORII GATES, BIG BUDDHA & SACRED DEER!

It's almost the end of our adventure and for our final full day we have two very special Japanese experiences in store. First up we'll visit the mesmerising Fushimi Inari Shrine, and walk through the world-famous tunnel of thousands of vibrant vermillion torii gates snaking up the sacred mountainside.

Stepping into this surreal sea of red feels like walking through a living postcard, that's both awe inspiring and fun, perfect for capturing memories and photo opportunities that will last a lifetime.

From here, our journey continues to the historic city of Nara, a magical place where hundreds of sacred, free-roaming deer will famously bow to you in exchange for a tasty deer cracker. Arguably, the true jaw-dropper here is stepping inside the colossal wooden hall of Todai-ji Temple to stand in absolute awe before the Great Buddha, one of the largest and most magnificent bronze statues on earth.

Yet it's the cute and friendly deer, and their ease around people. that still seem to steal the show!

To bring the final of our unforgettable 10 days in Japan to a close, we'll gather at a fantastic, traditionally decorated 'Izakaya' (lively Japanese restaurant) packed with amazing local specialties and your fave dishes from thought the trip from amazing noodles, wagyu beef, sushi and sashimi to delicious tofu and vegan delights, to toast our incredible journey, laugh over our favourite moments, and celebrate the beautiful memories and friendships we've made along the way.

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DAY 11 - TRAVEL HOME / EXTEND YOUR TRIP / KOYASAN TEMPLE STAY!

We've reached the end of our Japan Adventure... but if you're hungry for more, I've designed our trip to end in the best place for you to easily add any more time you might like if there are extra places you want to see.

If you choose to end your trip today on the final day of our tour, then as part of the tour price you will have a transfer arranged to the nearest airport to Kyoto, Kansai International Airport, for your flight home. If you have a later evening flight then you can enjoy some more free time in and around Kyoto before your transfer.

If you would like to do the visit to Koyasan with the overnight stay in the temple that I did, where you can join the monks for meditation and the morning fire ritual, and have time to explore the town, considered Japan's most spiritual place, then I can tell you everything you need to know to book this yourself directly with the temple, and the transport there and back, that leaves from very close to our Kyoto hotel. You will also be able to use our tour Facebook group to see if there is anyone else on our tour that wants to do the same, so you can buddy up and share the cost of the room and travel there together.

Osaka is also a popular destination very close by (about 30 mins by train), which can be done as a day trip from Kyoto or stay overnight then go to Kansai International Airport from Osaka for your flight home. Hiroshima is another option and is around 1 hour 45 mins on the train from Kyoto. I have travelled to both and am more than happy to pass on what I've learned to help you with your travels if these places are on your Japan wish list!

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Book Japan Adventure

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Thank you for choosing to join us on a Travel Queen group trip - I promise you'll be very glad you did!

If you have any questions at all please get in touch. You can book here by clicking the button below or by calling me on 07399 303859 or emailing mel@travel-queen.co.uk for other ways to book.

By making a booking you agree to our general booking terms and conditions and confirm that you have read the specific details about this trip within the overview above and FAQs below. Once we receive your booking request we will send you a detailed booking confirmation and receipt by email.

Let the countdown to an amazing adventure begin!

Japan Adventure £3495: Pay £295 deposit

FAQS

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE?

10 nights in an exceptionally high standard of shared accommodation throughout the trip including 4 nights in a very spacious Japanese style apartment hotel in Tokyo's iconic Shinjuku area, 2 nights in a luxurious Japanese rural ryokan resort with an award winning onsen spa and authentic Japanese style rooms with tatami flooring, balconies overlooking rice fields, private open air baths and kimono robes, and 4 nights in another spacious Japanese style apartment hotel in the heart of Kyoto.
Arrival transfers from Tokyo Haneda Airport to our hotel and departure transfers from our Kyoto hotel to Kansai International Airport.
Fully guided walking tour treasure hunt of Tokyo's Shinjuku area.
Fully guided walking tour of Tokyo's Meiji-jingu shrine, Harajuku and Shibuya areas, inc. photo shoot at famous Shibuya Crossing.
Tickets to access exclusive Shibuya Sky bar for sunset and amazing city views over Tokyo.
Return train travel and fully guided walking tour of Kamakura beach town from Tokyo, including access to all temples and shrines along the way.
Return train travel from Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko and guided tour on arrival to the best viewpoints to see Mount Fuji up close. Optional extras there include a boat trip on the lake and cable car to viewpoint.
Train travel from Tokyo to Izu Kogen on the Izu Peninsula.
Fully guided tours of Mount Omuro volcano including chairlift to the summit, and Jogasaki coastal trail.
Full daytime and evening access to our Izu resort's award winning Japanese style onsen (natural hot springs) spa over our 2 night stay.
Breakfast at our Izu resort over the 2 night stay. (Breakfast is not included at our Tokyo and Kyoto apartment hotels as there is no restaurant, but rooms are fully equipped with kitchenettes so you can stock up on breakfast snacks from local konbini (convenience) stores, as locals do.)
Fully guided tour of more Izu Peninsula highlights including a historic scenic coastal train, Shirahama Beach and shrine, and Kawazu cherry blossom festival (in February).
Train travel from Izu Kogen to Kyoto, including the famous Japanese Shinkansen bullet train.
Fully guided walking tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama and Gion areas including access to Kiyomizu Temple and where to spot geishas on their way to work at sunset.
A very unique and intimate experience meeting a geisha in a historic Kyoto wooden building, taking part in a sacred tea ceremony, watching her perform a dance and being able to chat, ask questions and have photos together.
Fully guided day trip to famous Arashiyama bamboo grove and a second secret bamboo grove away from the masses.
Chopstick making workshop where you choose your own wood, make them yourself and engrave your own name or message in English or Japanese symbols.
Fun ninja experience where you dress up in traditional ninja clothing and have a go at ninja star-throwing, blow darts, and if you're up for it, explore the village and local temples in the outfit for some cool photos (optional!)
Fully guided trip to see the famous thousands of red torii gates tunnel at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Fully guided trip to Nara to see the sacred bowing deer and Todai-ji Temple's incredible Great Buddha.
Your own group leader to take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy!
Optional extras with additional costs include the sumo wrestling show and kimono rental/dressing up like a geisha in Kyoto and any additional sights you may wish to see or visit, for example, teamLab Biovortex Kyoto.

WHAT IS THE AGE GROUP?

Travel Queen tours are for women aged 25 to 59 who are up for fun and adventure!

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

You need to be of a good level of fitness and comfortable with some tours and trips involving a lot of walking. You also need to be able to carry all of your own luggage for at least a 10 to 15 minute walk if needed and through busy train stations.

WILL I GET TO MEET OTHER WOMEN

ON THE TOUR BEFORE WE GO?

On every trip we hold a virtual, video pre-trip meet up just for the women on your trip, so you can all get to know one another. We also create a closed Facebook group for everyone going on the trip too, where we share useful tips and advice and where you can all ask questions and get to know each other in the lead up to the tour.

I'VE NEVER DONE ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE!

If this is the first time you have ever done anything like this - don't worry, most of the women who book onto our trips are exactly the same as you! If you need some inspiration from other women you can read and watch the amazing feedback and videos from women who have been on a Travel Queen tour on our Meet Real Travel Queens page.

WHO WILL BE OUR GROUP LEADER?

Your group leader will be me, Travel Queen Owner, Mel Stephens, here! (Only in case of an emergency, it will be someone amazing that I trust to deliver the tour on my behalf.)

I will be there day and night throughout the whole tour to make sure everything runs smoothly and that everyone has a fantastic time! For more info check out the 'About Travel Queen' part of the website or simply give me a call for a chat!

WILL I BE SHARING A ROOM?

Yes you will share a twin, double or group (for example if a two bedroom suite) room with other women on the tour. It would cost a lot more if we didn't share!

HOW DO I SORT MY FLIGHTS?

Flights are not included in the tour price. You will need to arrive in Tokyo by midday of Day 1 of the tour so you don't miss our group welcome that afternoon before we head out together in the evening. You will need to arrange a flight out of Kansai International Airport on Day 11 of the tour, as we will end the tour in Kyoto and that is the closest international airport.

There is no set time that your flight needs to be on this day, but please bear in mind you will need to check out of your room by 10am and if you have a very late flight we may need to transfer you to the airport earlier as part of group transfer arrangements.

You can also choose to arrive before Day 1 and stay later than Day 11 of the tour, but you would then need to arrange your own airport transfers.

If you are unsure about your flights, please get in touch to check that the ones you're planning to get will work around the trip.

I'M IN! HOW DO I BOOK?

Great - you're in for the trip of a lifetime! You can book online here on the website on the link above, or on our Book page, with a £295 deposit or give me a call on 07399 303859 to book over the phone. The balance is due 2 months before the tour and you can choose to pay in instalments in the lead up to this date or however suits you best.