Japan with Jessi & The Reckless Optimists

You will be walking 10 minutes to the welcome dinner at a local Japanese izakaya. Your meal will typically be a set menu with water included. Additional food and beverages will be at your own expense. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Overnight in Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Learn about the techniques, history and importance of the Japanese tea ceremony with guidance from a tea master at a ceremony room in Asakusa, Tokyo. This small group immersive experience invites you to partake in the ceremony, kneeling and sipping green tea in the same way it’s been done for centuries.

In the afternoon, continue exploring the vibrant Asakusa District. You’ll arrive at Kaminarimon (Temple Sensoji entrance gates). Once an entertainment hub during the Edo era, featuring traditional theater like Kabuki, Asakusa has evolved from its historical role and is now a lively area filled with charming shops and restaurants. Nestled in the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan, Asakusa seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Its centerpiece is the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th century. The district is famous for Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street that leads to the temple, offering an array of traditional goods, souvenirs, and mouth watering street food. Be sure to bring cash for souvenirs and food!

After visiting Asakusa, you will travel across Tokyo on a 50 minute metro train ride to Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to the deified spirits of the former Emperor and his wife, Meiji Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Enter through the 12-meter-high Torii gate into the tranquil grounds, where you'll wash your hands as per Shinto ritual of cleansing before entering this sacred space. Observe Shinto rituals and prayers as you walk through the area, connecting with the traditions of this unique culture. Then, you will have free time to explore one of the most funky streets of Tokyo: Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, a bustling and vibrant street that epitomizes Japan's unique and eclectic youth culture. Lined with an array of quirky and fashionable boutiques, Takeshita-dori is a haven for fashion enthusiasts seeking the latest trends, bold styles, and kawaii (cute) fashion. The street is also known for its diverse range of themed cafes, offering visitors a chance to experience the whimsical and imaginative side of Japanese pop culture.

From Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, you’ll take an 8 minute metro train to Shibuya. The world-famous Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, is a mesmerizing spectacle as a sea of people converges from all directions. Surrounding the crossing, Shibuya is a hub of fashion, entertainment, and youth culture. The fashionable Shibuya 109 building stands tall as a symbol of the district's trendsetting fashion scene, offering a myriad of trendy boutiques and cutting-edge styles. Beyond fashion, Shibuya is also home to vibrant nightlife, trendy cafes, and a diverse array of shops and restaurants. You’ll then take a 25 minute metro train ride back to Shimbashi and walk 10 minutes to the hotel.

Overnight in Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Tokyo to Nagano. One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen. Don't forget to prepare a small go to bag before dropping off your luggage in the lobby. Your luggage awaits you in your next hotel.

This morning you’ll take a 30 minute metro train ride to Yanaka for a food tour. You will explore the back streets and hidden gems in Yanaka, a rare taste of Tokyo's past. The local guide will take you through the charming area of Yanaka - one of the few remaining districts in Tokyo where the shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere- a feeling of Tokyo from past decades, still survives.You will have the chance to try local street snacks, stop by shops that are over 100 years old, see local shrines and temples and enjoy a regional lunch from the South of Japan, Kyushu. You will be making 6 food stops trying drinks and snacks that locals love such as senbei, menchikatsu, tayaki. You’ll then take a 30 minute metro train ride back to the hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, gluten free diets and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Lunch as a part of the Yanaka Food Tour is included. You’ll be making 6 food stops, trying 10-12 local dishes and drinks. Note that the menu may change depending on availability and seasonality. Additional food and beverages at your own expense. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan gluten free diets and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Take public transport to Tokyo Station, then board a Shinkansen bullet train to Nagano.

Dinner at a local establishment included

Overnight in Nagano.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

You’ll start the morning off with a 30 minute walk through Nagano passing through Nakamise street with shops on your way up to Zenko-ji Temple (You’ll also have an option to take a 15 minute metro train ride with a 10-15 minute walk to the temple). Having proudly hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, this city is steeped in both modern sports history and ancient cultural significance. One of its most renowned landmarks is the venerable Zenko-ji Temple, a sacred site with a history spanning nearly 1400 years. The Main Hall of this spiritual haven is not only a testament to architectural prowess but is also designated as a National Treasure. Zenko-ji Temple is a repository of legends and myths, offering visitors a profound glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese history and spirituality. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the temple, exploring its sacred halls and absorbing the cultural significance that permeates the air. As you venture through the temple grounds, meander along the surrounding streets that lead to the main gate. Here, you'll discover quaint shops offering souvenirs and street food. You’ll then walk 30 minutes back to the hotel / or take the metro train. Remember to bring cash with you!

Overnight in Nagano.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Take a private transfer from the hotel in Nagano to Togakushi Taisha.

This morning, put on your most comfortable clothes and dependable shoes, and get ready to enjoy the beautiful Togakushi Taisha. Surrounded by nature and thousands of year-old culture, Togakushi is an area located in Mt Togakushi. The Togakushi trail is made up of 5 shrines. Your journey today will start in the lower shrine, Hokosha. Next up, is the Soba Museum, Tonkururin. Togakushi Soba used to be served to important guests, pilgrims, who rested in the area. Here you'll enjoy some free time to try out the Togakushi Soba (at your own cost) and roam around the shops. After, continue your hike towards Chusha, the middle shrine. On the way you'll stop to visit a ninja museum before continuing to the last (upper) shrine. Keep a look out for Zuishinmon, a red gate, as it marks the halfway point to the last shrine, Okusha shrine. The red colour of the gate provides a contrast with the trees and nature surrounding it. The total hike covers approximately 3 miles, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.

Finish up today's journey by hopping on the bus headed towards Togakushi Kamitsuge Onsen. Here, soak your fatigue away before going back to your hotel to rest and get ready for tomorrow's adventure.

Take a private transfer from Yudanaka Onsen Town back to the hotel in Nagano.

Dinner at a local establishment included

Overnight in Nagano.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Nagano to Tokyo. One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen. Don't forget to prepare a small go to bag before dropping off your luggage in the lobby. Your luggage awaits you in your next hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel and board a Shinkansen bullet train from Nagano back to Tokyo.

You will be walking 10 minutes to the farewell dinner at a local Japanese izakaya. Your meal will typically be a set menu with water included. Additional food and beverages at your own expense. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, gluten free diets and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/American or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten. For the included meals, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and shellfish-free diets CANNOT be accommodated.