Japan with DocTourer Shashvat

Dates

Nov 15–21, 2023

Group Size

10–24 Travelers

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Activity Level

Exploration

About This Trip

With over 2,000 temples and shrines and the former imperial palace in its center, Kyoto is the spiritual heart of Japan. Preserved from the ravages of war and time, you’ll experience the best of the city on this seven-day journey. Walk down cobbled alleys in Higashiyama, past towering bamboo in Arashiyama, and through the bright orange torii gates in Fushimi Inari. At the end of this adventure, you’ll return home with photos, souvenirs, and new friends.
$2,499USD
$2,699USD
Nov 15–21, 2023
7 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

DocTourer Shashvat
DocTourer Shashvat

Doctor by day 👨‍⚕️🚑. Travel film 🎥📹 maker by night 🌙 53000 + YouTube ▶️ family with a full time clinic. Striving to strike a work-life balance in an already busy profession. Somewhere along the way inspiring, motivating & guiding people to be better travelers.

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Trip Activities

  • Dinner with a Maiko

  • Higashiyama Walking Tour

  • Guided Kiyomizudera Temple Visit

  • Guided Yasaka Shrine Visit

  • Traditional Tea Ceremony

  • Gion District Walking Tour

  • Todai-ji Temple Visit

  • Nara "Deer" Park Stroll

  • Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine Visit

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple

  • Hozugawa River Yakatabune Boat Tour

  • Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji Guided Visit

  • Nijo Palace Tour

  • Fushimi Inari Tour

  • Uji Tea Shopping and Byodo-in

  • Osaka Castle Tour

  • Abeno Harukas Observatory Admission

  • Shinsekai and Dotonbori Walking Tour

Optional Activities*

  • Arashiyama Rickshaw Ride (optional)

*Add-ons available at checkout for an additional fee.

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • Arrival airport transfer (until 6 pm on first day)

  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers outside of designated times

  • Tips for Guides

What's included by Your Host

Ice Breaking Session

Informal Gathering
Lets get to know one another before we start exploring Japan. This will be a chill session where we can talk about the trip and also share tips for people who will continue to explore rest of Japan after "our" small trip is finished. This will also have a small Q&A where I can answer your doubts about anything else like travel vlogging or creating content or anything that you would like to learn from me.

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome to Kyoto! Take a transfer from Kansai International Airport into the city, and meet your group. Your welcome dinner will be extra special, as you enjoy a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal with a maiko, a geisha in training.

Airport Transfer

1 Hour 30 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers from Kansai International Airport (KIX) between 12 pm and 6 pm.

dinner

Get to know the group! Your welcome dinner is included.

Dinner with a Maiko

2 Hours

Enjoy a traditional, multi-course meal of Kaiseki with a maiko. Learn about her craft and the world of the geisha. During dinner, the maiko will entertain by performing traditional dances and teaching popular Japanese drinking games.

Ice Breaking Session

Lets get to know one another before we start exploring Japan. This will be a chill session where we can talk about the trip and also share tips for people who will continue to explore rest of Japan after "our" small trip is finished. This will also have a small Q&A where I can answer your doubts about anything else like travel vlogging or creating content or anything that you would like to learn from me.

Gracery Sanjo Kyoto (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/5

Overnight in Kyoto.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 2

Info

It's your first full day in Kyoto, so lace up your walking shoes and join your Guide for a stroll to Higashiyama and Gion. You'll start by walking up the hill to Kiyomizudera, to take in the incredible views of the city. This will be followed by a visit to the shops of Higashiyama on your way to Gion. Stop at a temple for a traditional tea ceremony experience, then see the district of geishas.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Higashiyama Walking Tour

2 Hours

Stroll through the Sannenzaka, with its traditional architecture, pagoda, and souvenir shops and up to Kiyomizudera, the Pure Water Temple. Continue on to Yasaka Shrine, the home of one of Japan's most important festivals, the Gion Matsuri.

Guided Kiyomizudera Temple Visit

30 Mins

Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. Founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa waterfall, nestled in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, the temple was named for the waterfall's pure waters. In 1994, the Kiyomizudera temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Guided Yasaka Shrine Visit

30 Mins

After leaving the Buddhist Temple you'll tour the Shinto Shrine, Japan's indigenous religion. Known as the home of the Gion Matsuri, where large "omikoshi," or portable shrines, are paraded through the district.

Traditional Tea Ceremony

45 Mins

Although the sub-temples of Kodai-ji are usually closed to the public, special access has been granted for today’s tea ceremony. Enter the stunning 400-year-old temple and stroll around its beautiful Zen garden, before meeting with a tea master who will explain Japanese tea and the relationship between the ceremony and Zen Buddhism.

Gion District Walking Tour

1 Hour

After the Yasaka shrine and some free time on your own to grab lunch, continue for a stroll through Gion, the geisha district. The highlight will be the Hanami-koji, the most popular street in Gion where lavish chaya (lit. teahouses) are lined up.

Gracery Sanjo Kyoto (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/5

Overnight in Kyoto.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 3

Info

Venture out of the city today and take a train down to Nara. Once the capital city of Japan, Nara is known for the largest wooden building in the world, the Todai-ji, as well as the famous deer that inhabit the park.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Train to Nara

1 Hour

Todai-ji Temple Visit

45 Mins

Todai-ji is the landmark of Nara, built in the 8th century to serve as the head Buddhist temple in Japan. The most notable part of the temple is the Daibutsu-den, the largest wooden building in the world and home to an imposing 50 ft. bronze Buddha.

Nara "Deer" Park Stroll

1 Hour

Considered the messengers of the gods, Nara's deer (over 1000 of them!) have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. You’ll have the opportunity to take photos of the deer grazing in the park.

Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine Visit

45 Mins

Kasuga Taisha is the most celebrated Shinto shrine in Nara, famous for its bronze and stone lanterns. Wrap up your time in Nara with a visit, before grabbing lunch in the area and heading back to Kyoto.

Return Train to Kyoto

1 Hour

Gracery Sanjo Kyoto (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/5

Overnight in Kyoto.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 4

Info

You'll start the day by exploring western Kyoto, with a visit to the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the UNESCO Tenryuji Temple nearby. Take an optional rickshaw ride, then board a traditional boat for a cruise on the river. Afterward, you'll transfer to north and central Kyoto to see three incredible landmarks: the Ryoan-ji and its famous rock garden, the Golden Pavilion of the Kinkaku-ji, and the Nijo Palace.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple

2 Hours

Today your first stop will be in the Arashiyama, or "storm mountain" area of western Kyoto. Begin at the famous bamboo forest and wander the path through the grove, then head to the UNESCO Tenryuji, or Heaven Dragon Temple, head of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism.

Hozugawa River Yakatabune Boat Tour

30 Mins

The Yakatabune, or small wooden pleasure boat, dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). Historically used by the upper classes to enjoy banquets and meals while cruising the river, today you'll get to experience the serenity and beauty that inspired countless poems, haikus, and art.

Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji Guided Visit

1 Hour 30 Mins

After lunch in Arashiyama you'll take a private bus to Ryoan-ji, famous for its magnificent rock garden. Moving northward, you'll visit the Rokuon-ji (Deer Garden Temple), more commonly known as Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) for its stunning gold-wrapped central pavilion.

Nijo Palace Tour

1 Hour

End the day with a visit to the ornate Nijo Castle, originally built to serve as the private villa of a powerful feudal lord. The main building, completed in the early 1600s, is known for its Momoyama-style architecture, decorated sliding doors, and “chirping nightingale” floors.

Arashiyama Rickshaw Ride (optional) (optional)

15 Mins

Traveling by rickshaw has been part of Japanese culture for centuries. On this optional tour, you will visit the local backstreets of Arashiyama, weaving in and out of neighborhoods, and getting a closer look at the machiya, or traditional Japanese houses.

Gracery Sanjo Kyoto (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 4/5

Overnight in Kyoto.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 5

Info

Today you'll travel south, taking in the magnificent vermilion torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, before leaving the city and entering Uji. Known as the preeminent producer of matcha tea, you'll walk the main shopping street lined with tea shops before reaching the Byodo-in, a visually impressive temple, which is reproduced on the back of the 10 yen coin.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Fushimi Inari Tour

1 Hour

This morning take the train directly to Fushimi Inari, one of the most unusual but visually stunning Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine is composed of thousands of vermilion torii gates, meandering through the forest trails of Mt. Inari.

Train to Uji

25 Mins

Uji Tea Shopping and Byodo-in

2 Hours

Wander down the main temple street of Uji, stopping in different matcha shops and buying some powdered tea or matcha flavored snacks. At the end of the street you’ll reach the Byodo-in Temple. Originally built in 998 as a countryside retreat villa for the powerful politician Fujiwara no Michinaga, Byodo-in is a striking example of Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture.

Return Train to Kyoto

25 Mins

Gracery Sanjo Kyoto (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 5/5

Overnight in Kyoto.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 6

Info

Take time this morning to do some final exploration and last minute shopping in Kyoto. Around noon you’ll be heading south to Osaka to experience day-to-day life in Japan's third largest city. Beginning with the Osaka castle and surrounding gardens in the center of the city, you'll move on to the observatory tower of the Abeno Harukas for breathtaking panoramic views. Take a walking tour in the quirky neighborhood of Shinsekai, before making your way to the bright neon lights of Dotonbori for your farewell dinner.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Transfer to Osaka

1 Hour

Osaka Castle Tour

1 Hour

Your first stop will be Osaka-jō, the impressive castle in the center of the city. The castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, stone walls, and moats with beautiful gardens and walkways. Take a tour with your Guide and climb to the top of the "donjon," or main building.

Abeno Harukas Observatory Admission

45 Mins

At a towering 985 ft., Abeno Harukas in Osaka is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. Take a ride 60 floors up to the top level observation deck for 360° views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Shinsekai and Dotonbori Walking Tour

2 Hours

Shinsekai, created in the style of both New York and Paris in 1912 was subsequently neglected for decades. After a guided tour through this district, you’ll move on to Dotonbori, whose hundreds of flashing neon signs and restaurants have been the backdrop for many famous Osaka night photography sessions. End your tour at a restaurant for your farewell dinner.

dinner

Farewell dinner in Osaka is included.

Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/1

Overnight in Osaka.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 7

Info

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next journey! You will transfer to the airport for your departure flight and bid farewell to Japan.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Airport Transfer

45 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers to Kansai International Airport (KIX) on the last day.

Show DetailsHide Details

Physical Activity Level:Exploration

These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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Reserve your spot with just 25% down, pay in full, or apply for a payment plan at booking. Your dream trip, your way.

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FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
  • The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
  • TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.