ESBT: Highlights of Japan (Oct/Nov 2026 )
Dreaming of Japan? Me too, and after so much talk of Japan introducing higher tourist prices in 2027 and beyond, I’ve decided to sneak in one more group trip for 2026 and am offering a highlights of Japan tour.
This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors who are looking to experience some of Japan’s highlights along with some unique cultural activities. This itinerary promises city exploring, culture, food, and a whole lot of fun with some new travel friends.
Interested? Here is what you need to know.
About ESBT Group Trips
I started running ESBT Group Trips with the intent of offering fun, adventurous trips to various destinations around the world to readers and followers. The goal is to take the stress out of travel and to connect with like-minded people while exploring and learning.
As such, ESBT group trips tend to be busy itineraries that aim to provide the best value for your money. This might mean things like longer drive days, lots of walking, or back-to-back activities with limited free time. We also may go ‘off-grid’ at times and have little, or no, internet access. These are travel adventures, not laid-back vacations. Please always read through the itinerary to understand the plans, schedule, and level of activity involved. I also strongly recommend that you to do your own destination research to check things like climate, weather, and culture to ensure it is something you are comfortable with.
In addition, ESBT group trips are meant to be inclusive, safe spaces where everyone is welcome. In joining these tours, you are agreeing to continue to promote this theme and to treat all other travellers with kindness and respect. Along these lines, it is up to you to ensure that you are healthy enough to join. Rooms and spaces are often shared so I ask you to be considerate of your fellow travellers and seek medical attention ahead of time if you are feeling unwell.
If you have any concerns or questions about the itinerary or destination based on your personal needs, please reach out to me.
Dates
This is a 9-day, 8-night itinerary and the trip will run from October 26th – November 3rd 2026. I did my best to spread it out to maximize your vacation days. That gives you some travel time over the weekend since it’s a long trek for most of us, and some extra time at the end for more exploring and getting home.
About this Trip
Japan is a huge country and we can’t see it all, but I’ve partnered with Intrepid travel to come up with this itinerary which gives us a taste of Japan and some really fun experiences along the way. It’s a busy itinerary, with a lot of activities packed in so charge up those camera batteries and get ready to explore!
Please note that I have assured that all activities in this itinerary are plus-size friendly.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo!
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, Tokyo has many sides to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. After your meeting tonight, you’ll head out for an included welcome dinner with your new trip leader and fellow travellers.
Day 2: Toyko
This morning after breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head out for a leader-led walking tour of Asakusa – an area of Tokyo that retains the vibe of older Tokyo, lined with craft shops and street-food stalls. Asakusa’s main attraction is Sensoji Temple. You’ll explore this ancient Buddhist temple – the oldest and one of the most significant in the city – and learn how it became independent from the Tendai sect of Buddhism after World War II. Then, head to a non-profit family-owned dojo with over 400 years of operation for an authentic samurai experience run by contemporary ninjas. Learn about the history and culture of Samurai, from a descendant of an original Samurai clan, see and touch real weaponry and try on some traditional costumes. Tonight, cruise down the Sumida River to enjoy some of Tokyo’s best sites from a different perspective. After the cruise, join your group for a dinner at a traditional local restaurant.
Day 3: Day trip to Kamakura
Head out on a day trip to Kamakura – a small coastal town known for its historical treasures, sometimes called ‘the Kyoto of Eastern Japan’. See the sites with a unique mode of transport – a traditional rickshaw. Your knowledgeable driver (there are no wheels on this rickshaw, only your guide’s feet) will tell you all about the local history, the best spots to pick up some local favourites for lunch and maybe even take you to some secret spots along the way. See the Jufukuji Temple, the Eishoji Temple and Kawakita Film Museum, as well as the giant Buddha at Kotoku-in. After, you’ll switch your guide’s feet for train tracks on a traditional Enoden ride – the electric railway that the Enoden travels on is the sixth oldest railway in all of Japan! This train will take you through some winding, narrow alleyways that no other train could ride through.
Day 4: Yudanaka
Make the train journey to Yamanouchi – home of the famed snow monkeys who live at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. When you arrive, head to your ryokan to settle in – a traditional Japanese inn with onsen hot springs. Head out on a group hike to the park. This is the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs! If the season’s right, you can watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing, pruning each other and relaxing in the steaming waters by the mountain. Back at the accommodation, maybe take a quick dip in the onsite hot springs, some overlooking the rolling greens of the mountain surroundings. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner at your accommodation
Day 5: Kanazawa
Take the train to Kanazawa, known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums, handicrafts, garden and castle. When you arrive, pick up some lunch, then you’ll visit Kenrokuen Garden – Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden, which began in the 17th century. This park is celebrated for its classic landscape designs that feature ponds and streams, promoting well-being, a clear mind and a connection to nature. After wandering through the garden, you’ll walk by the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle – this historic area was once a residential district for the city’s samurai. After exploring Nagamachi Samurai District and learning about the area’s past, continue exploring in the Higashi Chaya District – a small neighbourhood with teahouses, alleys and lots of shops and restaurants. Maybe ask your leader for recommendations on how to spend the late afternoon.
Day 6: Kanazawa
After breakfast, you’ll continue exploring Kanazawa with a tour of Omicho Market – the hub of the local food culture, famous for its seafood and locally grown produce. With a local guide with all the insight into the region, the food and the market, you’ll wind your way through the stalls and learn how to spot the freshest ingredients. Then head back to your guide’s kitchen and learn some tips and tricks on how to cook a traditional Kanazawa meal. Sit down as a group and enjoy the fruits of your labour, before enjoying an afternoon at your leisure.
Day 7: Kyoto
Today, you’ll leave Kanazawa and head to Kyoto by Shinkansen and the Thunderbird train. Once the capital of Japan, this city in Honshu is famous for its classic Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens, imperial palaces and traditional architecture. When you arrive, you’ll head to Arashiyama – in the west, this area is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. Explore the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple and Kameyama-koen Park on the hilltop. After some time for lunch, try your hand at Kyoto Yuzen dyeing in its most typical form. Learn from traditional craftsmen as you immerse yourself in Kyoto’s tradition of dyeing and take home anything you create as a souvenir. In the evening, head to Gion, the geisha district, filled with shops, restaurants and teahouses. This area is a geisha district, meaning hostesses in colourful kimonos are often sighted on the Tatsumi Bridge and in the boutiques of Hanamikoji Street.
Day 8: Kyoto
This morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine – known for the distinctly red tunnels of more than 10,000 vermilion torii gates that wind over the hills of Mount Inari. After taking in this iconic spiritual site, take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Also called ‘Chado’, ‘the way of the tea’ is the traditional and ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha. Learn how to prepare the tea then gain hands-on experience by preparing it yourself. After, maybe head to Nishiki Market, where you might like to grab a bite to eat from one of the hundred shops and restaurants that line this narrow shopping street. Tonight, you’ll sit down for an included group dinner to say goodbye, share stories (and great photos) and celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Day 9: Time to Say Goodbye
After breakfast it’s time to depart. Head to the airport when needed or stick around to explore a little more!
Cost & Inclusions
The total cost for this trip is $6570 CAD per person for a shared twin room. Single supplement is available for an additional $950 CAD.
A non-refundable deposit of $400 CAD is required to claim your space.
Final payment is due 90 days before travel. Cancellation after this point is non-refundable so please make sure that you have appropriate travel insurance.
Your cost includes:
- 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels
- 1 night in a Ryokan
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
- Local transportation throughout itinerary
- Local speaking English tour leader for duration of trip
- All activities as per itinerary
The cost does NOT include:
- Tips for our tour leader (note tipping in Japan at restaurants etc. isn’t common, but tipping our leader is)
- Activities or meals outside of itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Flights
- Insurance (required)/Visas (if needed)
- Any additional spending
How to Book
Please email me at: hannahlogan21@gmail.com with your full name as per your passport as well as your birthday (dd/mm/yy).
We require a minimum of 8 travellers for this itinerary, maximum 12. Once we have a minimum of 8, Intrepid will reach out for the non-refundable deposit to lock in your space. If we have more than 12 people interested I will open up a wait list. It is first come first serve.
Any questions? Let me know! I hope to meet you in Japan!