Essential Japan for 18 to 35s

Spend 10 days travelling through Japan with a small group and a local leader. The route links Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Osaka, with rail travel between cities and a mix of guided walks and free time. Start in Tokyo with time around Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine and other central sights. Continue to Kanazawa for a stay in a ryokan and a look at the city’s historic district. In Kyoto, visit Gion, Fushimi Inari and a Kyo-Yuzen dyeing workshop, then move on to Hiroshima for the Peace Park and Peace Museum. The trip also includes a day on Miyajima Island before finishing in Osaka. This trip suits travellers who like independent time but want the support of a group leader and shared transport. Expect a lot of walking, public transport and luggage handling in busy stations. Comfortable shoes and light packing will make the journey easier. Some nights are in multishare dormitories, and travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms because of single-gender sleeping arrangements. In Kanazawa, the ryokan stay includes traditional futon bedding and onsen bathing. Some optional activities in Tokyo are not included and can be arranged separately.