Australia
USA
Small Group Tour IJT Classic
HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go!
10 Nights: from US$4303 Trip Code: HYP0002JPOP
Activity Rating: Energetic
From day-glo cafés, video game arcades and kawaii street fashions to ancient temples, exquisite gardens and spectacular natural scenery; J-Pop & Go! is the perfect mixture of kitschy pop culture and traditional Japan. Read more >
HYPERJAPAN is the UK's biggest celebration of Japanese pop culture and food, attracting an ever-increasing throng of guests to its convention in London every year. Now, HYPERJAPAN has collaborated with InsideJapan Tours to create the ultimate J-culture adventure: J-Pop & Go!
Covering five incredible destinations in ten nights, this fast-paced tour will introduce you to some of Japan's most important pop culture haunts as well as some of its most venerated historical sites - giving you an insight into how the modern and the traditional are interwoven in today's society.
In Tokyo you'll dive head first into the world of Hayao Miyazaki at the Studio Ghibli Museum; view Tokyo's skyline from the 60th floor of Ikebukuro's Sunshine City; and explore the mecca of all things eccentric, Akihabara 'electric town'.
As you speed west toward Kyoto, Japan's capital of culture and history, you'll stop off for one night in Hakone - a national park famed for its hot spring baths, beautiful traditional inns and spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Then, with two nights in Kyoto, you'll have a chance to sample some more traditional experiences - try zazen meditation at a Zen temple, spot geisha in the Gion district and marvel at the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.
Further west still, a sobering visit to Hiroshima's Peace Park Museum and the stunning Miyajima Island will be followed by a night in vibrant Osaka.
Important Tour Information
The accommodation listed is for the 2024 departures.
Group Size: 4 - 16
Single Supplement: Single rooms are available at all night stops on this tour through payment of a mandatory single supplement.
Fitness: Even when not using public transport, sightseeing in Japan often involves walking between sights, climbing up steps in temples and being 'on the go' for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness, able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty and able to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the majority of the group.
Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 3pm. (You can, however, securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).
The tour leader will be staying at the first hotel for two nights before the tour starts so they will be available for advice if you choose to book pre-tour nights. We recommend booking at least one extra night to check in and relax before the tour begins.
Transport: Please note that most transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. This tour uses a mixture of trains, taxis, public buses and boats, as well as private coaches for some transfers and sightseeing.
Luggage: We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour as you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators or elevators/lifts. You will need a small overnight bag (e.g. backpack) for use when we forward our main bags to the next location.
Accommodation: All western style hotels have ensuite rooms. The ryokan accommodation in Hakone has a shared bathroom and toilet facilities. However, a natural hot spring onsen bath and showers are available for private use.
Please note that in Japan, twin rooms are very much the norm, and there are far fewer double rooms available. Please understand that even if you are being booked in a double, this will only be in the hotels where there is availability.
International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita or Tokyo Haneda Airport. Please note that the included meet-and-greet and arrival transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available from these two airports.
What's included
- Full-time services of your InsideJapan tour leader
- 10 nights' accommodation
- Breakfast every day, one lunch and three evening meals
- Your InsideJapan Info-Pack
- All transport between destinations; Transport passes in Hakone, Kyoto and Miyajima, and an IC transport card with 4,500 yen credit for city transport
- Tickets to Tokyo's Anime Japan event (March departure only)
- Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
- Cable car and boat ride across Lake Ashi in Hakone
- Evening walking tour of Kyoto's Gion geisha district
- Zazen meditation session at Ryosoku-in Temple
- Visit to Hiroshima's Peace Park Museum
- Tate-do swordplay experience in Osaka
- Tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum
- Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip
- Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Kyoto and from Hiroshima to Tokyo
- Arrival and departure transfers by shared shuttle bus
What's NOT included:
- International flights
- Any local transport unless covered by the included transport passes
- Any entrance fees (including temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
- Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified - you will be expected to carry your own luggage
Tour Price Information
2024
- Tour Price: From US$4303
- Single Supplement: From US$442
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$117 pp Single From US$195 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$143 pp Single From US$143 pp
Tour Highlights
- Take an evening walking tour of Kyoto's Gion geisha district
- Enter the world of anime at the Studio Ghibli Museum
- Experience zazen meditation and tatedo sword fighting
- Enjoy okonomiyaki pancakes in Hiroshima
- Take a boat across Lake Ashi in the shadow of Mount Fuji
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
What, where, when and how...
HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go! - 11 Days
Destinations
HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go! - 11 Days - Day by Day
HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go! - 11 Days - Accommodation
HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go! - 11 Days - Experiences
HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go! - 11 Days - Booking
Single supplement from US$442
-
Day 1-3
Take a tour of Tokyo's famous pop culture sites, from Akihabara electric town to the wacky street fashions of Harajuku.
Welcome to Japan! On arrival into Tokyo you will be met by your driver and travel, by shared shuttle, to your hotel in the Ikebukuro district, where you'll be met by your tour leader. There is plenty to keep you stimulated in this pulsating shopping and entertainment district of Tokyo. Later this evening you convene with your tour leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting. Then head out together for an included welcome meal.
On day two you will have an extensive walking tour of the city. Your tour leader will introduce you to the wacky street fashions of Harajuku, buy you lunch in the retro yokocho alleys of Shibuya, take you for a stroll through the woods to Meiji Shrine, and show you the famous scramble crossing at Shibuya to name but a few highlights.
The third day will show you different areas of Tokyo, so that you get to see all sides of this vast and varied city. It may begin early with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market where we recommend that you try the sushi, as you will not come by it fresher than this! After your visit to the market you'll take the monorail across the bay to the hyper-modern, glittering neon island of Odaiba stopping to admire the giant animated Ghibli clock at Shiodome on the way!
Following this, your tour leader will be heading towards Akihabara electric town, Tokyo's mecca for geek culture. If you fancy something different, we recommend a visit to the towering Skytree for amazing views across the city, or the futuristic National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (called the Miraikan).Overnight: The B Ikebukuro
-
Day 4
Enjoy stunning natural scenery, views of Mount Fuji and a night at a traditional ryokan inn in Hakone National Park.
Leaving the skyscraper forest behind, on day four you'll travel out of the city to nearby Hakone a beautiful national park and home to the iconic Mount Fuji. Anime buffs will know that Hakone is also the location of Tokyo-3 in the post-apocalyptic Japan of the popular Neon Genesis Evangelion series and you'll have a chance to visit the Evangelion gift shop whilst you are here.
During your stay in Hakone you'll take a boat ride across the beautiful Lake Ashi and hopefully enjoy view of Mount Fuji from the Komagatake Ropeway or cable car that takes you up the mountainside to explore the area.
Tonight you'll stay at a charming traditional ryokan inn with tatami mat floors, futon mattresses and some lovely indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Hot spring bathing is an integral and very enjoyable part of Japanese culture, so make sure you take advantage of these!Overnight: Fuji Hakone Guest House
-
Day 5-6
Try zazen meditation and take a tour of the Gion geisha district in Kyoto Japan's ancient capital of culture.
Kyoto is the jewel in Japan's crown. Imperial capital for over a thousand years and home to an estimated 2,000 temples and shrines; this truly is the cultural heart of the country.
On day five you will rocket across Honshu main island at speeds of up to 320 kph (200 mph), arriving in Kyoto the cultural jewel in Japan's crown. There will be time to soak up the history and culture as your tour leader guides you through back streets, past temples and shrines to the traditional Gion geisha district of the city. In the early evening you will take a walking tour with a local expert - a chance to spot a geisha hurrying between appointments!
On day six you will continue your discovery of Japan's traditional side with a session of zazen meditation at Ryosoku-in Temple.
Afterwards, you'll be taken around Kyoto by your tour leader who will put together a specific itinerary to show you some of the city's hidden gems based on the group's interest, the season and the weather. Of course, if you would like to break away from the group there are a variety of great options available. We recommend a lesson in yuzen dyeing, a kimono show at the Nishijin textile centre, or an afternoon at the Toei Movie Park where you can dress up as a historical character and wander authentic film sets. There is also a great manga museum for those who would like to learn about the history of Japan's beloved comic book form.Overnight: Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
-
Day 7
Head west to Hiroshima, a vibrant modern city haunted by a tragic past.
After a bullet train ride to Hiroshima, today you will make the fifteen-minute ferry ride to Miyajima, a tiny island with fantastic natural beauty, a friendly resident population of deer, and a show-stopping view across the bay from Itsukushima Shrine.
As you return to Hiroshima later in the day you'll chow down on the local speciality, okonomiyaki: a savoury pancake made from noodles and vegetables fried on a hotplate in the middle of your table.Overnight: Intergate Hiroshima
-
Day 8
Explore Osaka, famed for its fun-loving inhabitants and mouth-watering street food.
On day eight you'll make a visit to Hiroshima's Peace Park and Museum, which provides a haunting reminder of the atrocities of World War Two as well as a powerful message of peace for future generations. Later, you will have the opportunity to participate in a tatedo stage-fighting workshop, where you'll learn how to wield a samurai sword before travelling to Osaka for a night.
Overnight: Hotel Vista Osaka Nanba
-
Day 9-11
Complete your pop culture tour of Japan with a visit to the Studio Ghibli Museum, home to the creations of Japan's undisputed king of anime.
In the morning, you'll have a chance to see some of Osaka one of Japan's most exciting and vibrant cities. You will be visiting Dotonbori, the takoyaki (octopus ball) paradise, before heading over to Doguyasuji - cooking tools street! Other options for the day are a visit to Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Castle, before you shoot back to Tokyo on the bullet train. Whatever you do, don't forget to try some of Osaka's famous street food!
For selected departures in March, tickets to Tokyo's AnimeJapan events are included. This is very likely the biggest convention of its kind in the world, featuring all the top names in anime and manga. You will take an early train from Osaka to Tokyo, arriving in plenty of time enjoy AnimeJapan.
On day ten you'll have a final full day to enjoy the many delights of Japan's capital city. Tickets to the fabulous Studio Ghibli Museum, home to the imaginative heights of director Hayao Miyazaki, are included definitely a must for any fan of anime!
There are many possibilities for the rest of the day you might like to see Tokyo from the top of the Skytree, the tallest tower in the world; explore the shops at bustling Shinjuku or perhaps you'd prefer a visit to Nakano Broadway, a favourite haunt of Tokyo's otaku (geek) population. Your tour leader will be full of suggestions on how to spend your time.
This evening you will say goodbye to Japan with an included farewell dinner with your tour group.
Finally it's time to say sayonara to Japan as you catch the shared shuttle bus to Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight home. Have a safe journey home!Overnight: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
-
Day 1-3
Take a tour of Tokyo's famous pop culture sites, from Akihabara electric town to the wacky street fashions of Harajuku.
Welcome to Japan! On arrival into Tokyo you will be met by your driver and travel, by shared shuttle, to your hotel in the Ikebukuro district, where you'll be met by your tour leader. There is plenty to keep you stimulated in this pulsating shopping and entertainment district of Tokyo. Later this evening you convene with your tour leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting. Then head out together for an included welcome meal.
On day two you will have an extensive walking tour of the city. Your tour leader will introduce you to the wacky street fashions of Harajuku, buy you lunch in the retro yokocho alleys of Shibuya, take you for a stroll through the woods to Meiji Shrine, and show you the famous scramble crossing at Shibuya to name but a few highlights.
The third day will show you different areas of Tokyo, so that you get to see all sides of this vast and varied city. It may begin early with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market where we recommend that you try the sushi, as you will not come by it fresher than this! After your visit to the market you'll take the monorail across the bay to the hyper-modern, glittering neon island of Odaiba stopping to admire the giant animated Ghibli clock at Shiodome on the way!
Following this, your tour leader will be heading towards Akihabara electric town, Tokyo's mecca for geek culture. If you fancy something different, we recommend a visit to the towering Skytree for amazing views across the city, or the futuristic National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (called the Miraikan).Overnight: The B Ikebukuro
-
Day 4
Enjoy stunning natural scenery, views of Mount Fuji and a night at a traditional ryokan inn in Hakone National Park.
Leaving the skyscraper forest behind, on day four you'll travel out of the city to nearby Hakone a beautiful national park and home to the iconic Mount Fuji. Anime buffs will know that Hakone is also the location of Tokyo-3 in the post-apocalyptic Japan of the popular Neon Genesis Evangelion series and you'll have a chance to visit the Evangelion gift shop whilst you are here.
During your stay in Hakone you'll take a boat ride across the beautiful Lake Ashi and hopefully enjoy view of Mount Fuji from the Komagatake Ropeway or cable car that takes you up the mountainside to explore the area.
Tonight you'll stay at a charming traditional ryokan inn with tatami mat floors, futon mattresses and some lovely indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Hot spring bathing is an integral and very enjoyable part of Japanese culture, so make sure you take advantage of these!Overnight: Fuji Hakone Guest House
-
Day 5-6
Try zazen meditation and take a tour of the Gion geisha district in Kyoto Japan's ancient capital of culture.
Kyoto is the jewel in Japan's crown. Imperial capital for over a thousand years and home to an estimated 2,000 temples and shrines; this truly is the cultural heart of the country.
On day five you will rocket across Honshu main island at speeds of up to 320 kph (200 mph), arriving in Kyoto the cultural jewel in Japan's crown. There will be time to soak up the history and culture as your tour leader guides you through back streets, past temples and shrines to the traditional Gion geisha district of the city. In the early evening you will take a walking tour with a local expert - a chance to spot a geisha hurrying between appointments!
On day six you will continue your discovery of Japan's traditional side with a session of zazen meditation at Ryosoku-in Temple.
Afterwards, you'll be taken around Kyoto by your tour leader who will put together a specific itinerary to show you some of the city's hidden gems based on the group's interest, the season and the weather. Of course, if you would like to break away from the group there are a variety of great options available. We recommend a lesson in yuzen dyeing, a kimono show at the Nishijin textile centre, or an afternoon at the Toei Movie Park where you can dress up as a historical character and wander authentic film sets. There is also a great manga museum for those who would like to learn about the history of Japan's beloved comic book form.Overnight: Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
-
Day 7
Head west to Hiroshima, a vibrant modern city haunted by a tragic past.
After a bullet train ride to Hiroshima, today you will make the fifteen-minute ferry ride to Miyajima, a tiny island with fantastic natural beauty, a friendly resident population of deer, and a show-stopping view across the bay from Itsukushima Shrine.
As you return to Hiroshima later in the day you'll chow down on the local speciality, okonomiyaki: a savoury pancake made from noodles and vegetables fried on a hotplate in the middle of your table.Overnight: Intergate Hiroshima
-
Day 8
Explore Osaka, famed for its fun-loving inhabitants and mouth-watering street food.
On day eight you'll make a visit to Hiroshima's Peace Park and Museum, which provides a haunting reminder of the atrocities of World War Two as well as a powerful message of peace for future generations. Later, you will have the opportunity to participate in a tatedo stage-fighting workshop, where you'll learn how to wield a samurai sword before travelling to Osaka for a night.
Overnight: Hotel Vista Osaka Nanba
-
Day 9-11
Complete your pop culture tour of Japan with a visit to the Studio Ghibli Museum, home to the creations of Japan's undisputed king of anime.
In the morning, you'll have a chance to see some of Osaka one of Japan's most exciting and vibrant cities. You will be visiting Dotonbori, the takoyaki (octopus ball) paradise, before heading over to Doguyasuji - cooking tools street! Other options for the day are a visit to Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Castle, before you shoot back to Tokyo on the bullet train. Whatever you do, don't forget to try some of Osaka's famous street food!
For selected departures in March, tickets to Tokyo's AnimeJapan events are included. This is very likely the biggest convention of its kind in the world, featuring all the top names in anime and manga. You will take an early train from Osaka to Tokyo, arriving in plenty of time enjoy AnimeJapan.
On day ten you'll have a final full day to enjoy the many delights of Japan's capital city. Tickets to the fabulous Studio Ghibli Museum, home to the imaginative heights of director Hayao Miyazaki, are included definitely a must for any fan of anime!
There are many possibilities for the rest of the day you might like to see Tokyo from the top of the Skytree, the tallest tower in the world; explore the shops at bustling Shinjuku or perhaps you'd prefer a visit to Nakano Broadway, a favourite haunt of Tokyo's otaku (geek) population. Your tour leader will be full of suggestions on how to spend your time.
This evening you will say goodbye to Japan with an included farewell dinner with your tour group.
Finally it's time to say sayonara to Japan as you catch the shared shuttle bus to Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight home. Have a safe journey home!Overnight: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go!
Read more >Fantastic trip and attention to detail was brilliant
Small Group Tour HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go!
Read more >Incredible tour, ran smoothly and had a fantastic time.
Tour Gallery
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go!
Read more >Fantastic trip and attention to detail was brilliant
Small Group Tour HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go!
Read more >Incredible tour, ran smoothly and had a fantastic time.
5.0 out of 5 from 52 reviews Show all HYPERJAPAN's J-Pop & Go! Reviews
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