Japan

3 itineraries · 0 open departures · 0 missions

Japan is an East Asian island nation made up of four main islands — Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku — and thousands of smaller ones, home to a population of around 125 million people. It is renowned for its extraordinary blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity, from centuries-old temples and samurai castles to neon-lit cities and world-leading technology. Travellers flock here for its exceptional food scene — sushi, ramen, izakayas — as well as cherry blossom seasons, snow festivals, and hiking iconic peaks like Mount Fuji. Whether exploring the cultural depths of Kyoto, the electric energy of Tokyo, or the wild landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan rewards curious, independent-minded travellers with endlessly layered experiences.

What travellers are doing

Itineraries

-48%

Save £636 (48% off)

£1,326 retail with Intrepid Travel → £690 self-launched

Japan · 10 days

Copycat

Essential Japan: 10-Day Self-Launched Adventure

Follow the same incredible route as Intrepid's Essential Japan tour — Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka — but do it entirely on your own terms. Japan is one of the most solo-travel-friendly countries in the world: trains run like clockwork, signage is bilingual, and budget accommodation is excellent. You'll visit the same temples, shrines, gardens and neighbourhoods, book the same style of workshops and day trips independently via GetYourGuide or direct, and use the same bullet trains and local buses. The result? A nearly identical experience for a fraction of the price. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on current budget traveller rates.

culturefoodiecity-breaks

Travel Crew

~£690

-53%

Save £1,654 (53% off)

£3,099 retail with Gap360 → £1,445 self-launched

Japan · 17 days

Copycat

Ultimate Japan Self-Launched: Tokyo to Osaka in 17 Days

Experience the very best of Japan independently — from Tokyo's neon-lit streets and Nagano's snow monkeys to Kyoto's ancient temples and Hiroshima's moving history — all without the group tour price tag. This self-launched itinerary follows the same route as Gap360's Ultimate Japan tour, swapping the group leader for your own curiosity and saving you over £1,600 in the process. Japan is one of the world's most solo-travel-friendly countries: trains run on time, signage is bilingual, and hostels are outstanding. All activities are bookable independently via GetYourGuide, Klook, or direct reservation. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on current budget traveller rates.

cultureadventurefoodie

Travel Crew

~£1,445

-55%

Save £1,440 (55% off)

£2,595 retail with Gap360 → £1,155 self-launched

Japan · 14 days

Copycat

Self-Launched Journey Through Japan

Experience the best of Japan independently — from the neon chaos of Tokyo to the zen stillness of Koyasan's mountain temples — at a fraction of the group tour price. This self-launched 14-day itinerary follows the same iconic route as Gap360's Journey Through Japan, hitting every highlight: sushi masterclasses at Tsukiji, Kyoto's geisha district, a Kendo dojo, Arashiyama's bamboo forest, and Hiroshima's moving Peace Memorial. All transport is by Japan's world-class public rail network (including the Shinkansen bullet train), accommodation is in a mix of budget hostels, guesthouses and genuine temple stays bookable direct, and activities are self-bookable via GetYourGuide, Klook or direct reservation. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on 2025/26 backpacker rates.

cultureadventurefoodie

Travel Crew

~£1,155

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