YPT are pleased to announce our 2024 and 2025 Japan Tours and Travel packages, although with a more extreme tint than your average tour operator to Japan.

As one of the biggest economies in the world, as well as one of the most stable, safe and dare we say vanilla countries in the world, Japan might not seem like a Young Pioneer Tours place. This is true to an extent as you will not find us offering “regular” Japan Tours. Yet, looking at Japan through this lens is doing it a great disservice. Dare you scratch the surface, you’ll discover it is one of the most interesting and weirdest countries in the world.

However, no travel agency in Japan concentrates on these quirks. Step in Young Pioneer Tours, the first and most qualified company to offer travel packages to the weirder extreme side of travel to Japan.

Group Tours to Japan 

YPT currently offer two group tours to Japan, namely our Fukushima Tour and our Extremes of Japan Tour. The 2025 dates will be confirmed shortly, check this page or send us an email for more information. We are currently exploring expanding this to fit in with various events being held in Japan.

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Tour, dates TBD, $460/$600

Extremes of Japan tour, dates TBD, $2495

Independent Tours to Japan

Aside from our group tours, YPT can also offer independent tours to Japan. These, of course, include our Fukushima and Extreme Japan Tour, but also much more.

YPT, through its Japan and foreign based team, are now the number one travel agency in Japan offering tours are completely off the beaten track and dare we say a bit whacky! Prices depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you desire, but YPT can arrange everything you need for perfect and unique independent Japan tours.

Example Japan Itinerary (7 days)

The following of our Extremes of Japan Tour. This can be done in its entirety but is also extremely adaptable depending on your needs. 

Day 1 – Tokyo, Japan

• Arrival at your own convenience in Tokyo. The capital is Japan is well-connected to the rest of the world thanks to its two international airports, Narita and Haneda
• Our first stop will be the famous Tokyo Tower. At 333 metres, it’s just a hair taller than the Eiffel Tower, but offers a beautiful view of Tokyo and its main skyscrapers. On the horizon, you may see the silhouette of Mount Fuji, 90 kilometres away, if the weather is good.
• We’ll then take the metro – quite an experience, as it’s probably the cleanest and most efficient metro system in the world – to go to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a large park-like area with several buildings where the Emperor has his living quarters and where various ceremonies and receptions take place.
• The Imperial Palace, a symbol of Japan’s history and continuity, has its gardens open to the public for peaceful strolls.

Afternoon

• Not far from there, we’ll visit the infamous Yasukuni Shrine. It serves as a memorial site for over 2.5 million people who died in conflicts, primarily during World War II. It is surrounded by controversy due to the inclusion of 14 convicted Class-A war criminals in the shrine, especially after visits by Japanese prime ministers.

• Next will be the Soka Gakkai Headquarter, a Japanese Buddhist religious movement, sometimes described as a cult, that is still viewed with suspicion in Japan and has found itself embroiled in public controversies.
• For dinner, we’ll go to Sasaya, a restaurant that specializes in fugu. Also known as blowfish or pufferfish, fugu is a delicacy in Japan, but it must be prepared carefully due to its toxicity.
• There’s about as much to do in Tokyo at night than at day, so our itinerary continues with a visit to the Muscle Girls Bar. In this remarkable place, customers sit around the bar counter while muscular and friendly staff in brightly coloured shirts chat with them. During the “muscle show time,” staff members scatter around the room, dance, and cheer to lively music. 
• Depending on what services customers order, the main lights will go out, and disco lights will splash rays of colour around the room as staff members dance, flex, and chug protein shakes. That’s the kind of drinking experience we like!
• To stay on the topic of muscles, we’ll then head to the Fightclub Shibuya, the place for you if you like MMA and martial arts. You’ll be able to watch – and even participate in – MMA action while enjoying your drinks.
• If you’re not ready to call it a night yet, we’ll continue to Burlesque Tokyo, a bustling venue with a festive vibe, offering a floorshow, dancing, plus drinks and snacks.
• Overnight in Tokyo

Day 2 – Tokyo

• Breakfast at hotel
• We’ll take a local train to the edge of Tokyo and visit a feat of engineering, the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel.
• This is one of the world’s largest underground discharge channels. It collects overflow from small to mid-size rivers and directs the water to the Edogawa River through a 6.3 km tunnel running 50 meters below ground.

Afternoon

• After lunch, we’ll head to the Maruha, Pachinko Parlor. Unlike typical pachinko parlours with flashy neon lights and bustling noise, the Maruhan parlor stands out in its modern, well-designed and tastefully decorated building. Rumour has it that this place has ties to the North Korean community and that all winnings go to North Korea.
• If you’re new to pachinko and don’t speak Japanese, the MARUHAN Shinjuku Building is a good place to start playing because staff members are fluent in English, Chinese, Korean, Turkish, and Spanish.
• We’ll then visit Shinjuku Takano, famous for their decadent dessert creations.
• For dinner, we’ll go to the Zauo fishing Restaurant. Here, you can catch and eat your own fish!
• In the past, visitors flocked to the legendary Robot Restaurant in Kabukichō. While it’s now closed, fear not! The new Samurai Restaurant, which recently opened, is equally crazy. More than a restaurant, it’s a two-hour mind-bending show, with drinks included, that you won’t forget anytime soon.
• We’ll finish the evening in the legendary Golden Gai area in Shinjuku. This festive and popular city district is famed for its narrow, winding alleys and numerous snug taverns.
• Overnight in Tokyo

Day 3 – Kuronagi Onsen 

• Breakfast at hotel
• We’ll start our journey across Japan with a 3-hour train trip to the Kuronagi Onsen, located in the forests of the Kurobe Gorge, Toyama prefecture,
• Kuronagi Onsen is one of the few mixed onsens (natural public baths) in Japan. They are illegal in Tokyo since 19th century.
• Kuronagi Onsen is a secluded Ryokan (traditional inn) nestled between tall trees on a riverbank. This is the perfect place to experience complete relaxation, with no TV or internet, just the sound of the effervescent Kuronagi River and the smell of the forest. 
• After going crazy in Tokyo, soaking in the soothing hot springs and enjoying home-cooked traditional Japanese meals will be much welcome.

Day 4 – Osaka

• Traditional Japanese breakfast in the ryokan
• This morning we’ll again extensively use the amazing Japanese train network for our 5-hour journey to Osaka.
• Lunch in the train

Afternoon

• Osaka is referred to as the “stomach of Japan” due to its amazing food scene.
• We’ll explore Namba District, a bustling area known for its lively atmosphere, just a short walk from the famous Kuromon Ichiba Market and the iconic Dōtonbori entertainment district.
• Stop at the Shinsekai Toei Cinema, one of the last remaining old-style grind house movie theatres in Osaka. Films run almost continuously, with a brief break between 5 am and 9 am. The machine to buy tickets is easy to use: press the yellow buttons samurai movies, blue buttons for pink movies, and red buttons for gay pink movies.
• We’ll have dinner at Akadori Haruka, known for its raw chicken dishes.
• For the evening, we’ll head to Tobita Shinchi, an old red-light district that emerged in the early 1900s. Despite the official prohibition of prostitution in Japan since 1958, Tobita Shinchi retains its authentic character and the old brothels, now officially converted into “Japanese restaurants”, still harbour their true activities with rooms showcasing women behind glass, often dressed provocatively.
• Even if you’re not interested in such services, the district is worth a visit as its atmosphere offers a glimpse into the past, with remnants of the Taisho era (1912-1925) visible in the surviving old wooden buildings adorned with sculptures, billboards, and lanterns. 
• We’ll end the day (or the night) in BCB Rock Bar Cherry Bomb, a dive bar that caters to music enthusiasts. The atmosphere is gritty, authentic, and perfect for those who appreciate raw music. 

Day 5 – Hiroshima

• Breakfast at hotel
• We’ll take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka to Hiroshima. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hour and offers scenic views of the countryside.
• On arrival, we’ll check in at the KIRO Hotel Hiroshima. It’s an old hospital’s which structure has been transformed into a minimalist yet vibrant establishment. 
• We’ll then transfer to Okunoshima, also known as “Rabbit Island”. Friendly wild rabbits roam freely there, in very picturesque surroundings.
• There’s a darker side to Okunoshima Island. We’ll visit its Poison Gas Museum, a former WWII Lab where you’ll see photos and equipment chronicling the manufacturing of poison gas and its devastating effects during World War II.

Afternoon

• We’ll head back to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Sites, commemorating the atomic bombing of August 6th 1945, that killed between 80,000 and 150,000 people. 
• We’ll also see the Atomic Bomb Dome, a haunting reminder of the atomic bombing. It stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbolizes peace and resilience.
• For dinner, we’ll go to Lopez Okonomiyaki, a cozy, laid-back eatery specializing in traditional savory pancakes cooked on an open grill. What makes it even more special is that it’s run by a Spanish/English speaker, making it an excellent place to get an introduction to Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which is considered the best in town.
• Following the tradition of the last days, we’ll also explore Hiroshima’s nightlife by going to Flat Sake Bar, a great spot to unwind and enjoy sake while enjoying live performances.

Day 6 – Nagasaki

• Breakfast at hotel
• Our last Shinkansen ride will take us from Hiroshima to Nagasaki, a 3.5 hours journey journey that offers scenic views of southern Japan
• The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes and offers scenic views along the way.
• On arrival, we’ll check in at the Candeo Hotel. As we are in Japan, and that baths are part of the culture, we chose a hotel with a rooftop open-air bath. How cool is that?
• We’ll then take a ferry across the beautiful Nagasaki Bay to Hashima Island (Gunkanjima).
• Also known as Battleship Island, Hashima is an eerie sightseeing spot. It was once an offshore mining city and one of the densest cities in the world. It is now abandoned, and visitors can tour its overgrown industrial sites, semi-ruined concrete workers’ quarters, and the infamous “stairway to hell.” At the centre of the island, you’ll find a quiet Shinto shrine. 

Afternoon

• Back in Nagasaki, we’ll visit the 26 Martyrs Museum, that commemorates the 26 Christians who were martyred in Nagasaki in 1597. The museum showcases documents, mementos, letters, and saint statues collected worldwide, dating back to the 15th century, providing a glimpse into the propagation of Christianity in Japan during that era.
• We’ll then visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, that serves as a remembrance to the atomic bombing of the city on August 9, 1945, at 11:02:35 am. Next to the museum stands the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, built in 2003.
• For dinner, we’ll go to Ramen Hiiragi. It serves a special Tomato Ramen that stands out from the usual fare. The tonkotsu-based soup pairs perfectly with grilled chunks of eggplant. 
• We’ll celebrate our last evening in Japan at Tatanbaa. The payment system here is quite simple: you place cash inside the bowl in front of you, and subsequent drinks are deducted from it. With more than 100 types of alcohol and snacks starting at 100 yen, it’s a great spot to unwind.

Day 7 – End of tour

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Tour concludes. YPT are able to arrange additional nights in Tokyo and advice for further transport.

Bespoke Japan Tours

As part of our travel packages within Asia, we can offer bespoke and independent Japan tours. These can be done as full Japan tours or be combined with other countries, such as South Korea, China, or even North Korea. We can take you to the weirdest or darkest places the country has to offer. Here are some examples.

Shinjuku’s Neon Underworld – In this Tokyo based trip, you’ll dive into the vibrant and sometimes seedy nightlife district of Shinjuku. You’ll explore the maze of neon-lit alleys, hidden bars, and unique themed cafes. It’s not just about drinking sake: you’ll also learn about the history of the district and its role in contemporary Japanese culture.

The Aokigahara Suicide Forest – Among the darkest sides of Japan, this forest has the unfortunate reputation of being a destination of choice for people wanting to take their life. 10 to 30 suicides are recorded yearly in this forest, located two-hours from Tokyo. A visit there will show you the haunting beauty of the location and its dark history.

The Cat Island of Tashirojima – While our Extremes of Japan Tour goes to an island overrun by rabbits, this one is home to more cats than people! While they are well-fed and well-cared-for -and even treated like gods, as they are usually associated with good fortune- make no mistake, most of them are feral! It makes for a unique visit, one that makes you wonder “would the world look like this if humans disappeared?”

The Bathing Monkeys of Jigokudani – Hot springs are a huge part of Japanese culture, so it’s no surprise they appear here. But have you ever heard of hot springs used by monkeys? In Jigokudani, a beautiful mountain area close to Nagano, Japanese macaques decided in the 1960s to test the waters of the local hot spring and, as their human counterparts, liked it very much. So much that this “spa retreat for monkeys” is now one of the weirdest and at the same time cutest things you can see in Japan.

The Princess Mononoke Forest – While not as infamous as the Aokigahara Suicide Forsest, the Shiratani Unsuikyo forest also delivers a king of mossy and misty haunting beauty. It has been a destination for nature lovers since the Edo period (17^th-19^th century), when hiking trails were created, and has more recently been the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece movie “Princess Mononoke”. Look closely, and you may even see kodama, the tree spirits…

The oldest hotel in the world – Originally established in 705, the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is said to be the oldest inn in the world. Maybe even the oldest business ever. For hundreds of years, samurai and lords have bathed in its natural hot springs and you can do it do when booking our Japan tours.

The sokushinbutsu self-mummified monks – Our Japan tours to the north of the country allows you to see the mummified Japanese monks known as sokushinbutsu. Some monks following shugendō, an ancient form of Buddhism, would aim to die in the ultimate act of self denial by having a special died depriving them of body fat, before locking themselves in the lotus position inside a stone tomb, with simply a bell and an air tube. Each day, they would ring the bell to signify they were still alive – the day they didn’t, the other monks would seal the air tube, imprisoning the monk forever. While this practice is now illegal, 16 of those self-mummified monks can still be visited, most famously in the Dainichibou Temple on Mount Yudono.

The Parasite Museum of Meguro – Another Tokyo-based attraction, this museum is considered to be the only one in the world dedicated to parasites. Not for the faint-hearted, the museum has over 45,000 specimens in its collection, as well as gruesome photographs of their effects on humans. The highlight of the museum? The world’s longest tapeworm, 8.8 metres long. 

The Matsuo Mine Ghost Town – The Matsuo iron and sulphur mine, that unemployed up to 13,000 people in the 1960s, opened in 1914 and closed in 1979, leaving a ghost town behind. Due to the location of the mine, in the Tohoku region of northern Japan, the company created a complete city for the workers and their families. After the closure of the mine, all wooden buildings were dismantled to prevent the possibility of fire, but the reinforced concrete structures remain, turning it into an eery ghost town and a fantastic urbex spot.

Mount Mihara Suicide Volcano – If the Aokigahara suicide forest is not enough for you, why not have a look at the Mount Mihara Volcano? In 1933, a 19-year-old Japanese schoolgirl, in love with one of her classmates at a time where homosexuality was a taboo, jumped to her death from the edge of the crater to the lava. This created a dramatic trend (944 people committed suicide there the following year), until the authorities finally built a fence around the crater in a attempt to curb the number of deaths. 

The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters – Located in Tomigusuku (Okinawa), this tunnel complex was dug in 1944 as an underground headquarters for 4,000 soldiers. The 450-metre long complex was used during the desperate battle of Okinawa, until Rear Admiral Minoru Ota and his men committed suicide on June 13^th, 1945. The operations rooms haven’t changed at all since 1945 and the walls still bear the traces of the soldiers’ suicides, by grenade or bullet.

The Tomb of Jesus-Christ – What if Jesus didn’t die on the cross but instead went to Japan and led a peaceful family life? This is the little-know and completely weird legend of Jesus in Japan. In Shingo, a mountain hamlet in the north of the country, locals claim that Jesus’ little brother, Isukiri, took his place on the cross while the son of God escaped to Japan. There, he grew garlic, fell in love with a farmer’s daughter named Miyuko, got married, had three kids and died at 106-year-old. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to the grave of Jesus Christ and the nearby museum, maintained by a yogurt factory.

Atami Adult Museum – Last but not least, the Atami Adult Museum consists of holograms, figurines, sex toys and shunga (traditional Japanese erotic art). While most of the former hihokan (sex museums) in Japan featured depictions of hardcore and gore sex, the one in Atami is more focused on humour – which explains why it’s still popular and operating.

Filming in Japan

Through our media arm Pioneer Media we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others to film within Japan from big-budget to guerrilla productions. We can also arrange meetings in country, as well as correct visas for journalists wishing to do projects within Japan.

Frequently asked questions about travel to Japan

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