Saturday 2nd August – Tokyo, Japan

Morning

• Arrival at your own convenience in Tokyo. The capital of Japan is well-connected to the rest of the world thanks to its two international airports, Narita and Haneda.
• Self-transfer to the Via Inn Prime Akasaka hotel.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 10:00am to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• First stop is Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery. Established in 1959, it serves as the final resting place for the unidentified remains of Japanese soldiers and civilians who perished overseas during World War II. Unlike traditional cemeteries, it is not a burial ground for individual graves but a mausoleum housing these remains. Set within a tranquil park-like environment, it reflects the Japanese aesthetic of respect for nature and solemnity in mourning.
• Walk over to the Yushukan Museum, offering a comprehensive overview of Japanese military history. It presents a narrative that highlights the sacrifices of those enshrined at Yasukuni Shrine, portraying them as defenders of Japan’s sovereignty and culture. Build your own opinion of its criticism for downplaying or omitting Japanese wartime atrocities.
• Lunch in the area.

Afternoon

• Not far from the museum, 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 beforementioned controversy due to the inclusion of 14 convicted Class-A war criminals in the shrine, especially after visits by Japanese prime ministers.
• 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.
• For dinner, we’ll go to Torafugutei, a restaurant that specialises 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!
• Optional activity (if you are still energetic): To stay on the topic of muscles, 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.
• Overnight in Tokyo.

Sunday 3rd August – Tokyo

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• After lunch, we’ll head to the Maruha, Pachinko Parlour. Unlike typical pachinko parlours with flashy neon lights and bustling noise, the Maruhan parlour 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.
• Lunch at Samurai restaurant. 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.

Afternoon

• Explore Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alleyway lined with small, traditional bars and restaurants, offering a glimpse into old-school Tokyo. Fun fact: it began in the 1940s as a black market area during the post-World War II recovery period as a hub for affordable food and drink, catering to workers and soldiers. Hence its nickname “Piss Alley”, due to the notorious lack of restroom facilities in its early days.
• For dinner, we’ll go to the Zauo fishing Restaurant. Here, you can catch and eat your own fish!
• Experience the Dark Side of Tokyo on a guided walking tour of Shinjuku Kabukicho, one of the city’s most infamous entertainment and red-light districts. Explore the neon jungle, its ghosts and urban legends, find hidden spots among the narrow alleys, and peek into Tokyo´s underbelly featuring adult entertainment venues, host and hostess clubs. Learn about the socio-economic factors that shaped the district, including its connections to Japan’s post-war recovery and the story of the never built kabuki theatre district.
• 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.

Monday 4th August – Tokyo – Mount Fuji

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• We’ll start our journey across Japan with a 2.5-hour train trip to Mt. Fuji.
• Arrive at Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou and check in. It features its own private Onsen and great views on the mountain and surrounding landscape.
• Take some time to relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding area.
• Enjoy lunch at the hotel’s restaurant.

Afternoon

• Take the ropeway to the top of Mount Fuji for stunning views and visit Oishi Park, offering more perspectives, hiking trails, and a museum. Time to breath and enjoy!
• Optional: If you are even more adventurous, embark on a guided tour of the Mt. Fuji Ice Cave in Aokigahara Forest (Suicide Forest) instead. It lasts approximately 2.5 hours and includes exploring the cave with a guide and safety gear (additional cost of ~55USD not included in tour cost).
• Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant and relax in the onsen once more or explore the hotel’s facilities. After going crazy in Tokyo, soaking in the soothing hot springs and enjoying home-cooked traditional Japanese meals will be much welcome.
• Enjoy a nightcap at a nearby bar and overnight.

Tuesday 5th August – Mount Fuji – Osaka

Morning

• Traditional Japanese breakfast in the Onsen hotel.
• 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. Just try not to get lost in the crowds.
• 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. It is one of the few places in the world offering this adventurous dish. It is in a bustling area offering more options like offal BBQ.
• 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. Grab a drink at Hog Haus and see how the night unfolds.
• Overnight in Osaka.

Wednesday 6th August – Osaka – Hiroshima

Early Morning

• Up super early to take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka to Hiroshima. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hour and offers scenic views of the countryside. We will have a light breakfast on the train.
• Arrive and head directly to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to visit the ceremonial activities, offering us exclusive insights into Japanese culture and their commemoration of the past. The ceremony promotes the message of peace and global nuclear disarmament and is internationally renowned.
• 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.

Afternoon

• Check-in at the APA Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Ohashi, offering easy access to Hiroshima’s iconic sites and of course has its own public bath.
• For our late afternoon meal, we’ll go to Lopez Okonomiyaki, a cozy, laid-back eatery specialising in traditional savoury 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. Seats are limited so if the group is bigger we will stagger or co-visit nearby Nagataya restaurant.
• Head to the hotel to rest for the night activities.
• 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.
• Enjoy the excellent bar food to fill your stomach matching the decent amount of Sake consumed.
• Overnight in Hiroshima.

Thursday 7th August – Hiroshima – Nagasaki

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Our last Shinkansen ride will take us from Hiroshima to Nagasaki, with breakfast on train along the 3.5 hour journey that offers scenic views of southern Japan.
• Grab a quick lunch near Nagasaki Station on arrival.

Afternoon

• On arrival, we’ll check in at the APA Hotel Nagasaki Ekimae.
• Immediately head to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, that serves as a remembrance to the atomic bombing of the city on 9 August 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.
• On the way we’ll also drive by the 26 Martyrs Museum, that commemorates the 26 Christians who were martyred in Nagasaki in 1597 and providing a glimpse into the propagation of Christianity in Japan during that era. We enter if time allows or settle with marvelling at its unique architecture such as its Sagrada Familia-inspired spires, phoenix mosaic, and facade.
• 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. Seats are limited so if the group is bigger we will stagger or co-visit nearby Asa or Dejima restaurant.
• 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.
• Overnight in Nagasaki.

Friday 8th August – End of tour in Nagasaki

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

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