Far East Adventure

Name: Far East Adventure
Brand: Gap 360
Price: 4799 GBP

Tick China, Japan and South Korea off your Asia bucket list

Traveller looking at golden pavillion in Japan

Prices from

£4,799

deposit

£147

Far East Adventure Overview

Multi-Trip Combo

Get ready for the journey of a lifetime on Far East Adventure, immersing you in three legendary destinations where ancient and new worlds collide. If you're dreaming of traditional culture all while ticking Japan, South Korea and China off your Asia bucket list, this is the one for you. Waiting for you on the other side are new friendships and memories for life, as you explore neon-lit cities, beautiful temples and so much more! It's Asia like you've never experienced it before - and with an amazing discount exclusive to this multi-trip combo, what’s stopping you?

Far East Adventure Highlights:

Discover China’s ancient monuments, stunning mountains and epic cities
Take the adventure of a lifetime in Japan, from temple stays to Tokyo nightlife
Experience South Korea’s vibrant culture, incredible food and rich history
Save on your travels with an exclusive multi-trip combo discount
Choose when you start your next adventure, with expert support available to help plan any optional free time

This is a combo trip, a combination of trips we recommend going on in sequence.

Gap 360's multi-trip combos are a combination of two or more trips, specifically designed with the best travel routes and dates in mind. Enjoy a multi-trip discount, pick dates that suit your plans, and even choose your downtime between trips if you want flexibility. Our friendly team of travel advisors are on hand with advice and suggestions, and to help with flights and accommodation between trips.

Duration:

From 38 days

Age Range:

Avg 18-35

Trips Featured:

Duration:

13 days

Age Range:

Avg 18-30

Group Size:

Max 16

view all reviews

Trip Highlights

Stay in an ancient Buddhist temple
Channel your inner Samurai and learn sword-skills from a master
Make friends with the red-faced snow monkeys of Nagano
Learn how to roll sushi from a sushi master in Tokyo
Enjoy luxurious accommodation from traditional Japanese Ryokan, to high end flashpacker hostels and futuristic hotels
Get the best views of Mount Fuji from a pirate ship and cable car

Trip Overview

Konichiwa adventurers! Prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime on this action-packed 13 day tour of Japan. Take in the highlights of this fascinating country, from the neon-soaked streets of Tokyo, to the lantern-lit alleys of Kyoto. Stay overnight in a real Buddhist temple, learn how to use a samurai sword, take the best selfies in the world in a Japanese photo booth, make sushi with a master and chill with the snow monkeys – it’ll be the most likes you get all year!

Trip Gallery

Still deciding where to go?

Get your free Gap 360 travel brochure
Download now or get a copy in the post

Get Your Brochure!

12 nights’ accommodation
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
Experienced trip guide
In-country transport
Tokyo city tour
Entry to ancient temples and shrines
Sushi class experience
Noodle demonstration
Origami class
Jigokudani Snow Monkeys trip
Shiga Kogen National Park entry
Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise
Mount Fuji cable car
Osaka castle visit
Ancient Buddhist temple overnight stay
Buddhist meditation class
Night cemetery walk
Morning prayer ceremony
Night tour of Kyoto's geisha district
Arishiyama bamboo forest trip
Golden Pavilion temple visit
Fushimi Inari temple visit
Samurai experience
24 hour emergency support

What's Not Included

International flights
Visas
Travel Insurance
Most meals
Optional activities
Airport transfers

Book Now

Accommodation

One of the real highlights of this trip is the top notch range of accommodation you’ll get to experience. From high quality flashpacker hostels and futuristic hotels with slick modern facilities, to traditional Japanese inns, known as Ryokan. Staying in a Ryokan is a really unique experience. They typically feature rooms with tatami flooring and sliding doors and communal areas where you can wear yukata (a summer kimono) and talk to the owner. Bedding is a futon mattress rolled out on the tatami floor. The ryokan usually have a communal bathing area, fed by water from natural hot springs (onsen). You’ll also be spending a very special night in a 1,000-year old Buddhist temple in the mountains! Accommodation is on a multi-share basis.

Private single or twin/double room upgrades may be available for an additional cost outside of Cherry Blossom season (March/April). Please contact a travel advisor for details.

Meals

12 Breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are included in the trip. You will need to purchase all other meals yourself. This gives you the opportunity to choose where and how you eat and to experience the greatest variety of local food. Japanese cuisine has an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and the aesthetic of meals is a national obsession! Please be aware that vegetarian and vegan options are limited in Japan and therefore we would encourage vegetarians and vegans to bring additional snacks to Japan.

Book Now

Day 1: Welcome to Japan!

Land in Tokyo and make your way to your accommodation. Take some time to relax before you meet the rest of the group.

Day 2: Tokyo tour

Today we'll see the highlights of the city, starting with Sensoji Temple then visit Meji Shrine followed by bubble-gum scented Harajuku - the home of Japan's kitsch youth culture - you'll defo want your camera for this one! Last stop is Shibuya Crossing, the world's largest intersection, where up to 3,000 people cross at a time! Tonight, experience some of Shinjuku's cute restaurants and hilariously dinky bars.

Day 3: Sushi Class and Arcades

This morning you'll be taught how to roll your own fresh sushi by a sushi master! This evening we'll find our way to the HQ of everything manga, anime and electronic - Akihabara district. Play some classic arcade games, visit some cafes and take some photos in the photo booths.

Day 4: Bullet train to Nagano, Onsen and Origami

Climb aboard the famous 200mph bullet train to Nagano! Today you'll get to try your hand at the traditional art of origami, take a dip in a natural hot pool called an onsen and spend the night in a Ryokan - a traditional Japanese Inn with futons, bamboo mat flooring and sliding doors - what a day!

Day 5: Snow Monkeys, Noodles and National Parks

Learn how to make your own soba noodles and slurp your creations for lunch before heading into the mountains to meet some Japanese macaques, or snow monkey! After, we'll explore the lakes and forests of the gorgeous Shiga Kogen National Park (summer only).

Day 6: Travel from Nagano to Hakone

Hop on the bullet train and shoot off to Hakone, famous for its beauty and jaw-dropping views over Mount Fuji. Freshen up at the accommodation's onsen (hot spring) before heading into the town for a few sakes and a maki roll or two.

Day 7: Hakone Cable Car and Travel to Osaka

Take the Hakon Ropeway cable car, from which you'll have the most spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Then, cross Lake Ashi by pirate ship! Next we'll travel to Osaka. Tonight we will enjoy a BBQ and a night out!

Day 8: Osaka Castle

The morning is yours to spend as you choose. Chill out at the hotel or immerse yourself in this lively city. This afternoon we'll visit Osaka Castle. Explore the castle's turrets, citadels and cherry tree gardens while learning about Japan's ancient warriors, the Samurai. This evening we will head to Dotonburi, the city's canal district, famous for it's food!

Day 9: Koyasan Temple Stay

Today's experience is really something special - staying overnight in a 1,000-year old Buddhist Temple! Wander through the temple's tranquil gardens, learn meditation from the monks, take a guided night-time tour of Japan's largest cemetery and sample traditional Buddhist cuisine.

Day 10: Koyasan to Kyoto

Wake up early to watch the monks perform their morning prayers and a sacred fire ceremony. After breakfast, travel to Kyoto. You'll have time to relax at the accommodation before heading out with your group. Finally, discover Gion - Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Why not take tea at one of the ochaya (tea houses) and marvel at the elaborate costumes of the geisha?

Day 11: Bamboo Forest & Golden Pavilion

First stop today is the Insta-famous Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama. Next we'll visit the Golden Pavilion - a blingy temple whose top two floors are completely coated in gold leaf! Have a free evening tonight. Kyoto is a magical place after dark - Japanese lanterns light up the traditional wooden shops and white-faced geisha glide about on secret business.

Day 12: Fushimi-Inari and Samurai Experience

Today we're visiting one of Japan's most iconic shrines - Fushimi-Inari, characterised by hundreds of bright orange Torii gates. In the afternoon you'll have the unforgettable experience of being trained by Samurai master. The sensei will teach you how to wield a traditional sword, before you channel your inner warrior and slice through rolled bamboo!

Day 13: Trip End

It's time to pack your bags, swap numbers and say your goodbyes. Your Japan Intro ends here. Head to the airport for your flight home or continue your travels in this fascinating country.

Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.

Looking for a longer trip?

If you are looking to spend more time in this amazing country check out - The 17 day Ultimate Japan.

Book Now

Arrival Information:

Arrival

Your Japan Intro starts in Tokyo on day 1. There are two airports in Tokyo – Narita and Haneda. Travelling from either airport to the accommodation using public transport is very straightforward and you’ll be given a detailed pre-arrival pack that explains how to do it. There are no activities on the first day so you can arrive any time. If you decide to arrive at an earlier date, we can help arrange additional nights at the accommodation.

Departure

The trip ends on day 13 in Kyoto. The closest airport is Osaka (Kansai) which takes about 1.5 - 2 hours to get to by train. We suggest you fly out of Osaka, but if you need to make your return flight from Tokyo, you’ll either need to get the bullet train, which takes about 4 hours and costs around £100, or you can take an internal flight from Osaka to Tokyo. Your guide can help you arrange travel back to either Tokyo or to Osaka Airport. There are no activities planned for day 13 so you can arrange to stay on in Kyoto or travel onwards at any time.

Age & Eligibility:

Generally, our travellers are 18-35 years old. We do have an upper age limit of 55 for this trip, with some flexibility.

Want to check the demographics of your start date? Request the demographics here >

Book Now

Customer Images & Reviews

Customer Images

Customer Reviews

Shaun

Amazing experience in Japan and team leader was really nice.

Florence

I have loved this trip so much. It has all been so well and thoughtfully planned. All of the activities have been so enjoyable and unique, and I liked how they were already included into the cost...

Daniel

Trip was incredible. Lots of recommendations provided for free time and organised activities were great.

Claire

Fantastic trip, really enjoyed it our guides Rachel and Gemma were brilliant and we had a wonderful time! The monkey forest and Samurai experience were our particular favourites but the entire...

Laura

Where do I start? This trip was beyond what I had ever imagined. The accommodation was superb! The food was delicious, especially getting to try the local specialties. Nathan was our group leader...

Alexa

Because of all the 5-star reviews I literally thought this was going to be fake. HOWEVER turns out it's just incredibly worthy of 5-stars. Hands down the best trip I've ever taken. I went alone,...

Lauren

I really enjoyed this tour as it had a great balance of free time and organised activities which covered both the historical sites in japan and the more modern aspects. The group leader was also...

Oyin

Fantastic experience overall! We had Sammy as our group leader and she was so much fun, patient and super organised. There was a lot to see and do which was great and Sammy made it a very seamless...

Emma

I ventured to Japan on the 13 day tour and had the most amazing time. The places we stay were top notch and we saw some really cool places. We were never short of things to do. Our guide, Nathan...

Callan

The Japan 13 day tour was incredible overall! The pacing over the trip was spot on. We had time to take everything in, in all our varying locations. The group leader was so much fun, always...

view all reviews

Japan Facebook Group Discussion

Is anyone doing Journey through Japan 9th October to 22nd October?

Hello! Is anyone going on the Japan and South Korea discovery starting October 6th? 🙂

I am going on the Journey Through Japan for 14 days on the 20th November - would anyone like to join a group chat?

Join the discussion in our Japan Group

Below is a taster of what comes included on this multi-trip combo. For a detailed breakdown, check out the itineraries listed below!

Japan Intro (13 days)
Ultimate South Korea (10 or 13 days)
China Discovery (15 days)
Exclusive multi-trip combo discount
Accommodation and activity recommendations between trips
Expert flight advice for getting to your destinations
24 hour emergency support whilst on and between trips

What's Not Included

Flights from start and end locations
Accommodation and flights between tours
Travel insurance

Select your dates Payment plans available

Need Help with Your Trip or Have Any Questions?

Got questions or need help planning your dream adventure? Our expert travel advisors are here to help every step of the way — from choosing the perfect trip to finding the best departure dates. Just reach out, and we’ll get you on the road to your next unforgettable journey!

Trips Making a Positive Impact

Learn More

Far East Adventure

Far East Adventure Overview

Far East Adventure Highlights:

Japan Intro

Ultimate South Korea

China Discovery

Day 1: Welcome to Japan!

Day 2: Tokyo tour

Day 3: Sushi Class and Arcades

Day 4: Bullet train to Nagano, Onsen and Origami

Day 5: Snow Monkeys, Noodles and National Parks

Day 6: Travel from Nagano to Hakone

Day 7: Hakone Cable Car and Travel to Osaka

Day 8: Osaka Castle

Day 9: Koyasan Temple Stay

Day 10: Koyasan to Kyoto

Day 11: Bamboo Forest & Golden Pavilion

Day 12: Fushimi-Inari and Samurai Experience

Day 13: Trip End

Far East Adventure Inclusions

What's Not Included

Select your dates Payment plans available