Women only tour to Japan
Japan at a glance
Feast not only your tastebuds but your imagination on this enthralling women only tour to Japan seeing everything from street food finds to mesmerizing temples and jam packed city streets lit by the neon lights and the cosy flickers from tiny restaurants, street vendors and shop windows.
Japan is an eclectic mix of old world tradition and new-age technology. There’s so much to discover in Japan that it’s hard for a solo traveler to know where to start! Which is where we come in – we’ve created our Japan Meetup Tour itinerary to showcase not only the must-visit cultural sites, but also give you an inside look and access into the daily life and traditions of people living in Japan. From dining with sumo wrestlers to sipping boba tea and learning to make your own ramen, this women-only tour will seriously inspire you, and keep your bellies pleasantly full along the way.
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Highlights
Inclusions
- Stay in 4* and 5* hand-picked hotels
- Feature stay in a luxury ryokan with a private hot spring
- All tips for driver, guide, and included activities
- Arrival airport pickup on day 1
- 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
- All activities listed in the itinerary
- Twin share rooms
- Public transportation on sleek bullet trains
- Max group size of 14 solo female travelers
- Expert local guide for the whole tour
Notes
Japan is best explored on foot. Make sure your shoes are comfy and that you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.
This trip travels primarily on public transport, as it is so efficient and convenient in Japan. Fast trains are used to move between cities, as well as public buses and metro. In order to make travel easier, we have included luggage transfer (one piece of luggage) between destinations and recommend packing light.
Proof of travel insurance is required before joining day 1 of any Meetup Tour. International flights are not included.
Meet your new BFF.
People often leave our Meetup Tours with friends for life and couches to crash on all over the world.
No math on vacay.
From driver to guide to included experiences. You only need take out your wallet for those extra Shioyaki.
Get your beauty sleep.
Enjoy our hand-picked, premium accommodation combining the best of design, location and comfort.
Itinerary
Day 1
WELCOME TO TOKYO!
Welcome meeting & first taste of local cuisine
Konnichiwa! Welcome to the quirky cultural capital of Japan. A must-see city for any traveler, Tokyo is the most populated in the world with incredible diversity and exceptional food and cultural experiences. It’s a meeting point for old world traditions and futuristic technology. Fly into one of Tokyo’s main international airports, Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) and hop in a pre-booked, shared shuttle to your hotel located in central Tokyo. We recommend arriving before 3pm so you arrive in time for our welcome dinner and first meeting at 6 pm. Tonight’s meal is at a local favorite chosen by your guide. It’s guaranteed to be an excellent first taste of Japan. Meals: dinner
Day 2
TOKYO
Tsukiji Market, lunch with Sumo wrestlers, Akihabara district
Let’s get into it today with an adventure through the city! We Begin the day with a breathtaking cityscape view during breakfast, then make our way to the renowned Tsukiji Outer Market, Japan’s largest fresh seafood market. Stroll through its narrow aisles, observing the bustling crowd and indulging in delectable street food. Next we join authentic Sumo wrestlers for their practice session, where you’ll hear captivating stories about their careers and enjoy a shared lunch of their signature dish, “chanko nabe” – an experience in itself! Afterward, board the subway to reach the iconic Akihabara District, a vibrant hub of otaku culture, dedicated to anime and manga. We complete the day with a delightful dinner at a local Izakaya restaurant, continuing the journey of savoring exquisite Japanese cuisine. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
TOKYO
Meiji Shrine, solo time
Start your day by embracing tranquility and immersing yourself in Japan’s spiritual essence at Meiji Shrine, nestled within a serene forest at the heart of the city. After experiencing the shrine’s peaceful ambiance, we’ll journey to the vibrant Harajuku district, a haven for youth pop culture. Indulge in a refreshing boba tea as you meander through the bustling streets adorned with cosplay shops, vintage clothing stores, and upscale boutiques. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to uncover the wonders of Tokyo at your own pace. There is so much to uncover! Your guide can help you create a beautiful route to explore solo or with new friends. Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 4
TOKYO TO HAKONE
Train to Hakone, boat cruise, and sleep in a ryokan
Say sayonara to Tokyo this morning as we embark on a train journey to the picturesque mountain retreat of Hakone. This tranquil hot-spring town provides a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, enveloping you in breathtaking natural beauty. Then sit back and enjoy a serene Ashinoko Lake cruise on a boat trip. As evening falls, we’ll check into a remarkable accommodation, a traditional Japanese ryokan that seamlessly blends modern comforts with timeless design. Each room boasts a private hot spring (onsen), and you can also indulge in larger public indoor and outdoor onsen overlooking the lush surroundings. Tonight you’ll enjoy dinner on-site, where you’ll be served up a feast of classic Japanese dishes. Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 5
HAKONE TO KYOTO
Bullet train, Fushimi Inari Shrine & tea with a geisha
Continue your Japanese journey on a 3 hour ride on a shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Founded in AD 794 as Heian-kyo – meaning ‘tranquility and peace capital’ – Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years before the emperor and government relocated to Tokyo. Because of this, Kyoto is rich in history with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens. We head to Fushimi Inari Shrine first, famed for its thousands of reddish-colored torii gates. Get lost in on the network of trails, and be sure to snap a few photos of this iconic landmark. Our guide will take us on a hike up the hill, away from most of the crowds, to give you the best view and most peaceful feel of the place. Later on, join your guide on a visit to the historic Gion area of town, where you will have a experience a traditional tea experience with a Maiko, a geisha in training! Learn about her life and the art of traditional tea. Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 6
KYOTO
Kiyomizu temple, ramen making workshop, Arashiyama
We begin the day with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views from the hilltop observation platform. Wander through its serene grounds, taking the time to immerse yourself in its beauty. Next, embark on a private Ramen making workshop, where you’ll learn the art of crafting this beloved Japanese dish. From soy sauce and miso to pork bone soup, discover the diverse flavors and take home the skills to impress your loved ones at your next dinner gathering. Afterward, we’ll stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama district. Take your time to soak in the quintessential Japanese atmosphere and capture plenty of cherished photographs. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of Kyoto at your own pace. Meals: breakfast, lunch
Day 7
KYOTO TO HIROSHIMA
Peace Park and okonomiyaki dinner
We jump aboard the bullet train today for about 2.5 hours to our next destination: Hiroshima. Upon arrival, we pay a solemn visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Park, where the haunting Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand as powerful reminders of the tragic events that unfolded in August 1945. The dome, located just meters away from the bomb’s detonation point, has preserved its shape, serving as an enduring symbol of peace. Your knowledgeable guide will share stories of bravery and pivotal historical moments that have shaped Japan’s present. In the evening, savor one of the city’s signature dishes, okonomiyaki—a delectable savory pancake comprising egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and a choice of meat or seafood. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 8
HIROSHIMA
Miyajima Island and solo time
Today we’ll make our way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous floating torii gate. Upon arrival, you have the freedom to explore the island at your own pace or with fellow travelers. If you’re up for a challenge, embark on a hike up Mount Miyajima, granting you breathtaking 360-degree views of the enchanting Inland Sea. Alternatively, opt for a leisurely ascent via cable car. The remainder of the day is yours to relish the warm hospitality and extraordinary beauty of this city. Consider visiting the magnificent Hiroshima Castle, boasting five majestic stories and a rich history dating back to the 1590s. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Shukkeien Garden, featuring graceful teahouses and picturesque waterfalls. Meals: breakfast
Day 9
HIROSHIMA TO OSAKA
Explore a Samurai castle
Just outside of Hiroshima is Japan’s most impressive samurai castle: Himeji. A swift hour-long journey on the bullet train transports us to this architectural marvel. Despite enduring earthquakes and wars since the mid-16th century, the castle miraculously stands strong. Its meticulous restoration in 2015 breathed life into its moats, baileys, towers, and labyrinthine walled alleyways, ingeniously designed to deceive attackers and accommodate over 10,000 samurai families. Hop back on the shinkansen for another 30-minute train trip to Osaka. As Japan’s third-largest city and unofficial culinary capital, Osaka delights in its motto of ‘Kuidaore,’ encouraging visitors to eat until they can eat no more. This vibrant city boasts an array of delectable street food, sprawling shopping hubs, and cozy backstreets brimming with restaurants and bars, serving both local delicacies and Japan’s beloved fast food: kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi). Our exploration leads us to the lively Dotonbori shopping area, where an assortment of tantalizing street food awaits amidst the neon-lit streets. Don’t miss the iconic Glico running man sign and the colossal crab—a sight cherished by visitors from around the world. As the evening unfolds, we celebrate our final night in Japan with a delightful dinner at one of Osaka’s renowned Yakitori restaurants, savoring the flavors and ambiance of this captivating city. Meals: breakfast and dinner.
Day 10
FAREWELL FOR NOW
As your tour comes to a close, ask your guide to help arrange transportation to the airport or to your next destination. Check out by 10am. Enjoy breakfast, and if you’re like us, start dreaming about your next adventure! Meals: breakfast
Hand-picked Accommodation
Our accommodation is carefully chosen to give you the best combination of comfort, location, and style. These are photos from our collection of favorite hotels to give you a sense of the accommodation you can expect with us. All of our accommodation is 4 and 5 star with many beautiful views in prime locations.
Shibuya Excel Hotel, Tokyo
Situated in a prime location overlooking Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing, this hotel offers many amenities, premium bedding, quiet rooms, and ample city views.
Gate Hotel, Kyoto
Right in the middle of Kyoto by the Takase River, the Gate Hotel is filled with local sentiment and history. This site was the location of many of the old domain residences of the Kyoto clan.
Karaksa Hotel, Osaka
Boasting a 3rd floor restaurant, large hot baths and saunas and comfortable rooms, the Karaksa Hotel is the ideal base to return to after a full day of city sight seeing.
Details
Arrival: Fly into one of Tokyo’s main international airports, Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND).
- On arrival you’ll take a shared shuttle bus going to central Tokyo where you check in to your hotel. The shared transfer is included when you arrive between 6am and 10pm on Day 1.
- If you arrive a day or two early, the airport transfer is not included. Please email us directly if you book flights outside this window so we can assist with arranging a transfer and an early night in the hotel.
- Our tour starts at 6pm, so we recommend that you arrive no later than 3pm on day 1. However, we will schedule your shuttle anytime in between 6am and 10pm.
Departure: Kansai International Airport (KIX). You can leave anytime on the last day. Check out is at 10am.
- If you are extending your trip on your own and need to fly domestically (back to Tokyo), you can also fly out of Osaka International (Itami) Airport (ITM).
- Airfares
- Visa fees if applicable
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Airport drop off
- A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to hold your spot.
- Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
- Pay as much as often as you like until the due date.
- If you cancel your spot earlier than 60 days before departure, you can apply your payment to any trip within the next year.
- No refunds on deposits.
Many nationalities do not require a visa for visits less than 90 days, as of October 11, 2022.
The itinerary is subject to change due for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.
All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour. See our guide for help choosing a plan.
Luggage is limited to one checked bag per person. Sometimes our luggage will be transferred separately y a trusted service. Included in the cost of the trip is one piece of luggage per person. We recommend you pack on the lighter side, ensuring that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your own luggage, for example in train stations. Carry on luggage like a small backpack and a purse is just fine, as long as you can carry it.
What our travelers say
SoFe's itinerary was a great blend
My second tour with SoFe!
Awesome itinerary.
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Photos from the road
We love to collect photos from as many of our Meetup Tours as possible. If you want to see more, check out the stories on our Instagram! @solofemaletravel. When you travel with us, tag @sofetravel and you may even get featured!