Katie Dominguez • Japan • 21st-31st Mar 2026

• Welcome to Osaka, the food and nightlife capital of Japan! First stop: we’ll drop our stuff at the shared apartment, then head out to catch sunset views at Osaka Castle. Next up, we’re diving into a sushi-making sesh (because why not master your fave meal?) before hitting the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori. Think endless street food, buzzing vibes, and that iconic Osaka energy. Let’s go!

• Kyoto is the ultimate vibe check for tradition: think gorgeous shrines, peaceful tea houses, and all the aesthetic feels. On the way, we’ll make a pit stop in Nara to hang out with the bowing deer that roam around like they own the place. Once we hit Kyoto, we’ll explore the super cute Gion district, have time to roam and take pics of landmarks like the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and to end the day we’ll hike to the spirit realm as we walk through thousands of iconic red Torii gates before watching the sunset from Fushimi Inari.

• Explore Japan’s feudal history as a local guide shares insights on how the Japanese culture was shaped. Follow this up by immersing in Japanese culture by participating in a traditional tea ceremony. Then, stroll through Kyoto’s historic streets and soak up all the traditional vibes. After that, check out the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) for some serious sparkle, or take some solo time to explore the city your way. Wrap up the day with a private karaoke sesh because there’s no faster way to bond than belting out bangers with your crew.

• Kick off the day with a serene stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before heading to the Monkey Park to hang out with some cheeky friends. After lunch, we’re venturing to Kurashiki – the definition of a hidden gem. Nothing is more relaxing than leaving the crowds behind and enjoying the stunning postcard-like views of Kurashiki’s Historical Quarter. Known for its affordable izakaya restaurants and picturesque canals, Kurashiki is where tradition and beauty combine to create the ultimate way to picture fuedal Japan.

• Get ready for a dreamy day trip to Shodoshima, an island that’s basically Japan’s answer to the Mediterranean. Start by soaking up epic views as we hike through one of Japan’s most beautiful gorges – Kankakei Gorge (seriously... google images right now). Then we’ll spend the afternoon relaxing at Angel Road, a magical sandbar that only shows up at low tide. It’s an unforgettable day, capped off with a cozy return to our Kurashiki apartment.

• Hiroshima is all about resilience and beauty, blending its deep history with a buzzing cultural scene. But before we leave for Hiroshima, we’ll head to Okayama to experience Korakuen Garden – one of Japan’s 3 Great Gardens. Once we arrive in Hiroshima, we’ll dive straight into the history and impacts of one of the most defining events the world has ever seen. Brace yourself, as you’ll be moved by the unforgettable personal stories told by our guide. Afterwards, we’ll treat ourselves to Hiroshimian Okonomiyaki, a local spin on a traditional Japanese dish. We’ll then switch gear and hit up some arcade games to vibe with the city’s lively energy before our trip leaders host an origami–making class. It’s a day that hits you in all the feels while keeping things fun and upbeat.

• We’ll take our time in the morning to relax and donate our self-made paper cranes to the Peace Memorial. Afterwards, we’re off to Japan’s most sacred island – Miyajima. Here we’ll take a beautiful hike up Mt. Misen, where a panoramic view of all the mountain islands in the Seto sea is waiting for us. Don’t bother picking up your jaw as our next stop is the Itsukashima shrine, where we’ll watch the sunset over the floating Torii gate. Cameras out—it’s pure magic.

• Today is all about relaxation, and we’ll be in the perfect place for it – enter Beppu, Japan’s hot spring capital and the world’s most geothermally active city. Once we arrive, you’ll shape your own afternoon, whether it’s relaxing or following the free-time recommended activities. In the late afternoon, we’ll begin the ‘Jigoku Meguri’ (Hells Baths Tour) and explore some incredibly unique hot springs – think exploding geysers and giant hot spring loving crocodiles. To end the day, we’ll treat ourselves to a visit to the only 3-Michelin-Starred onsen in Japan.

We’ll continue the relaxation with a slow group breakfast before finishing the Jigoku Meguri. In the afternoon, we’ll use our fully recovered muscles to hike up Mt. Tsurumi – the trail is a mezmorising hidden gem and at the top, the view of half of Kyushu is more breathtaking than the hike itself.

The contrast between old and new in Fukuoka is crazy! After arriving, we’ll visit Tochoji Temple, a perfect example of how the traditional blends with the modern in Fukuoka. For the grand finale, a unique and immersive experience is waiting. Get ready to let the inner child out and have your mind blown by the interactive digital art at TeamLab Forests! We’ll then wrap up our last night with an unforgettable group dinner where we’ll recap and reflect on the trip. It’s our last hoorah, so let’s make it count!

• We’ll enjoy a family breakfast together and perhaps sneak out on one last walk around the city together before saying our “see you laters” to our group of strangers turned friends as we each head onto our next destinations – maybe together?