Beyond the Tourist Trail: Japan’s Coolest Corners with Ridge

duration
8 days · 7 nights
travel date
Oct 1 - 8, 2025
activity level
Light
group size
12
transportation
Group vehicle
Your TourHero
tourhero
Ridge Hayashi
bio

Hey, I’m Ridge — an adventure-loving foodie who believes the best way to experience a new place is through its flavors, hidden gems, and unforgettable moments with like-minded people (like yourself!)

I curated this trip because I want to help others dive into the heart of a destination — not just as tourists, but as explorers who savor every bite and embrace every adventure.



When I’m not running my ice cream shop back home, you’ll find me seeking out street food stalls, wandering vibrant neighborhoods, and spending hours at don quijote. you soon will be guilty of that!

Whether we’re tasting something new, getting a little lost (on purpose), or soaking up local culture, I’m all about creating stories worth telling.

& if you made it this far.... let’s make this trip unforgettable — who’s in?

Japan > Beyond the Tourist Trail: Japan’s Coolest Corners with Ridge

A trip that’s got Tokyo’s neon buzz, ancient samurai castles, and a deep dive into Japanese creativity all in one awaits you! This itinerary was built for curious explorers who want more than just the usual tourist checklist. You’ll get hands-on with sushi rolling, rock a kimono, and sip matcha like a local, plus aesthetic exploration at Art Aquarium Museum and ancient temples and shrines. Expect real-life movie sets, sky-high city views, and a side quest to Kamakura to meet the legendary Great Buddha. With plenty of free time to chase your own adventures, this trip is all about authentic culture, iconic photo ops, and stories your coworkers actually want to hear. Book your spot and get ready to experience Japan’s coolest corners, all curated for travelers who want to do things differently.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · October 1, 2025 · Tokyo
Arrive in Japan at Haneda Airport (HND)
Transfer from airport to accommodation (not included)
Check in at Loisir Hotel Shinagawa Seaside (or similar)
Welcome dinner at Gonpachi Shibuya (or similar) with all-you-can-drink option
Return to hotel
Free night
Day 2 · October 2, 2025 · Tokyo
Breakfast
Visit to Toyosu Market for food tour
Lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market (not included)
Shopping tour in Ginza
Visit Art Aquarium Museum
Sushi making class
Free time
Day 3 · October 3, 2025 · Tokyo
Breakfast
Visit Shibuya: Hachiko Statue & Shibuya Crossing
Stroll through Shibuya
Sunset visit to Shibuya Sky Tower
Dinner at Yakitori or conveyor belt sushi (not included)
Night shopping at Mega Donki
Day 4 · October 4, 2025 · Breakfast
Breakfast
Visit Toki no Kane & Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) street food crawl (not included)
Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon tea at a Japanese tea house
Souvenir shopping
Free time
Day 5 · October 5, 2025 · Tokyo
Breakfast
Visit Komachidori Street: shopping & street food lunch
Explore Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Visit Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)
Free night
Day 6 · October 6, 2025 · Tokyo
Breakfast
Visit Sensoji Temple
Explore Nakamise Dori & Hoppy Street food tour (not included)
Kimono Dressing Experience
Tea Ceremony Experience
Free time
Day 7 · October 7, 2025 · Tokyo
Breakfast
Free day
Farewell dinner at Shari Sushi Bar (or similar) with all-you-can-drink option
Day 8 · October 8, 2025 · Departure
Breakfast and check out of hotel
Transfer to Haneda Airport (HND) (not included)
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · October 1, 2025
Touchdown, Tokyo

-Arrive in Japan at Haneda Airport and kick off your adventure with a smooth group transfer to your hotel.

-Check in at your urban base for the week and take some time to get settled.

-Tonight, dive into Tokyo’s pop culture history with a welcome dinner at Gonpachi Shibuya, the iconic izakaya that inspired Quentin Tarantino himself. Make the most of your all-you-can-drink package! After dinner, the night is yours to explore the city’s electric energy or recharge for the days ahead.

Day 2 · October 2, 2025
Art in motion and sushi devotion

-It’s our first full day in Japan! Our first stop is the Toyosu Market for a food tour, followed by lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market.

-In the afternoon, we’ll go on a shopping tour in Ginza, visiting spots like Ginza Six and Mitsukoshi. Then, we’ll head to the Art Aquarium Museum, a surreal blend of living goldfish, kaleidoscopic lights, and avant-garde design. This immersive art space turns traditional Japanese aquariums into moving masterpieces, making it a favorite for creatives and culture seekers alike.

-Finally, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on sushi making class. Learn the secrets behind Japan’s most famous dish and enjoy your creations for lunch.

-The rest of the evening is free for spontaneous city adventures.

Day 3 · October 3, 2025
Shibuya roll call

-Spend the day exploring the sights of Shibuya, starting with the Hackiko Statue and Shibuya Crossing. Afterwards, enjoy some time to stroll through this amazing location.

-As the sun begins to set, we’ll visit Shibuya Sky Tower for panoramic views of Tokyo’s sprawling skyline. This observation deck is a must for the best cityscape photos.

-We’ll grab some dinner, perhaps Yakitori or conveyor belt sushi, before going to Mega Donki for a night shopping experience!

Day 4 · October 4, 2025
Stepping back in time

-Start today’s adventure with a little sightseeing, visiting Toki no Kane and the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Then, we’ll go on a street food crawl at Kashiya Yokocho before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant in Kawagoe.

-Enjoy an afternoon teak break at a traditional Japanese tea house, followed by some time for souvenir shopping.

-The evening is open for you to uncover more of Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.

Day 5 · October 5, 2025
Kamakura cool

-Begin with breakfast, then travel to Komachidori Street for shopping and a delicious street food lunch.

-Next, explore the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and visit the colossal bronze Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, a serene icon surrounded by lush hills.

-Afterward, enjoy free time to explore Kamakura’s laid-back vibe, from ancient temples to surf-town streets.

-Head back to Tokyo for a relaxed evening.

Day 6 · October 6, 2025
Kimono culture and tea time

-Start the day with a visit to Sensoji Temple, followed by an exploration of Nakamise Dori and a Hoppy Street Food Tour. City sights and culinary delights await!

-Then, experience the art of kimono dressing! Choose your style and learn the traditions behind Japan’s iconic garment.

-Slow down with a traditional afternoon tea ceremony, where every gesture is steeped in centuries of ritual and mindfulness.

-Chase more cultural discoveries or unwind at your own pace with the remainder of the day.

Day 7 · October 7, 2025
Choose your own adventure before a fond farewell

-Enjoy breakfast and a full free day to curate your own Tokyo story. Perhaps thrift shopping in Shimokitazawa, temple hopping in Asakusa, or hunting for vintage arcades in Akihabara? There’s endless journeys to be had.

-Cap off the trip with a farewell dinner at Shari Sushi Bar, celebrating new friends and unforgettable memories while we enjoy unlimited drinks and great food.

Day 8 · October 8, 2025
Sayonara, Japan

-After breakfast, it’s time to check out of the hotel and say goodbye to Tokyo. Transfer to Haneda Airport in your own time for departure.

-The journey ends, but the memories made are forever. Safe travels!

Tour Price
USD 2,850
per person
USD 500 deposit only
12 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Exploration, culture connections, discovery, foodie fun
Your local guide
JTB Japan stands at the forefront of innovative travel experiences, specializing in curating tailor-made journeys that weave magical moments into in-depth itineraries. Backed by a professional team with extensive training, they ensure a seamless journey through the picturesque landscapes of Japan. With an unwavering commitment to travel expertise, JTB Japan prioritizes the deep connections between people and places, offering visitors unparalleled adventures marked by efficiency, safety, personalization, and guest satisfaction.
Accommodation
Loisir Hotel Shinagawa Seaside (or similar according to availability)

Loisir Hotel Shinagawa Seaside is a modern 4-star hotel located just a two-minute walk from Shinagawa Seaside Station, offering easy access to Tokyo’s key spots and Haneda Airport. All 320 rooms sit on high floors with Simmons beds, free Wi-Fi, and stunning views of Tokyo Bay, making it a stylish and comfortable base for exploring the city. The hotel features thoughtful amenities like air purifiers, warm water toilets, and a 24-hour front desk to ensure a smooth stay. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 7 nights accommodation in Tokyo

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • Lunch on day 2

  • Dinner on day 1 and 7

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • Tour guide/conductor throughout

  • Entrance fees where applicable with included activities

Not included
  • Flights

  • Airport arrival transfer

  • Airport departure transfer

  • International airport departure tax

  • Visas

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Personal expenses

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jul 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +9), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Jul 29, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +9) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Jul 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +9), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.