Goodmate ORIGINAL

Japan Discovery Tour

Travel the local way

Join us for a thoughtfully designed 10-day discovery journey through Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa, and Kyoto.
This curated experience blends cultural insight, local food, historic neighborhoods, and moments of quiet reflection—offering travelers a deeper way to experience Japan beyond the usual highlights.

Trip Summary

Minimum age

18 Year Old+

Meals

16 Included

Travel Style

Immersive & Local

Physical Rating

2 - Light

Duration

10 Days, 9 Nights

Group Size

8-20 Guests

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A Fun Itinerary

NOV 8th TO Nov 17TH, 2026

Goodmate Travel designed this journey to explore several regions of Japan in a thoughtful and comfortable way.

The itinerary balances guided cultural experiences with relaxed free time, allowing travelers to experience Japan at a natural pace while still discovering its most meaningful places.

  • Arrive in Tokyo and check in to our hotel near Shinjuku at your own pace. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner and orientation where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and your Goodmate host.

    The orientation introduces Japan travel etiquette, cultural expectations, and an overview of the journey ahead.

    Meals included: Dinner

  • Begin the day at Meiji Shrine, a peaceful forest sanctuary in the center of Tokyo. Here we explore Shinto beliefs and how nature, ritual, and quiet structure shape Japanese culture.

    After lunch near Harajuku or Shibuya, enjoy free time to explore neighborhoods like Daikanyama, known for its cafés, bookstores, and lifestyle spaces.

    In the evening, experience Tokyo through a guided cultural walk and dinner in Shibuya, discovering the rhythm of the city after dark.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Visit historic Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple before joining a hands-on sushi making experience.

    The afternoon is flexible, allowing time to explore Tokyo independently—perhaps through Ginza’s shopping streets, museums, or quiet cafés.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Before leaving Tokyo, explore Tsukiji Outer Market and learn about seasonal ingredients and Japanese food culture.

    Later travel to Hakone by train, a region known for its mountains, hot springs, and slower pace.

    In the evening, enjoy a traditional ryokan stay including onsen bathing and a seasonal kaiseki dinner.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Travel by shinkansen to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, explore the historic Nagamachi Samurai District with a local guide, learning about the values and lifestyle of the samurai era.

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens.

    In the afternoon, participate in a gold leaf craft workshop led by a local artisan—one of Kanazawa’s most famous cultural traditions.

    Enjoy free time in the city before dinner.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • Travel to Kyoto and explore the historic Gion district with a cultural guide, walking through quiet streets and canals that reflect the city’s traditional atmosphere.

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Start the morning at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the crowds arrive.

    The afternoon is free to explore Kyoto—whether along the Philosopher’s Path, visiting temples, enjoying cafés, or joining an optional samurai experience.

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Spend the morning on a relaxed walk along Kyoto’s rivers or historic paths before enjoying free time in the afternoon.

    In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the experiences shared throughout the journey.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

  • After breakfast, depart individually from Kyoto or Osaka.
    Your Goodmate host will assist with departure logistics if needed.

    Meals included: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation
Comfortable hotel for 9 nights
Traditional ryokan stay in Hakone with onsen

Meals & Transportation
9 Breakfast meals
2 Lunch meals
5 Dinner meals
Shinkansen trains, Romancecar train, taxis, and walking

Activities
Welcome Orientation
Gyeongbokgung Palace guided tour
Hanbok rental & palace photography
DMZ Korean War history tour
Han River picnic experience
Jecheon cable car ride
Local café visits curated by the host
Gyeongju city highlights & cultural stops
Ulsan Daewangam coastal walk
Taehwagang National Garden visit
Gamcheon Culture Village visit
Korean cooking class with a local chef
Jeonju Hanok Village walking tour
Farewell Karaoke night
And so much more… 😉

What's Not included
❌  International flights
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Meals not listed in the itinerary
❌ Personal expenses
❌ Optional activities

Trip Highlights

Must-do experiences await, ready to be ticked off your bucket list!

Why travel with us?

Goodmate Travel

Your journey is led by a dedicated Goodmate host from start to finish, with local hosts joining along the way to open doors you wouldn’t find on your own. Every trip is designed around the group so it flows naturally and feels personal.

What Our Travelers Say

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“I cannot recommend Goodmate Travel enough! This trip was a life changing experience! First time ever traveling solo with a group of people I had never met. What an amazing experience. We had so much fun together, saw so many beautiful places. Ate a lot of delicious food.

If you want to get a first impression of South Korea, like I wanted to. This is seriously the trip for you. Small group, fun and caring tourguides and amazing itinerary.

I cannot recommend Goodmate Travel enough. I actually booked my second trip with them 3 weeks after I came back!”

—Sanne. B

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More Reviews From Our Travelers

Trip dates & prices

2026 departures

Starting Ending Duration Prices from
Nov 08, 2026 (Sun) Nov 17, 2026 (Tue) 10 days / 9 nights From $4,500 BOOK MY TRIP

2027 departures

Starting Ending Duration Prices from
Apr 04, 2027 (Sun) Apr 13, 2027 (Tue) 10 days / 9 nights From $4,500 BOOK MY TRIP

F.A.Q

  • Absolutely. Many of our travelers join solo and are looking to connect with like-minded people from around the world. Our trips are designed to be welcoming, social, and comfortable for solo adventurers.

  • Group size varies by program. Most of our trips are designed as small group experiences.

    The minimum number of participants required to operate a trip is from 8 to 12 guests, and the maximum group size ranges from 20 to 24 guests, depending on the program.

    You can find the exact group size for each tour in the Trip Summary section on the respective trip page.

  • During our trips, rooms are typically allocated on a twin-share basis. 

    For solo travelers, we match them with another traveler of the same gender based on the information provided during booking.

    However, if you prefer your own private space, the option to reserve an individual room is also available on most of our trips. 

    If you’re traveling with a friend or partner, you’re welcome to request to share a room together — just let us know in the notes section when booking.

  • To secure your spot, we require a non-refundable 10% deposit of the total trip cost at the time of booking.

    Final payment deadlines depend on whether domestic flights within Korea are included:

    • Trips including domestic flights: remaining balance is due 90 days before departure

    • Trips not including flights: remaining balance is due 60 days before departure

    If final payment is not completed by the due date, your booking may be canceled and the deposit will be retained.

  • If a trip does not meet the minimum participant requirement and cannot operate, we will issue a full refund of all payments made — including your deposit.

  • International flights are not included.

    Some programs may include domestic flights within Korea included in the itinerary. Please check the Trip Summary for details specific to your trip.

    Guests are responsible for arranging their own international flights and arriving at the designated meeting point.

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off are not included.

    Getting into the city is simple and efficient using public transportation. Before departure, we’ll provide step-by-step guidance to help you arrive smoothly and confidently.

  • The physical rating helps you understand how active a trip will feel so you can choose an experience that suits your energy level and travel style.

    Each trip has its own rating listed in the Trip Summary.

    Physical Rating Guide

    1 / 5 · Gentle
    Relaxed pace with minimal physical activity.

    2 / 5 · Light
    Easy walking and light activity.

    3 / 5 · Moderate
    Longer walks and moderate activity. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

    4 / 5 · Active
    Regular physical activity and longer days on your feet.

    5 / 5 · Challenging
    Physically demanding experiences suited for very fit travelers.

  • We’ll always do our best to accommodate dietary needs and allergies.

    In certain remote locations, options may be limited. Please let us know about any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.

  • Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is required.

    Your policy should cover cancellation, medical expenses, repatriation, evacuation, personal liability, and loss of personal belongings. It’s your responsibility to ensure your coverage matches your travel plans and activities.

  • We understand that plans can change, and we aim to be as transparent as possible. Because we make advance commitments to accommodations, transportation, and local partners, cancellation fees apply as follows:

    Trips including domestic flights within Korea

    Cancel more than 90 days before departure
    → Full refund minus a non-refundable amount equal to 10% of the total trip cost

    Cancel 15–89 days before departure
    → 50% refund of the total trip cost

    Cancel 8–14 days before departure
    → 30% refund of the total trip cost

    Cancel 7 days or fewer before departure
    → Unfortunately, refunds are not available

    Trips not including flights

    Cancel more than 60 days before departure
    → Full refund minus a non-refundable amount equal to 10% of the total trip cost

    Cancel 15–59 days before departure
    → 50% refund of the total trip cost

    Cancel 8–14 days before departure
    → 30% refund of the total trip cost

    Cancel 7 days or fewer before departure
    → Unfortunately, refunds are not available

    Please note:

    • The non-refundable deposit and all refund amounts are calculated based on the total trip cost, not the amount paid at the time of cancellation.

    • Cancellations made within 24 hours of booking are eligible for a full refund, minus a 3% credit card processing fee.

    • We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes.

We’re here for you

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Yeri, Guest Success Director

Contact

hello@goodmatetravel.com

Address

1006, 85, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03190, South Korea

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Our awards

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