I embarked on a six-day adventure through Japan with EF Ultimate Break, a tour company renowned for its immersive experiences. This journey truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our timing couldn't have been better as we were fortunate enough to visit during peak cherry blossom season, a spectacle that Japan is famous for.

Despite a slight delay in the cherry blossom bloom this year, our group of around 40 individuals, hailing from various corners of the United States, was still able to witness the breathtaking beauty of the blossoms in full bloom. It was an unforgettable sight that painted the landscape in hues of pink and white.

Participating in an EF Ultimate Break trip requires being between the ages of 18 to 35, but EF offers other programs tailored to high schoolers and older generations as well. Now, let's delve into the exciting itinerary!

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Tokyo Day 1

Upon our arrival in Tokyo, our entire group convened for the adventure ahead. Personally, I opted to fly in three days early to combat jet lag, a decision I highly recommend. When it came time to join the group, we checked into our hotel. Now, I must offer a candid review of Hotel Tavinos Asakusa: the accommodations were a bit of a mixed bag. While convenient, the rooms were snug, and the beds quite firm, making it a bit of an adjustment. If you're a solo traveler sharing a room, brace yourself for some rapid roommate bonding. Fortunately, I traveled with my partner, Colin, which softened the blow.

Our first day kicked off with a visit to the Asakusa Sensoji Temple. Here, we relished in 40 minutes of free exploration before continuing to the Meiji Shinto Shrine, where cleansing rituals precede entry. The highlight? Witnessing an authentic Japanese wedding procession—a true delight.

Next up was Harajuku, a bustling hub of shops and eateries. We dined at a vegetarian restaurant I had bookmarked in advance, though the wait was lengthy, it afforded us ample time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Vegan Bistro Jangara was a FANTASTIC spot and well worth the wait. The spicy Vegan Karabon was indeed spicy, but also flavorful. Colin ordered the Vegan Kobonsha which had fried garlic oil and I could eat all day every day - I will dream about this bowl of noodles. Each dish is part of a set. We both opted for set B, which came with a 3 piece Vegan Gyoza; The best I’ve ever had. Here you can see the full menu.

Shibuya beckoned next, renowned for its iconic scramble crossing. We indulged in some playful photo ops before delving into the downtown vibe. I highly reccemend navigating to a rooftop viewpoint to observe Shibuya from a bird’s eye view. The one we found cost about $15 USD.

To cap off our exhilarating day, we savored Japanese barbecue in Shinjuku. This interactive dining experience involved grilling meats and veggies at our table, fostering camaraderie among our group as we shared stories and laughter. After nightfall, this area is the hub of cool lights and restaurants, it really comes to life after dark. Be sure to see the iconic Cat Billboard Cafe as well as the Kabukicho Red Gate. Truly a memorable start to our Japanese escapade.

Tokyo Day 2

The following day on our itinerary presented us with a free day in Tokyo, offering a plethora of options for exploration. While I should have booked several activities in advance, I did secure tickets for TeamLab Planets, an immersive nine-scene sensory art gallery. Though some may deem it skippable, for art enthusiasts like myself, it proved to be an unforgettable experience. Despite the bustling crowds, we reveled in the captivating art installations. Pro tip: purchasing tickets in advance, preferably up to two months prior, can significantly reduce wait times. I personally acquired ours through GetYourGuide, but numerous online platforms offer similar services.

The remainder of our day was devoted to discovering Ginza, Tokyo's renowned shopping district. Our ventures led us to a vintage camera store and eclectic Nike shoe shops. Don't overlook the 12-floor Uniqlo flagship store, where you can even design custom items with their screen print service. Additionally, we indulged in a two-hour wait at A Happy Pancake, a decision well worth the patience, as the pancakes were divine.

For those seeking alternative activities, consider visiting the Tokyo Skytree, requiring advance ticket purchase, or the Ghibli Museum, a bit outside the city but a must-visit for fans.

Hakone Day 3

On day three of our adventure, we embarked on a journey to Hakone, a charming village often frequented for day trips, located approximately 2 hours outside of Tokyo. Arriving in Hakone, we ascending on the ropeway gondola, treating us to breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji. The palpable excitement within our group elevated the mood for the entire day. At the gondola's summit, we discovered a serene shrine and a scenic pathway offering more panoramic views of Mount Fuji. Given that Mount Fuji is only visible about 30% of the time, we considered ourselves incredibly fortunate to catch a glimpse of it!

Subsequently, we embarked on a boat cruise around Lake Ashi, offering picturesque views of the Hakone Shrine, a striking red gate overlooking the lake. Though time constraints prevented us from exploring it on foot, witnessing it from the boat was still enchanting.

Afterward, we returned to the bus, which whisked us to Odawara Station for our inaugural ride on the bullet train. Pro tip: when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka on the bullet train, secure a seat on the right side for optimal views of Mount Fuji. I think its also important to note that the EF Team arranged our luggage to be sent to our accommodations in Kyoto. This means we didn’t have to lug around our checked bags which was such a blessing. It sounds like its a pretty common thing to arrange when you’re a tourist visiting Japan.

Arriving in Kyoto, we enjoyed a leisurely 25-minute stroll to our accommodations at the Asai Kyoto Shinjo Hotel, undoubtedly the most luxurious hotel of our EF Ultimate Break tour. The lobby exuded elegance, boasting a splendid bar and an in-house kitchen crafting delectable dishes from scratch. Our arrival was eagerly anticipated, as we were promptly treated to a group dinner featuring a diverse menu catering to various dietary preferences and allergies, including a delightful vegetarian spread.

Kyoto Day 4

The following day of our tour was dedicated to exploring the popular shrines of Kyoto. This day felt incredibly busy due to the time of year and the influx of tourists in town. When Colin and I travel alone, we typically aim to visit places before sunrise to capture empty streets and landscapes. However, with a set schedule, we found ourselves navigating through crowded attractions at the busiest time of day and year. Despite this, it turned out to be a delightful day.

Our first stop was the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its tunnels made of orange gates, a sight often seen on Instagram. Even in the rain, the shrine was spectacular, and visitors were respectful, allowing each other to capture photos peacefully. Next, we visited the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. While beautiful, it felt more like a walk in a park without much historical context readily available, especially without a tour guide. The area was bustling with tourists, some of whom were less considerate than others.

After a considerable amount of walking, we headed to the Nishiki Markets for lunch, a labyrinthine marketplace filled with shops selling vintage items and various foods. It's easy to get lost here, so it's advisable to mark the food section beforehand. As a vegetarian, I sampled a variety of dishes, including a cucumber pickle on a stick, a hot and steamy corn fritter, and a selection of different fillings in dango. For non-vegetarians, there are plenty of other options, including fresh uni and wagyu beef skewers.

Our final stop of the day was the Kiyomizu Temple, a breathtaking site that epitomizes Japanese history, especially with cherry blossoms in bloom. Exploring different angles and walking paths allowed us to avoid the crowds and capture some unique photos of the temple. It was a truly magical experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kyoto.

Kyoto Day 5

Our day in Kyoto was a highlight of the trip, spanning 11 miles from sunrise. We ventured to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, accessible by subway. Remember to carry coins for tickets or pre-load a Suica card. Despite the crowds, the forest offered stunning views, with opportunities for serene shots amidst the bustling morning.

For a quieter experience, the Adashino Temple, a short walk away, is an excellent alternative. The entire Arashiyama Park boasts scenic hiking trails and viewpoints. We wandered through cherry blossoms, crossed the Katsura River to reach the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where monkeys roam freely.

Afterwards, we crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge and walked around the town where we savored grilled seafood, soy-glazed potatoes, and dango in town, surrounded by quaint tea gardens.

Following a rest at the hotel, we explored Kyoto's nightlife on Pontocho Street. Reservations are recommended, especially at popular spots like the famous Omurice Rice Restaurant, Kichi Kichi. Despite our attempt, walk-ins weren't accommodated due to high demand. Kyoto's vibrant nightlife, filled with bars and clubs, ensures the fun lasts into the early morning. If nightlife excites you, Kyoto is the place to be!

Osaka Day 6

The following day, we rose early to explore Osaka, making the most of our single day in this captivating city. Our first stop was Osaka Castle, boasting breathtaking Sakura trees lining the walkways. Entry is facilitated with a pre-purchased ticket, granting access to a treasure trove of historical artifacts spanning notable periods in Japanese history. Ascending to the top floor rewards visitors with panoramic vistas of Osaka's skyline.

Next, we ventured to Tenposan Market where you ca ride the giant tempozan ferris wheel, or visit the Osaka Aquarium.

We concluded our day in Dotonbori, a must-see district. Dotonbori dazzles with Larger-than-life sculptures adorning shops and restaurants, reminiscent of scenes from a 3D movie. The canal running through the area provides enchanting sunset photo opportunities. The iconic Running Man sign marks the district's heartbeat, often likened to Japan's Times Square.

Discovering a hidden viewpoint near the Riverwalk, we reveled in a whimsical optical illusion of the Running Man sign, a lesser-known gem. Concluding our trip with EF Ultimate Break, we relished a farewell dinner at an Okonomiyaki restaurant called Dohton Bori. Vegetarians were well-catered for, with a variety of veggie options alongside traditional seafood and meat dishes. The interactive dining experience, coupled with a lively karaoke session led by our fantastic tour guide, culminated in a memorable finale to our adventure.

Want to book a similar experience? Check our this itinerary by EF Ultimate Break!

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Overall, my first experience in Japan was phenomenal! It felt like everything was meticulously planned, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the adventure. Having visited numerous famous temples and gained insight into navigating Japan's transportation system, including the subway, bullet trains, and buses, I now feel confident to explore more independently. After bidding farewell to the majority of our group, Colin and I extended our stay to venture to Lake Kawaguchiko, seeking better views of the majestic Mount Fuji. But that's a tale for another blog post!