Bucketlist Japan

Across the 12 months ending 29 July 2026, our travelled groups were close to balanced, with about 55% women and 44% men. The median traveller was 34 and the median group had 9 people. That is a historical snapshot, not a promise about the mix on a specific edition.

We design each edition around the destination rather than using a standard tour template. The usual rhythm is one or two experiences a day, with room to take the place in instead of rushing through a checklist.

Yes. Anyone aged 18 or older can apply. Our groups often skew from the late 20s to early 40s, but fit, energy and the experience itself matter more than fitting a narrow age band.

Yes. You can apply solo or with someone you know.

Yes, single rooms are available as an add-on; the exact price depends on the date you pick, so check the payment page for your edition. If you don't want a single, we match you with a roommate from the group.

Full refund if you cancel more than 90 days before departure, 50% refund 45-90 days out, 25% refund 30-44 days out, and no refund inside 30 days. This applies to the amount you've actually paid.

20% holds your invite. The rest is due in instalments before departure: full refund if you cancel more than 90 days out, 50% refund 45-90 days out, 25% refund 30-44 days out, and no refund inside 30 days. The exact instalment dates for your edition are on the payment page.

This Tokyo-to-Osaka route currently starts at Narita International Airport (NRT) and ends at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Check your exact edition and booking confirmation before buying flights, and aim to arrive in time for the Day 1 welcome meetup.

Your exact edition page lists the stay, core activities and internal travel included in the fee. International flights, visa fees, airport transfers, personal meals and drinks, shopping, paid add-ons and solo excursions are separate unless that edition explicitly marks them included. Check the itinerary and included/excluded lists for your departure before booking.

We recommend grabbing a local SIM or pocket WiFi at the arrival airport — costs around JPY 3,000-5,000 for an 8-day unlimited data plan. Most hotels and cafes also have free WiFi. Since the group moves through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, having your own data really helps for maps and translation apps.

Mostly by train and metro — Japan's public transport is famously punctual and easy once you get the hang of it. Group activities include transport logistics, but for self-explore time, an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) works across all three cities for trains, buses, and even vending machines. Loading JPY 3,000-5,000 at a time is usually enough for a few days.

Every group has a dedicated trip captain reachable 24/7 during the trip, and ExCo has a local emergency support line active throughout. Japan's own emergency numbers are 110 (police) and 119 (ambulance/fire) — English support is available on these lines. Keep your hotel's address card (given at check-in) on you at all times for translation help.

Weather depends on your departure dates and can differ between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. February is winter: bring warm layers and sensible walking shoes. October is generally milder, but other departure months have their own conditions. Check the forecast for your exact dates closer to travel.

This trip involves solid daily walking — think 12,000-18,000 steps some days between Shibuya, Sensoji, and the Nara day trip, plus stairs at Kiyomizu-Dera and a full day out at Mount Fuji. No technical trekking, but decent stamina and comfy shoes are a must. If you can walk briskly for 45-60 mins without trouble, you're good.

The Shinjuku Izakaya Crawl involves a bar-hopping experience where drinks are available, but nothing's forced — you can order mocktails, soft drinks, or just enjoy the vibe. Japan's drinking age is 20, and things stay chill and safe even late at night.

It takes a little planning but you'll be fine. Japan isn't very vegetarian-friendly by default (dashi broth made from fish is everywhere), but Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have dedicated veg/vegan restaurants and we'll flag good options during the Osaka street food crawl and Izakaya night. Let your trip captain know your preferences on day 1 so meals can be adjusted where possible.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, layers, a compact rain layer, a portable charger and anything you need for full walking days. For a February departure, add a warm coat and shoes suited to winter conditions. Check the Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka forecasts for your exact dates before you pack.

Use the current JPY fee displayed on your exact edition page; prices differ by departure. International flights, visa costs, personal meals and drinks, shopping, data and any paid add-ons are separate unless your edition's included list explicitly says otherwise. Your extra budget depends on your choices and current flight prices, so check the inclusions and exclusions before booking.

Ordinary Indian passport holders need a visa for short-term tourism. The Embassy of Japan in India says applications are submitted through VFS, no prior appointment is required, and applications can be accepted from three months before travel. From 1 July 2026, the published fee for Indian nationals is an INR 500 government fee; a VFS service fee also applies. ExCo recommends starting document preparation 6-8 weeks before departure. That is a planning buffer, not a government processing-time promise. ExCo's visa support begins after your invite is confirmed; final requirements remain subject to the official authority.