Megalithic Japan with Nerdrotic, Forbidden Frontier & Wandering Wolf
May 24, 2026 - May 30, 2026
Cultural
$3,995 USD
BOOK WITH $995 DEPOSIT
Megalithic Japan with Nerdrotic, Forbidden Frontier & Wandering Wolf
May 24, 2026 - May 30, 2026
$3,995 USD
BOOK WITH $995 DEPOSIT
This carefully curated adventure blends Japan’s ancient history with its vibrant modern culture. From megalithic mysteries in Asuka to the neon lights of Tokyo, you’ll experience the country’s diverse landscapes, traditions, and stories. Each day is designed to reveal something unique – whether it’s a serene temple in Kyoto, a dramatic samurai castle, or a hidden local food street.
The trip is hosted by Nerdrotic (Gary Buechler), Wandering Wolf (Mike Collins), and Forbidden Frontier (featuring Adam Crigler, Garrett Morrison & X-Ray Girl), all of whom have a passion for cultural exploration and storytelling and will bring each destination to life. With this enthusiastic crew leading the way, and the support of experienced local guides, you’ll gain insights into Japan that go far beyond the surface.
Together with a small group of like-minded travellers, you’ll connect over shared experiences, delicious meals, and unforgettable moments. This journey is about more than sightseeing – it’s about uncovering the essence of Japan, both ancient and modern.
Want to add a little extra adventure?! We have some exciting optional extensions to make your Japan experience even more memorable:
- Pre-Trip Osaka & Hiroshima Extension (4 Days)
- Pre-Trip Tokyo & Mt. Fuji Extension (4 Days)
- Post-Trip Tokyo Otaku Manga & Anime Tour (4 Days)
Check out the itinerary for more information on these options.
Trip Start: Osaka, Japan - Sunday May 24th 2026
Trip Finish: Tokyo, Japan - Saturday May 30th 2026
Trip Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Accommodation: 6 Nights ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels (Twin Share or Private)
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 3
Group Size: Up to 40 Guests
Inclusions
Accommodation: 6 Nights ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hotels (Twin Share or Private)
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 3
Hosted by Mike Collins and Experienced Local Guides
Private Coach Transport Throughout as Per Itinerary
Shinkansen Bullet Train Osaka to Tokyo
Suitcase Forwarding Service from Osaka to Tokyo (1 bag per person)
Asuka Day Trip with Entry to Ishibutai Tumulus, Megalith Circuit, Takamatsuzuka Kofun, Kitora Kofun, Asuka-dera Temple and Asuka Historical Museum
Osaka Castle Grounds Tour including Octopus Stone
Guided Evening Walking Tour of Dotonbori
Day Trip to Ishi-no-Hoden and Himeji Castle
Tokyo Guided City Exploration including Tsukiji Outer Market, Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck, Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise-dori
Imperial Palace Grounds and East Garden Visit
Kyoto Day Trip with Optional Experiences (Zen Path, Artisan’s Trail, Street Food Stroll)
Farewell Dinner in Tokyo
Exclusions
Arrival/Departure Flights
Airport Transfers
Visa/Entry Requirements
Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions
Personal Expenses incl Tips
Travel Insurance (Required)
Itinerary
Optional Pre-Trip Osaka & Hiroshima Extension (4 Days)
21–24 May 2026 – Osaka & Hiroshima Pre-Tour Extension
This four-day journey begins and ends in Osaka and includes a two-night excursion to Hiroshima via bullet train. Discover the city’s poignant history, serene landscapes, and rich culinary culture. Highlights include the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the A-Bomb Dome, and the famous “floating” torii gate on Miyajima Island before returning to Osaka to join the main group.
Day 1 – Arrive in Osaka
- Arrive in Osaka and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and settle into the Kansai region.
Day 2 – Hiroshima & Peace Memorial Park
- Take the bullet train to Hiroshima to visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the A-Bomb Dome, finishing the day with dinner featuring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Day 3 – Miyajima Island & Local Delicacies
- Travel to picturesque Miyajima Island to see the iconic “floating” torii gate and enjoy a hands-on class making the region’s famous sweet, momiji manju.
Day 4 – Return to Osaka
- Board the bullet train back to Osaka, enjoy some leisure time, and then join the main group for the welcome meeting and dinner.
Optional Pre-Trip Tokyo & Mt. Fuji Extension (4 Days)
21–24 May 2026 – Tokyo & Mt. Fuji Pre-Tour Extension
Perfect for guests flying into Tokyo, this four-day extension offers the ideal blend of big-city energy and tranquil natural beauty. Experience the vibrant streets of Tokyo, the mystical Aokigahara Forest, and the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi before travelling by bullet train to Osaka to join the main tour.
Day 1 – Arrive in Tokyo
- Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Tokyo’s lively neighbourhoods.
Day 2 – Aokigahara Forest & Traditional Ryokan Stay
- Travel by private coach to Kawaguchiko at the base of Mt. Fuji. Explore the mysterious Aokigahara Forest before relaxing in a traditional Japanese ryokan with onsen hot springs and dinner.
Day 3 – Lake Kawaguchi & Mt. Tenjo Views
- Cruise across Lake Kawaguchi, then ride the Mt. Tenjo cable car for spectacular panoramic views of Mt. Fuji.
Day 4 – Travel to Osaka
- Board the bullet train to Osaka and enjoy free time before meeting the rest of the group for the welcome meeting.
Optional Post-Trip Tokyo Otaku Manga & Anime Tour (4 Days)
30 May – 2 June 2026 – In-Depth Tokyo Otaku Adventure: A 4-Day Manga & Anime Tour
Dive deep into Tokyo’s vibrant pop-culture scene with this four-day adventure exploring the worlds of manga, anime, and gaming. Enjoy three nights of central accommodation with breakfast, seamless metro and coach transport, and the guidance of an expert English-speaking tour leader.
Day 1 – Akihabara & Themed Café Experience
- After breakfast (from the main tour), head straight into the heart of Akihabara to explore anime shops and arcades, wrapping up with a fun Themed Café Experience.
Day 2 – Nakano Broadway & Gotokuji Temple
- Browse the collector’s paradise of Nakano Broadway in the morning, then visit Gotokuji Temple, birthplace of Japan’s beloved Lucky Cat.
Day 3 – Shinjuku & Shibuya Highlights
- See Shinjuku’s Godzilla Head and official store, then head to Shibuya for the iconic Scramble Crossing and an unforgettable evening of Mario Kart Street Go-Karting (IDP required).
Day 4 – Manga Museum & Farewell
- Explore the Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum, followed by time for last-minute shopping before the tour concludes.
Trip Photos
Important Notes
ARRIVAL:
You will need to make sure your travel plans allow you to arrive at the meeting point by the scheduled guest meeting time. More information on this will be provided once the trip is confirmed. Your arrival airport is either Kansai International Airport (KIX) for international, or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) for domestic, or alternatively Osaka Station by train.
DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. Your departure airport is Tokyo – Haneda International Airport (HND) or Tokyo Narida Airport (NRT).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers are not included as part of this trip, so you will need to make your own arrangements. Japan has excellent airport transportation options available. For information on airport transportation please head to the relevant airport websites.
Pre-booked transfers are available via Expedia – please select “Cars” and then “Airport Transportation”: https://bit.ly/expedia-best-in-travel-vip
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION:
We are unable to organise additional nights accommodation on your behalf. Our exact hotels will be finalised and advised when the trip is confirmed. Once that happens, we recommend booking accommodation via our affiliate link at https://bit.ly/booking-com-best-in-travel
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to check entry requirements based on the passport that you will be travelling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport meets minimum requirements, and that you have arranged any required visas before arrival. Visa information is available in the destination guide linked below.
DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip’s location, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/japan-destination-guide/
TRIP CONFIRMATION:
A trip is listed as PENDING until the minimum guest numbers are reached, at which point the trip becomes CONFIRMED. Guests will be notified when a trip becomes CONFIRMED.
BOOKING FLIGHTS:
We do not recommend booking flights until your trip is CONFIRMED.
BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required, and this will need to organised independently. There are a number of travel insurance comparison websites available. We do not recommend organising this until your trip is CONFIRMED.
For more information on travel insurance head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/
ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.
For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/
INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/
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