50 Years. 7+ Days. One Hell of a Trip.
We're heading to Japan in March 2027 to celebrate my 50th. The exact dates aren't locked yet — we're comparing airfare, accommodations, and everyone's availability to find the best week. March 26 is the birthday, so being in Japan that day is preferred, but a great deal could move Bash to the week before.
March 2027 • 7+ Days • Final Dates TBD
Current planning window: March 17 – April 1, 2027
Countdown to the Birthday (Mar 26)
Join the crew, tell us when you're available, and help build the trip.
Filling out a form on this page is not a commitment to buy anything. Here's where we actually are right now — and what still has to happen before anyone spends money.
We're currently on Step 1, moving into Step 2.
March 2027 • 7+ Days • Final Dates TBD
7–9 days, depending on the crew
Planning in progress
March 26 — preferred in Japan, not locked
March 17 – April 1, 2027
This isn't the trip — it's the range we're planning inside of. The actual 7–9 day window gets picked after we compare airfare, lodging, and everyone's availability. Vote below to help narrow it down.
Check every window that works for you — not just one. These are planning candidates, not final dates. The more overlap we find, the easier this decision gets.
This isn't a commitment to buy anything — it's how we figure out group size, airports, and what people actually want out of this trip. Update it any time your plans change.
A planning snapshot, not a guaranteed price. Fares move — log what you find so the group can compare airports and dates before anyone buys.
Book it — flag this immediately
Worth serious consideration
Expected range for the route
Wait, or check other airports
Thresholds aren't set yet — we'll fill these in once we've checked fares from a few departure airports.
| Traveler | Airport | Travel Dates | Fare | Airline | Stops | Bags | Booked? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No fares logged yet — be the first to check flights and add one below. | |||||||
This gets its own plan even while the trip dates stay flexible. If Bash ends up traveling the week before, this becomes the Bash celebration night instead.
Current thinking is two primary bases — Tokyo + Osaka — with Kyoto, Nara, and possibly others handled as day trips. Nothing's locked yet; vote below and let the crew's interest in Kyoto (and friends) tell us whether any of them deserve an overnight of their own.
Pick the cities you're interested in, then rank the experiences that matter to you. One submission per person — resubmit any time your name to update it.
This matters more than it sounds — group size is what lets us go to Japanese tourism organizations, accommodations, restaurants, and tour providers and actually ask for something. Counts pull from the RSVP responses as they come in.
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Interested
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Probably
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Confirmed
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Flight Booked
No scary single total — just the pieces, filled in as real numbers come from Flight Watch and lodging research. Comfort level (budget-conscious to splurge) is collected in the Join Bash form.
Once the headcount is clearer, we'll reach out to see what's actually available — visitor programs, group attractions, guides, cultural experiences, transit programs, and restaurant/group recommendations. Nothing here is confirmed. We won't promise a discount until we actually have one.
| Organization | City | Contacted | Group Minimum | Benefit / Offer | Requirements | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) | National | No | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | Not started |
| Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau | Tokyo | No | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | Not started |
| Kyoto City Tourism Association | Kyoto | No | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | Not started |
| Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau | Osaka | No | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | Not started |
JNTO lists volunteer Goodwill Guide organizations across Japan — some guiding is free while visitors cover transportation, admissions, or meals along the way. Could be great for a private neighborhood or cultural day. JNTO Guide Services
Nothing gets booked yet. Once we know whether Bash is six guys or sixteen, we can approach the right restaurants and tourism resources about group arrangements.
Crucial prep for larger sizes — clothing, footwear, and space considerations that are easy to overlook until you're already there.
Practical, not ominous. This section is being researched properly before it gets published with real recommendations — placeholder topics below so nothing gets lost.
So six people don't show up with six domino sets and zero cards — say what you're into and what you're bringing.
A seven-day group trip shouldn't become mandatory field exercises. These are all legitimate ways to spend a block of time — no sightseeing required.
Planning targets, not fake certainty — these shift as the group's answers come in.
Sept 30, 2026
Interest / RSVP
Oct 15, 2026
Airports & passport info
Oct 25, 2026
Preferred dates
Late Oct – Nov 2026
Serious airfare-shopping period
Dec 1, 2026
Lodging headcount
Dec 15, 2026
Accommodations target
Jan 15, 2027
Activity preferences
Feb 1, 2027
Itinerary target
Mar 1, 2027
Final travel details