This video from the channel 西園寺 documents a unique, retro-themed 1-night, 2-day company trip that recreates the luxury and excitement of Japan’s 1980s bubble era corporate vacations. The video begins with a group of participants planning their itinerary before hopping on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen for the ‘Wakutetsu Stamp Rally’, a special event where travelers collect limited-edition stamps while riding the Shinkansen line. The stamp rally currently features life-size panels of the video creators at both Atami and Kyoto Stations, adding an interactive twist to the journey.

The itinerary is packed with high-energy activities evocative of the bubble era: after arriving at Osaka Station by hired car, the group splits up for a team-based challenge involving travel from Osaka to Kyoto. Lunch in Kyoto is allocated with intentional disparity—a sly nod to class differences of bubble-era adventures—after which participants embark on a fieldwork challenge: crossing the historical Sekigahara area on foot, famous for the decisive Battle of Sekigahara in Japanese history.

From there, the group presses on through tough sections of the Tokaido Line before engaging in a fun bubble-era quiz, then heads to their destination: Atami, a classic hot spring resort city. In Atami, they visit the Showa retro-styled Hotel New Akao, a landmark famed for its bubble-era grandeur and sweeping ocean views. The video features scenes from the Atami Kaijo Fireworks Festival, visible right from the hotel—a can’t-miss seasonal spectacle. The first day wraps up with a stroll through the lively Nigiwai Yokocho shopping street and a grand banquet. Day two includes spectacular scenery and a drive-by sighting of Doctor Yellow, the rare Shinkansen test train, before a spirited waterfall training (‘takigyo’) session and a return journey on the Tokaido Shinkansen. This video’s route and activities highlight both nostalgic and modern facets of Japanese business travel, featuring accessible railway experiences, historical landmarks, and iconic locations in Osaka, Kyoto, Sekigahara, and Atami.

Atami City is renowned for its scenic coastline, hot springs, and the frequent, dazzling Atami Bay Fireworks Festival. Hotel New Akao encapsulates the glitz of the bubble era, offering ocean-side rooms and entertainment beloved by locals and tourists alike. Sekigahara is a must-visit for fans of Japanese history, as the site of Japan’s most pivotal battle. The Tokaido Shinkansen remains the backbone of high-speed travel between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka, making all these destinations readily accessible for modern travelers.