9 Nights (from US $1,539)
Start: Tokyo - End: Tokyo | Budget Class
Upgradeable / Downgradable: Yes | Leave Anytime: Yes
Notice
I have temporarily discontinued my Small Group Tours because of the popularity of my Day Tours & Private Custom Tours. In the future I may offer Small Group Tours again but for now I can offer only Day Tours & Private Custom Tours. If you would like to start a conversation about Day Tours or a Private Custom Tour to Japan please submit my Inquiry Form. Feel free to inquire about any desires you may have and want to experience in Japan.
Destinations
Tokyo - Kamakura - Hakone - Kyoto - Tokyo
Trip Highlights
- Stay at a traditional Japanese Inn and enjoy a long hot soak in a Hot Springs Bath in Hakone National Park
- Explore and experience the super city of Tokyo and historical Kyoto
- Admire Kamakura's giant Buddha and peaceful temple complexes
- Walk in Gion, the traditional "Geisha District" of Kyoto and maybe catch a glimpse of these elusive beauties.
- Ride the famous Bullet Train (more commonly known as the "Shinkansen") and whisk by magnificant Mt. Fuji.
- Explore a Japanese Castle that was the "Last Hold-Out" against the dominating Tokugawa Clan.
Description
Tokaido Road is an excellent choice for those on their first visit to Japan or a "once-in-a-lifetime" visit to Japan that shows you can cover the classic "Golden Route" sights of Japan without spending lots of money.
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Pricing
From USD Per Person, Double Occupancy.
2 people
$1,539
3 people
$1,310
4+ people
$1,195
From USD $1,756 Single.
Please read our important page on "Japanese Accommodations"
The displayed "Price" is a close estimate of the actual tour cost. We update our currency exchange rates and tour costs on a regular bases but the displayed price may vary (up or down) from what is shown. Final pricing for the tour will be calculated based on the exchange rate and tour costs at the time of tour booking.
Singles: Single rooms are available at Western-style hotels, but at Japanese Inns they do not have "single" rooms and you will either need to share with a member of the same sex (if possible) or pay for a "Double" room.
Tour Class
Budget - Click here for detailed information.
Min/Max Group Size
Min Group Size: 2
This number is the Minimum amount of people that are required to book this Japan Tour.
Max Group Size: 12
Accommodation Class
Standard - Generally "Business Hotel" level (if your an American think "Hotel 8" or "La Quinta Inn") with your own room and bathroom.
Note: Accommodations listed in the itinerary below can, in the case of unavailability, be substituted by an equivalent class hotel.
No matter what the "Accommodation Class" all accommodations in Japan are very clean. Shoestring, Budget & Standard class accommodation rooms tend to be smaller than a comparable American class hotel's room. Superior & Luxury 5 Star accommodation rooms are large and tend to be the same size as any high class room around the world.
What's Included
- All costs for transportation, accommodation, meals, activities and entrance fees for items listed in the itinerary below (including taxes); Except those items which have the sign in front of them (explanation of why some items not included).
- Native English Speaking or Licensed English Speaking Guide.
- Please review inclusions/exclusions depending on the Tour Class also. This tour is a "Budget Class" package.
What's NOT Included
Simply stated: whatever is not shown in the itinerary below is not included in the tour's price.
- Airfare (To and From Japan) is NOT included.
- Extra drinks, deserts, etc. that are not included with the meals in the itinerary. Some meals may provide a drink and or a desert but some may not.
- Any additional meals, drinks, snacks, entrance tickets, etc. outside the ones shown in the itinerary.
- Any additional transport (subways, taxis, buses, etc.) outside the itinerary below unless covered by an included pass.
- Any Personal expenses.
- Baggage handling, depends on the Tour Class; This tour is a "Budget Class" package.
- Any "Free Travel" ("Breaking Free" of the group or "Doing you own thing"), detailed information here.
- Travel insurance.
Map
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Japan! After arriving at Narita (or Haneda) Intl. Airport and passing through customs (more info: what to expect at customs), you will make your way to the limited express train bound for Tokyo and your hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome meeting with your tour leader and then if you feel up to it (not too tired) you can join your leader and go out for dinner at a nearby restaurant for an introduction to Japan's outstanding cuisine.
Travel by Train
Narita Airport Terminal 1 > Ueno
Limited Express (Reserved)
Day 2
On your first full day in Japan you may either join your tour leader to be escorted around Tokyo as per the itinerary or you are of course free to do your own thing (read more about "Free to do own thing"). If you will be joining the tour leader, you will meet in the morning after breakfast and head out on a walking and public transport system tour to see some of Tokyo's most interesting spots. From the trendy cities of Shibuya and Harajuku to the beautiful Meiji Shrine, from High Tech Akihabara to a pleasant Japanese Garden and river cruise; today you will see what makes Tokyo such a fascinating city.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Shibuya (Area): Shibuya is probably the most famous city in the Tokyo Metro Area. The area in front of the station has been seen in countless movies. Fashion, shopping, nightlife, eating, people watching... its an exciting place!
Meiji Shrine (Shrine): The most visited and probably most famous shrine in Japan. Meiji Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and his wife Empress Shoken (1849-1914).
Harajuku (Area): Harajuku is extremely popular with teenagers and Harajuku Girls (those girls that dress up cute and pretty).
Akihabara (Area): Akihabara is Tokyo's "Geek Paradise". The city is filled with computer, electronic and "Otaku" goods shops.
Hamarikyu Gardens (Garden): Hamarikyu Gardens is a typical example of the famous gardens of the Edo Period. It is is a beautiful and historical tract of parkland near the Shiodome district, and beside the Sumida River where it enters Tokyo Bay.
Sumida River Cruise: Hamariku - Asakusa (Scenic Ride): Enjoy Tokyo from a different perspective, ride on a Sumida River boat.
Day 3
After breakfast your guide will escort the group on a journey to Kamakura, a small coastal town not far from Tokyo. These days Kamakura is a small town but at one point in history it was the de facto military capital of Japan! Because of it's historical past, Kamakura has been left with a wealth of ancient temples and shrines dotting the town and hills surrounding the town. One of the most famous destinations in Kamakura is the massive bronze Buddha, cast in 1252 and sitting at an imposing 13.35 metres tall, which is sure to impress you on your visit today. After visiting the itinerary locations you are free to visit other sightseeing spots are join the tour guide to relax at a nearbye hot springs.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Travel by Train
Tokyo > Kamakura
Express Train (Upper Class, Non-Reserved)
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Shrine): Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the most popular destination for tourists, mainly Japanese, in Kamakura because it is the most important and largest shrine in Kamakura. The shrine is dedicated to "Hachiman", god of the Minamoto family and Samurai in general.
Kotoku-in (Temple): The Big and Famous Buddha Statue in Kamakura is called, Kamakura Daibutsu which is a colossal copper image of Amitabha Buddha, the principle image of Kotoku-in. The fact that it sits in the open air makes it unusual among large Buddha statues in Japan.
Inamuragasaki Onsen (Hot Springs): When your are tired from walking around Kamakura all day, Inamuragasaki Onsen is THE place to soak your aching legs and body! There are also "hydrogen carbonates" in the spring that feeds the onsen so it offers benefits for beautiful skin. Note: This attraction is NOT included in the Tour Price (further explanation). Approximately 1,840 Yen Per Person ($12) will be needed to experience this attraction.
Day 4
Today we will leave Kamakura and make our way to Hakone. On the way to Hakone we will visit a famous Japanese castle! After breakfast, before we leave the hotel, we will ship your larger suitcase on ahead to Kyoto (included in tour cost) so you will need to pack a smaller daypack for our 2 night, 1 day trip to Hakone. When we reach Hakone in the afernoon you have the rest of the day to explore the surrounding area and relax for the day.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Travel by Train
Kamakura > Odawara
Express Train (Upper Class, Non-Reserved)
Odawara Castle (Castle): Odawara Castle has a very colorful history! Being in a Prime Location it was a target from all sides! The castle, home of the Hojo Clan, was one of the "Last Stands" against Tokugawa until it finally fell in 1590 after a 3 months siege.
Travel by Bus
Odawara > Senkyoro-mae
Express (Reserved)
Day 5
Hakone is one of Japan's premier "Hot Springs Areas". Its near Tokyo so many Tokyo'ites vist Hakone to soak in the baths. It is also near iconic Mt. Fuji and offers incredible landscapes and picture taking opportunities (if the weather cooperates of course). In the morning you may join the guide to visit the Hakone Outdoor Art museum or just stay in your nice warm futon if you like! In the afternonn the guide will escort you on a fabulous trip up a ropeway and then on a "Pirate Cruise" accros lake Ashi.
Hakone Open Air Museum (Museum): This "Open Air Museum" is famous in Japan and has been open since 1969. The museum has a permanent display of around 120 masterpieces by famous sculptors. Note: This attraction is NOT included in the Tour Price (further explanation). Approximately 1,600 Yen Per Person ($10) will be needed to experience this attraction.
Hakone Ropeway (Scenic Ride): This ropeway offers incredible views of "Volcana Valley", Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi (depending on weather). You will enjoy a relaxing and panoramic view of the Hakone area.
Owakudani (Area): "Volcano Valley" is a volcanic valley with ACTIVE sulfur vents and hot springs. It is a popular tourist site because of its scenic views, volcanic activity and "Black Eggs".
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Scenic Ride): This cruise will take your across Lake Ashi where you can get some magnificent views of Mt. Fuji (depening on weather). The lake itself is also beautiful along with a Shinto Shrine on the shore of the lake.
Day 6
Today you will ride the Bullet Train (Shinkansen)! If we are lucky (the timing is right), we can watch an "Limited Express" Shinkansen blow through Odawara station (up to 320 kph / 200 mph) as we stand on the platform waiting for our train... it is quite a sight! Once we board the Shinkansen we will journey to Kyoto, by-passing Mt. Fuji on our way. Around lunchtime we will be in Kyoto so we will have lunch, make our way to the hotel and check-in. In the evening you can join your guide to a trip to "Gion", one of the most famous "Geisha Districts" in Japan.
Travel by Bus
Senkyoro-mae > Odawara
Express (Reserved)
Travel by Train
Odawara > Kyoto
Shinkansen (Bullet Train, Reserved)
Gion (Area): Gion is a fascinating district or "area" in Kyoto that has been known throughout the ages as the "Entertainment District". The area is in "front" of Yasaka Shrine and was built up to accommodate the many travelers that visited the shrine.
Day 7
A full day in Kyoto, one of the top destination cities in the world! On this full day in Kyoto you will visit one of the most famous places in Japan and most well known historical structures in the world, Kinkaku-ji "The Golden Temple". Then we will walk a bit through Kyoto and arrive at Ryoan-ji which is well known for it's beautiful Japanese Garden. Finally we will head over to the western side of town to walk through a bamboo forest and then visit Tenryu-ji which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Kinkaku-ji (Temple): Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is one of the most well known places about Japan around the world. It is a UN World Heritage Site, putting it up there with the Pyramids of Giza, the Statue of Liberty, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame.
Ryoan-ji (Temple): Ryoanji, which means "The Temple of the Dragon at Peace" in English, is "The" most famous Rock Garden in Japan... and therefore the world as Japan is "The" Rock Garden king. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tenryu-ji (Temple): Tenryu-ji ranked #1 among the Kyoto's five Zen Buddhist temples (these five temples are called the so-called "Five Mountains") and is a "UNESCO World Heritage Site". Tenryu Ji is the "head temple" of the Tenryu school (or branch) of Rinzai Zen Buddhism.
Day 8
There is lots to see in Kyoto and on this day we will visit three famous sights. However, if you like, you can use your included Bullet Train pass and visit another city such as Osaka, Hiroshima, etc. on your own. If you stay with the guide we will be visiting Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera (which has a great "over-look" of Kyoto) and Ginkaku-ji (the "Sister" temple to Kinkaku-ji we visited the previous day).
Meals Included
Breakfast
Fushimi Inari Shrine (Shrine): The Fushimi Inari Shrine or the Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most important Shinto Shrines in Japan and is located in Kyoto. It is also quite famous in the Western World for its bright red Torii gates.
Kiyomizudera (Temple): One of the most well known and famous temples in Kyoto, The Kiyomizu-dera temple is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is located at the Otowa Mountain at Eastern Kyoto where it was established in 778.
Ginkaku-ji (Temple): Ginkaku-ji (which means in English, "Temple of the Silver Pavilion") is a Zen temple in Eastern foothills of Kyoto, Japan. Ginkaku-ji was originally built in 1482 as a place of rest and solitude during retirement for the Shogun of the time.
Day 9
After breakfast your guide will escort you back Kyoto station and board the Bullet Train back to Tokyo, perhaps catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji on your way past (depending on weather conditions of course). After checking in (or leaving bags... depending on arrival time) at the hotel your guide will say goodbye and you are free to do some last-minute souvenir shopping or visit any sites may have missed the first time around. The final night of your tour you will spend in Shinjuku, the high-rise district in Tokyo known for its glaring neon, vibrant nightlife and thousands of restaurants.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Travel by Train
Kyoto > Tokyo
Shinkansen (Bullet Train, Reserved)
Shinjuku Area (Area): Shinjuku is the biggest city in Tokyo. This is where most the tall sky-scrapers are and Shinjuku Station see's more than 3 million people pass through it in one day. People, Neon, Eating, Shopping and Drinking are just some of the wild sights to see.
Day 10
Today its time to go home... it was wonderful having you! Once again you will board train(s) and make your way back to the International Airport. We hope you have a nice flight home and hope to see you again!
Meals Included
Breakfast
Travel by Train
Tokyo > Narita
Limited Express (Reserved)
TEL: (Tokyo) 070-2667-3249