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Best of Japan

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8 days

Discover the best of Japan in 8 captivating days. Travelling from the modern metropolis of Tokyo to enchanting Kyoto, with its age-old temples, shrines and colourful Geisha District. See the bronze Buddha and picturesque bamboo forest at Kamakura, the breathtaking beauty of Mt Fuji at Hakone Izu National Park en route.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

8 days

Starts

Tokyo

Ends

Kyoto

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - tour guide escorted

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 18

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays - March to November

Hotel Rating

3 star hotels & ryokans

Countries

Japan

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No in Kyoto (If booking end in Tokyo Supp unescorted train dep transfer included)

Meals included

Breakfast: 3, Dinner: 1
Per person from
NZD$3,843.75
Save 25% today
Total From
$10,250.00
NZD$7,687.50
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$7,187.50

Tour Highlights

Tokyo - Explore the Sensoji Temple district and temple, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing
Kamakura - Visit the Big Buddha Statue, Hokokuji Zen Temple and the Bamboo Forest with a delightful village atmosphere. Opt to take part in a traditional tea ceremony
Lake Kawaguchi in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park - Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and views of Mt Fuji
Ryokan - Sample Japanese hospitality, bathe in natural hot springs, wearing a Yukata (casual Kimono) and sleeping on a futon
Kyoto - Explore this UNESCO Listed Nijo Castle, Sanjusagen-do Temple with its 1000 life-like statues and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Temple)
Kyoto - Take part in a walking tour of the famed Geisha District (Gion), with its ancient cobbled streets, streams, bridges and quaint teahouses and the opportunity to see Geisha and Maiko en route to their next engagement

Included

3 breakfasts and 1 dinner at the Lake Kawaguchi
7 nights 3 star (inclusive of 1 night at a Japanese style inn)
Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Tokyo, Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchi and Kyoto
Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji - Kachikachi-yama Ropeway and observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 14 Apr – 28 May each year we'll visit to the Fuji Shibazakura (Moss Phlox) Festival with Mt Fuji as the backdrop
Escorted by a licensed English speaking Japanese tour guide
All transportation and transfers - buses, trains and bullet trains including Suica swipe card
Baggage forwarding service from Tokyo to Kyoto (one bag per person)
Airport arrival transfer to tour hotel (by train) from Narita or Haneda International Airport on day 1
Maximum Group size: 18 persons

Not Included

Airport departure transfer
International flights and visa
If you are opting to pay the single supplement, allowing you the privacy of your own room on this tour, a single room will be provided for all nights with the exception of day 5 (at Lake Kawaguchi), where single rooms are not available. For this night you will be matched up with a fellow tour member of the same gender
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-5 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$25-35pp, paid locally in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tokyo

Saturday. Upon arrival to Tokyo you will be met at either Narita or Haneda International Airport by your guide. Travel by train into the heart of the city and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure.

We recommend arriving before 3pm on this day, as there will be a Welcome Meeting at 6pm, where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 2 - Toyko sightseeing - Sensoji Temple district, Harajuku & Shibuya

Today we explore the capital. Taking the subway to Asakusa we visit the lively Sensoji Temple District, which is home to Tokyo’s first temple and scores of interesting souvenir and craft stalls. In the afternoon we’ll head to Harajuku, which is a magnet for young and fashionable Tokyoites with its hip shops and cafes. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Meiji Shrine where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined. Yoyogi Park, beside the shrine is a popular hangout for locals and there is always a lot going on, especially on Sundays with bands playing, drum circles, dancers and busking.

The last stop of the day is Shibuya Crossing - regarded as one of the busiest intersections in the world. The famed junction has no less than 7 pedestrian crossings and when the traffic lights turn red a wave of pedestrians, up to a 1000, converge onto the intersection from every direction. Known as 'the scramble', it's a well-practised art to duck and weave with sportsman like agility to avoid collision, which we'll watch from the second floor of Starbucks, located directly opposite the crossing. This evening offers free time, though if travelling in January, May and September you might like spend the evening watching a Sumo tournament (must be booked in advance). See our Trip Notes for more information.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 3 - Kamakura & the Bronze Buddha

Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo. This morning we board a train for our day trip to Kamakura, Japan’s first feudal capital, which is just an hour from Tokyo. Kamakura is a popular seaside location with a quaint village life feel and some stunning Zen temples. Here we’ll visit the iconic bronze Big Buddha and the Zen Temple of Hokokuji with its beautiful bamboo garden. Here, you can drink tea before walking the cobbled shopping district - adorned with lovely locally made items before returning to Japan’s bustling capital for the night.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 4 - Tokyo National Museum & free time

Today offers a guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, housing a number of exhibitions from galleries to Japanese archeology. The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park, a large public park within central Tokyo and famous for a number of museums held within it's grounds. The remainder of the day offers free time to independently explore.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 5 - Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi

Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi. This morning we travel by highway bus (with luggage forwarding) to Lake Kawaguchi, located at the foot of Mt Fuji in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. The scenery is stunning with panoramic views of a snow-capped Fuji most of the year. Upon arrival we’ll travel along the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and visit the observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 15 Apr – 28 May each year we'll visit the Springtime Fuji Shibazakura (Phlox Moss) Festival held at Motosu Lake, where the landscape is covered in a vibrant, hot pink moss with Fuji as the backdrop. No trip to Japan would be complete without sampling authentic Japanese hospitality at a Japanese style inn, which is where we’ll bed down tonight. At the ryokan, sample tasty local cuisine and take a relaxing dip in the natural hot spring baths.

Overnight: Lake Kawaguchi
Meals: Dinner

Day 6 - Kyoto - 1000 statues of Kannon & the Geisha District

Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto. The area has some great hiking trails and early this morning you might like to opt for a hike along the foreshores of the lake. We then travel by bus to Mishima, then bullet train to Kyoto - Japan’s ancient and cultural capital.

As one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia, Kyoto is home to an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Here we enjoy a guided tour of Sanjusagen-do Temple, famous for its statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The one thousand life-size statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress clad in gold leaf. They stand in 10 rows of 50, each hand crafted and slightly different from the next. Late this afternoon we head to Gion, for a walking tour of this famous Geisha District. After, you may wish to watch a cultural performance at Gion Corner Theatre where you'll have the opportunity to see a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) performing.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Kyoto - Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion & free time

This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Nijo Castle, one of the city’s most impressive UNESCO sites. Built by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, the exquisite Nijo Castle is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture. After, we visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) a stunning Zen Buddhist temple and part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site. The top two floors of the monument are completely covered in gold leaf. Set upon a small lake with landscaped gardens, the large completely gilt structure is impressive, as it is a beautiful Temple. Kinkakuji Temple continues to be one of Japan's most visited temples.

This afternoon offers free time for you to relax or to further discover the many sights of Kyoto your own way. Consider visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its winding path lined by thousands of bright red torii gates. Just a short train ride away from the main Kyoto Station, this must-see sight is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. You might also wish to hire a Kimono and walk the streets as many Japanese do or take part in a cooking lesson.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Kyoto

Saturday. On day 8 our tour comes to an end after hotel check out.

Prefer to end your tour in Tokyo? On day 8 you can opt to travel by train from Kyoto to Tokyo, where you will spend the night. On day 9 (Sunday) catch the train to Tokyo Airport (breakfast excluded on day 9).

For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Reviews

The tour covered a lot of ground in a short time. The hotel room was abysmally small for 2, too much time spent waiting for/traveling on public transport and entrance fees should have been included. The guide was pleasant and helpful, but ran us ragged catching buses and trains.

Thank you for another great onthego tour. I loved every minute of it. The hotels were great. The included meals were excellent. Kaori did a great job organising our days and getting us around such easy cities. The fabulous location and experience at the Mt Fuji hotel was a highlight. Thankyou

Hotels and guide were great. My only negative comment is that I would have preferred being trasnported within the city by small van as we were only 18. The numerous trips on crowded subways and trains and city buses was a little unbearable.

What a wonderful experience. Our tour guide Mano, I can’t praise her high enough she went above and beyond with her great knowledge of Japan and genuine care for us on the tour. I must admit the number of steps was a little daunting at times but all part of the experience

Loved the tour. Both guides were terrific but a special thank you to Masa who helped us to organise our luggage transfer and our transport to Osaka when we left the tour. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and all round delightful people. The only small negative (and please it is a small thing) was the hotel in Tokyo. It was in a fabulous location but the rooms were tiny (which we accept is part of the vibe) but on the whole it was a bit run down. The hotel restaurant did not have an English menu which was a bit strange.

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Tokyo (no breakfast) from price

Double

$125per passenger

Twin

$125per passenger

Single

$175per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation - Kyoto

Double

$225per passenger

Twin

$225per passenger

Single

$335per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation - Kyoto

Double

$265per passenger

Twin

$265per passenger

Single

$295per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Bullet train & Mount Fuji | Japan
End in Tokyo (Best of Japan/Land of the Samurai)

Prefer to end your tour in Tokyo?

$395

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Yaesu Terminal Hotel
Tokyo

Enjoying an enviable location on a cherry-blossom lined street in the centre of Tokyo, Yaesu Terminal Hotel is just a short jaunt away from the city’s main railroad station giving travellers easy access to locations across the city. A comfortable 3-star hotel with a natural theme, a permanent art exhibit in the hotel lobby and an in-house restaurant serving freshly prepared local cuisine; it is a soothing place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Hotel guests can make use of the free Wi-Fi, benefit from complimentary bathrobes and slippers and enjoy entertainment on a flat-screen TV.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Yamagishi Ryokan
Lake Kawaguchi

With stunning views over Lake Kawaguchi, which is located just one minute away, the Yamagishi Ryokan is an excellent base for exploring the area around the lake. Rooms are designed according to traditional Japanese styles with low furniture and lots of natural light. Breakfast and dinner are both included with the room and are served in the hotel's dining room. After dinner, guests can take a dip in one of the hotel's baths or relax with a coffee in the lounge. The hotel is located just an 8 minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Japanese Ryokan
Hotel Mifujien
Lake Kawaguchi

This Japanese-style hotel boasts stunning views over Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji from each of its guestrooms. Offering traditional low furniture and modern amenities, each room is also equipped with air conditioning and a TV. The views can be enjoyed from the hotel’s lobby, tea lounge and the Japanese restaurant, which uses local ingredients and offers a feast of traditional dishes. On the 7th floor you’ll find both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths with views of Mt. Fuji, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Elcient Kyoto
Kyoto

Boasting a fantastic location in the heart of Kyoto, Hotel Elcient Kyoto is within walking distance of top attractions such as Kyoto Tower and the picturesque Shosei-en Garden. Guestrooms are compact and simply furnished, complete with modern amenities such as air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy more than 30 different dishes at the Western and Japanese buffet-style restaurant, with light lunches and dinner also available. On the second floor you’ll find a large public bath and sauna, offering the perfect spot to relax after some sightseeing.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto
Kyoto

Located just a short walk from Kyoto Station and the lofty Kyoto Tower, you really cannot get more central than this! Combining convenience with comfort, this contemporary hotel boasts modern guest rooms with flat screen televisions, complimentary WiFi, refrigerators and ensuite bathrooms. Buffet breakfast is available, with a choice of local and western dishes on offer. The hotel is surrounded by a wide choice of shops and restaurants, and there are plenty of cultural landmarks just a short stroll away. After a day of sightseeing guests can relax with a soak in the hotel’s natural hot spring baths or opt for a sauna and massage.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Sanco Inn Kyoto Hachijoguchi Shikinoyu
Kyoto

Located just minutes away from Kyoto Station, the Sanco Inn provides 24-hour reception, with buffet breakfast available and complimentary WiFi. Each room is equipped with a desk, private bathroom, air conditioning, safety deposit box and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. With daily housekeeping, on-site vending machines, and luggage storage available, Sanco Inn will make for a convenient and comfortable stay in Kyoto.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Please note that single rooms are not available at the Lake Kawaguchi ryokan so you will be matched up with a fellow traveller of the same gender for the evening of day 5.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
23 Nov - 30 Nov
Save 20%
Sold Out
Sold Out
2025
Twin/Double
Single
8 Mar - 15 Mar
Save 20%
$5,825$4,660
$7,015$5,612
22 Mar - 29 Mar
Save 20%
Sold Out
Sold Out
5 Apr - 12 Apr
Save 20%
Sold Out
Sold Out
12 Apr - 19 Apr
Save 20%
$5,825$4,660
$7,015$5,612
19 Apr - 26 Apr
Save 20%
$5,825$4,660
$7,015$5,612
10 May - 17 May
Save 20%
$5,495$4,396
$6,535$5,228
17 May - 24 May
Save 20%
$5,495$4,396
$6,535$5,228
24 May - 31 May
Save 20%
$5,495$4,396
$6,535$5,228

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