Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on this 10-day Japan group tour. Begin in Tokyo with a mix of guided sightseeing and free time, then head to Hakone for a cruise on a pirate ship and, hopefully, a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Spend two nights in lesser-visited Takayama, enjoy guided sightseeing and free time in Kyoto and enjoy a day trip to Nara.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Exploring Tokyo
Explore Tokyo on foot and by metro today, beginning at the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, marked by its towering 12-meter torii gate. We continue to the Imperial Palace to view Nijubashi, the elegant 1888 metal bridge. Travel by train to lively Asakusa, known for its bustling street food stalls, old izakaya and yakitori restaurants. Enjoy an included ‘chanko’ sumo lunch in the company of sumo wrestlers, with the chance to don a sumo suit and test your skills against a professional. After lunch, spend some time exploring Asakusa before returning to the hotel. Your evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Tokyo | Breakfast, Lunch
Tokyo to Hakone & Ryokan Stay
Tokyo - Hakone. Leaving Tokyo, we take the train to Hakone, famous for its mountain scenery, natural beauty and hot springs. Ride the ropeway for panoramic views over Lake Ashi and, on clear days, see Mount Fuji in the distance. Cruise across Lake Ashi aboard a replica pirate ship before returning to our accommodation - tonight we are staying in a traditional ryokan, where you can savour a multi-course dinner, relax in the onsen, and sleep on a futon laid out on pristine tatami mats.
Overnight: Hakone | Breakfast, Dinner
Hakone to Takayama
Hakone - Takayama. Leaving Hakone behind, we travel by train to Takayama, renowned for its beautifully preserved old town. Enjoy a bento box lunch during the journey.
On arrival, we visit Takayama Jinya, a former government office offering insights into Japan’s feudal history. Stroll along Kami Sannomachi Street, lined with traditional wooden merchant houses, and see the elaborate festival floats at Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at leisure.
Overnight: Takayama | Breakfast, Lunch
Takayama at Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure in Takayama, free to explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village renowned for its steeply pitched thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy winter snow. Alternatively, discover Takayama’s cultural heritage by visiting the shrines and temples of the Teramachi district. For a different experience, take a short trip to Hida-Furukawa to admire its beautifully preserved historic buildings.
Overnight: Takayama | Breakfast
Takayama to Kyoto
Takayama - Kyoto. Leaving Takayama after breakfast, we travel by train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, famed for its geisha traditions. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the city independently. Later in the afternoon, join a guided walking tour through Ponto-cho and Hanami-koji Lane in the Gion district, both known for their traditional charm. With a bit of luck, you may catch a glimpse of a geisha making her way between appointments.
Overnight: Kyoto | Breakfast
Exploring Kyoto
Spend the day exploring Kyoto’s highlights on foot and by public transport. We begin at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo creates an enchanting atmosphere, before visiting nearby Tenryuji Temple. Stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge for views of the Katsura River, then board the distinctive purple Randen Train to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. Conclude with a visit to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a stunning 14th-century gilded temple and one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.
Overnight: Kyoto | Breakfast
Nara Day Trip
At 9:00, meet your guide at Kyoto Station and take a local train to Nara for a scenic one-hour journey (ticket included, no reserved seats). Upon arrival, stroll through Nara Deer Park and visit the historic Todaiji Temple, where we can also admire the Great Buddha inside the temple (ticket included).
There's free time for lunch at Higashimuki and Mochidono Shopping Street, before we board a train to Horyu-ji Temple, home to the world’s oldest wooden structure (ticket included). We then make our way back to Kyoto, arriving at around 18:00 - the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Kyoto | Breakfast
Kyoto at Leisure
Enjoy a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. In the evening, come together with the group to indulge in a special included kaiseki farewell dinner, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal. While we enjoy the meal, we'll be entertained by a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha. The perfect way to end our trip!
Overnight: Kyoto | Breakfast, Dinner
Kyoto
After breakfast and hotel check out, our tour comes to an end - an included transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
Read MoreHotels
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.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi Shinjuku, Tokyo
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku is a modern 4-star hotel in Tokyo’s Nishi-Shinjuku district, just a short walk from Nishi-Shinjuku and Tocho-mae stations, with easy access to Shinjuku Station. The hotel offers 280 comfortable rooms with air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Simmons beds. Facilities include a restaurant serving Japanese and Western breakfast, laundry services, vending machines, and 24-hour convenience store. Its location provides great access to key Tokyo attractions like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, making it an ideal base for group travellers exploring the city.
Shinjuku Washington Hotel , Tokyo
The Shinjuku Washington Hotel is a colossal property located in the heart of one of Tokyo's most popular areas. The rooms are simple and practical, offering guests a comfortable, no-frills stay. While there are plenty of eateries within walking distance of the property, guests aren't likely to want to go anywhere once they see what's on offer within the hotel complex. Visitors can choose from a Chinese or Japanese buffet breakfast followed by dinner in the steak house or American-style restaurant. The hotel is just a 15 minute walk from the Shinjuku railway station.
Hotel Okuyumoto, Hakone
Hotel Okuyumoto is a welcoming 3-star onsen retreat set beside the Sukumo River in the peaceful hills near Hakone Yumoto Station, about a 10-minute shuttle ride from the station and a 20-minute drive to scenic Lake Ashi. The nine-storey hotel offers mainly Japanese-style rooms, some with private outdoor baths, all air-conditioned with tatami flooring, seating areas and minibars. Guests can relax in multiple hot-spring baths, including open-air options beside a mountain stream, open 24 hours. Facilities include a garden pool, sauna, karaoke, table tennis, lounge bar, and seasonal buffet dining. A serene base for exploring Hakone.
Wat Hotel & Spa Hida, Takayama
Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama is a sleek 4-star onsen retreat just a 7-minute walk from JR Takayama Station, ideal for exploring the old town and morning markets. The hotel offers a variety of rooms with Simmons mattresses, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, separate bath and toilet areas, and modern amenities. On the 7th floor, guests can enjoy indoor, open-air and private family onsen baths, and relax in the Premium Lounge with panoramic views. Facilities include a buffet restaurant, fitness centre, vending machines, and laundry services. A modern and comfortable base for discovering Takayama.
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, Kyoto
Conveniently located right in front of Kyoto Station, Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo offers air-conditioned rooms with complimentary WiFi. The hotel provides a range of amenities including a beauty salon, a convenience shop, and an array of 6 dining options. These air-conditioned rooms are outfitted with a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator. En suite bathrooms offer a combination of a shower, bathtub, and essential toiletries. Additionally, room service is available for added convenience. International dishes are served at the buffet restaurant Le Plaisir, while Shisen specializes in Chinese Sichuan cuisine. With a history of over 100 years, Restaurant Kyoyamatoya offers Japanese seasonal dishes.
At a Glance
