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Highlights of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto

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Highlights of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto

with Osaka & Hiroshima extension

Duration: 10 or 13 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 83

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Discover how centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge culture.

The traditional tea ceremony is the embodiment of Japanese hospitality, representing harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. You’ll experience this Zen aesthetic every day of your tour—and not only while drinking tea. Uncover ancient temples alongside futuristic cityscapes and witness how Japan’s art, architecture, and day-to-day culture continue to reflect its time-honored philosophies.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
3 dinners
1 lunch
8 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Meiji Shrine
Mount Fuji
Lake Ashi
Hakone Open-Air Museum
High-speed bullet train ride

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Tokyo today.

Tokyo3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Japan! Get settled in to your hotel before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Tokyo

Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide and embark on your first tour of Japan’s bustling capital.

Make a photo stop and view the iconic Shibuya crossing from overhead as you drive through the central part of the city
Set off on a short walk from Yoyogi Park to the Meiji Shrine, final resting place of Emperor Meiji
Wander through the shrine’s Inner Garden, home to irises that bloom in springtime and the spiritually powerful Kiyomasa’s Well
Stroll through the colorful Harajuku neighborhood, where Tokyo’s history and present-day pop culture intertwine
Explore Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, the city’s oldest and most sacred temple
Peruse a vibrant variety of handmade crafts and local fare at the centuries-old Nakamise Shopping Arcade

Enjoy a free afternoon in Tokyo or add an excursion.

Japanese Cooking Class & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Tokyo

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Tokyo or add an excursion.

Kamakura

Excursion (additional cost)

Hakone1 night

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Tokyo, Mount Fuji photo stop & transfer to Hakone

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, follow your Tour Director on another guided sightseeing tour of vibrant Tokyo before continuing on to Hakone.

View the Imperial Palace and its impressive grounds
Head to the top of the Metropolitan Building to get a bird’s-eye view of the city

Later, make your way to Hakone, a resort town in the Owakudani Valley that’s known for its hot springs.

Make a photo stop at Mount Fuji, which stands an imposing 12,388 feet high
Take in panoramic views of nearby lakes and villages from the midway-point observatory

Sit down for an included dinner this evening followed by free time to relax in the hotel’s hot springs.

Kyoto4 nights

Day 6: Mount Komagatake, Lake Ashi & train to Kyoto

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, take a guided tour of Mount Komagatake and Lake Ashi.

Enjoy a ropeway ride up to the top of Mount Komagatake, admiring spectacular views from the cable car as you go
Embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi, formed after Mount Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago
Take in surreal views of Mount Fuji looming in the background
Pay a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, with endless sculptures over its 17 acres and a gallery with more than 700 works by Picasso

This afternoon, board a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Kyoto, Zen meditation class & Shunkoin Temple

Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide on a tour of Kyoto, the city that served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years—and is still considered its spiritual capital.

Tour the 17th-century Nijo Castle, which boasts intricate architecture and a unique alarm system: floors that sound like a nightingale when walked on
See one of Japan’s most famous temples, the glittering Golden Pavilion
Travel on to Ryoanji Temple, which houses the country’s finest Zen gardens
Meet an American-educated Vice Abbot who will lead you in a guided Zen meditation session inside Shunkoin Temple
Explore the temple on a tour following your meditation
Sit down to sip Matcha green tea alongside a traditional Japanese sweet

Please note: Today’s guided Zen meditation session may take place in the morning depending on the schedule.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Nara

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Journey to the former capital city of Nara for a guided tour led by a local guide today.

Tour UNESCO-listed Buddhist Todaiji Temple, site of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue
Enter Kasuga-taisha to see the many bronze and stone lanterns in and around the Shinto shrine
Stroll through Nara Park, home to more than 1,200 wild deer considered sacred by locals
Enjoy an included lunch

Spend a free evening in Kyoto or add an excursion.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Free day in Kyoto

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Kyoto or add an excursion.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner in Kyoto, where you’ll sample four kinds of sake and enjoy traditional shabu-shabu (hot pot).

Arashiyama District & Nishiki Market

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 10: Transfer to Osaka, sightseeing tour & departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Continue on to Osaka, the birthplace of many of Japan’s well-known arts, such as Kabuki theater and the tea ceremony. Today’s guided tour, led by your Tour Director, offers a look inside the city’s historic sights.

Make a photo stop at the massive Osaka Castle, which was built by legendary leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, famous for its selection of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and other Japanese specialties

This afternoon, transfer to the airport to board your flight home or choose to continue your adventure with a visit to Hiroshima.

Please note: If you are joining the tour extension in Hiroshima and Osaka, you will spend the evening of day 10 in Osaka.

Extension to Osaka & Hiroshima

We have Osaka to thank for some of Japan’s most well-known arts, like Kabuki theater and the tea ceremony, and take a high-speed train to Hiroshima to remember one of the most infamous moments in history. Get to the heart of both cities, and marvel at UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, on sightseeing tours alongside local experts.

Osaka1 night

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Osaka

Included meal: Breakfast

Make a photo stop at the massive Osaka Castle, which was built by legendary leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, famous for its selection of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and other Japanese specialties

Hiroshima1 night

Day 11: Train to Hiroshima & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima and get to know this world-renowned “City of Peace” on today’s guided sightseeing tour.

Visit Peace Memorial Park to see the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, which was the only structure to withstand the infamous atomic bombing of the city during World War II
Take short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to view the 12th-century, UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine

Osaka1 night

Day 12: Osaka via Himeji

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel back to Osaka, stopping in the city of Himeji along the way.

Step inside the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, the largest castle in Japan
Walk through Otemon Gate and view the castle’s striking white architecture
Climb a series of narrow staircases to the top floor, which offers stunning views of the beautiful roofs, defensive walls, and the city below
Enjoy free time to explore the castle grounds and accompanying Koko-en Garden

Continue on to Osaka and spend a free evening in the city or add an excursion.

Osaka by Night: Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 13: Free morning in Osaka & departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free morning in Osaka. Then, transfer to the airport to board your flight home.

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Reviews

4.3 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Great Introduction to Japan

12/16/2019 by 21st time traveler Anonymous

Our trip to Japan with GoAhead Tours was excellent! Our guide, Miyo, was amazing! She had every stop timed perfectly and was able to get us in and out of different sites expediently, while still giving us plenty of time to explore. She was patient and shared much information about Japan with us. ...

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Hits the highlights but short on substance

10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler William B.

The tour certainly hit the "must see" tourist places. Accommodations were first class but many "on your own" meals parked us at what would be a nice food court at a mall. There were no hidden-gem types of places so we left feeling like there was a much more authentic Japan to see. English speakin...

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TOKYO -- KYOTO

10/04/2019 by 2nd time traveler Marcia S.

This is a trip of a lifetime. Our Guide, JUNKO, was very knowledgeable & patient, when needed. My roommate & I chose to stay on in Japan for 5 additional days in Osaka. Japan is such a marvelous modern country and the people are so polite & helpful. Would recommend this trip with GO-AHEAD to all.

Outstanding Tour

09/29/2019 by 41st time traveler Kathy D.

Our Tour Director, Junko I. , made this a perfect tour! Her organizational skills were outstanding. The only optional that I did not take was the Sushing Making at the beginning of the tour. Enjoyed the other options. Liked the experience of using pubic transportation. A highlight of tour was ...

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Japanese Adventure

07/15/2019 by 11th time traveler Suzan G.

This without a doubt was one of the best tours we have taken with Go Ahead. The food was challenging, but interesting. The hotels were fine. Being on the island off Tokyo was not a problem as transportation there is wonderful. We were fortunate to see Mt Fuji on a clear day. The Hakone Open-Air Mus...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka

This fashionable hotel is located in the Tennoji Ward neighborhood. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a gift store. Nearby, you’ll find Os...

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Hotel de Yama

This historic hotel is located on the banks of Lake Ashinoko. Guests enjoy a hot spring spa, garden, and restaurant options. Nearby you’ll find the Ha...

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Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

This comfortable hotel is located on Odaiba Island, Tokyo. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and room service. Nearby, you'll find Pallete To...

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Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto

Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto is one of the most favored destinations of international travelers to the city of Kyoto, famed to be the most beautiful cit...

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Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

This modern hotel is located in the Wakakusacho neighborhood. Guests enjoy restaurant options, a fitness center, and spa. Nearby you’ll find Shukkeien...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact Japan's consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills. You may need to climb stairs when visiting temples.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and small boats.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Tokyo and depart from Osaka. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A high-speed train transfer from Hakone to Kyoto is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a high-speed train transfer from Osaka to Hiroshima.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
You will be required to bring a small overnight bag for your one night stay in Hakone. Your luggage will be transferred for you from Tokyo to Kyoto directly.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Japan.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Most Japanese meals are based around rice or noodles with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. You may recognize popular dishes like sushi, tempura, and hot pot.

Electricity & air conditioning

Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Japan is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it's 1am on the following day in Japan.

Currency

You will use the Japanese yen in Japan.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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202020212022

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2020

Highlights of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto

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