Best of Japan - 8 days Tour by On The Go Tours

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

18 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Ends

Kyoto, Japan

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

Itinerary

From Tokyo’s neon-lit avenues to Kyoto’s serene temples, the Best of Japan - 8 Days tour invites travelers to experience the country’s highlights in just over a week. With a moderate physical activity rating, this city sightseeing trip is ideal for experienced travelers seeking a dynamic yet manageable pace. Explore the grandeur of Nijo Castle, the tranquil beauty of Lake Kawaguchi, and the lively streets of Harajuku. Witness the iconic bronze Buddha in Kamakura and the majestic Mt. Fuji at Hakone Izu National Park. The unique selling point is the seamless transition from urban energy to cultural tranquility, all within a compact, expertly organized tour package. Perfect for those wanting a taste of Japan’s many facets in a short time.

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.

Average kilometres walked today: 1km (not inclusive of distance walked during free time)

OverNight:Tokyo

day 2 - Senjoji Temple District & Tokyo National Museum

This morning, we take the subway to Asakusa, a lively district of Tokyo which is famous for its historic Sensoji Buddhist temple. After visiting the temple we'll have time to explore the area which has an abundance of interesting souvenir and craft stalls.

This afternoon offers a guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, housing a number of exhibitions from galleries to Japanese archaeology. 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.

Average kilometres walked today: 6.5km (not inclusive of distance walked during free time)

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.

Average kilometres walked today: 4km

OverNight:Tokyo

day 4 - Harajuku & Shibuya

Today we head to Harajuku, which is a mecca for young and fashionable Tokyoites who flock to the trendy shops and cafes on Takeshita Street.

Here, we’ll visit the revered Meiji Shrine where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined. Our last stop of the day is the famed Shibuya Crossing - regarded as one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. 'The Scramble' as it's known is an amazing spectacle as people come from all directions at once – sometimes over a thousand with every light change – yet they still manage to duck and weave without causing collision.

Here, we’ll grab a coffee and perch ourselves on a barstool at Starbucks to watch the spectacle. The remainder of the day offers free time to independently explore as you wish. If travelling during May and September you might like spend the evening watching a Sumo tournament (bookings must be made in advance). See our Trip Notes for more information.

Average kilometres walked today: 6km (not inclusive of distance walked during free time)

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.

Average kilometres walked today: 5.5km

Meals:1 Dinner

OverNight:Lake Kawaguchi

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.

Average kilometres walked today: 6km (not inclusive of distance walked during free time)

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kyoto

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.

Average kilometres walked today: 3.5km (not inclusive of distance walked during free time)

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Kyoto

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:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights 3 star (inclusive of 1 night at a Japanese style inn)Airport arrival transfer to tour hotel (by train) from Narita or Haneda International Airport on day 1

Meals

3 breakfasts and 1 dinner at the Lake Kawaguchi

Transport

All transportation and transfers - buses, trains and bullet trains including Suica swipe card

Guide

Escorted by a licensed English speaking Japanese tour guide

Others

Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Tokyo, Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchi and KyotoLake 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 backdropBaggage forwarding service from Tokyo to Kyoto (one bag per person)Maximum Group size: 18 persons

What's Excluded

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