Best of Tokyo and Kyoto Tour
13 Days/11 Nights
Follow in the footsteps of feudal lords and samurai along the route of the ancient Tokaido Highway that once connected these two great cities.
Destinations:
Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto, Himeji, Nara
Tokyo, an ultra-modern megalopolis, is not just a destination, but an experience. And a stroll through Kyoto, steeped in history and tradition, is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history.
You will learn the ancient religious traditions of the Japanese, stroll through the world's largest fish market, explore Japan's most elaborate Shinto Shrine dedicated to the first Shogun and see the icon of Japan, Mt. Fuji (weather-permitting). You will also climb to the top of a Samurai castle, participate in an authentic tea ceremony, meet a "maiko" (geisha-in-training), marvel at the world's largest bronze Buddha statue built in the 8th century, enjoy one gourmet Kaiseki-style dinner, and much, much more.
Every day, you'll enjoy the friendliness, fun and flexibility of small group travel by experiencing sights, Japanese restaurants and family-run ryokans that are off-limits to larger groups. From start-to-finish, all group transportation and admissions, lodging, travel insurance, all breakfasts, seven lunches and two dinners including one gourmet Kaiseki-style dinner and more are included. All while our tour guide brings Japan alive with exceptional insights.
Best of Tokyo and Kyoto Tour Itinerary
Click here for a detailed itinerary.
| Day 01: | Leave for Japan |
| Day 02: | Arrive in Japan |
| Day 03: | Tokyo - Tsukiji fish market, Open-Air Sky Bus, Imperial Palace, Diet Building, Marunouchi Financial District, Ginza, Sumida River Cruise, Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji |
| Day 04: | Hakone |
| Day 05: | Tokyo - Free day |
| Day 06: | Nikko |
| Day 07: | Free time in Tokyo, travel to Kyoto |
| Day 08: | Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji, Sanjusangendo, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Higashiyama District, Yakasa Shrine, Kennin-ji, Gion Geisha District, "Meet a Maiko" session |
| Day 09: | Himeji - Travel to Himeji by Shinkansn, Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, Travel to Kyoto, by Shinknsen Kaiseki-Style dinner at the ryokan |
| Day 10: | Kyoto - Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-koji open-air market, authentic tea ceremony |
| Day 11: | Nara - Travel to Nara, Kasuga Shrine, Nara Park, Todai-ji, travel to Kyoto |
| Day 12: | Kyoto - Free day, sayonara dinner |
| Day 13: | Depart for home/Arrive Home |