Best of Japan - 8 days
Best of Japan - 8 days
Best of Japan - 8 days
8 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Kyoto
Visiting: Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1653/BOJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 18
Age range:
16+ if accompanied by an adult.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Yaesu Terminal Hotel
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.
Day 2: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Yaesu Terminal Hotel
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.
Day 3: Kamakura
Location: Kamakura
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Yaesu Terminal Hotel
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.
Day 4: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel, Hotel
Accommodation Name: Yaesu Terminal Hotel
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.
Day 5: Hakone
Location: Hakone
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Yamagishi Ryokan
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 6: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Elcient Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Elcient Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
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|126582]].
What's Included
-
Accommodation
3 star hotels & ryokans -
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
What's 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
-
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
Age Policy
16+ if accompanied by an adult.
Accommodation
Yaesu Terminal Hotel
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.
Yamagishi Ryokan
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.
Hotel Mifujien
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.
Hotel Elcient 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.
Dormy Inn Premium 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.
Sanco Inn Kyoto Hachijoguchi Shikinoyu
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.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival transfer to tour hotel (by train) from Narita or Haneda International Airport on day 1
-
What is the maximum group size?
16
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
7 nights 3 star (inclusive of 1 night in a traditional Japanese Inn)
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."