Japan Small Group Guided Tour

This is just one example of a small group tour of Japan that we can offer you. One of our clients have been on this exact tour so we can recommend it highly.

While the itinerary of this particular package is already pre-set, we can also help with your airfare, pre- and post-tour travel, insurance and much more. Make sure to contact us if you are interested in this Japan tour or any other you might be interested in.

Tokaido Trail, Japan Small Group Tour
Tokaido Trail, Japan Small Group Tour

Tokaido Trail - 2022 & 2023 Now Available!

10 days/9 Nights: from US$2,574 per person
Group Size:
 4 – 14
Single Supplement: from US$182 (Guaranteed single room in Western style hotels)

Tour Highlights

  • Stay in a traditional ryokan inn and enjoy hot spring baths in Hakone National Park
  • Explore hyper-modern Tokyo and historical Kyoto
  • Admire Kamakura’s giant Buddha and peaceful temple complexes
  • Solo travelers can choose to book on any available departure, or on dedicated departures for solos only.
  • Take a walking tour of Gion, Kyoto’s traditional geisha district
  • Ride the famous shinkansen bullet train
  • Climb Mt. Fuji (optional – July & August departures only)
  • If all this sounds great and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your stay in Japan?

Overview

Our Tokaido Trail small group tour proves that you can cover the classic “golden route” sights of Japan without breaking the bank or missing out on unforgettable cultural experiences. Plus, it is the perfect building block with which to plan a longer trip. Selected departures are dedicated to solo travelers.

Tokyo and Kyoto are Japan’s two great cities: one an international byword for modernity, the other an ancient cultural giant whose history goes back more than a millennium. This tour gives you ample time to explore both, with the opportunity to take a day trip from Kyoto using the included Japan Rail Pass at no extra cost.

With this flexibility you might choose to visit Nara, another ancient capital of Japan; sample the irresistible street food in nearby Osaka; or even take the shinkansen bullet train all the way to Hiroshima and its neighbor, the stunning island of Miyajima. Whichever experience you choose, your tour leader will help make sure your trip runs like clockwork.

In between Tokyo and Kyoto you’ll visit Kamakura on the eastern coast, a much smaller city where the famous giant Buddha makes a stupendous impression. You’ll also stop off for two nights in Hakone National Park, an example of some of the superb natural beauty to be found in Japan.

In Hakone you’ll spend the night in a traditional ryokan inn, where the floors are matted with tatami and you’ll sleep on traditional futon beds. Japanese-style accommodation is an experience in itself, and this is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Don’t miss the natural onsen hot spring baths, an integral part of Japanese culture and the perfect end to a day of sightseeing. Two nights in this beautiful area will give you plenty of time to explore, and if the weather is favorable you may be honored with spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

If this sounds good and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your tour in Japan? We recommend booking at least one extra night to check in and relax before the tour begins.

Solo travelers: You can book on any of the available departures, and on specific departures you have the opportunity to choose to travel with solos only if you prefer. See the “Single Supplement” information below for more information.

Tokaido Trail Itinerary Map
Tokaido Trail Itinerary Map

What’s included:

  • The full-time services of your tour leader
  • Nine nights’ accommodation
  • Breakfast every day and one evening meal
  • All transport between destinations in Japan
  • Seven-day Japan Rail Pass
  • IC transport card with 4,500 yen credit for city transport
  • Three-day Hakone Free Pass
  • Evening walking tour of Kyoto’s Gion geisha district
  • Luggage forwarding from Kamakura to Kyoto
  • Your Info-Pack filled with detailed itinerary information
  • Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip

What’s NOT included:

  • International flights
  • Local transport when not covered by one of the included passes
  • Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
  • Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified

DAY 1: ARRIVE Tokyo

Explore Japan's exuberant capital city with your knowledgeable tour leader, who will introduce you to Tokyo's famous hotspots and little-known gems.

Upon arrival at one of Tokyo’s airports, you will use your included IC transport card to take the train to your hotel in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Don’t worry – before you leave we will provide you with an Info-Pack, which contains detailed instructions on how to arrive at your hotel safely (along with plenty of other information)!

Asakusa is Tokyo’s most traditional area, home to the city’s oldest temple, the striking Senso-ji, and a lively market where you can sample delicious street food whilst browsing a huge range of souvenirs and traditional wares.

You’ll have the day free to rest at your hotel or to explore the immediate locality, meeting your tour leader and other group members at the trip briefing this evening. Though a meal is not included tonight, we highly recommend that you join your tour leader at one of the fabulous local restaurants. After all, there’s no better way to acquaint yourself with fellow group members than over some fine Japanese food and a beverage. Overnight: The B Asakusa

DAY 2: Tokyo

After a good night’s sleep you’ll have a whole day to explore Japan’s vibrant capital city. Your tour leader will be there to fill you in on the information of Tokyo’s famous landmarks, leading you to some of his or her favorite spots.

Options include the chance to visit Meiji Shrine, Tokyo’s most important Shinto site; look out for crazy fashions in trendy Harajuku; glide down the Sumida River on a short cruise; enjoy green tea in the tranquil setting of Hamarikyu Gardens; and marvel at the towering neon arcades of Akihabara’s “electric town” – to name a few possible highlights. Overnight: The B Asakusa

DAY 3-4: Hakone

Enjoy the spectacular views and hot spring baths in Hakone, a beautiful national park just a stone's throw from Tokyo.

In less than an hour, using local railway lines, you will be in one of Japan's premier hot spring areas – forest-covered Hakone National Park; home to the iconic Mount Fuji. During your stay here you'll have the opportunity to cross Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, eat a black egg boiled in a steaming volcanic hot spring, wander the sculptures of the excellent Hakone Open-Air Museum and enjoy spectacular scenery.

On both nights of your stay you'll enjoy the hospitality of a traditional Japanese-style ryokan inn, where you'll sleep on futon mattresses on tatami-mat floors – with the chance to soak in the restorative waters of the outdoor onsen hot spring bath. This is sure to be a highlight of your stay! Overnight: Fuji Hakone Guest House

DAY 5: Hikone

Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Lake Biwa and visit an original samurai castle.

Our journey continues by bullet train on to Hikone (not to be confused with Hakone!) where we'll visit the castle built in the early 1600s. Unlike many castles in Japan, Hikone-jo and its inner moats, walls and guard houses have survived intact, giving a fascinating glimpse into a time when samurai ruled the land.

We'll also visit Genkyuen Garden before taking the train around the northern shore of Lake Biwa to our accommodation in the sleepy fishing village of Makino. Dinner is included at our hotel tonight.

In the morning before travelling on to Kyoto we'll take a boat across the lake to sacred Chikubo. This uninhabited island is home to both a Buddhist temple, Hogon-ji, and a Shinto shrine, Tsukubusuma. Overnight: Grand Park Makino

DAY 6-8: Kyoto

Discover the ancient historical and cultural heritage of Kyoto, the “City of Ten Thousand Temples”.

Next stop is Kyoto, Japan's most illustrious former imperial capital. Having served as the political center of government from 794 until 1868, Kyoto is renowned for its historical and cultural heritage, from the countless ancient temples and shrines to the traditional crafts that are still practiced there today.

Your first full day in Kyoto will be spent discovering some of the city's amazing sights. There is so much to see in Kyoto that you could spend years getting to know its hidden delights.

In the evening you'll receive an introduction to Kyoto's best-preserved traditional district, Gion, as you take a walking tour through the wood-paneled streets. Gion is famous as the home of Kyoto's geisha, and as you explore the area you may be lucky enough to spot one of these elusive figures in full regalia. After your tour you'll enjoy a delicious meal with your tour leader and group, included as part of the trip.

On the second full day many prefer to stay in Kyoto to further delve into the city's rich heritage, while others can opt to use their Japan Rail passes, in order to head to Nara for the city deer park and the world's largest wooden building at Todaiji Temple, which houses an enormous Buddha statue. Alternatively the Japan Rail Pass will take you as far as Hiroshima – where you can visit the beautifully designed Peace Park, and hop over to the exquisite island of Miyajima, in the Seto Inland Sea National Park. Whatever you decide, it is sure to be a fulfilling day of adventure! Overnight: Hotel Elcient Kyoto

** Please note the torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island will undergo renovation work from June 2019 to August 2020 to repair salt water damage. This shrine may be partially covered with vinyl sheets during this work.

DAY 9-10: Tokyo

Return to Tokyo for an exciting final night in the capital.

You'll board the bullet train again today for one final journey back to the glittering metropolis of Tokyo. For the final night of your tour you'll be staying in the bustling, high-rise district of Shinjuku; known for its glaring neon, vibrant nightlife and literally thousands of excellent restaurants. There could be no better place to see out the end of your holiday in style and toast the end of a fantastic trip.

On your final morning you can hop on the train back to the airport for your departure flight. We're sure you'll be back before long! Overnight: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

Ready to Book or Need More Information?

Email or call us at 425-608-0266!

We are happy to book this small group tour for you or one of the many other tours for Japan. However, many times these pre-set itineraries are merely a starting point for us to customize your own trip.

Our consultation fee includes setting aside time to get to know you, your travel style and your travel desires to create a personal and tailor-made itinerary that you will love.

Contact us today for more information about this tour or for our Master Japan Specialist to create your very own customized itinerary.

Terms and conditions: Prices are per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Some restrictions may apply.