Small Group Tour – Tokaido Trail
2019 Now Available!

9 Nights: from US$2602 per person

Group Size: 4 – 14

Single Supplement: US$0

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.

Important Practical Information

Mt. Fuji Climb: Our July and August departures offer an optional Mt. Fuji climb. You will need to be fit and determined but it is a fantastic experience. The tour leader will lead the climb; those of you not climbing will have a guide at their service for their full day in Hakone. Please ask us for more details.

Fitness: Even when not using public transport, sightseeing in Japan often involves walking between sights, climbing up steps in temples and being ‘on the go’ for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness, able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty and able to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the majority of the group.

Single Supplement: This tour does NOT have a single supplement. Single travelers are guaranteed a single room in western style accommodation (7 nights in total). However, singles will be asked to share a room in the Japanese-style accommodation with a group member of the same sex (2 nights in total). For this tour single travelers can choose to book on any available departure, or on dedicated departures for solos only.

Transport: Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan’s first-rate transport network.

Luggage: We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour as you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators or elevators/lifts. You will also need a small overnight back-pack (for up to two nights) for use when we forward our main bags to the next location.

Accommodation: The hotels in Tokyo, Kamakura and Kyoto are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet). The traditional ryokan comes with attached toilet and bath.

International flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda Airport.

Check-in: Please note that rooms at the first Tokyo hotel are only available from 3pm. (You can, however, securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

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

Please Note: 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 Japan Specialist to create your very own customized itinerary. 425-608-0266 or info@goabhtravel.com