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.

• 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

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

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

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

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

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.