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Small Group Tour IJT Essential
Tokaido Trail
9 Nights: from US$3328 Trip Code: TT
Activity Rating: Energetic
Tokaido Trail proves that you can cover the classic “golden route” sights of Japan without breaking the bank or missing out on unforgettable cultural experiences, and is the perfect building block with which to plan a longer trip. Read more >
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 neighbour, 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 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 favourable you may be honoured with spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
We'll also visit Lake Biwa first to see Hikone Castle, an original fort from the days of the samurai, and to take a cruise to sacred Chikuba, an uninhabited island home to Hogon-ji Temple.
If this sounds good and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your tour in Japan!
Important Tour Information
The accommodation listed is for the 2024 departures.
Group Size: 4 - 14
Single Supplement: There is no single supplement for this tour. Single travellers will have a single room free of charge at all of the western style hotels (at least 7 nights). They will be asked to share with another single traveller of the same sex at the Japanese style stays (maximum 2 nights).
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.
Check-in: Upon arrival you will probably be tired after a long international flight. 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).
We recommend booking at least one extra night to check in and relax before the tour begins.
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: Culturally, communal bathing is common practice in Japan. Shared facilities (when included) will always be separated by gender. The hotels in Tokyo, Lake Biwa and Kyoto are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet). The traditional ryokan inn in Hakone does not have en-suite bathrooms, but the outdoor hot spring bath can be reserved for private use.
International flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda Airport. Please note that the included meet-and-greet and arrival transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available from these two airports.
What's included
- The full-time services of your IJT tour leader
- Nine nights' accommodation
- Breakfast every day and one evening meal
- All transport between destinations in Japan
- Arrival transfer by shared shuttle bus
- 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 Tokyo to Lake Biwa
- Your InsideJapan Tours Info-Pack
- 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
Tour Price Information
2024
- Tour Price: From US$3328
- No single supplement! Guaranteed single room in Western style hotels.
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$117 pp Single From US$130 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$130 pp Single From US$143 pp
2025
- Tour Price: From US$3445
- No single supplement! Guaranteed single room in Western style hotels.
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$117 pp Single From US$143 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$156 pp Single From US$195 pp
Tour Highlights
- Stay in a traditional hot spring ryokan inn
- Explore hyper-modern Tokyo and historical Kyoto
- Visit Hikone Castle on the shore of Lake Biwa
- If all this sounds great and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your stay in Japan!
- Take a walking tour of Kyoto's traditional geisha district
- Ride the famous shinkansen bullet train
- Admire outdoor sculptures in mountainous Hakone
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379
What, where, when and how...
Tokaido Trail - 10 Days
Destinations
Tokaido Trail - 10 Days - Day by Day
Tokaido Trail - 10 Days - Accommodation
Tokaido Trail - 10 Days - Experiences
Tokaido Trail - 10 Days - Booking
NOTE: From 2025 tours will stay in Nagahama in the Lake Biwa area
No single supplement! Guaranteed single room in Western style hotels.
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Day 1-2
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 be met by your driver and travel by shared shuttle bus to the Asakusa district where your hotel is located. Asakusa is Tokyo's most traditional district, home to the city's oldest temple, the striking Senso-ji, and a lively market where you can sample some delicious street food and browse a huge range of knick-knacks.
You'll have the rest of the day free to rest at your hotel or to explore the area, and will meet your tour leader and other group members at the welcome meeting 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 as there's no better way to begin getting to know your group.
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 and take you to some of their favourite spots. Options include the chance to visit Meiji Shrine, Tokyo's most important Shinto site; look out for crazy fashions in trendy Harajuku; visit the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens; and marvel at the towering neon arcades of Akihabara “electric town” – to name a few possible highlights.Overnight: Richmond Asakusa
-
Day 3-4
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
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 to our accommodation further along the shore of Lake Biwa. 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 Chikubushima Island. As well as offering views across Lake Biwa, this tiny uninhabited island is home to both a Buddhist temple, Hogon-ji, and a Shinto shrine, Tsukubusuma. Dating back to the 700s and 400s respectively, these sites provide a great example of just how long the two religions have coexisted here.Overnight: Grand Mercure Biwako
-
Day 6-8
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 centre 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 practised 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-panelled 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.Overnight: Hotel Elcient Kyoto
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Day 9-10
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 limousine bus to the airport for your departure flight. We're sure you'll be back before long!Overnight: Shinjuku Washington
-
Day 1-2
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 be met by your driver and travel by shared shuttle bus to the Asakusa district where your hotel is located. Asakusa is Tokyo's most traditional district, home to the city's oldest temple, the striking Senso-ji, and a lively market where you can sample some delicious street food and browse a huge range of knick-knacks.
You'll have the rest of the day free to rest at your hotel or to explore the area, and will meet your tour leader and other group members at the welcome meeting 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 as there's no better way to begin getting to know your group.
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 and take you to some of their favourite spots. Options include the chance to visit Meiji Shrine, Tokyo's most important Shinto site; look out for crazy fashions in trendy Harajuku; visit the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens; and marvel at the towering neon arcades of Akihabara “electric town” – to name a few possible highlights.Overnight: Richmond Asakusa
-
Day 3-4
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
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 to our accommodation further along the shore of Lake Biwa. 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 Chikubushima Island. As well as offering views across Lake Biwa, this tiny uninhabited island is home to both a Buddhist temple, Hogon-ji, and a Shinto shrine, Tsukubusuma. Dating back to the 700s and 400s respectively, these sites provide a great example of just how long the two religions have coexisted here.Overnight: Grand Mercure Biwako
-
Day 6-8
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 centre 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 practised 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-panelled 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.Overnight: Hotel Elcient Kyoto
-
Day 9-10
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 limousine bus to the airport for your departure flight. We're sure you'll be back before long!Overnight: Shinjuku Washington
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Tokaido Trail
Read more >I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Japan and thought the group dynamic worked very well.
Small Group Tour Tokaido Trail
Read more >Excellent customer service and very attentive to needs
Tour Gallery
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Tokaido Trail
Read more >I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Japan and thought the group dynamic worked very well.
Small Group Tour Tokaido Trail
Read more >Excellent customer service and very attentive to needs
4.9 out of 5 from 24 reviews Show all Tokaido Trail Reviews
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