Tokyo, Fuji, Lake Biwa & Kyoto - 10 days

Tokyo, Fuji, Lake Biwa & Kyoto - 10 days

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10 Days From

$4005

Tokyo, Fuji, Lake Biwa & Kyoto - 10 days

10 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan

Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Lake Biwa, Kyoto

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 14

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

6-

From: $4005

NB: Prices correct on 05-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Japan, exploring the vibrant cityscapes and serene landscapes of Tokyo, Hakone, Lake Biwa, and Kyoto. Begin your adventure in Tokyo, where you can explore iconic sites like the Meiji Shrine and Akihabara at your own pace. Experience traditional Japanese hospitality in Hakone, staying in a ryokan with views of Mount Fuji. Discover the samurai history at Hikone-jo castle and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Biwa to Chikubushima Island. In Kyoto, delve into the rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of the Gion geisha district and explore ancient temples. Conclude your trip with a lively night in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. This small group tour includes accommodations, breakfasts, a dinner, and transportation, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Highlights

  • Tokyo - Explore the vibrant capital city, including the Meiji Shrine and Akihabara district.

  • Hakone - Experience traditional Japanese hospitality in a ryokan with views of Mount Fuji.

  • Hikone - Visit the well-preserved Hikone-jo castle and learn about samurai history.

  • Lake Biwa - Enjoy a boat ride to Chikubushima Island and explore historical sites.

  • Kyoto - Discover the Gion geisha district and explore the city's rich cultural heritage.

  • Nara - Visit the deer park and the impressive Todaiji Temple with its giant Buddha statue.

  • Shinjuku, Tokyo - Experience the lively nightlife and bright neon lights of this bustling district.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Monday Asakusa or similar

Tokyo. Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at a Tokyo airport, our driver will assist you in boarding a shared shuttle bus to the Asakusa district, where your hotel is located.



Asakusa, hailed as Tokyo's traditional hub, boasts the majestic Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple, alongside a lively marketplace. After settling in, the remainder of the day is yours to unwind at the hotel or explore Asakusa. Later, join an evening welcome meeting, where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow adventurers.





Accommodation: Hotel Monday Asakusa or similar

Day 2: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Monday Asakusa or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you'll have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. However, your knowledgeable tour leader will be on hand to offer recommendations and insights into Tokyo's top attractions.





Consider beginning your day with a visit to the ancient Meiji Shrine. Nearby, venture into the vibrant streets of Harajuku, where fashion and colourful energy collide. Explore quirky boutiques, sample street food, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this iconic neighbourhood.





Afterwards, stroll through the serene Hamarikyu Gardens, where you can relax amidst lush greenery. Come nightfall, explore Tokyo's futuristic side in the district of Akihabara - famous for its neon lights and bustling arcades. Make the most of this free day, as the possibilities are endless!





Accommodation: Hotel Monday Asakusa or similar

Day 3-4: Hakone

Location: Hakone

Accommodation Name: Fuji Hakone Guest House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tokyo - Hakone. Experience the stunning vistas and relaxing hot spring baths in Hakone, a picturesque national park just a short distance from Tokyo. In under an hour, via local train routes, we arrive at Hakone National Park, renowned for its natural beauty and the iconic Mount Fuji. While there, you can take a cruise across Lake Ashi on a pirate-themed boat, savour a black egg cooked in a geothermal spring, explore the sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and revel in the breathtaking surroundings.





Throughout our stay, you will be treated to the traditional Japanese hospitality of a ryokan inn, where you will sleep on futon mattresses on tatami floors and have the opportunity to soak in the healing waters of an outdoor onsen hot spring bath. This experience is certain to be a memorable highlight of your trip!





Accommodation: Fuji Hakone Guest House or similar

Day 5: Lake Biwa

Location: Lake Biwa

Accommodation Name: Grand Park Makino or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Hakone - Hikone - Lake Biwa. Our journey will proceed by bullet train to Hikone, where we will tour the castle constructed in the early 1600s. Unlike many other castles in Japan, Hikone-jo, with its inner moats, walls, and guard houses, has remained remarkably preserved, offering a fascinating insight into the era of samurai dominance. We will also visit Genkyuen Garden before heading to our hotel located along the lakeshore of Lake Biwa. Dinner will be provided at the hotel for the evening.





The following morning, we will take a boat ride across the lake to Chikubushima Island, a sacred site. This small uninhabited island boasts stunning views of Lake Biwa and is home to both a Buddhist temple, Hogon-ji, and a Shinto shrine, Tsukubusuma, dating back to the 700s and 400s respectively. These historical sites showcase the long-standing coexistence of Buddhism and Shintoism in the region.





Accommodation: Grand Park Makino or similar

Day 6-8: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Shijo or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lake Biwa - Kyoto. Explore the ancient historical and cultural legacy of Kyoto, known as the "City of Ten Thousand Temples". Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, is renowned for its historical significance and cultural richness. The city is home to numerous ancient temples and shrines, as well as traditional crafts that continue to be practiced to this day.





During our first day in Kyoto, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the city's remarkable attractions. With so much to uncover, Kyoto offers endless hidden treasures waiting to be explored. In the evening, there's a guided tour of Gion, Kyoto's well-preserved traditional district known for its geisha culture. As you stroll through the charming streets, you may even catch a glimpse of a geisha in traditional attire. The day concludes with a group dinner, allowing you to savor a delicious meal with your tour leader.





On the second day, you can choose to further immerse yourself in Kyoto's heritage or opt to travel to Nara using your Japan Rail pass. In Nara, you can visit the city's deer park and admire the majestic Todaiji Temple, home to the world's largest wooden building housing a colossal Buddha statue.





Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Shijo or similar

Day 9-10: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kyoto - Tokyo. Head back to Tokyo for an exhilarating last night in the city. Spend your final night in the lively district of Shinjuku, famous for its bright neon lights, energetic nightlife, and plethora of top-notch restaurants. It's the perfect spot to end your journey in a memorable way and raise a toast to an amazing trip. On your last morning, catch a ride on the limousine bus to the airport for your departing flight. We're confident you'll be back soon!





Accommodation: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3-4 star

  • 9 breakfasts & 1 dinner

    Enjoy 9 breakfasts and 1 dinner during your tour.

  • 7 nights 3-4 star hotel & 2 nights in traditional ryokan

    Stay in 3-4 star hotels for 7 nights and experience 2 nights in a traditional Japanese ryokan.

  • Escorted by a tour leader

    The tour is escorted by a knowledgeable tour leader.

  • Arrival transfer on day 1

    Receive an arrival transfer on the first day of your tour.

  • All relevant transportation and transfers including by minibus and train

    All necessary transportation and transfers are included, utilizing minibuses and trains.

  • Transport card with 4,500 Yen (USD $30) credit for city transport

    A transport card with 4,500 Yen credit is provided for city transport.

  • 3-day Hakone Free Pass

    A 3-day Hakone Free Pass is included for your convenience.

  • Evening walking tour of Kyoto's Gion geisha district

    Enjoy an evening walking tour of Kyoto's Gion geisha district.

  • Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Lake Biwa

    Luggage forwarding service is provided from Tokyo to Lake Biwa.

  • Information pack on arrival

    Receive an information pack upon arrival.

show more

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.

  • Local transport when not covered by one of the included passes

    Local transport not covered by the included passes is excluded.

  • Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums

    Entrance fees for shrines, temples, and museums are not included.

  • Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified

    Baggage handling and luggage forwarding are not included unless specified.

Age Policy

Minimum age: 6 years, accompanied by an adult

Mode of Transport

Travel seamlessly with all relevant transportation and transfers, including minibus and train journeys. Enjoy a transport card with 4,500 Yen credit for city transport, a 3-day Hakone Free Pass, and luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Lake Biwa.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of modern comfort and traditional charm with 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels and 2 nights in a traditional ryokan. Enjoy the unique experience of sleeping on futon mattresses on tatami floors and soaking in outdoor onsen hot spring baths.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels and 2 nights in a traditional Japanese ryokan.

  • Is there a tour leader accompanying the group?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a tour leader who will provide guidance and insights throughout the trip.

  • Are there any meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 1 dinner.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes all relevant transportation and transfers, including travel by minibus and train. A transport card with 4,500 Yen credit for city transport and a 3-day Hakone Free Pass are also provided.

  • Is there any luggage forwarding service included?

    Yes, luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Lake Biwa is included in the tour.

  • Will there be internet access during the trip?

    Yes, shared portable Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the trip.

  • What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 6 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • 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 of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
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Prices last published on 01-Oct-2024

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.

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