Tokyo, Fuji, Lake Biwa & Kyoto - 10 days
Tokyo, Fuji, Lake Biwa & Kyoto - 10 days
Tokyo, Fuji, Lake Biwa & Kyoto - 10 days
10 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Lake Biwa, Kyoto
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Age range:
6-
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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Accommodation
3-4 star -
9 breakfasts & 1 dinner
Enjoy 9 breakfasts and 1 dinner during your tour.
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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.
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Escorted by a tour leader
The tour is escorted by a knowledgeable tour leader.
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Arrival transfer on day 1
Receive an arrival transfer on the first day of your tour.
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All relevant transportation and transfers including by minibus and train
All necessary transportation and transfers are included, utilizing minibuses and trains.
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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.
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3-day Hakone Free Pass
A 3-day Hakone Free Pass is included for your convenience.
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Evening walking tour of Kyoto's Gion geisha district
Enjoy an evening walking tour of Kyoto's Gion geisha district.
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Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Lake Biwa
Luggage forwarding service is provided from Tokyo to Lake Biwa.
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Information pack on arrival
Receive an information pack upon arrival.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Local transport when not covered by one of the included passes
Local transport not covered by the included passes is excluded.
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Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Entrance fees for shrines, temples, and museums are not included.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Are there any meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
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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.
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Is there any luggage forwarding service included?
Yes, luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Lake Biwa is included in the tour.
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Will there be internet access during the trip?
Yes, shared portable Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the trip.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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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+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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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