Two women in purple and pink standing on street in Gion, traditional district of Kyoto — Visit the historic Gion district in the heart of Kyoto
©Sorasak/Unsplash

4* Metropolitan Ikebukuro twin Room — Twin room at the equivalent 4* Metropolitan Ikebukuro hotel in Tokyo
metropolitan Ikebukuro

Nijo castle is a very unique castle worth visiting during your stay in Kyoto — Nijo Castle is a must-see during your stay in Kyoto
©Sean Pavone/123RF

4* Kyoto Hotel The General lobby — Hotel - 4 * Kyoto Der General - Lobby - Der General
the General

Red Maple leaf on head of little Japanese Buddhist monk doll rock in Japanese Garden — Maple leaf on a small monk sculpture in a Japanese garden
©structuresxx/123RF

Lanterns in Kasuga Taisha shrine in Nara park, Unesco world Heritage — Kasuga Taisha Lantern Shrine in Nara Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
©Werayut Banjongkaew/123RF

Japan traditional dinner in your ryokan — Traditional Japanese dinner in your ryokan
©Payless images/123RF

Some hotels of the tour offer a mix of western and traditional Japanese style rooms — Some of the hotels on the tour offer rooms with a fusion of Western and traditional Japanese styles
metropolitan Ikebukuro

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ITINERARY
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JAPAN EXPERIENCE

The Tokaido Road

Duration : 14 days
Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Naoshima, Osaka

The Tokaido Route is not available for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

This guided tour takes you on a tour of Japan along the old feudal road from Tokyo to Kyoto. The fabulous Mount Fuji, Nara and the sacred mountain of Koyasan will be part of your stay.

2-week all-inclusive organised trip, in a small group of 8 people, accompanied by an English-speaking specialist.

Ideal for a complete first introduction.

2 week itinerary in Japan (14 days)

Tokyo (4 days)
Hakone - Mount Fuji (1 day)
Kyoto (5 days including the chance to Hiroshima)
Nara (1 day)
Sacred valley of Koya San (1 day)
Osaka (2 days)

Please find below the itinerary details.

WARNING : The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe on the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference. For further details, refer to "More about your trip".

Why this trip to Japan ?

Supervision by a bilingual English-speaking guide, a specialist in Japanese culture
Almost full package : guide, accommodation, transport and most meals
Small groups of between 6 and 8 people maximum
Visit of the must-see places on a first trip to Japan
4**** hotels, traditional ryokan accommodation, and Buddhist temple
Variety of visits, activities, accommodation and transport (Shinkansen, mini-bus...)
Two free days in Tokyo and Kyoto, which can be organized by Japan Experience
40 years of expertise from Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan
Phone assistance in English, from 8AM to 10PM, 7/7

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

Day 1 : Sunday - Yokoso - Welcome

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！
Welcomed out of customs by our airport assistant.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).
This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival and stops can be made before your hotel.
If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.
Accommodation at Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro or a 4* equivalent (rooms available from 3:00pm)
Welcome by the guide at 7:00pm.
Introduction of the tour by the guide during a welcome dinner.
Dinner provided by Japan Experience.
Day 2 : Monday - Traditional and Modern

Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure around 8:30 am, guided tour of Tokyo:
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district
- Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden amongst Tokyo's buildings
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage
- Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the city's oldest
- Tokyo Sky Tree and its panoramic view of Tokyo, reaching a height of 643m.
Lunch and dinner provided by Japan Experience.
Transportation for the day on public transport, and on foot (about 8 km in total).
Day 3 : Tuesday - The effervescent metropolis

Breakfast at the hotel.
Continue to visit Tokyo with your tour guide
- Visit to Ueno district : The park full of cherry trees and the lotus pond Shinobazu ;
- The trendy district of Harajuku ;
- The imperial Meiji Jingû yemple ;
- The young and crazy Takeshita-Dori alley ;
- The Japanese "Champs-Elysées": Ometesando, fashion capital ;
- Shibuya and its famous “crossing”.

Meals (lunch, dinner), provided by Japan Experience.

Day trips by public transport and on foot (about 10 km in total).
Day 4 : Wednesday - Free day

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day, which you can spend seeing many other monuments and interesting sites of the capital and its surroundings: your guide will be able to advise you.

Please note only breakfast at the hotel is provided by Japan Experience. The other meals, transport and visits are your choice.
Day 5 : Thursday - On the road to Mount Fuji

Breakfast at the hotel.

Baggage transfer to Kyoto organised by Japan Experience (1 bag per person). Take a small bag for the night in Hakone - Mount Fuji.

Travel by train and Shinkansen to your hotel in the centre of Hakone - Mount Fuji (around 1 and a half hours).

Depart by minibus to the heights of Hakone for a breath-taking view of Mount Fuji (If weather conditions allow it)
- Promenade along the old Tokaido road which linked Tokyo to Kyoto ;
- Lake Ashi-no-ko and its Japanese portico torii with feet in the water ;
- The incredible volcanic site of Owakudani (The sight can be inaccessible due to volcanic activity)

Stay in your ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel).

Meals (lunch, dinner), provided by Japan Experience.

Daily trips by train, minibus, and on foot (about 2 km in total).
Day 6 : Friday - From Mount Fuji to the former capital

Traditional Japanese breakfast at Ryokan (quite salty).

Depart on foot and public transport to open air sculpture museum in Hakone.

At the end of the morning, leave for Kyoto by shinkansen (2 hours).

Meals (lunch, dinner), provided by Japan Experience.
Check-in at The General Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji or equivalent 4* hotel.

Day trips by public transport, ultra-fast shinkansen train, and on foot (about 5 km)
Day 7 : Saturday - Millennium treasures

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Kyoto by minibus :
- Ryoan-ji zen garden ;
- Kinkaku-ji (Gold Pavilion) and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), the bewitching path of philosophy ;
- The charming village of Ohara, in the suburbs of Kyoto : the Sanzen'in green temple and visit the surrounding Japanese countryside (rice field, Japanese vegetable fields: tsukemono, shiso, etc.).

Meals (lunch, dinner), provided by Japan Experience.

Day trips by minibus.
Day 8 : Sunday - Free day

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day: enjoy the former capital’s incredible sights at your own pace. Your guide will be able to advise you.

Please note : only breakfast at the hotel is provided by Japan Experience. The other meals, transport and visits are your choice.
Day 9 : Monday - Castle and traditions

Breakfast at the hotel.

- Excursion by Shinkansen (50 minutes) to Himeji castle (UNESCO heritage sight) ;
- Lunch at Himeji and return to Kyoto by Shinkansen ;
- Visit the fabulous sanctuary of Fushimi Inari to discover an incredible sunset (if weather conditions allow it) ;
- Evening stroll in the Pontocho district.

Meals (lunch, dinner), provided by Japan Experience.

Day trips by Shinkansen, taxi and on foot (around 7 km in total including ascent and descent of Fushimi Inari).
Day 10 : Tuesday - Country Escape

Breakfast at the hotel.

- Depart by minibus for Miho Museum built on the top of a mountain by the architect I. M. Pei. (Famous for his design of the Louvre Pyramid) ;
- Excursion off the beaten track, in the Kyoto countryside, to discover the fields and tea producer ;
- Evening walk through the picturesque Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka streets of the Gion district.

We must draw your attention to the fact that it is strictly forbidden to take photos in the historic district of Gion.

Meals (lunch, dinner), provided by Japan Experience.

Daily trips by minibus and by foot in the evening (around 3km).

On certain dates, not currently defined, the Miho Museum will be temporarily closed to renew their collections.
Day 11 : Wednesday - The first capital

Breakfast at the hotel in Kyoto.
Baggage transfer to Osaka organised by Japan Experience (1 bag per person). Take a small bag for your two nights in Nara and Koyasan.
Train journey to Nara (50 minutes)
Visit Nara, the first Japanese capital in the 8th century.
- The Shinto Kasuga Taisha shrine and its thousands of lanterns;
- The Todaiji, its large bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate;
- The Kofukuji temple and its lovely pagoda.
Check-in at the Daiwa Roynet Nara or equivalent 4* hotel.
Meals (lunch, dinner) provided by Japan Experience.
Day trips by train and on foot (about 6 km in total).
Day 12 : Thursday - Attack on the Sacred Mount

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart on train and cable car to the sacred mountain of Koya-san (2h30).
- Visit the sumptuous Kongobuji temple;
- Visit Danjo-Garan, the main religious site of the village.
Meals (lunch, dinner) provided by Japan Experience.
Day trips by train and on foot (about 3 km in total).
Enjoy a unique experience with a traditional vegan dinner and overnight in a temple with the monks.
Due to the altitude, the temperature in Koyasan is often lower than other cities visited previously.
Please note: In most temple hotels, bathrooms and toilets are shared, apart from the traditional Japanese room. However, we have selected the few temples that offer a toilet and washbasin in the room. In very high season, these rare temples may be full and we may be obliged to book 'classic' rooms without a bathroom or washbasin.
Day 13 : Friday - a gastronomic end

Traditional vegan breakfast served in the temple.
Depending on availability of the monks, possibility to attend a Buddhist ceremony (availability not guaranteed currently).

- In the morning, discover the fabulous mystical necropolis of Okunoin.

- Head to Osaka by train (2 hours), afternoon shopping, and night tour of the city : the lively district of Namba and Dotonbori street.

Meals (lunch, dinner), provided by Japan Experience.
Check-in at the 4* Hiyori Osaka Namba Ekimae hotel or equivalent.

Day trips by train and on foot (about 4 km in total).
Day 14 : Saturday - Sayonara - see you next time

Transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) by direct train or shuttle bus, depending on the location of your hotel.
Transfer to Itami Airport (ITM) is not provided by Japan Experience.

Meals not covered by Japan Experience.

Return flight to Europe.

Included in your guided tour

Accommodation
- 11 nights in 4* hotels
- 1 night in a ryokan at Hakone - Mount Fuji (room with private bath and toilet)
- 1 night in a Buddhist temple at Koya San
The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.
Transport
- Transfer airports
- Prepaid public transport card
- Other transport during your stay, except on free days
- Luggage transfer (see details of the stages)
Experiences and meals
- Airport welcome
- Guidance from an English-speaking specialist on Japan
- Tours and activities mentioned in the programme
- Almost full package : all meals (except free days)

Additional services
- Unlimited Wi-Fi access, except on free days
- Electrical adapter for Japanese plugs (not for UK plugs)
- Complete travel diary sent 20 days before your departure
- An informative meeting 1 to 2 months before your departure, in our agency or at a distance
- Phone assistance in English, from 8AM to 10PM, 7/7, in addition to the guide's assistance during the day
Not included in the price of your trip
- Flights Europe <> Japan
- Optional insurance policies
- Personal expenses (including expenses for the two free days)
- Drinks with meals (except water and sometimes tea)
- Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section
À propos du risque d’annulation de votre circuit accompagné
Même s’il y a très peu de risque que votre circuit accompagné soit annulé, ce risque existe. Il est habituellement de 4%.
Si vous êtes malheureusement dans ces 4%, vous êtes informé 3 à 2 mois avant et nous vous proposons TOUJOURS un autre circuit, à la même saison et la plupart du temps aux mêmes dates. Nous proposons également, en alternative, 100 % de remboursement du circuit (hors vols).
En 2023, sur 300 clients circuits accompagnés, 12 ont été ré-orientés sur un autre circuit et 0 sont restés chez eux.

More about your trip

Your tour :

The tour guide can modify the program according to the day's constraints.
The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Children and babies accepted. It should be noted, however, that the program may be difficult for these people to follow. From 3 to 11 years old a child rate is offered. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be offered to them, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. From 0 to 2 years old inclusive, a "baby" rate is offered. This price corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of the accommodation of the chosen tour. However, we cannot guarantee a baby cot in each accommodation.
Pets are not allowed
For vegetarians, vegans or people with a strict diet: there are few vegetarian or even fewer vegan restaurants in Japan. Therefore, and as it is a group trip, Japan Experience will not be able to adapt to the diet of each person. The guide will, however, be able to help within each restaurant in choosing the dishes that best suit each person.
Your travel documents will be given to you as follows:

Travel diary given during the information meeting 1 month before your departure. If you cannot make it to this meeting, it will be sent to your home 2 weeks before departure.
The e-travel diary, as well as your e-documents of travel will be sent to you by email 3 weeks before departure.
The airport transfer tickets will be given to you by our airport assistant on your arrival.
The other physical documents necessary for the trip will be given to you by your tour leader when you meet at 6PM in your hotel on the first day.

This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. The order of visits may also be modified. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.

Your accommodation :

Double room : Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together.
Single room : People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. This supplement can be waived, on request, if a twin room is shared with another participant. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants. Please note the size of the single room, between 15 and 20m2(161sq ft to 215sq ft).
Traditional accommodation : in the ryokan at Hakone Mount Fuji, the room has a private bathroom (Western or Japanese) and toilet. At the same time, access to the ryokan's non-mixed collective Japanese baths ("onsen") is free, subject to the schedules in force on site. These baths are often not accessible to people with visible tattoos.
In the Buddhist temple at Koya San, the rooms have a private washbasin and toilet. The non-mixed collective Japanese baths ("onsen") then serve as a shared bathroom, with showers and thermal baths. They are freely accessible, subject to the schedules in force on site. These baths are often not accessible to people with visible tattoos.
Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.
In the Buddhist temple in Koyasan , the rooms do not have private sinks and toilets. The Japanese baths ("onsen") are shared bathrooms with showers, hot tubs, sinks and toilets. They are freely accessible, according to the schedule of the site (for the onsen only). The baths are often not accessible to people with visible tattoos.
Due to the very low number of hotel temples 4* in Koyasan, there is a possibility, depending on availability, that you will be accommodated in a 2/3* temple of equivalent comfort.

Your transport :

Flights are not included in this tour. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
The departure and end dates shown on this page are for your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and will depart from Osaka (Kansai international airport KIX, not Itami ITM or Kobe). You will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 2:30pm at the latest to be present at your hotel at 6:00pm to meet your tour guide. However, the return flight is on the same day due to the time difference. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us 'Organize your welcome and airport transfer.
Airport Transfers: The shared limousine bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop within 1-15 minutes walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will drive you to the platform to pick up the airport transfer. The transfer to the hotel is unassisted. If you wish to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception, please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer". This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other clients leaving for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers leave between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival and stops can be made before your hotel. If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option. Please note: due to the many changes in flight schedules by the airlines, if the airline notifies you of a change in arrival time less than 72 hours before your departure, and if it exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. You will then have to take a taxi at your own expense, requesting a refund from your airline for abusive schedule changes. The same applies to your return journey: 72 hours before your return flight, we cannot change the shuttle schedule. Similarly, you will have to take a taxi booked with the hotel, at your own expense, with reimbursement procedures with the airline company being the only solution. Japan Experience is not responsible for last minute schedule changes.
The public transport prepayment card must be returned to the guide at the end of your stay, except in the case of an individual post-extension organized by Japan Experience.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex :
Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. COVID protection included.

Frequently asked questions

It's very simple and easy, just book directly online through our website:

(1) Choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and indicate the number of participants. Several options are available to you.

(2) Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount* online and confirm your reservation.

(3) You will then receive an e-mail confirming the conditions of your registration.

(4) Book your flight ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the necessary schedules for your tour)

(5) One month before departure, settle the balance of your booking.

For more information on the tours or to make a reservation, please contact our advisors on +33 (0)1 42 61 60 83 or at contact@japan-experience.com, or come and visit us at our agency in Paris.

* travel insurance and options included

Whether you want to discover new things or discover yourself, stay in a fully organised tour or take a leisurely one: at Japan Experience, you will find a tour to suit your needs!

Discover our 3 tour formulas now: guided, self-guided or personalised tour:

Guided tours: Travelling with a specialist

Would you like to travel with a small group of 8 to 12 people, accompanied by a private English-speaking guide?

Classic destinations or off the beaten path, Japan Experience offers many guided tours, for all kinds of budget. Offering several departure dates throughout the year, these tours start at €2,890 per person.

Self-guided tours: Independent travel

These tours, with pre-planned itineraries, include accommodation, flights, transport, 24-hour assistance and optional guided activities. From €540 per person, plan your days as you wish, following the recommendations in your travel diary.

Tailor-made tours: Travel according to your desires

Design the trip you've always dreamed of! Our specialist advisors are available by email, telephone or directly in one of our agencies to answer all your questions and help you design your own customised tour.

Most Japan Experience tours begin in Tokyo. This is because it is the gateway to both modern and traditional Japan. Tokyo allows a traveller to enter Japan step by step, whilst getting used to the time difference. Tokyo also has Japan's top two airports in terms of traffic.

A few of our tours end in the Kansai region (Kyoto or Osaka). The return flight then goes from from Kansai International Airport (KIX), the 3rd largest airport in Japan, offering many possibilities for return flights to Europe without any real extra cost compared to a return flight from Tokyo. On these tours, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover the whole tour, allowing you to reduce the total price of the tour. And this without losing any transport possibilities as the Japan Rail Pass is of little use in Kansai.

However, tours are available from Tokyo and sometimes other cities in Japan.

Few Japanese speak English, even in the tourism sector. With the exception of hotel staff in the major tourist cities, few Japanese are fluent in English. However, this does not prevent them from doing everything to help tourists in need.

One or more guided activities are included in all Japan Experience tours. This will allow you to get a closer look at Japan's thousand-year-old culture. Feel free to add one or more optional guided days.

Guided tours are led by bilingual Japanese guides, for total immersion without effort!

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