What are the procedures for entry?

Due to the current crisis, we advise you to visit the website of the Japanese embassy in your country to find out about the procedures for entry. Normally, for citizens of the European Union, Switzerland and Canada, you just need a valid passport (for the duration of your stay). A visa is not necessary for a tourist stay of less than 90 days.

How long should a trip to Japan last?

For a first trip to Japan, a period of 2 weeks is optimal, with at least 3 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto and its region. Don't forget to take some time at the beginning of the trip to get used to the time difference.

What is the cancellation policy for Self Guided Tours?

If you need to cancel your trip after signing the registration form, you must notify Japan Experience as soon as possible. This notification can be sent either by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or by email. The date of sending will be considered the official cancellation date. In such cases, cancellation fees will apply, calculated as a percentage of the total cost of the trip, according to the following terms: More than 35 days before departure: 35% of the total costBetween 35 and 21 days before departure: 50% of the total costBetween 20 and 8 days before departure: 75% of the total costLess than 7 days before departure or on the day of departure: no refund will be made

All Self-guided tours

Tokyo & Kyoto

9 days
Tokyo, Kyoto

Tokyo & Kyoto: the essence of Japan in one trip.

From the futuristic buzz of Tokyo to the timeless temples of Kyoto, this itinerary immerses you in the heart of Japan's two iconic capitals.

In Tokyo, experience the excitement of Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and the Tokyo Skytree, combining electric neighborhoods, majestic shrines, and spectacular views. Modernity, pop culture, gastronomy, and traditions intertwine for a total immersion.

Then make way for the serenity of Kyoto, the country's cultural jewel: Kiyomizu-dera, Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari and its thousands of torii gates... Here, every alleyway tells the story of geishas, samurai, and ancestral arts.

Between listed temples, Zen gardens, and gourmet markets, experience a complete and contrasting journey, where the energy of Tokyo meets the poetry of Kyoto.

An unmissable tour to discover Japan in all its richness, between eternal traditions and fascinating modernity.

Highlights of the product

Iconic Tokyo: modernity, cult neighborhoods, and spectacular views.

Timeless Kyoto: temples, torii gates, and ancestral traditions.

The essence of Japan: between urban energy and cultural heritage.

Why choose Japan Experience?

On-site assistance 7 days a week

Internet access included

Travel log with our expert advice

Authentic experiences guaranteed

What's included in this tour?

Airport Transfers

3* Hotels & Ryokan

Pocket Wi-Fi

Kansai Area Pass

1 guided tour in Shinjuku

Public transportation card

Sky Tree visit

Gion nightwalk

What's not included

Personal expenses, non included meals

Public transport card recharge

Optional Insurances

From

$1,020 per person - 9 days

Contact an advisor

Your trip to Tokyo and Kyoto in detail

Step 1 - Days 1 to 4

Tokyo

This 4-day itinerary explores Tokyo's iconic neighborhoods, combining modern attractions and cultural sites: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Tsukiji, Asakusa, and the Tokyo Skytree.

On the last day, you are free to choose from a range of optional activities to suit your interests (museums, theme parks, themed tours, etc.)!

OMO3 Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts

4.2

or similar category 3* hotel

≃ 172 sq ft

Private bathroom

Free Wifi

Day 1 -

Wake up in Tokyo

Arrival at Tokyo Airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).

Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Reception at customs exit by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.

Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo.

This transfer is by shared shuttle bus with other customers going to the same hotel or a hotel near yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private transfer, with no stops and directly after your flight's actual arrival, please choose the "Private taxi from the airport" option.

Included

Airport Transfers

Options

Private taxi from the airport

Day 2 -

First steps in the capital

For your first day in Tokyo, we recommend visiting:

Harajuku, the trendy district for young people
Meiji Jingu, the grand imperial shrine
Takeshita-dori, Tokyo's must-see street
Omotesando, Tokyo's "Champs-Élysées"
Shibuya and its famous intersection

End your day on a high note with an evening stroll through Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most important neighborhoods. Meet your guide in the early evening for a unique 90-minute walk, during which you will pass through Kabukicho and Golden Gai.

Included

1 guided tour in Shinjuku

Options

Guided tour of Tokyo during the day

Day 3 -

The big loop

For your second day of sightseeing, we suggest visiting:

Ginza, the chic district
Tsukiji, the food market
Hama-rikyu, a Japanese garden nestled between skyscrapers
Asakusa, the capital's traditional district
Senso-ji Buddhist temple

End the day with a visit to Tokyo Skytree, the observation tower where the sunset reveals the city in all its splendor.

Included

Sky Tree visit

Highlight(s)

Ginza

Senso-ji

Tokyo Sky Tree

Day 4 -

Follow the guide

To make the most of your stay in Tokyo, we offer a wide range of exciting optional activities to round off your trip:
Looking for some fun? The Harry Potter Studio and [Hello Kitty Park] (https://www.japan-experience.com/activities/tokyo/sanrio-puroland-the-hello-kitty-theme-park) await you
Prefer themed experiences? Choose between an architectural tour, a stroll through a Japanese garden, or a Noh theater performance.
Looking for thrills? Take a panoramic helicopter tour or attend a sumo tournament (seasonal)!
Fancy a day trip? Just 45 minutes away by train is Kamakura, a charming coastal town steeped in history.

Step 2 - Days 5 to 9

Kyoto

Between historical memories, iconic temples, traditional neighborhoods, and a getaway to Nara, immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan. Four intense days to savor all the poetry of Kyoto in a traditional house.

Gion House by Japan Experience

(or similar)

Traditional Japanese house, all equipped

Day 5 -

On the way to the old capital

Hop aboard one of the world's fastest trains, the Shinkansen, and head to Kyoto.

Begin your exploration of the ancient capital:

Kiyomizu-dera, the great water temple;
The historic streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka;
Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo;
The Gion district.

End your day with a stroll and enjoy the sunset as you meet up with your guide for a night tour of the Gion district.

Informations

Please note that taking photos in the Gion district is strictly prohibited.

Included

Kansai Area Pass

Gion nightwalk

Highlight(s)

Kiyomizu-Dera

Kôdai-ji

Gion

Included transfer

Tokyo

Shinkansen (2h)

Kyoto

Day 6 -

Gold and silver treasures

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:

The Zen garden at Ryôan-ji;
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion);
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
The enchanting Philosopher's Walk;
Nanzen-ji Temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on your visit to these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Highlight(s)

Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji

Philosopher's path

Ryôan-ji

Options

Guided tour

Day 7 -

Now for some activities…

It's your last full day in Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities:

Want to enjoy nature? Discover our bike rides along the Kamo River or our hikes in the Takao Gorge
If you're more interested in Japanese arts, you'll love our tea ceremony, our meditation activities, or our tours of secret gardens.
If you want to discover the Japanese countryside, treat yourself to an excursion to Ohara

Highlight(s)

Nishiki market

Nijô castle

Nara visit

Options

Optional excursiosn

Day 8 -

Between temples and deers

For your last day in Kyoto, we recommend visiting Nara.

Visit Nara, Japan's first permanent capital in the 8th century.

Discover:

The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns;
Tôdai-ji, its great bronze Buddha, and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate;
Kôfuku-ji temple and its charming pagoda

Return to Kyoto for sunset at Fushimi Inari-taisha, the immense shrine with 10,000 torii gates in Kyoto.

If you would like to be accompanied on this day trip, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional return trip from Kyoto).

Highlight(s)

Kasuga-taisha

Todai-ji

Kofuku-ji

Options

Nara guided tour

Transfer

Kyoto

Train (50mins)

Nara

Day 9 -

Sayonara and see you next time!

Direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

If you prefer a private transfer directly to the airport with no stops along the way, select the "Private taxi to the airport" option.

Return flight to your home country, but feel free to extend your stay for a few days in Kansai or elsewhere... we'll be happy to help!

Included

Airport Transfers

Options

Private taxi from the hotel to the airport

Stay extension

Product conditions

Accommodation

Meals

Find out more about the accommodation details and meals included in your tour.

Transports and other services

Activities

Included activites

Cancellation policy, terms and conditions, and accessibility

Tour conditions

Cancellation fees apply depending on when the cancellation is confirmed. Please read the following carefully, along with our travel conditions and required travel documents.

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel your trip after signing the registration form, please notify Japan Experience as soon as possible—by registered mail (with acknowledgment of receipt) or by email. The date the notice is sent will serve as the official cancellation date.

Cancellation fees are calculated as a percentage of the total trip cost, according to the following schedule:

More than 35 days before departure: 35% of the total cost
Between 35 and 21 days before departure: 50% of the total cost
Between 20 and 8 days before departure: 75% of the total cost
Less than 7 days before departure or on the day of departure: no refund

Price Adjustments

Tour prices are subject to change depending on factors such as supply and demand, yen exchange rates, and supplier pricing.
No refund will be made after booking if a lower price becomes available. Similarly, no additional charges will apply in the event of a price increase after confirmation.

Program Modifications

The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
To ensure participant safety and comfort, Japan Experience may adjust the order of visits, the choice of cities, or other program details as needed — always with the goal of maintaining a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Accessibility

This tour is not suitable for travelers with reduced mobility.
Pets are not allowed.
Children and infants are welcome.
- A child rate (ages 3–11) includes a standard bed and seat.
- An infant rate (ages 0–2) includes a baby crib in most accommodations, though availability cannot be guaranteed.
Dietary requirements: Vegetarian or vegan options in Japan are limited, particularly on group tours. While Japan Experience cannot guarantee specific meals, your guide will help you find suitable dishes when possible. The same applies to travelers with food intolerances.
Luggage: Extra luggage transfers incur an additional charge (approx. £25 / $31 USD per person per bag). Please inform your guide in advance.

Travel Documents

A digital version of your travel booklet and related documents will be sent by email 3 weeks before departure.
Airport transfer tickets will be provided by your airport assistant upon arrival (if applicable).
Physical travel documents needed for the tour will be given by your tour guide at the hotel meeting at 7:00 PM on Day 1.
Booking and Payment
Choose your tour, departure date, and number of participants.
Pay a 35% deposit online to confirm your booking.
Receive your booking confirmation by email.
Book your flight (either through Japan Experience or independently, ensuring flight times fit your tour schedule).
Pay the remaining balance at least one month before departure. Payment in installments is available upon request.

For questions or assistance, contact our team at +44 (0)20 3514 6932 or contact@japan-experience.com.

You can also visit our London office or request a quote online

Need Help?

Request a quote and let us know any questions you may have, as well as the best time for one of our travel experts to call you back.

Ask your questions

Peak season note

In very rare cases, mainly in peak season, the steps might be reversed. You will be informed of this in your travel diary should it happen. We appreciate your understanding.

Cover your trip, Insurance

Choose between our 2 offers to insure a safe trip

As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html. If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html) there is no need for any test.

I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

Is insurance mandatory?

No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

What applications should I download before entering Japan?

For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked in the top 10 by the Global Peace Index.

Therefore travelling alone is safe. Women and girls can travel alone without fear of being harassed or solicited in public places. The same goes for children, who can be seen going to school alone in the metro from the age of 7. This can give you an idea of the country's level of safety. Last but not least, Japan is a haven for children: the safety, the amusement parks, the friendly attitude of the population.

Travelling in Japan is cheaper than travelling in Europe, except for transport:

a. By train (that's why a Japan Rail Pass is the best solution)

b. By taxi: with the exception of short trips, taxis are expensive.

Please note that fruit and vegetables in supermarkets are also significantly more expensive in Japan.

For meals and accommodation, there are some interesting options. You can find tasty lunches for €7-8, even in Tokyo. For accommodation, Japan Experience offers traditional accommodation in the major tourist cities of Japan, with good value for money.

In short, it is entirely possible to quickly reduce the price of a trip to Japan by adjusting your various budgets (food, accommodation, transport), without sacrificing the quality of your stay!

Finally, we advise you to go to Japan with Yen (¥) from our partner Comptoir Change Opera (https://www.ccopera.com/). The vast majority of payments in Japan are still made in cash.