Places You'll See
Highlights
- Adventure & Exploration: Walk in the footsteps of the Samurai and Shogun by visiting historic sites where they lived, ruled and worshipped!
- Cultural Immersion:Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko’s National Park to see where the 1st and 3rd Tokugawa Shogun are buried, try on replica Samurai armour and see the ancient sport of Sumo!
- Breathtaking Landscapes:Witness the impressive Odawara Castle, the picturesque Shinkyo Bridge in Nikko and go to the top of Tokyo Tower to see the expansive metropolis of Tokyo from above!
Description
For most people travelling to Japan, they will visit and stay in Tokyo during their trip! For this reason, Tokyo is seen as the gateway to exploring Japanese heritage and culture, but is also the perfect location to visit the wider Kanto region of Japan! The Kanto region is home to the prefectures of Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi, Ibaraki and Gunma. We offer a number of tours which will allow you to explore Tokyo and the wider Kanto region with ease, letting you get off the beaten path and get closer to Japan’s culture. We have created this to page to help inspire you on how to create the perfect ‘Samurai and Shogun’ itinerary. There is so much Samurai and Shogun history to see and experience in Japan, so why not explore Tokyo, but make sure to get off the beaten tourist path and explore the other gems that the country can offer you to get closer to this fascinating period in Japan’s history!
Tokyo is the gateway to Japan. Home to two airports which cater to both domestic and international flights, and with excellent transport options to easily reach the city centre, you can begin and finish your Japan trip with ease! For travellers who are fans of the Samurai and the recently popular ‘Shogun’ TV Show, Japan is rich in history and cultural attractions that reflect this time period, especially the fascinating ‘Edo’ period where the powerful Tokugawa Shogunate family reigned supreme for nearly 270 years. From castles and historic architecture, to the temples and shrines dedicated to these past warriors, you can enjoy exploring Japan to the fullest.
For this itinerary, we will suggest a 5 day route that covers a good variety of popular locations and attractions, as well as lesser known places in Tokyo and across the Kanto region. This itinerary takes you to Tokyo, Odawara, Nikko and Kawagoe. We hope this will help you when planning where to go and what to do on your dream Shogun inspired trip!
Day 1 ODAWARA
How to Start Off Your Day
Tokyo is the perfect starting point for your journey, offering a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation that will captivate and inspire you from the moment you arrive. Whether you're drawn to its historic temples, bustling streets, or cutting-edge technology, Tokyo provides an unforgettable introduction to the wonders of Japan. Plus, the city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget. From luxurious 5-star hotels with stunning skyline views to cozy boutique guesthouses and traditional ryokan inns, you're sure to find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration.
Check out our Tokyo destination page for more information on where to stay. For many travellers, the areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Asakusa are very popular as they are very central, offer great hotels and links to transport. We highly recommend staying in the Shinjuku area. A lively hub and one of the most popular areas in the city, Shinjuku has a plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels to suit all tastes. Shinjuku is also home to the busiest station in all of Tokyo, but it offers incredible links to every part of the city. For your day 1 tour, the tour meeting place is outside Shinjuku station by the South Entrance/Gate and outside of the Baskin Robbins shop.
Explore Odawara : Castle, Samurai, Seaside and Traditional Crafts / All Year Round
This tour gives guests the opportunity to step out of Tokyo and experience Japan’s Castle and Craft Town, Odawara. Based in Kanagawa prefecture, this is a seaside town buzzing with culture, nature and local flare. If you want to get off the beaten tourist path and experience something new on an easy day trip from Tokyo, then this tour is for you! On this tour, you will have the opportunity to see one if Japan’s top 10 castles used by the Samurai and Shogun, Odawara castle and park (now the closest castle to Tokyo), learn all about the history of the city and the Samurai, try on Samurai armour, try the freshest Sushi and seafood at Odawara’s harbour, have a go at making two traditional local crafts, and finally pay a visit to a popular observatory with a relaxing foot bath to take in breath taking views of the landscape and surrounding ocean.
*Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your day back in the centre of Tokyo at Shinjuku station. Take your time to explore more of what the city has to offer! There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from in Shinjuku!
Recommended Accommodation
Day 2 NIKKO
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up again in Tokyo. Today you will have the entire day to explore the amazing area of Nikko. For this tour, you will need to travel to Asakusa station/ Ekimise Department Store to reach the meeting point. Once you arrive at Asakusa Station, your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour to this beautiful UNESCO Heritage site area to enjoy cultural and nature highlights.
Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park / April - October
Get out of Tokyo and step back in time to Tochigi prefecture and explore the world famous heritage site and national park of Nikko! If you want to see some of Japan’s most beautiful and culturally significant temples, shrines, traditional architecture and natural landmarks, then this tour is for you. With Nikko being two hours from Tokyo, it is the perfect day trip outside of the capital!
Granted World Heritage status in 1999, Nikko is considered the heritage hub in Japan due to its many temples and shrines rich in history with many an interesting tale to tell! It is also known for its national park nestled among the lush mountainous landscape sure to impress you and leave you feeling refreshed on your return to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo! Marvel at the gold gilded shrines, the intricate wood carvings and the nature that surrounds you as you make your way through Nikko’s World Heritage site with your tour guide!
*Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your day back in the centre of Tokyo at Asakusa station. Take your time to explore more of what the city has to offer! As we get back around 7pm you may wish to stay in the Asakusa area for the night instead of exploring other areas of Tokyo. There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from in Asakusa and it has a great traditional atmosphere!
Recommended Accommodation
Day 3 KAWAGOE
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up fresh in Tokyo. Today you will have the entire day to explore the amazing area of Kawagoe. For this tour, you will need to travel to Ikebukuro station to reach the meeting point. If you’re staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya, you can easily reach Ikebukuro using the JR Yamanote Line. Upon arrival at Ikebukuro station, your guide will greet you inside the station meeting point and take you on a memorable tour to Kawagoe to enjoy the historic and cultural highlights.
Day Trip to Kawagoe : Experience the ‘Little Edo’ of Japan / All Year Round
Step out of Tokyo and step back in time to ’Little Edo’. A slice of old Japan filled with history, wonderful food and impressive architecture. Kawagoe is fast becoming a popular day trip to do during your trip to Tokyo as it is often likened to a mini Kyoto. Based in Saitama prefecture yet only just over 30 minutes away from Tokyo from Ikebukuro station and 1 hour from Shinjuku/Shibuya stations, it is a great opportunity to venture out and see a different part of Japan but with the ease of still being close to the city! It is also the perfect stop off on your way to Nagano so you can make the most of your travel time in between destinations!
The tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including museums, shopping, food and drink, shrines and temples, and iconic architecture. You will have the opportunity to learn all about Kawagoe’s past and significance in the ’Old Town’ and Castle remains, walk the streets lined with Kurazukuri clay warehouses and the famous Toki no Kane Bell Tower, shop for local crafts and delicious street food, and visit some beautiful and unique shrines and temples. This is the perfect opportunity to get out of Tokyo and experience a different side to Japan!
*Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your day back in the centre of Tokyo at Ikebukuro station. Take your time to explore more of what the city has to offer in the Ikebukuro area! As we get back around 4.45pm, you may wish to stay in the Ikebukuro area for the night instead of exploring other areas of Tokyo. There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from in Ikebukuro and it has a fun and lively atmosphere! Sunshine City in Ikebukuro is a large shopping complex full of great entertainment and dining options!
Recommended Accommodation
Day 4 UENO AND YANAKA
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up in Tokyo! Today you will have the entire day to explore the amazing areas of Ueno and Yanaka in Tokyo. Upon arrival at Ueno Station, your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour to these two beautiful spots to enjoy historic, cultural highlights. This is a slower paced tour, so please enjoy the relaxing and leisurely atmosphere.
1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka : Culture, Art and Old Tokyo / All Year Round
This tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including museums, a park and nature, shrines and temples, and traditional architecture. You will walk around the popular and expansive Ueno Park to visit its many temples, shrines and beautiful landscape. Known as the place to go if you’re a culture vulture due to its many museums and heritage attractions. You will then visit a bustling and lively retro area of Ueno famous for its old style shopping arcades and restaurants.You will then visit a perfect example of a Shitamachi or ’lower city’ in Tokyo, Yanaka. A cosy and traditional neighbourhood not many tourists know about, you will step back in time and enjoy an atmosphere that is very different to many parts of Tokyo.
*Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your day back in the centre of Tokyo at Nippori station. Take your time to explore more of what the city has to offer. As we finish around 5pm, you may wish to stay and explore the Yanaka or Ueno areas. There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from for dining options.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 5 TOKYO HIGHLIGHTS
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up in Tokyo for your final day of the trip! For your day 1 tour, you can easily reach the meet-up location at Hamacho station from Shinjuku station, by taking the Toei Shinjuku Line for 17 minutes with no changes needed.
Tokyo Highlights Tour / All Year Round
This tour gives guests the opportunity to experience much of the traditional and iconic culture associated with Japan and Tokyo. You will have the opportunity to see Sumo Wrestlers train, try the freshest and best Sushi and street food in Tokyo, walk through a traditional Japanese garden and visit a tea house, walk around an historic Buddhist temple complex and park, and finally pay a visit to one of Tokyo’s most famous observation decks – Tokyo Tower.
*Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your day at approximately 16.30pm in the centre of Tokyo at Akabanebashi station. After the tour, take your time to explore more of what the city has to offer! At Akabanebashi, you are close to areas such as Roppongi and Azubadai Hills where there is a good selection of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from. Or head to nearby Shinjuku or Shibuya to experience the night life of Tokyo for your final night!
