How to Create Your Dream Japan Itinerary Starting From Tokyo
For most people travelling to Japan, they will stay or at least pass through Tokyo at least once on their trip! For this reason, Tokyo is seen as the gateway to Japan and is the perfect starting, and finishing location for tourists! Therefore, we have created this to page to help inspire you on how to create your dream Japan trip and itinerary to Tokyo and beyond. There is so much to see and do in Japan, so why not start and finish with Tokyo, but make sure to explore the other gems that the country can offer you! On this page you will find the following information :
— How to Create Your Dream Japan Itinerary Starting from Tokyo
— Best Day-Trips and Getaways Near Tokyo
HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM JAPAN ITINERARY STARTING FROM TOKYO
As we mentioned above, 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 any first timer’s visiting Tokyo, we highly recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the Capital to ensure you see a few of the main attractions and cover a good variety of areas. Why not check out our ’First Timer’s Guide to Tokyo’ page for more helpful information! For Japan as a whole, many visitors will spend approximately 10 – 15 days here to ensure they can explore as much of the Country as possible! For this reason, we will suggest a 3 week itinerary that covers a good variety of Japan. We hope this will help you when planning where to go and what to do on your dream trip!
We offer a wide variety of tours across Japan, as well as packages including charters and transportation. So from start to finish, we can support you in making your Japan trip a reality. We will now recommend where to visit as part of an 15 day itinerary (please note this does not include your two travel days to and from Japan) to ensure your Japan trip is varied, fun and adventurous. The itinerary will connect you with the rich heritage and culture of this beautiful Country :
Day 1 – 3 Tokyo Prefecture
Day 1 : Asakusa
Nestled within the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo, this tour in Asakusa will give guests a great experience to explore the area and travel back in time to what was once the beating heart of Edo, now known as Tokyo. Led by a locally-based and English-speaking guide, the tour will begin at the historical temple and shopping complex of Senso-ji and Nakamise Dori. You will then learn about the traditional Japanese art of Taiko and have the opportunity to play these amazing drums. Lunch time will be spent exploring Asakusa’s popular dining destinations to sample the delights of Japanese food and Izakaya culture. The afternoon will be spent exploring Asakusa’s famous ’Kitchen Town’ and tradtional crafts, before visiting temples and shrines off the main tourist trail of Asakusa. To conclude, we will spend a relaxing time on the East side of Sumida Park enjoying the serene nature and landscape before finishing the tour with amazing views of the Asakusa skyline!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30- 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Day 2 : Shinjuku and Shibuya
This tour will give you the opportunity to experience both traditional culture and pop culture in Tokyo, combining two of the cities most famous and popular areas, Shinjuku and Shibuya. If you’re low on time, and want to experience two of Tokyo’s hot spots, this is the perfect tour for you. The tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including a museum, a garden and park, shrines, famous landmarks and modern architecture.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Day 3 : Tokyo Highlights
You will get to visit the iconic Tokyo Station, see Tokyo Imperial Palace outer gate and grounds, and walk through neighbouring Hibiya Park. You will also get to try sake tasting ( or you can try Shochu or the non – alcoholic option of Amazake). You will have a refreshment break like no other at a cafe where Robots serve customers, before heading to a traditional Japanese garden and an Edo period museum to explore their life sized Edo townscape.
1 Day Tour
| Tokyo Highlights Tour : Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples and Tokyo Tower | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 16:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside of Hamacho Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Day 4 and 5 Nagano Prefecture
Day 4 : Matsumoto and Narai -Juku :
Tour Matsumoto Caste, one of the twelve remaining original castles in all of Japan and a registered National Treasure, as well the opportunity to explore Matsumoto city. You will then head to the beautifully preserved post town of Narai-juku, located on the Nakasendo road.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Experience Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:15 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
Day 5 Nagano City and Snow Monkey Park :
Your journey to Nagano Prefecture wouldn’t be complete without visiting Nagano City, famous for being the site of the winter Olympics in 1998. This tour is our company’s most popular tour as it includes visiting the stunning Zenkoji Temple, sake tasting and travelling to the nearby mountains to see the famous Snow Monkeys bathing in the natural Onsen (hot springs).
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Day 6 Gifu Prefecture
Takayama and Shirakawa-go :
Step back in time as you visit the mountainous retreats of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Takayama is sure to mesmerize with its beautiful woodwork and traditional streets while Shirakawa-go offers scenic vistas and images of village life in ages past.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥20,800 / 22,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,000 / 14,000 |
Day 7 Ishikawa Prefecture
Kanazawa :
Once one of the wealthiest domains in old Japan for its abundance of gold leaf, Kanazawa still boasts a rich cultural heritage and is famed for its scenic avenues, roasted green tea, and numerous historical sights. Visit the Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en Garden, the Higashi-chaya Tea District, and enjoy your time in this amazing city.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Day 8, 9 and 10 Kansai Region
Day 8 Kyoto :
Discover the essence of Kyoto with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Gion district, and Kiyomizudera. Begin at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates leading up Mount Inari, creating a mystical and unforgettable path. Next, immerse yourself in the traditional charm of Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, where you can wander through quaint streets lined with teahouses and possibly catch a glimpse of geiko and maiko. Conclude your journey at Kiyomizudera, a historic temple perched on a hillside, offering breathtaking views of Kyoto from its wooden terrace and featuring the renowned Otowa Waterfall.
1 Day Tour
| Kyoto Heritage Path – From Fushimi Inari’s Mystery to Kiyomizu Temple Majesty | |
| Period | All year round |
| Time | 09:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Kyoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Day 9 Nara :
Explore the cultural and historical treasures of Nara with our immersive day tours. Begin your journey at the Nara Palace Historical Park, where you can delve into the ancient history of Japan’s first capital. Visit the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, and wander through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. Experience the ancient art of inkstick making with a hands-on workshop, crafting your own traditional inkstick and learning about its significance in Japanese calligraphy. Conclude your tour at the tranquil Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual traditions. Each tour provides a unique and memorable exploration of Nara’s rich cultural heritage.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Walking Tour in Nara: Palace, Deer and Inkstick | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:15 – 16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nara Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,500 |
Day 10 Osaka :
Perfect for first-time visitors, this introductory tour includes a visit to the historic Osaka Castle, where you can explore Japan’s feudal past and marvel at the impressive architecture. Next, experience the tranquillity of Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples. To cap off your day, enjoy a unique Ukiyo-e experience, delving into the traditional art of Japanese woodblock printing. This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Osaka, combining history, culture, and a hands-on artistic activity, making it an ideal start for any visitor.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day walking tour in Osaka：Castle, temples and Ukiyoe | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Shin-Osaka Station / Osaka Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥18,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,500 |
Day 11 and 12 Aichi Prefecture
Day 11 Nagoya :
Get a lay of the land and fuel up for the action packed days ahead with a food tour of Nagoya. This walking tour provides you with a taste of the wonderful flavours of the region and introduces you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city.As we eat our way through Nagoya, you will also be able to marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace, relax as you gaze upon the reflecting pond of Mirai Tower, and learn about the day’s fresh catch at a bustling fish market as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Day 12 Inuyama & Seki :
Explore the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, and the “city of swords.” Learn about the techniques behind crafting a Japanese sword, then test your own skills in sharpening a Japanese kitchen knife. Taste matcha and Japanese sweets and learn about the art of the tea ceremony in a tranquil Japanese garden.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan’s Oldest Castle | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,900 ~ |
| Child Rate | ¥14,000 ~ |
Day 13 and 14 Kanto Region
Day 13 Kamakura and Enoshima :
On the tour you will learn all about Kamakura’s past and significance at its many shrines and temples, experience a traditional Japanese matcha and sweet experience in a Bamboo forest, feed Japanese Koi Carp, and walk Kamakura’s popular shopping street lined with restaurants, street food vendors and local crafts. In Enoshima, you will ride the iconic local train ’Enoden’ beloved by locals, take a walk along its beautiful coastline and finally go onto Enoshima island to see its shrine and observatory overlooking all of Kamakura and the sea!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea | |
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| Period | February – November |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Day 14 Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko :
Your first stop will be at Lake Kawaguchiko’s nature park where you can enjoy a relaxing walk through a flower garden as you take in fantastic views of Mount Fuji and some shopping at a local centre to pick up the perfect souvenir of your day. Next, we will visit a famous and beautiful shrine complex that provides a sense of peace and more fantastic views of Mount Fuji. You will then enjoy some culture at a local art museum famous for its artistic kimonos all displaying beautiful scenes from nature and the four seasons. Finally, you will then travel on to enjoy a ropeway experience so you can sit back and relax as you take in the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and its largest lake. It will then be time to head back to Kawaguchiko station and take the bus back to Tokyo.
1 Day Tour
| Mount Fuji Day Trip : Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 07:50 – 19:45 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Shinjuku Bus Terminal |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,500 |
Day 15 Tokyo
A perfect final day itinerary, this tour will visit the quieter and slower paced area known as ’Yanesen’ (Old Tokyo). The tour starts by visiting Yanaka, a historic and artistic area, and a perfect example of a Shitamachi in Japan. 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. Next, you will visit Sendagi known for its temples and park. Finally, you will visit Nezu to see one of Tokyo’s most beautiful shrines. This tour is slightly shorter than some of our other tours, so you can finish earlier, have a nice dinner and then head back to your hotel ready for your flight the next day.
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
We hope the above has provided you with a lot of inspiration already, but the following sections will all provide you with more information and further suggestions for your trip. Tokyo is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and hidden pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night.
There is so much to see and do in Tokyo, especially fantastic experiences suitable for solo travellers to make your trip fun and engaging. Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you more information on the tours mentioned in the previous section, as well as the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region.
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our wider recommendations on things to do in Tokyo which includes both the golden tourist attractions and some lesser known activities you can enjoy. Why not check out Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
BEST DAY-TRIPS & GETAWAYS NEAR TOKYO
While Tokyo has more than enough to keep you entertained for your entire visit, it is also an ideal base from where to escape the city and explore our home region of Central Japan and beyond. Boasting the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, verdant forests, open spaces, ancient temples and a slower way of life, it is everything that Tokyo is not. Our ’30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways’ page includes some fantastic tips and suggestions of what’s on offer. Here are some examples of the tours we offer outside of Tokyo, but click on the link above to see more . We hope it tempts you to explore beyond the city!
WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO
There is no shortage of accommodation in Tokyo ranging from luxury hotels, mid-range to budget, youth hostels and even capsule hotels! The areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo are among the most popular with tourists, all of which have excellent public transport links, shopping, bars and restaurants. Therefore they make excellent bases for a short stay in the city. Check out our Tokyo destination page which includes everything you need to know about the city, and our ‘Where to Stay in Tokyo’ page for what areas to book your hotels and find the right accommodation for you.
HOW TO GET TO TOKYO
As Japan’s sprawling capital, Tokyo is the start and end point of numerous train lines and express bus services making it easy to reach from all over the country. Our ‘How to Get to Tokyo’ page includes detailed information about how to get there from popular starting points including Tokyo Haneda airport and Tokyo Narita. Why not also check out our ’Comparing Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport’ page for more useful information for planning your trip.
PRIVATE TOURS AND CHARTERS
PRIVATE CHARTERS
If you are looking for transportation to/from major destinations, our company is happy to help! Our buses and vehicles are suitable for single travelers, couples, families and groups of up to 45 people. Click the button below to browse some of our popular charters and to inquire directly.
PRIVATE TOURS
In addition to providing transportation, we can also accommodate your tour needs by providing guides with the itinerary of your choice. If there are tours that you want us to conduct or if you want to adjust our current tours to your needs, feel free to contact us. There are a number of private tours already on our website that allow you to enjoy our tours without the stress of having to worry about other guests, so check those out, too. Click on the button below to make an inquiry.
