Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on our eight-day journey through Japan, ticking off the country's essential destinations while uncovering some lesser-known gems. Get hands-on with traditional craft workshops in Tokyo before boarding the iconic bullet train to explore a quieter side of Mount Fuji, visiting a renowned tea farm, impressive waterfalls and the tranquil shores of Lake Tanuki. Blending immersive cultural experiences, guided walks and time to explore independently, this itinerary is designed for both first-time visitors and those returning to discover a different side of Japan.
Breakfast: 7
Lunch: 1
Dinner: 2
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Bus
Train
7 nights comfortable hotel
Full on
Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our tour starts today in Tokyo, Japan's ultra-modern capital. A sprawling metropolis, Tokyo is one of the world's most populous cities and a dazzling blend of traditional culture and all things new.
For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, there is the option to head out for dinner at a nearby local restaurant where you'll have the chance to sample various dishes in an 'izakaya' style Japanese restaurant. If some of the group are arriving on later flights, the main introductory briefing will take place on the morning of Day 2 with everybody present.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Tokyo at any time. If you miss the welcome meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). The hotel is around an hour away from Haneda Airport and an hour and a half from Narita. You'll be met in the arrivals hall and transferred to the hotel by public shuttle bus or private vehicle. The shuttle bus may stop at other hotels before dropping you at our hotel.
Japanese hotels have strict rules regarding check-in and all customers are required to wait until 3 PM for room access. You will be able to store your luggage while waiting but if you require an early check-in, then you should request this at the time of booking. We do not guarantee this will be possible and depending on availability an extra fee will be charged.
Please note, while our itinerary gives us two days in Japan's capital, there's a lot to pack in. If you really want to get to grips with Tokyo's sites, we highly recommend adding additional nights to your trip pre-tour.
Sunroute Asakusa Hotel (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
Today, we'll explore Tokyo both on foot and using the super-efficient metro system along with the locals on a full-day walking tour that blends history, local life and hands-on cultural experiences. Starting in Asakusa district, we'll discover Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo and a site that deserves to be high on any explorer's list. We enter through the imposing Thunder Gate, flanked on either side by massive, fierce statues of the gods of wind and rain.
We continue north for a leisurely walk through Ueno Park, one of Japan's oldest parks, famous for its museums. Passing green spaces and local neighbourhoods we'll arrive at Ameyoko Market, a lively street market that offers a glimpse into Tokyo's post-war trading culture. After some free time to grab some lunch, we'll step into the quieter atmosphere of Yanaka, a shopping street lined with small family-run shops and traditional snacks.
Our day concludes with a hands-on wagashi and tea-making experience, where we'll learn about the artistry, seasonality and symbolism behind traditional Japanese sweets, paired with tea culture. It's a relaxed and meaningful way to connect with Tokyo's living traditions.
We cover a lot of ground on foot throughout this tour, so we recommend bringing comfortable footwear.
This morning we have a half-day guided visit to a local artisan workshop, where we'll learn about the history and techniques of traditional lantern-making using kanji script. After choosing your kanji characters or message you will then draw them, with guidance from our instructor, on to our own lanterns. The lanterns collapse down easily to fit into a container so we can take them home as a souvenir of our time here.
When the paper lantern workshop is not available (typically in January, May and September when the artisan is hired for the Tokyo sumo tournaments), we'll take part in a Amezaiku candy-craft workshop instead, learning to shape corn starch into figures using methods that date back to the Heian period.
We should be finished by around midday, and the remainder of the day is free. You may like to visit the nearby Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views, and there are plenty of lunch and shopping opportunities here as well. Speak with your tour leader for advice and instructions for your free time in the capital. You may like to visit Shibuya, known for one of the busiest crossings in the world. It's a hub of up-and-coming fashion, technology and design with a variety of shops, museums and galleries to explore. It's easy to return to Asakusa by metro from here, or you can continue to the skyscraper district of Shinjuku.
We have a busy day ahead today as we leave Tokyo and begin to explore more of Japan. First, we take the subway then board a one-hour bullet train to Shizuoka.
Shizuoka is situated along Suruga Bay on the historic Tokaido route between Nagoya and Tokyo, and it is here where Tokugawa Ieyasu - the shogun who reunified Japan in 1600 - grew up and lived out his final years. The surrounding region is known as Japan's green tea heartland and local specialties include wasabi, unagi (eel), tuna and great seafood.
We'll meet our charter bus which we'll use for the next two days. First up is a visit to a local tea farm to learn about the production of green tea in the area and specifically of gyokuro, one of Japan's most prized green teas.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, featuring seasonal dishes and sweets prepared with tea leaves. In the afternoon, we visit Nihondaira Yume Terrace for panoramic views of the coastline and, weather permitting, Mount Fuji. We'll catch the ropeway or cable car to Kunozan Tosho-gu, thought to be the original burial place of the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, set on a forested hillside. At the end of the day, we'll check in to our hotel, which is centrally located near Shizuoka station.
Please note, our main luggage will be forwarded to our hotel in Kyoto today, and we'll be travelling with just our overnight bags. Depending on local arrangements, you might need to leave your luggage in reception the night of Day 3 or before breakfast this morning - your tour leader will advise you on the time. For more information, please refer to the Budgeting & Packing section of the Trip Information.
Hotel Associa Shizuoka (or similar)
After an early breakfast, we'll check out of our hotel and board our charter bus to explore the area west of Mount Fuji. We'll start with a scenic drive of around one hour and 30 minutes to Lake Tanuki, an artificial lake located on the western foot of Fuji. We plan to walk the short scenic trail around the lake which should take around one hour.
At some point, we plan to stop for lunch (not included) at Fuji Milk Land, where we can sample local dairy products and regional flavours. We'll also visit Shiraito Falls, known for its curtain-like streams fed by Mt. Fuji's spring water, followed by nearby Otodome Falls, a powerful contrast with its narrow cascade.
Mount Fuji World Heritage Center is a great place to learn all about Japan's most iconic mountain with interactive exhibits that introduce its cultural, spiritual and natural significance.
In the afternoon, we return to Shizuoka Station to board the Shinkansen or bullet train to Kyoto, continuing our journey west. The train journey takes about 90 minutes and we should reach our hotel in Kyoto for check in around 6pm. We'll be reunited with our main luggage at check-in.
Please note, the view of Mount Fuji is dependent on the weather - our tour leader may change the order of today's itinerary to give us the best chance of seeing the iconic mountain. The summer months (June to August) are generally the poorest for visibility due to the humidity, clouds and haze. Winter (December to February) generally brings the most reliable conditions. Autumn (late October to November) is good for photography thanks to the changing foliage, as is spring, when you can see the famous blossoms, too.
Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi (or similar)
Today we start exploring Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, beginning with a Zen meditation session led by a local Buddhist monk at a traditional temple. Guided through the basics of seated meditation, posture and breathing, this experience offers a calm and meaningful introduction to Zen practices rooted in centuries-old monastic tradition. The session will last around one hour in total.
Next up we continue to Sanjusangen-do Temple, renowned for its long wooden hall housing 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy,. Finally, we visit Kiyomizu-dera, dramatically constructed on wooden pillars overlooking the Higashiyama hills and offering panoramic views over Kyoto.
We'll finish our sightseeing before lunch and the rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. There's plenty to see in Kyoto, from the classic Nijo Palace and Gardens to the modern visual spectacle at teamLab. Speak with your tour leader for advice and help if needed.
Early this morning, we take the local train to the mountain village of Kurama (around one hour). From here, we begin the scenic Kurama-Kibune trail nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto. We start with a steady ascent through the temple grounds of Kurama-dera, following a mix of paved paths and stone steps. The walk is mostly on steps up through the local forest, with occasional views, and is quite steep in places. The trail continues over a forested ridge, becoming a natural woodland path with cedar trees, exposed roots, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. The hike covers around 4.5 kilometres/2.8 miles, with a total ascent and descent of 380 metres/1,246 feet, and we have graded it moderate. There is a cable car at the start and you may choose to use this to save around 100 metres/328 feet of ascent. The walk ends in the pretty riverside village of Kibune where we catch a shuttle bus the short distance to the train station. You can either return to Kyoto in time for lunch or enjoy a relaxed lunch here in the village. The afternoon is then free for you to explore more at your own pace.
This evening, we'll come together for an included farewell dinner, a final opportunity to reflect on your journey and enjoy Kyoto's cuisine.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Kyoto.
Kyoto is a wonderful city with so much to see and do - you might like to consider extending your stay when booking your trip to give your more time here.
Alternatively, why not continue your adventure in Japan by booking our JPK \ Highlights of Japan - Kyushu Island\ trip? The departure dates are planned so you can easily combine the two trips together and from the bullet train runs from Kyoto to Fukuoka. Contact us for more information and if you need assistance with your bullet train tickets.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Kyoto at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is approximately one hour and thirty minutes by train, or Osaka International Airport (ITM) which takes around one hour by shuttle bus. Please note that you'll be required to walk a short distance from the hotel to the train station or bus collection point and the transfer will be unescorted. Your tour leader will provide the tickets and clear instructions to help navigate the easy journey.
Japan's climate is mostly temperate, with distinct seasons. The following is to give an approximate summary, please bear in mind that Kyushu is further south and Hokkaido further north, while Kyoto and Osaka will have a slightly different and warmer climate to Tokyo. Summer is from June to September with temperatures reaching 30°c, although it can vary from warm to very hot after mid-July with temperatures in the mid-30s. July and August can be very hot and humid. It can still be quite warm in September until the end of October with temperatures reaching 30 degrees. Spring and Autumn are mild throughout Japan. Winter, December to March, is cold with snowfall. The main rainy season is June. Japan can be prone to short, tropical cyclones from August to October. November/December is a great time to see the Autumn colours. For trips that visit the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Onsen, you're very likely to see them all year around, aside from in June to September when there is enough food in the forest to prevent them coming down to the baths, or in October-November during mating season. You may still see some at this time but not in the numbers found during the rest of the year.
+9
2 Pin Flat
Buddhism, Christian and Shinto
Japanese
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. Tokyo - Tokyo Sky Tree approx. £14 (should be booked well in advance) https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ticket/individual/ It's possible to arrange yourself a sumo stable visit, located a 20-minute walk from Asakusa. Visits are not possible in tournament times (Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept and Nov), and in the lead up to tournaments. https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/plan/detail/130SUETB001JG343S Kyoto - Nijo Castle - £6-7 including access to the palace. Note: You can buy general admission tickets on the day of your visit, but if you want to enter the inner Honmaru-goten Palace, you must book a timed-entry web ticket up to 30 days in advance. you can either do this pre-tour or speak with your tour leader at the start of the trip for advice. https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/admission/ticket/?lang=en One day bus pass to travel around the whole city approx. £6.00; Silver Pavilion approx. £3.00; Eikando approx. £4.00; Nanzenin temple at Nanzenji £3.50; Tenryuji - £3.50; Return train to Arashiyama approx. £4; Fushimi Inari Shrine entrance free. TeamLab Kyoto should be definitely booked in advance, as entries for each time slot are limited. Customers can reserve the tickets from the official website: https://www.teamlab.art/e/kyoto/ Ticket prices vary depending on the season and day of the week, booking opens 2 months in advance.
Rain gear is essential all year. In fact, in Japan it is the norm to carry an umbrella (easily bought locally), which is much preferred over wearing a wet rain jacket which can carry water indoors. You will need warmer clothing from October through until April when temperatures drop, especially at night. From December to February the temperature is around 5 to 10 degrees in the day, and can approach freezing on some nights so bring extra layers if you are travelling at this time. The summers are hot and humid.
Hiking shoes or boots for the Kurama to Kibune hike on day 7 and Lake Tanuki stroll on day 5. Comfortable shoes, and sandals for relaxing. Shoes that are easy to put on and take off are recommended for visiting temples and sites.
20Kg
You should take one main piece of baggage and an overnight bag with space for 1 nights/2 days of clothes and things you will need when separated from your main bags. Your main luggage won't always accompany you, being forwarded on day 4 from Tokyo to Kyoto. The reason we include this luggage forwarding service is to avoid being encumbered on the train journeys, where you will be responsible for your luggage, and aside from limited space on the train itself, this will involve train connections where you will need to change platforms in stations where there are often no lifts or escalators and with a limited connection time. Depending on local arrangements, you might need to leave your luggage in reception on the night of Day 3 or before breakfast on Day 4 - your tour leader will advise you on tour. On arrival into a new location we normally head straight to the hotel to drop off the overnight bag or use local storage near the station. Therefore you may find it useful to bring an additional smaller daypack for essential things, as you may not wish to carry your overnight bag around with you. On this trip it should be possible to keep things on the tour bus while sightseeing on days 4 and 5 in the Shizuoka area, although we always advise to keep valuables on your person. It is not obligatory; should you wish to keep your main bag with you throughout the trip please let the Tour Leader know upon arrival or at time of booking, and in this case we strongly recommend either a compact suitcase with wheels or a good quality rucksack, as well as packing relatively light so you can easily move your luggage from point to point and up and down stairs. Hotels in Japan frequently have excellent self-service laundry facilities with convenient washer driers that dispense detergent and softener so it is easy to travel light and wash your clothes as you go along. Japan's rail network has a policy that requires passengers with oversized baggage to reserve a specific seat in an oversized baggage area. This relates to baggage with overall dimensions of over 160cm (taken by adding the height+width+depth measurements). These overall dimensions are around the same for which oversized baggage fees are charged on international airlines, so it's unlikely that you will be bringing a suitcase of this size. However, it is worth checking the dimensions and then repacking with a smaller case if necessary. Due to the complexities of booking these seats, if you arrive with an oversized bag and wish to travel with this throughout the trip, our team in Japan will be required to ship the luggage from one place to the next from the beginning to the end of the tour, at an additional cost that you will be required to pay on tour.
While not essential, you may find it very useful to have constant access to the internet on your smartphone. This would be to use translation and navigation apps while on the go each day, as well as staying in touch with the group using WhatsApp. Therefore we strongly recommend getting yourself an eSIM either before travel or on arrival. Bring a water bottle to save on purchase of plastic bottles and a small torch. Hairdryers are provided at all the hotels. Kettles are provided in most hotel rooms. You may find insect repellent useful particularly for hotter and more humid times of the year. It is possible to consult the Tour Leader at the start of your trip and buy some locally. To avoid single use plastic bags, we advise you bring a reusable bag. You will find it useful to have a bag with you when out and about to store any rubbish in as bins are not frequently found as in other countries. Over the counter medication - please note that getting a top up or replacement prescription can be very difficult in Japan and will require a medical appointment. Even then the medication you normally use may have restricted use in Japan and it is not guaranteed you will get the same prescription. For this reason you should always take it with you in your hand luggage and not checked in.
Bus, Train
During this tour, we stay in comfortable-grade hotels. Our accommodation has been chosen with location in mind and most stays just a short walk from the nearest metro or train station. While clean and comfortable, hotel rooms and ensuite bathrooms in Japan are often much smaller than in other destinations. Some single rooms can be tiny. This is due to the pressure on space in high-density urban areas coupled with Japanese expectations about the size of living spaces. It's unlikely that you'll be able to keep your suitcase open at all times, especially when sharing the room. For this reason, and the fact we use a lot of public transport, we recommend packing light. Many hotels in Japan have self-service laundry facilities with washer driers that dispense detergent and softener, so it's perfectly possible to travel light and clean your clothes as you go. Another reason for packing light is that Japan offers great value for money with all shopping including clothing. Please see our luggage information for more information. We book twin rooms throughout. Often, the beds can be pushed together, but if a double bed is important to you, we suggest that you request this at the time of booking. Please note that double beds in Japan are somewhat smaller than Western doubles, and the room itself will be smaller - more like a single room. Additionally, we can't guarantee double rooms will always be available. Most hotels in Japan are in large multi-story blocks and have locked staircases which can only be accessed in the event of an emergency, and there is a seal that is broken to access the staircases. At all other times it's expected that guests will use the lifts to move between floors, even if just one or two floors. If this is an issue for you, please raise at time of booking.
Food in Japan is of paramount importance culturally and is often a highlight for those visitors interested in different cuisines. Options for vegetarians are limited as fish and seafood plays an important part in local cuisine and many vegetable dishes are cooked in fish broth. Options for vegans are extremely limited in general and especially outside of the main cities. We have included two dinners and one lunch. For people with severe allergies please note that it will be impossible to cater without risk of cross contamination, depending on the specific allergy, as the meal is prepared in a limited kitchen for all clients and the restaurant does not share a list of ingredients. You should always advise us of any allergies but in this case please enquire at time of booking or prior to travel to see what will be possible. For others with allergies and preferences in their diet please note that we will try to accommodate but, while the meals will be plentiful, you may be offered slightly less choice than others.
Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Our price guarantee does not apply to Polar Voyages. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
British passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. All visa related issues for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. Although not required, by registering on the visit Japan Web website, travellers are able fill out the Disembarkation Form in advance. By filling out this form online you will recieve a QR code which can then be shown during entry procedures into Japan. This will help you proceed through customs and control quicker. As this step is not required, travellers can instead fill out physical paper forms upon arrival as well. More information can be found here: https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001
For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory. We recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. The use or possession of Vicks inhalers and some other common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g. for allergies and sinus problems or even certain mild painkillers, such as those containing certain levels of codeine) are banned under Japan's strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance about these medicines. If in any doubt about customs procedures for such items, you should check with the nearest Japanese Embassy before visiting Japan. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.