Tokyo to Kyoto holiday in Japan
Late availability on these dates: 21 Oct, 04 Nov, 11 Nov, 25 Nov, 09 Dec
Description of Tokyo to Kyoto holiday in Japan
This seven day holiday in Japan takes you from Tokyo to Kyoto and gives you an in-depth look at three of the country’s most dynamic and fascinating cities, in the company of an experienced guide and a small group of likeminded travellers. Japan is an incredible country, home to geishas, sake, onsen and tea houses, and you’ll be able to get a taste of it all, without blowing the budget.
You’ll start your journey in Tokyo, where you’ll spend three days exploring the city’s exhilarating nightlife, lively shopping streets and ancient temples, perhaps visiting Tsukiji Fish Market, the biggest in the world, or spending an evening at a glass karaoke box with skyline views.
After leaving Tokyo, you’ll catch a train to Nikko, which has been a sacred city since the middle of the 8th century, and is bursting with elegant shrines and temples, including the Toshu-gu Shrine, the resting place of a Tokugawa shogun who was one of Japan’s most powerful rulers. If you’re feeling energetic, you could also head for a hike in Nikko National Park.
Your final stop is Kyoto, which you’ll reach by shinkansen (bullet train). With over 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, you’ll be content enough just wandering the streets and soaking up the atmosphere, but you could also spend an evening in Gion, the famous Geisha district; see Japan’s largest pagoda at Toji; or take a walk along the ‘Path of Philosophy’ in the nearby eastern hills.
Map
Price information
Check dates, prices & availability
Travel guides
Holiday information
Reviews
1 Reviews of Tokyo to Kyoto holiday in Japan
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2018 by Lisa Watson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all fabulous! There was an ideal mix of pace and sightseeing between frenetic Tokyo, to gentle Nikko and beautiful Kyoto. Our guide Koi was so
organised and helpful, her assistance in getting around really made travelling, navigating public transport or busy sightseeing spots enjoyable rather than
stressful.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Double check your itinerary, as it was not clear from the notes that we would have a guide on hand throughout the trip and that our travel between venues
was also paid-when talking to the London tour operator I was also told to book a seven day rail pass in Japan, which if I had followed this advice I would have wasted a lot of £s!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying at local guest houses owned by local people was part of the holiday. The first guesthouse in Tokyo was owned by a lovely family but the property was rather dated and the smoking inside the building by some of the other guests and the elderly owner was too much for me. The second guesthouse in Nikko had the best traditional baths. The third guesthouse in Kyoto had the right mix of traditional style with contemporary fittings and was situated in an ideal area for getting around.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Grand. Travel is soul food and Japan has been on my wish list to visit for an awful long time. Really felt I lucked out by booking with the tour operator, having fun & friendly fellow travellers and a truly brilliant guide in Koi.
Responsible Travel
Planet
This journey is filled with opportunities for you to learn about Japan today and its extraordinary contrasting blend of the ultra modern and high tech, with ancient traditions. The more you shed preconceptions, observe and participate in the many experiences on offer you will increase cross-cultural understanding.Environment
Much of the travelling on this trip is done on the famous Bullet train. Journeying by rail produces significantly less carbon emissions per passenger than travel by either air or car, making this one of the most environmentally responsible methods to explore this magnificent country.
All travellers in the group will be encouraged to travel with refillable water bottles and purification tablets rather than purchasing water in plastic bottles to minimise waste and your group leader will also be on hand to advise on the responsible discarding of rubbish throughout the trip, recycling wherever possible.
We are a big supporter of the protection of endangered species around the world. It is against our Responsible Travel policy for leaders to take passengers to places that use cruel practices or supply or serve foods that are on the endangered species list, such as whale, turtle, tiger, bird’s nests, pangolin and shark.
People
Community:There are many activity options enabling you to interact with local people and learn and understand their traditions. We of course do what we can to demonstrate respect for local culture and tradition. While Japan is known for its 'out there' fashions overall, it is quite a conservative country. We spend time at temples, working monasteries, holy shrines, recreated villages and castles, cooking schools and ancient gardens. At these places it is important to be respectful to the staff and other visitors by wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. During your visit you will receive hospitality from local families and people. A great way to reciprocate is to bring a small gift from your country, eg. animal figurines, pens, flags or stickers.
The accommodation for this trip is a mix of small locally owned and operated ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and guesthouses, where our patronage is directly supporting local families. Our gracious hosts will help guide you around traditional practices and living arrangements. An outdoor onsen (hot spring bath) is a real highlight of a guesthouse stay. There are separate baths for males and females, and as no clothes or swimming costumes are allowed in the hot springs - it's time to shed those inhibitions!
Popular similar holidays
Japan honeymoon tour on a shoestring
From £1790 13 days excluding flights
Simple hotels, rustic ryokan, unforgettable honeymoon
South Korea and Japan small group tour
From £3275 - £3475 24 days excluding flights
Explore South Korea & Japan in 24 days
Japan tailor made tour on a shoestring
From £1170 8 days excluding flights
Japan's classic sights on a shoestring
