Tokyo, Kyoto and Nakasendo Route
Duration
5 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Tokyo
Available
April 2026 / March 2027
Cities to visit: Tokyo; Kyoto; Tsumago; Matsumoto
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
Day
Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you’ll be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll receive details about the start of your tour.
IMPORTANT:
- Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at around 03:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
- The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
In the morning, we’ll take a long guided tour—about seven hours—through this simply stunning city! Its vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist with areas full of peace and tranquility.
We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.
Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, that we will see from the bus. It is known as the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included up to Tembo Deck at 350 meters high), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.
We’ll end our visit in Asakusa, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel passing by Akihabara district, the "Electric City", known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture; and Ginza district.
6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.
Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.
We’ll make a short stop at Zojoji Temple to capture the most beautiful view of the Tokyo Tower. You’ll notice hundreds upon hundreds of Jizo statues, stone-carved deities considered guardians of children, adorned with knitted hats, bibs, and pinwheels.
Next, we’ll head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, that we will see from the bus. It is known as the busiest intersection in the world. Then we’ll visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Then we’ll head to Tokyo Skytree (admission included up to Tembo Deck at 350 meters high), Japan’s tallest structure, where we’ll enjoy an unmatched panoramic view of the city.
We’ll end our visit in Asakusa, where we’ll explore Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel passing by Akihabara district, the "Electric City", known as the center of Japanese manga and anime culture; and Ginza district.
6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to the Shinjuku area. From there, we’ll enjoy a walk through this lively district before heading to a local restaurant for dinner (included). We’ll return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.
Note: The order of the visits may vary depending on the admission time for Tokyo Skytree. In case of bad weather or other exceptional circumstances, access to Tokyo Skytree may be limited. In that case, an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint will be offered.
Total distance covered by bullet train: 430 km.
07:00 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We’ll transfer to Tokyo Station to board a high-speed bullet train. The journey will take approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
Note: You’ll be accompanied to the station, but during the train journey, a guide will not travel with you if the group for this section of the trip has fewer than 15 people. Upon your arrival at Kyoto Station, our guide will be waiting to continue the tour.
10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We’ll meet our main guide and begin exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and hosted the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Kyoto is also known as the site where the 1997 Kyoto Protocol was signed, a treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Our tour will cover some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.
07:00 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We’ll transfer to Tokyo Station to board a high-speed bullet train. The journey will take approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
Note: You’ll be accompanied to the station, but during the train journey, a guide will not travel with you if the group for this section of the trip has fewer than 15 people. Upon your arrival at Kyoto Station, our guide will be waiting to continue the tour.
10:30 a.m. - Kyoto. We’ll meet our main guide and begin exploring this historic city, which served as Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and hosted the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to preserve its extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage. Kyoto is also known as the site where the 1997 Kyoto Protocol was signed, a treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Our tour will cover some of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, including the Kinkakuji Temple—commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion"—surrounded by its stunning gardens and the Imperial Palace. Free time for lunch. Afterwards, visit the breathtaking Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari. Transfer to Gion will be included. This lively, traditional district is renowned for its Geisha culture and offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s historic charm. Enjoy free time to explore. The return to the hotel will not be accompanied; we recommend taking a taxi, and the guide will provide instructions on how to do so.
Total distance covered: 540 km.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Kyoto. We’ll travel to Tsumago through beautiful rural landscapes.
11:15 a.m. – Arrival in Tsumago, a charming wooden village, considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. You’ll have free time to explore and lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
01:30 p.m. – Departure from Tsumago.
02:45 p.m. – Arrival in Matsumoto, a popular tourist city where we’ll visit the impressive Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century fortress known as "The Crow" due to its black color. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore this vibrant city.
05:00 p.m. – Departure from Matsumoto.
08:30/ 09:00 p.m. – Tokyo.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Kyoto. We’ll travel to Tsumago through beautiful rural landscapes.
11:15 a.m. – Arrival in Tsumago, a charming wooden village, considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. You’ll have free time to explore and lunch will be included at a local restaurant.
01:30 p.m. – Departure from Tsumago.
02:45 p.m. – Arrival in Matsumoto, a popular tourist city where we’ll visit the impressive Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century fortress known as "The Crow" due to its black color. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore this vibrant city.
05:00 p.m. – Departure from Matsumoto.
08:30/ 09:00 p.m. – Tokyo.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
From
AUD 2,515