Tokaido Trail
The classic trip for first time visitors; Kyoto, Tokyo Hakone/Fuji - 10 days £1100 / US$1870
Start Dates 2008
2nd Nov 08 - SOLD OUT
Start Dates 2009
20th Mar 09 - NOW BOOKING
18th Apr 09 - NOW BOOKING
11th Jul 09 - NOW BOOKING
14th Nov 09 - NOW BOOKING
Tokaido Trail
9 night classic Japan tour - One of our Best Value Tours!
The tour begins and ends in Japan’s vibrant capital Tokyo where you can enjoy the many contrasts of this exciting city. The tour has also been upgraded to include a 7 day Japan Rail Pass and an excursion day from Kyoto, allowing you to check out any one of a number of extra destinations. We will be spending the first couple of nights in Asakusa, an area of the city which is dominated by the atmospheric Senso-ji temple whilst at the end of the tour we will be based in the exciting Shinjuku district where a plethora of neon, restaurants, bars and shopping awaits.
A fantastic mix of ancient and modern From Tokyo the tour will move on along the route of the old Tokaido Highway (now traversed by the ‘Bullet’ Train) taking in the old capitals of Kamakura and Kyoto and the mountainous hot-spring resort of Hakone along the way. In Kamakura we will stay in a locally run pension style hotel and enjoy an artfully presented and tasty ‘kaiseki’ dinner whilst in Hakone we’ll enjoy a stay in a Japanese style guesthouse where relaxing hot spring baths await. And, if we are lucky with the weather, then a glimpse of the often elusive Mt Fuji may be on the itinerary too!The penultimate stop on the itinerary will be Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heartland where you’ll find an alluring array of temples, shrines and gardens. Hidden treasures lie around nearly every corner as Japan’s rich culture of Buddhism and Shinto can be experienced at close quarters, offering a window into a very different past. Kyoto is of course most famous for its Geisha, and our unique tour of the Gion district will give you the chance to catch a glimpse of a Geisha in her traditional home.
Excursion day On your third day in Kyoto you have the option of spending more time in this fascinating city or of taking an excursion using the included 7 day Japan Rail Pass. This will give you the chance to visit Hiroshima, Himeji Castle, the gardens of Kanazawa or indeed anywhere within day-tripping distance of the old capital! Your Tour Leader will be more than happy to assist you in planning your special day.A ride back to Tokyo on the super-fast ‘Bullet’ Train completes what will truly be an unforgettable experience of Japan ancient and modern. This is the classic Japan tour.
Important Practical Information
IMPORTANT ACCOMMODATION INFO: Bathing: The hotels in Tokyo and Kamakura and the ryokan in Kyoto are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet). The Fuji Hakone Guest House has its own natural hot-spring baths and shower which can be used privately but does not have baths or toilets attached to the rooms. Room Share: We do NOT charge a single supplement but we may ask single sex travellers to share a room with a member of the same sex at 6 night stops: Kamakura, Hakone & Kyoto.
Early Check-in: Upon arrival you may well be tired after a long international flight. The hotel in Tokyo has a strictly 4pm check-in time. You will not be able to use your room before then unless you pay for a 12pm check-in. Transport: Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan’s first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag or best of all, a rucksack, are most appropriate for this tour. Clothes washing machines are available in Tokyo and Hakone for a small fee.
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