This 5-day itinerary will give you a quick overview of Tokyo, along with an easy day-trip from the city to one of its nearby cultural and scenic destinations: either Kamakura, Nikko, Mt Takao or Hakone.
Journey Route
Expect moments of carefully choreographed beauty and tranquility, with people still finding time to observe Shinto rituals and stand in silent worship, engage in tea ceremonies and enjoy a cup of tea, and contemplate the glaze of cut glass.
Highlights
Have your own guide and private vehicle during the guided day.
Learn about Japanese emperors by visiting the Imperial Palace and the Meiji Shrine.
Participate in an authentic tea ceremony and sample freshly-made green tea in a Japanese tearoom.
Experience the spirit of Edo (1603-1868) culture and craftsmanship by yourself!
Make a day-trip to Kamakura, a seaside town of temples and wooded hills
98.8% Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+
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Sharon has been very helpful since the…
Sharon has been very helpful since the beginning coordinating our itinerary in order to accommodate everything we want to see, it been great working with her More
May,
Jul 2023
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When I first book I was scared of what…
When I first book I was scared of what to expect, but oh my God! What an amazing experience this has been, from Sharon to all the guides Shawn and Mr. Ho, such amazing people! Their work is excellent More
Saul Velez,
Jul 2023
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Albee was very helpful and responsive…
Albee was very helpful and responsive in helping me make plans for their 10 day Japanese tour. More
Bhavini Patel,
Jul 2023
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Alisa was a perfect tour consultant
Alisa responded to my numerous questions with efficiency and accuracy. She was constantly suggesting options to make the trip more enjoyable More
Matha Goram,
Jul 2023
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I highly Recommend Asia Highlights
For our first guide Jun, he was amazing. Very accommodating. Kept in good communication & kept us on time for our activities. Reached out to me the night before to confirm meet times and locations. Our driver for this time was also so kind & driver was always on time. For our second Guide , Ho. He went above and beyond. He stayed in great communication. Stayed later with us on one of the days because we were worried about riding the train back alone but wanted to visit at the shopping center a littler longer, so he stayed with us and made sure we got off on the right stop! During our time with him he took pictures of us and sent them to us! He was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. He was kind and patient with our large group. He made our trip easy & memorable. The driver we had for this timeframe was also kind & always on time! We felt a bond with both guides given to us! If you want an easy going, stress free trip book with “Asia Highlights”!!! More
Jessalynn Flores,
Jul 2023
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Working to put together a custom trip…
Working to put together a custom trip with Alissa has been a great experience More
Marc,
Jul 2023
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Wonderful Service from Sharon!
Sharon at Asia Highlights has been a HUGE help in planning our trip to Japan later this year. From her initial contact to finalization of the plan, she has been very responsive, professional, patient, and knowledgeable. She was able to quickly propose an amazing itinerary and helped us customize it for our interests. She also made many great recommendations and gave us tips for the trip. I wasn’t familiar with Asia Highlights before I reached out, but after Sharon’s wonderful service, I have full confidence in them. I can’t wait for the trip and I hope it’s as awesome as Sharon’s service!!! More
Ali Tahir,
Jul 2023
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Wonderful trip
We had a wonderful time in Japan with guides Moni and Kazuko and with Jan in Singapore. Will always remember this trip! More
Happy Customer,
Jun 2023
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Just got to say
Just got to say, Monica was great in every way! So sweet and helpful with planning, itineraries, answering questions… would love to meet her in person! Thank you Monica! More
Teri,
Jun 2023
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Monica is fantastic
Monica is fantastic. She understood our needs, was very responsive and planned a perfect vacation for us. Highly recommend. More
Philip Sheldon,
Jun 2023
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Me and my son are traveling to Japan
Me and my son are traveling to Japan. Albee is magnificent. Extremely efficient, helpful, trustworthy. I am very happy she is helping us with my son's dreaming trip. More
Ana Letícia Urbanin,
Jun 2023
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A great way to plan a dream vacation
Due to circumstances, we had to delay our trip to Japan so this review is only about the process of designing the trip. Albee was always available, responsive to our goals, and competent. Based on how involved he was with our family trip, we know we will be back next year and resuming the plan he built. Really impressed with the quality and extent of resources we found through Albee and KimKim. More
KC,
May 2023
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Yeliz - Asia Highlights
Yeliz was extremely helpful and patient during our Japan trip planning and answered all my various questions. Really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka! More
Cyndie,
May 2023
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Sharon’s was very patient and helpful…
Sharon’s was very patient and helpful when navigating me through the trip planning process. She helped me plan a very exciting and extravagant trip. More
Jonny Abad,
May 2023
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Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!!
Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More
Lianne Stone,
May 2023
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11 days trip to Japan
I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More
LE,
May 2023
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Japan trip
Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More
Serene Storslett,
May 2023
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Quick, easy and detailed service
Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary More
Lynette Whittle,
Apr 2023
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Japan Tour
Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets. The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs. More
Madhu,
Apr 2023
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I organized a trip to Japan for my
I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More
Luisa,
Apr 2023
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Itinerary in Detail
Tokyo is one of the liveliest places on the planet. Contrary to its popular image, it is not simply a city of neon signs - it is also rooted deeply in traditional culture.
This truly enchanting metropolis has something for everyone, whether experiencing traditional Japanese craftsmanship or tea ceremonies, being surrounded by lively streets with a mix of trendy boutiques and fashionable department stores, or exploring other facets of local culture. Tokyo is a must-see when passing through Japan.
Welcome to Tokyo, one of the world's most thriving, exciting and energizing cities.
In 1603, as the fishing village of Edo, it became the shogunate's center of power, and in 1868 it was renamed Tokyo and made the country's capital. On the surface, it is a mix of digital trends and conspicuous consumption, but dig deeper and you will find a city rooted deeply in traditional culture.
You will be met on arrival at Narita International Airport and share a transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure.
A late-afternoon stroll as the neon starts to light up will take in both sides of this fascinating, bustling area. Shinjuku has several huge department stores, music stores, and electronics stores, along with hundreds of bars and restaurants catering to every taste.
Take a day-tour with a local guide to explore Tokyo. The day begins with a visit to the Imperial Palace, where the emperor and his family still live in the western part of the grounds.
The palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, with a large park area bounded by moats and massive stone walls. Although the palace itself is not open to the public, you can view its most famous landmark, Nijubashi, a double-arched stone bridge, from Kokyo Gaien.
Public access to the palace is only permitted twice a year, at New Year and on the emperor's birthday.
Next, you will have the unforgettable opportunity to participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. Sample freshly made green tea in a Japanese-style tearoom. The tea masters are always willing to instruct newcomers on the finer points of tea-drinking.
A wide graveled road under a huge torii gate and shaded by cedars leads into the grounds of the Meiji Shrine, where Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined. During New Year's holidays, the shrine is the most-visited place in Japan, with millions of people worshiping and buying good-luck charms there. It's also a popular site for Japanese weddings.
Take a walk through Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo's Champs-Elysees. This broad, tree-lined avenue features within a short distance a multitude of fashion flagship stores, designed by internationally renowned architects.
End the day in Shinjuku at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, one of Tokyo's tallest and most distinctive skyscrapers.
The Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony is a series of events, most of which are symbolic.
The ritual involves greeting your fellow guests, washing your hands to purify yourself, waiting for your host's summons, entering the tea room and sitting on the tatami, admiring the room and tea utensils, watching the tea being prepared, bowing, drinking the tea, and then complimenting the host.
The last part of the ceremony is more informal; guests chat casually and drink weak tea. When the ceremony is over, the host cleans everything and shows guests the utensils.
Many traditional crafts in Tokyo have been passed down from generation to generation, ever since the Edo Shogunate period (1603-1868). The spirit of Edo culture and craftsmanship lives on. Today you will learn how to make traditional Japanese handicrafts.
Cutting Edo 'Kiriko' glass is one of the original Japanese crafts founded during the Edo period. The geometric patterns of Edo Kiriko cut glass are renowned for their beauty. Today you will etch some such strikingly beautiful, traditional patterns on glass, in a color of your choice.
In the afternoon, transfer with your guide to Asakusa, to learn more about the old Edo craft culture via a visit to the Edo Shitamachi Traditional Craft Museum. Stroll through Asakusa town, where remnants of Edo culture are still visible, though surrounded by modernity.
Visit the workshop of Mr. Tanaka, a craftsman of Edo-style bamboo blinds. Here, you will learn how to make your own table mat.
Please note that craft experiences are subject to artisans' availability and the order of the itinerary might change depending on the artisans' schedules. Each craft experience will take 1.5 to 2 hours.
Alternative Option
If you are more interested in food, cooking and lively local markets, we recommend a visit to Tsukiji Outer Market and a sushi-making lesson at a local home instead.
This alternative tour starts in the early morning with a visit to the lively outer market, packed with many restaurants and shops. You will see many unusual varieties of freshly caught fish, vegetables and other foods, and might sample some delicious finger foods - sushi, tempura and even curry.
You will then visit a typical Japanese home. As you transfer by public transport, your guide will answer any questions you have about Japanese culture or everyday life in Tokyo.
Learn to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi), gunkan maki (sushi rice wrapped with a strip of seaweed and topped with soft ingredients), and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish). You will then get to enjoy your homemade sushi for lunch.
The whole experience will last about 4-5 hours and finishes at the station closest to your Japanese host's home.
Today you will make a day-trip to Kamakura (1 hour away), the former seat of the Shogunate during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and the then de facto capital of Japan.
At that time Kamakura was the largest city in the world. Today, however, Kamakura is a small, sleepy seaside town with numerous temples, shrines and other attractions.
With your local guide, you will visit Kotokuin Temple, home to the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha that stands (or rather, sits) 13.4 meters tall.
Hasedera Temple is a temple of the Jodo sect, which is best-known for its statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The statue depicts Kannon with eleven heads, each representing a characteristic of the goddess. The 9.2-meter-tall, gilded wooden statue is one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, dating from the 12th century, is the spiritual heart of Kamakura and one of its most popular attractions. It was dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war and patron of the Minamoto family.
Your day will end with shopping for local souvenirs and delicacies in Komachi Street.
Alternative Options
We offer another three options on this day. Please let us know if you prefer any of them.
Option 1: Full-Day Nikko World Heritage Excursion from Tokyo
Option 2: Full-Day Mount Takao Hiking Excursion from Tokyo
Option 3: Full-Day Hakone Mount Fuji National Park Excursion from Tokyo
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
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Hotel in Tokyo with great location
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Hotel in Tokyo with Godzilla
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Centrally located hotel in Tokyo
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Hotel right in the city center
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Our Service Includes:
- Private transport and personal English-speaking tour guide
- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts at hotels
- Governmental taxes
Tour code: ah-34
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
