Tokyo to Kyoto tours
From temples to tempura, onsens to okonomiyaki and skyscrapers to sake, join us for the ultimate Japan adventure.
On a journey from the bright neon lights of Tokyo to the cultural capital of Kyoto, you’ll see the best Japan has to offer – including the highlights and the hidden gems. Our Japan trips offer something for everyone, whether you’re a family or a foodie, a nature lover or a city slicker. Slurp ramen and learn how to roll sushi like a pro in Tokyo, relax and unwind in a steamy onsen in Hakone, catch a glimpse of an elegantly-attired geisha in Kyoto or experience the peaceful energy of Hiroshima—all while mixing with locals and experiencing the real Japan.
Tokyo to Kyoto highlights
Feast on Japanese food
From sushi and sashimi to tempura and takoyaki, Japanese food is where it’s at. Sip, slurp and chomp your way from Tokyo to Kyoto, stopping at Japan’s most delicious foodie hotspots. Take part in an Obanzai cooking class to prepare a traditional multi-course feast, learn the secrets of making the perfect sushi roll, find out how to pick the freshest seafood at local markets and experience an ancient tea ceremony.
Discover Tokyo
Tokyo is an intoxicating mix of old and new. One minute you’ll be walking through busy streets lit up with bright neon lights, and the next you’ll be standing at the gates of a 1400-year-old temple. Wander down Omoide Tokocho (Memory Lane) for some street snacks, enjoy a short cruise down the Sumida River, grab a cold Asahi at a beer hall or impress (or entertain!) locals with your best singing voice at a karaoke bar.
Fall in love with Kyoto
Cloaked in centuries of history and peppered with thousands of temples, shrines and immaculate gardens, it’s all too easy to fall in love with Kyoto. Wander the winding lanes of Gion – the city’s cultural centre and most famous geisha district, sip matcha in cosy tea houses, walk under the famous scarlet torii (square archways)at Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, or stroll down the Path of Philosophy to pause and reflect.
Explore Hida Folk Village
Experience traditional Japanese culture at the Hida Folk Village in Takayama – a charming Edo period town located in the Japanese alps. The village is an open-air museum where you can visit traditional thatched-roof houses, learn the techniques used to build farmhouses that could withstand fierce winters and discover what daily life was like in Japan hundreds of years ago.
Bliss out in Hakone
After the excitement of Tokyo, take a breather and unwind in the scenic hot-spring resort of Hakone in the foothills of Mt Fuji. Staying at a family-run ryokan (a traditional inn), you’ll experience the top-notch hospitality the Japanese are known for. After recharging in a steamy onsen, take a boat over to the scenic Ashinoko Lake, visit the boiling sulphur springs of Owakudani or check out some of the city’s impressive volcanic sites.
Hang out in Hiroshima
Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima is a cosmopolitan city with a thriving food scene, trendy neighbourhoods and a focus on promoting world peace. Stroll around the Peace Memorial Park which was constructed around the hypocentre of the atomic bomb in 1945, sample the city’s signature oysters and okonomiyaki dish (a delicious savoury pancake), or hop on a boat over to the nearby island of Miyajima where curious deer roam the streets.
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Premium Highlights of Japan
Anna · Traveled June 2024
First time with Intrepid and disappointed. No cultural or historical info given from guide and he didn't attend to the group in an acceptable way. Too bad because itinerary, meals, activities and hotels were great.
Review submitted 08 Jul 2024Japan Express
Sharon · Traveled June 2024
The perfect introduction to Japan with city and country, and a well informed, passionate and proud guide.
Review submitted 08 Jul 2024Japan Family Holiday
Merlaine · Traveled June 2024
Very nice trip with interesting activities and pace. It was nice traveling with other young teen since I was there with my 13-y old granddaughter. Mid June was hot, humid and occasionally rainy but we made the best of it. I would highly recommend this trip for families.
Review submitted 11 Jul 2024Japan Family Holiday
Tisome · Traveled June 2024
Our journey through Japan with Intrepid was a magical blend of culture and cuisine, exploring iconic landmarks and relishing local delights. The efficiency of Japan's transportation system and warm hospitality made our trip memorable. Intrepid's family tours with a dedicated guide ensured a personalized experience, creating lasting memories with fellow travelers. Our adventure was filled with new discoveries, and we left Japan with a deep appreciation for its heritage and community. Excited for our next exploration with Intrepid!
Review submitted 02 Jul 2024Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Brandy · Traveled June 2024
Good trip/ the itinerary and activities are good. Japan is lovely. The packing guide is wrong- you can pack MUCH lighter, most Japanese hotels provide pjs and toiletries. And they have super cheap and easy to laundry at most hotels. You need an eSIM card, it is tough to get around Japan without data. The only big downside is that neither of our guides were actually Japanese. It would have been nice to have someone actually from Japan guiding, but the guides generally did a good job.
Review submitted 04 Jul 2024