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.
Reviews
4.8
out of 5 based on 247 reviews submitted.
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Emmanuel · Traveled March 2024
Our group leader Yuki was absolutely incredible! Could not have asked for a better tour guide, so knowledgeable, and willing to work with all! Trip seemed fast, but we were able to explore a bit more than other trips in our respective cities/towns due to the nature of staying more days in a specific location.
Review submitted 09 Apr 2024
Rebecca · Traveled March 2024
I would really recommend this trip. We were incredibly lucky that we coincided with the cherry blossom in full bloom but that was a bonus.
It's a busy itinerary, you really will do a lot of walking, then with a number of quite long travel days. On several nights you'll need to pack for an overnight stay and then have to carry that bag around quite a bit so pack light.
We were incredibly lucky to have Yuko as our tour guide. Yuko definitely helped to make it a trip to remember.
Review submitted 10 Apr 2024
Tosin · Traveled March 2024
Mixed bag. Great to have travel planned with so many places and seeing less traveled locations, but the lack of food included and poor accommodation made this not worth it. Did not experience a Ryokan. Limited information at the destinations as well. NOT FOR ANYONE OVER 65. More physically demanding than suggested. Overall, don’t recommend. There are better options out there. I’ve done other better intrepid tours.
Review submitted 08 Apr 2024
Joanne · Traveled March 2024
This was one of the best Intrepid trips I have been on. Zac was an excellent guide to allow us the opportunity to appreciate the culture, environment, the people and the culinary delights this beautiful country has to offer. So lucky to be able to experience the Cherry Blossom time. I fully recommend this trip.
Review submitted 09 Apr 2024
Frank · Traveled March 2024
I traveled 100 countries before. And this tour was the highlight of all. 5 star rating. Perfect tour with the amazing tour guide Zac. Had the best times and if people ask me which country I like the most: I will say: Japan.
Review submitted 04 Apr 2024