Tokyo and Beyond Tour

Tokyo (Edo during the time of the Samurai), in the Kanto Region of Japan, was the center of power for the Shogun's government during the Edo Period. Despite Tokyo's non-stop, super-modern feel, its traditions can still be seen tucked away between the skyscrapers and amongst the people. The Tokyo and Beyond Tour will show you not only the modern capital of Japan, but the parts of it that represent old Japan and Edo culture.

Destinations:
Tokyo - Modern Japan with hidden gems of the past
Kamakura (day trip) - Home of one of the largest Bronze Buddhas
Nikko - Sacred forests and mountains where Ieyasu Tokugawa (the first Shogun) is enshrined
Hakone - Rejuvenate in the hot springs used by the Shoguns and their samurai.

Our Tokyo and Beyond Tour is a 7 day independent tour that will give you a chance to see Tokyo and visit the playgrounds of the Shogunates as well as modern Tokyo. Since this is an independent tour you will not have to worry about visiting places you have no interest in or sightseeing at a pace that is not right for you.

The price is US$ 2,620 per person, (based on double occupancy) and includes all transportation between destinations, accommodations, 6 breakfasts and 2 evening meals. This tour can also be combined with a tour of Kyoto, Nara or other destinations. This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo, Japan.

We hope the above has piqued your interest in this tour. If you have any questions or wish to sign up for a tour please Contact Us or call at +1-248-747-4048.

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Day 1 – Tokyo - Western Hotel
After a long flight to Japan you will be met by one of Japan Roads staff who will take you to your hotel in Tokyo and will give you an orientation.

Day 2 – Tokyo- Western Hotel
You will start off your day with a visit to enjoy the beauty of Rikugien, an 18th century landscape garden and arguably the most beautiful Japanese garden in Tokyo. Next you will visit the Meiji Imperial Shrine, where you can relax in the forested setting and enjoy the traditional Shinto architecture of this oasis nestled within one of the world's busiest modern metropolis. Finally, you will end your day in Ginza, the upscale downtown district with huge department stores, fancy restaurants, the Sony Building where you can look at the company's newest cutting-edge gadgets, and more.

Day 3 – Tokyo with a day trip to Kamakura
Today you will take a day trip to Kamakura which was the home of the Shoguns from 1192 to 1333. Here you will find remnants of the Kamakura Period in various temples and shrines including the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Day 4 – Nikko - Ryokan - Japanese Inn
Upon arriving in the small mountain town of Nikko, you will go to Toshogu shrine, its most famous sight. This lavishly decorated Shinto Shrine, one of the most well-known in Japan, is also the mausoleum toTokugawa Ieyasu, the most famous Shogun in Japanese history. In addition, there are a number of famous wood carvings at Toshogu, including the three monkeys embodying the phrase, "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil." You will also see Rinnoji Temple, which was founded by Shodo Shonin, who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century. At the end of the day, you will stay the night and dine at a Japanese style ryokan.

Day 5 – Tokyo - Western Hotel
The first stop today will be the picturesque Kegon Falls, located in Lake Chuzenji in Okunikko. This waterfall is 97 meters (320 feet) high and one of the tallest in Japan. This will be followed by a visit to Futarasan Shrine, founded in 767 by Shodo Shonin (the same monk who founded Rinnoji). This shrine is dedicated to three mountain deities and houses two swords that are national treasures. After returning to Tokyo, you will have the chance to explore freely and see some of the modern sights of the city. Destination suggestions within the city include: the Shiodome District (breathtaking skyscrapers and a reconstruction of the old Shinbashi train station), Akihabara (the flashy and famous electronic goods district), Odaiba (a futuristic island entertainment district in the bay), or Shibuya (a trendy shopping and entertainment district south of Shinjuku). You can also use your rail pass to visit nearby cities such as Yokohama.

Day 6 – Hakone - Ryokan - Japanese Inn
Today you will be going to Hakone, which is one of the finest hot spring resorts in Japan. This area has been popular as a hot spring resort for hundreds of years. Its natural beauty and abundance of hot spring baths make it an ideal spot to relax after spending time in the capital, just as feudal lords did hundreds of years ago. While in Hakone you will have the chance to walk parts of the old Tokaido highway which connected Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto in times past, ride the scenic Tozan Railway through the mountains, and visit the breathtaking Lake Ashinoko. Additionally, you will be staying overnight at a ryokan with hot spring baths and delicious food.

Day 7 – Return to Tokyo then Home - Tour Ends
Today is the last day of the tour. You can either return to Tokyo and continue on to Narita International Airport to catch your homeward flight, or else continue on to other destinations you plan to visit.

Tour Accommodations:
Throughout the tour, you will have the chance to stay at Japanese style inns, or ryokans, as well as modern, Western hotels. By choosing the best accommodations possible and offering both traditional and modern lodging experiences, Japan Roads aims to give you a deeper insight into life in Japan and make you as comfortable as possible. In particular, the traditional accommodations will allow you to have close personal contact with the Japanese owners and staff of these places, thus deepening your cultural experience.

Sample Accommodations (may vary but will be of similar quality)
Tokyo: Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premium
Nikko: Senhime Monogatari Ryokan
Hakone: Matsuzakaya Honten Ryokan