Chureito pagoda with autumn trees and Mt Fuji in the distance, Japan

Best of Tokyo & Kyoto Tour: A Tale of Two Capitals

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Japan

Places Visited

Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara

Suggested Duration

7 Days

Your 7-day best of Japan tour captures the essence of city life along the famous streets of Tokyo and Kyoto. Follow specialist guides on custom-tailored tours that reveal opulent palaces and the intricate work of dedicated artisans. Enjoy the polished life of modernity, the traditional charms of the past, and a calming ambiance inspired by tradition while you discover Japan's timeless allure and majesty.

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Vacation like a Tokyo’s elite in the resort town of Hakone, known for its gorgeous scenery on the slopes of Mt. Fuji and the soothing comforts of the local hot springs
  • Visit Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market, for the frenetic ambiance where giant tuna are auctioned in an impressively competitive and quick manner
  • Tour Tokyo’s halls of government strolling the grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace and entering the National Diet, home to Japan’s House of Representatives
  • Walk through Kyoto’s storied Gion District, long the home of iconic Yasaka-zukuri architecture and the enigmatic Geisha
  • Enjoy a half-day tour of Nara including Daibutsu, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha standing over 52 feet tall
  • Visit the grand castles and villas of Japan’s great shoguns, Japan’s ancient military commanders, including the impressive fortifications and gardens of Nijo Castle 

Detailed Description

Your tour will begin in Tokyo, which became the current capital in 1868 and during the great Meiji Restoration, it was hurled into the industrialized age and hasn’t slowed since. You’ll have direct access to the Tsukiji Fish Market, where the frenzied atmosphere and high stakes bidding make this fish market an experience akin to the “Wall Street of tuna.” Between a tour of the National Diet Building and the grounds of the Imperial Palace, you’ll see the two sides of power that comprise Japan’s constitutional monarchy. Between boat rides, observation decks, and garden strolls, there will be no shortage of opportunities to savor Tokyo’s blend of manmade and natural scenery. Then, you'll stop for an interlude at the lakeside town of Hakone. It is situated in the shadow of Mount Fuji, which makes the perfect getaway for Tokyo urbanites in need of a change of scenery. You’re guaranteed to find peace along the undeveloped banks of Lake Ashi, the picturesque views of Fuji, and the healing hot springs of Hakone.

Finally, your tour will conclude in Kyoto, which was the capital from 794 to 1868 and for this reason, it is often called “The 1,000-Year Capital.” The city is appropriately brimming with palaces, temples, and culture. As you tour the grand castles and manors of mighty shoguns and emperors, it might be easy to think that these men alone held all the power. Although, as you visit the Geisha of Gion, to whom wealthy Japanese magnates flock, or Kinkaku-ji temple, passed from shogun to clergymen, keep in mind that power and influence come in many forms. From Kyoto, there will be a day trip to the ancient capital of Nara (the capital from 710-794). Nara is world-renowned for its Great Buddha Statue and the enormous Todai-ji temple — once so influential that the seat of government was moved away in an early exercise of the separation of church and state. Time and time again on this trip you find the stories of these great capital cities captivating and stimulating.

Consider learning more about your Japanese travel agents who strive to ensure an immersive and memorable experience in Japan from the moment you land.

Starting Price

$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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