Senso-ji and the illustrious pagoda in Asakusa
Never-ending rows of torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha
Sushi in Ginza. Classy place, classy meal!
High-quality kuroge wagyu beef with seasonal vegetables
The iconic facade of the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji
Tbe Bridge Hotel, quite a self-descriptive name
Yakizakana (grilled fish) in an old-fashioned restaurant
Todai-ji, the temple with the world's largest Daibutsu statue
Overview
So you have never been to Japan. You have read a lot about it in travel magazines, or maybe your friends have been sharing their wonderful experience there during their last vacation. You would really like to see for yourself what the all the buzz is about, and you would especially like to do so with a modest budget. Well, you have come to the right place!
A staple among ILJT’s offerings, the Tokaido Express earns a special place in travelers’ hearts by taking them on an affordable week-long trip to the heart of Japan. Utilizing the intricate and colorful public transport system of the country, you will cover a wide spectrum of attractions between two ends of the Tokaido Shinkansen Line.
Starting the trip in Osaka, you will explore Nara, Kyoto, and Hakone before finishing in Tokyo. These destinations ensure that you get to experience the bustle of modern-day Japan, a healthy dose of its awe-inspiring cultural sites, and an adventure in a picturesque paradise! Your first-time in Japan will be a memorable one with our Tokaido Express tour!
Highlights
Outline
Arrival: Kansai International Airport
Day 1: Arrival in OsakaOsaka
Arrive in Osaka. Adventure is about to start!
Day 2: Nara and Osaka TourNara › Osaka › Kyoto
Explore Osaka and Nara, two ancient capitals with vastly different atmospheres
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 3: Kyoto TourKyoto
Explore Kyoto, and experience all sorts of quintessential Japanese activity
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 4: Transfer to HakoneHakone
Take the bullet train to Hakone, a paradise for onsen-loving travelers
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Hakone TourHakone › Tokyo
Explore Hakone, with a multitude of rides on which to enjoy its picturesque nature
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 6: Tokyo TourTokyo
Explore Tokyo, a modern metropolis of tradition, fashion, and action
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7: Leaving JapanTokyo
Leave Japan, and bring home many wonderful memories!
Meals included : Breakfast
Departure: Narita International Airport
What is included?
Tour Accommodation
Western hotel: 5 nights -- Japanese ryokan: 1 night
Meals
6 breakfasts -- 5 lunches -- 1 dinner
Transport
Airport pickup -- Public train/bus: 5 days -- Bullet train: 1 time (Kyoto - Odawara)
Tour guide
Airport pickup -- Guided tour: 5 days
Included activities
Tickets for attractions and rides as defined in the itinerary, where necessary
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the tour
You might be also interested in
Trip name | days | |
---|---|---|
Japan Express Tokyo to Osaka | 8 | |
Golden Ring Tokyo to Tokyo | 11 | |
Japan Highlights Tokyo to Osaka | 11 |
Overview
So you have never been to Japan. You have read a lot about it in travel magazines, or maybe your friends have been sharing their wonderful experience there during their last vacation. You would really like to see for yourself what the all the buzz is about, and you would especially like to do so with a modest budget. Well, you have come to the right place!
A staple among ILJT’s offerings, the Tokaido Express earns a special place in travelers’ hearts by taking them on an affordable week-long trip to the heart of Japan. Utilizing the intricate and colorful public transport system of the country, you will cover a wide spectrum of attractions between two ends of the Tokaido Shinkansen Line.
Starting the trip in Osaka, you will explore Nara, Kyoto, and Hakone before finishing in Tokyo. These destinations ensure that you get to experience the bustle of modern-day Japan, a healthy dose of its awe-inspiring cultural sites, and an adventure in a picturesque paradise! Your first-time in Japan will be a memorable one with our Tokaido Express tour!
Highlights
Outline
Arrival: Kansai International Airport
Day 1: Arrival in OsakaOsaka
Arrive in Osaka. Adventure is about to start!
Day 2: Nara and Osaka TourNara › Osaka › Kyoto
Explore Osaka and Nara, two ancient capitals with vastly different atmospheres
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 3: Kyoto TourKyoto
Explore Kyoto, and experience all sorts of quintessential Japanese activity
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 4: Transfer to HakoneHakone
Take the bullet train to Hakone, a paradise for onsen-loving travelers
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Hakone TourHakone › Tokyo
Explore Hakone, with a multitude of rides on which to enjoy its picturesque nature
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 6: Tokyo TourTokyo
Explore Tokyo, a modern metropolis of tradition, fashion, and action
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7: Leaving JapanTokyo
Leave Japan, and bring home many wonderful memories!
Meals included : Breakfast
Departure: Narita International Airport
Hotels
What is included?
Tour Accommodation
Western hotel: 5 nights -- Japanese ryokan: 1 night
Meals
6 breakfasts -- 5 lunches -- 1 dinner
Transport
Airport pickup -- Public train/bus: 5 days -- Bullet train: 1 time (Kyoto - Odawara)
Tour guide
Airport pickup -- Guided tour: 5 days
Included activities
Tickets for attractions and rides as defined in the itinerary, where necessary
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the tour
You might be also interested in
Trip name | days | |
---|---|---|
Kansai Highlights Osaka to Osaka | 7 | |
Silver Ring Tokyo to Tokyo | 7 | |
Japan Highlights Tokyo to Osaka | 11 |
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Arrival: Kansai International Airport
Activities
The first day is a standard affair. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and assist you with preparations for the tour. You will take the train to your hotel in the heart of the city. After the check-in procedures are completed, you will have the rest of the day to yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Day 2: Nara and Osaka Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:30 Hotel check-out (leave luggage) >> transfer to Nara
- 10:30 - 11:30 Nara Park
- 11:30 - 12:30 Todai-ji
- 12:30 - 13:00 Walk to restaurant
- 13:00 - 14:30 Irori lunch
- 14:30 - 15:45 Transfer to Osaka
- 15:45 - 17:00 Osaka Castle
- 17:00 - 17:30 Luggage pick-up
- 17:30 - 19:00 Transfer to Kyoto >> hotel check-in
Meals
Activities
Connected by the Kintetsu Nara Line are two of the oldest capitals of Japan, Osaka and Nara. Your destinations today are the two lanConnected by the Kintetsu Nara Line are two of the oldest capitals of Japan, Osaka and Nara. Your destinations today are the two landmarks that represented the cities’ influence during their days as the seat of power. In the old city of Nara you will see the supreme temple of Todai-ji, which houses what is to this date still the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world. In the urban greatness of Osaka you will visit Osaka Castle, which holds the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three great unifiers of Japan.
This day is designed to capture the spirit of a railway adventure in Japan, where independent travelers move great distances to see the must-see. The active schedule is punctuated with a relaxing walk among the playful deer of Nara, and a nice grilled lunch redolent of a campfire meal. The fast-paced itinerary brings you to the city of Kyoto at the end of the day.
Day 2: Nara and Osaka Tour
Day 3: Kyoto Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 09:30 Transfer to Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 09:30 - 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:30 - 12:15 Transfer to restaurant
- 12:15 - 14:15 Sushi cooking class and lunch
- 14:15 - 15:15 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:15 - 16:00 Transfer to Higashiyama
- 16:00 - 17:30 Higashiyama
- 17:30 - 18:00 Transfer to Gion
- 18:00 - 19:00 Gion Corner (subject to availability)
- 19:00 - 19:30 Return to hotel
Meals
Activities
Time to get the full Kyoto experience! The third day is when you get to do real Japanese stuff in the quintessential Japanese city. Walk a trail of a thousand torii gates up a mountain shrine. Learn how to cook Kyoto-style sushi, and try your own creation. Behold the symbolic glitter of the Golden Pavilion Temple. Explore an old town district with many traditional shops and old buildings. And finally, watch apprentice geisha perform traditional Japanese art in Gion!
Moving between the destinations on a public bus, you will appreciate Kyoto’s unique grid-style streets. The day’s itinerary covers a large part of the city, from south to north and then back. Enjoy sightseeing around this orderly old city, and experience the amazing atmosphere from morning till dusk!
Day 3: Kyoto Tour
Day 4: Transfer to Hakone
Schedule
- 09:00 - 11:30 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Odawara
- 11:30 - 12:30 Transfer to Hakone >> luggage transfer
- 12:30 - 14:00 Yakizakana lunch
- 14:00 - 15:00 Sightseeing around Hakone Yumoto
- 15:00 - 15:30 Transfer to ryokan
- 15:30 - 18:00 Ryokan check-in >> onsen, free time
- 18:00 - 19:30 Dinner
Meals
Activities
It is time to get you from the old capital of Kyoto to Hakone, “the gateway to Edo” on the old Tokaido route. Taking the bullet train on the eponymous shinkansen track, you will arrive in Hakone at around noon. Go on a brief sightseeing walk around Hakone Yumoto, and check into your ryokan to enjoy a well-deserved rest. As a renowned hot spring resort, Hakone makes an excellent break right in the middle of this trip!
Day 4: Transfer to Hakone
Day 5: Hakone Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Ryokan check-out (leave luggage) >> transfer to Hakone-machi
- 10:00 - 11:00 Hakone Sekisho
- 11:00 - 11:45 Lake Ashi Cruise
- 11:45 - 12:00 Take the ropeway to Owakudani
- 12:00 - 13:30 Lunch
- 13:30 - 14:30 Sightseeing around Owakudani
- 14:30 - 15:15 Transfer to Hakone Yumoto by cable car
- 15:15 - 15:45 Luggage pick-up
- 15:45 - 18:00 Transfer to Tokyo by Romancecar Limited Express
- 18:00 - 18:30 Transfer to hotel >> check-in
Meals
Activities
The romantic Hakone offers interesting historic landmark and scenic natural landscape. Start the morning with a bus trip to Hakone-machi, where you will see a reconstruction of the old road’s checkpoint. Next, you will take a short cruise on Lake Ashi, from which Mt. Fuji is visible on clear days. Continue your way up to the valley of geysers, Owakudani, and enjoy lunch at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level.
In the afternoon, you will return to your ryokan to pick up your bags, and bid goodbye to the beautiful nature of Hakone. The Romancecar express train will take you to the grand capital of Tokyo. Arriving in the evening, you will take the train to your hotel in Shinagawa, and get a good night’s rest. Prepare for a great urban adventure on the next day!
Remark : Since 19 May 2019, Japan Meteorological Agency has announced an increasing volcanic activity near Owakudani and raise the valcanic warning level of Owakudani to Level 2. The raising of warning level forces the surrounding area to close down thus the Hakone ropway is now out of service until further notice. As for the safety of our clients, new destinations will be arranged and replaces the current program if the warning level remains at level 2
Day 5: Hakone Tour
Day 6: Tokyo Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Asakusa
- 10:00 - 12:00 Asakusa and Senso-ji (rickshaw ride)
- 12:00 - 12:30 Transfer to Ginza
- 12:30 - 14:00 Sushi lunch
- 14:00 - 14:30 Transfer to Harajuku
- 14:30 - 15:30 Meiji Jingu
- 15:30 - 16:30 Sightseeing around Takeshita Street
- 16:30 - 16:45 Transfer to Shibuya
- 16:45 - 17:30 Sightseeing around Shibuya
- 17:30 - 18:00 Return to hotel
Meals
Activities
The penultimate day is where you will finally see bustling Tokyo in action. Starting the day with Asakusa, you will immediately notice the contrast between an age-old temple and a futuristic tower within an eyeshot. Enjoy a rickshaw ride that takes you to various spots in this area, and go shopping for gifts to take home in the Nakamise area. Then, you will enjoy a nice sushi lunch in the classy Ginza area.
Repeat the striking contrast in Harajuku, where you have the serene and majestic Meiji Shrine on one side, and a fashionable shopping street on another. Afterward, you will stop by Shibuya, which is renowned for the fabled dog Hachiko, and for its Scramble Crossing that really comes alive in the afternoon. The busy pedestrian streets of Shibuya will be a perfect place to wrap up your epic adventure in Japan!
Day 6: Tokyo Tour
Day 7: Leaving Japan
Departure: Narita International Airport
Meals
Activities
You have completed the Tokaido Express tour! We hope that you enjoyed your trip with ILJT! On the last day, you will check out of your hotel and conduct an independent transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight back home, and see you again soon!
Day 7: Leaving Japan
Arrival: Kansai International Airport
Activities
The first day is a standard affair. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and assist you with preparations for the tour. You will take the train to your hotel in the heart of the city. After the check-in procedures are completed, you will have the rest of the day to yourselves.
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:30 Hotel check-out (leave luggage) >> transfer to Nara
- 10:30 - 11:30 Nara Park
- 11:30 - 12:30 Todai-ji
- 12:30 - 13:00 Walk to restaurant
- 13:00 - 14:30 Irori lunch
- 14:30 - 15:45 Transfer to Osaka
- 15:45 - 17:00 Osaka Castle
- 17:00 - 17:30 Luggage pick-up
- 17:30 - 19:00 Transfer to Kyoto >> hotel check-in
Activities
Connected by the Kintetsu Nara Line are two of the oldest capitals of Japan, Osaka and Nara. Your destinations today are the two lanConnected by the Kintetsu Nara Line are two of the oldest capitals of Japan, Osaka and Nara. Your destinations today are the two landmarks that represented the cities’ influence during their days as the seat of power. In the old city of Nara you will see the supreme temple of Todai-ji, which houses what is to this date still the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world. In the urban greatness of Osaka you will visit Osaka Castle, which holds the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three great unifiers of Japan.
This day is designed to capture the spirit of a railway adventure in Japan, where independent travelers move great distances to see the must-see. The active schedule is punctuated with a relaxing walk among the playful deer of Nara, and a nice grilled lunch redolent of a campfire meal. The fast-paced itinerary brings you to the city of Kyoto at the end of the day.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 09:30 Transfer to Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 09:30 - 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:30 - 12:15 Transfer to restaurant
- 12:15 - 14:15 Sushi cooking class and lunch
- 14:15 - 15:15 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:15 - 16:00 Transfer to Higashiyama
- 16:00 - 17:30 Higashiyama
- 17:30 - 18:00 Transfer to Gion
- 18:00 - 19:00 Gion Corner (subject to availability)
- 19:00 - 19:30 Return to hotel
Activities
Time to get the full Kyoto experience! The third day is when you get to do real Japanese stuff in the quintessential Japanese city. Walk a trail of a thousand torii gates up a mountain shrine. Learn how to cook Kyoto-style sushi, and try your own creation. Behold the symbolic glitter of the Golden Pavilion Temple. Explore an old town district with many traditional shops and old buildings. And finally, watch apprentice geisha perform traditional Japanese art in Gion!
Moving between the destinations on a public bus, you will appreciate Kyoto’s unique grid-style streets. The day’s itinerary covers a large part of the city, from south to north and then back. Enjoy sightseeing around this orderly old city, and experience the amazing atmosphere from morning till dusk!
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 11:30 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Odawara
- 11:30 - 12:30 Transfer to Hakone >> luggage transfer
- 12:30 - 14:00 Yakizakana lunch
- 14:00 - 15:00 Sightseeing around Hakone Yumoto
- 15:00 - 15:30 Transfer to ryokan
- 15:30 - 18:00 Ryokan check-in >> onsen, free time
- 18:00 - 19:30 Dinner
Activities
It is time to get you from the old capital of Kyoto to Hakone, “the gateway to Edo” on the old Tokaido route. Taking the bullet train on the eponymous shinkansen track, you will arrive in Hakone at around noon. Go on a brief sightseeing walk around Hakone Yumoto, and check into your ryokan to enjoy a well-deserved rest. As a renowned hot spring resort, Hakone makes an excellent break right in the middle of this trip!
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Ryokan check-out (leave luggage) >> transfer to Hakone-machi
- 10:00 - 11:00 Hakone Sekisho
- 11:00 - 11:45 Lake Ashi Cruise
- 11:45 - 12:00 Take the ropeway to Owakudani
- 12:00 - 13:30 Lunch
- 13:30 - 14:30 Sightseeing around Owakudani
- 14:30 - 15:15 Transfer to Hakone Yumoto by cable car
- 15:15 - 15:45 Luggage pick-up
- 15:45 - 18:00 Transfer to Tokyo by Romancecar Limited Express
- 18:00 - 18:30 Transfer to hotel >> check-in
Activities
The romantic Hakone offers interesting historic landmark and scenic natural landscape. Start the morning with a bus trip to Hakone-machi, where you will see a reconstruction of the old road’s checkpoint. Next, you will take a short cruise on Lake Ashi, from which Mt. Fuji is visible on clear days. Continue your way up to the valley of geysers, Owakudani, and enjoy lunch at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level.
In the afternoon, you will return to your ryokan to pick up your bags, and bid goodbye to the beautiful nature of Hakone. The Romancecar express train will take you to the grand capital of Tokyo. Arriving in the evening, you will take the train to your hotel in Shinagawa, and get a good night’s rest. Prepare for a great urban adventure on the next day!
Remark : Since 19 May 2019, Japan Meteorological Agency has announced an increasing volcanic activity near Owakudani and raise the valcanic warning level of Owakudani to Level 2. The raising of warning level forces the surrounding area to close down thus the Hakone ropway is now out of service until further notice. As for the safety of our clients, new destinations will be arranged and replaces the current program if the warning level remains at level 2
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Asakusa
- 10:00 - 12:00 Asakusa and Senso-ji (rickshaw ride)
- 12:00 - 12:30 Transfer to Ginza
- 12:30 - 14:00 Sushi lunch
- 14:00 - 14:30 Transfer to Harajuku
- 14:30 - 15:30 Meiji Jingu
- 15:30 - 16:30 Sightseeing around Takeshita Street
- 16:30 - 16:45 Transfer to Shibuya
- 16:45 - 17:30 Sightseeing around Shibuya
- 17:30 - 18:00 Return to hotel
Activities
The penultimate day is where you will finally see bustling Tokyo in action. Starting the day with Asakusa, you will immediately notice the contrast between an age-old temple and a futuristic tower within an eyeshot. Enjoy a rickshaw ride that takes you to various spots in this area, and go shopping for gifts to take home in the Nakamise area. Then, you will enjoy a nice sushi lunch in the classy Ginza area.
Repeat the striking contrast in Harajuku, where you have the serene and majestic Meiji Shrine on one side, and a fashionable shopping street on another. Afterward, you will stop by Shibuya, which is renowned for the fabled dog Hachiko, and for its Scramble Crossing that really comes alive in the afternoon. The busy pedestrian streets of Shibuya will be a perfect place to wrap up your epic adventure in Japan!
Meals
Open previous day
Departure: Narita International Airport
Activities
You have completed the Tokaido Express tour! We hope that you enjoyed your trip with ILJT! On the last day, you will check out of your hotel and conduct an independent transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight back home, and see you again soon!