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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Tracey · Traveled September 2024
Our guide in Japan was named Hiro. He was excellent! He made our trip so much fun & culturally rich. If you travel to Japan be sure to get Hiro as your guide.
Review submitted 20 Sep 2024Premium Japan
Sharon · Traveled September 2024
The small group premium Japan trip is excellent for anyone travelling alone or as a couple or group. The trip has plenty of activities and plenty of free time. There is plenty of physical exercise, Balanced With choice.. This was my first intrepid trip, and I would recommend intrepid and this particular trip to anyone looking to travel to Japan As a single Traveller. The hotels, food, Itinerary. and support was excellent.
Review submitted 17 Sep 2024Premium Japan
Jane · Traveled September 2024
This was one of the best Intrepid tours I have done. We had a great bunch of people and many I will remain friends with. Both Benji and Shizuka did a great job ensuring we had a fantastic experience and formed tremendous memories of our wonderful time in Japan. Thank you both!
Review submitted 20 Sep 2024Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Janny · Traveled August 2024
I loved this Japan trip. It offers a snapshot of Japan in 12 days. Wonderful learning about a unique country, culture, history and people. Our Japanese tour leader was fantastic.
Review submitted 12 Sep 2024Premium Japan
Natalie · Traveled August 2024
An awesome itinerary, with a great balance between modern and traditional Japan. I particularly liked the use of public transport to travel as it created a really immerssive experience. Our guide Toyoko was very knowledgeable and well organised, making for a very seamless and enjoyable trip.
Review submitted 08 Sep 2024