Tokyo to Kyoto tours

There’s never a bad time to travel to Japan but the months that see the most travellers are March, April, and May as the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The warm weather (with low humidity levels) of September, October, and November are also suitable months to visit Japan – you’ll even be treated to landscapes coloured with oranges, reds, and browns for autumn. While winter can be cold, this is the best time for snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow festivals. On the other hand, the summer months see high humidity levels that can leave some travellers uncomfortable.

Travellers from most nationalities need a visa to enter Japan. For more information, please visit the Government of Japan’s website or the Essential Trip Information.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.

You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Tokyo and Kyoto are two of Japan's most popular destinations, and for good reason! But just because they're popular doesn't mean there aren't any hidden gems to discover – especially with a local leader by your side. Below are some of our top picks of what to see and do in these bustling cities.

Tokyo

• Hit up a karaoke bar in Tokyo

• Sample sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market

• Take a walk down the eclectic alleyways of Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)

• Visit Senso-ji – the city’s oldest temple

• Relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River

• Discover quirky fashion and pop culture in Harajuku

• Find your inner zen at Meiji Jingu Shrine

Kyoto

• Discover Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion)

• Admire the flora in Kyoto's Botanical Gardens

• Explore Nijo-jo Castle

• Visit the stunning Shimogamo Shrine

• Learn about geisha culture in Gion District

• Pick up a bargain in Nishiki-Koji Market

• Walk among giant bamboo in Arashiyama Forest

While homosexuality is legal in Japan, gay marriage has not been made legal by the Japanese high court. There is no legal recognition of non-binary gender in Japan; however, similar to the legitimacy of gay marriage, it can vary by region.

LGBTQIA+ travellers shouldn’t have any issues visiting Japan with violence, outright hostility or overt discrimination extremely rare. However, Japan’s older generation still holds conservative values when it comes to LGBTQIA+ sexuality and non-binary gender expression, especially those who live in regional areas.

Public displays of affection are often frowned upon, regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation, so keep that in mind when you’re out in public

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group trip, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.