Three Historic Japanese Capitals Tour

Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto and Miyajima

This 7 night, 8 day, tour explores three of Japans historic capitals — Tokyo, Kamakura and Kyoto, along with Miyajima near Hiroshima. Experience the contrasts of Japan from the ultra-modern urban scene to the traditional hospitality of Japanese ryokan inns. Dive into the busy metropolis of Tokyo with your tour leader and explore the history of what used to be the Tokugawa shogun's headquarters for more than 250 years and is now the capital of the second largest economy in the world. Discover the old and the ultra-modern in this fascinating city. Transfer to Kitakamakura where you can leave the urban hustle and bustle behind for a hike in the forest, re-emerging in Kamakura, the seat of the first military government in Japan dating back to the late 12th century. Visit the magnificent Daibutsu, or Big Buddha, that has sat in meditation for centuries. Stay in a traditional ryokan and experience an elegant and delicious multi-course Japanese dinner. Onwards to the cultural and religious heart of Japan, Kyoto, where we visit the must-see sights and wander the streets where geisha can still be seen walking to their appointments. We spend two nights in this captivating city that was Japan's imperial capital for over a thousand years. Our last stop on this tour is Miyajima, with Itsukushimajinja, a World Heritage site and one of the most scenic spots in Japan. There is also an opportunity to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

Tour Itinerary

  • DAY 1: TOKYO.

    Meet your tour guide and check into tour accommodation. Briefing in hotel reception and dinner at restaurant in town.
    Dinner at a local restaurant is included.
    Accommodation is in a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.

  • DAY 2: TOKYO.

    Guided tour of Tokyo. Walk through Nihonbashi district and the Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens and on to nearby Yasukuni shrine — a controversial and popular shrine built to commemorate Japan's war dead. In the afternoon, we visit the fascinating and informative Tokyo Edo Museum followed by a trip to Asakusa Sensoji Temple — Tokyo's oldest temple — and then a stroll through Harajuku, a fashion and shopping centre where young Japanese congregate, parading the latest street fashion.
    A Western-style buffet breakfast is included.
    Accommodation is in a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.

  • DAY 3: TOKYO.

    Optional early morning visit to Tsukiji fish market. Today is a free day to explore Tokyo according to your interests. Your guide is available to advise on sightseeing options.
    A Western-style buffet breakfast is included.
    Accommodation is in a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.

  • DAY 4: KAMAKURA.

    Take the train from Tokyo to Kitakamakura and hike through the hilly forest to Hase in Kamakura. Visit Kotokuin temple and Daibutsu (Big Buddha).
    A Western-style buffet breakfast and a traditional Japanese dinner served at our inn are included.
    After breakfast on day 4, our main luggage is sent ahead to the next accommodation on Day 5. We retain a day pack with overnight essentials to be carried on the hike.
    Accommodation is in a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan).

  • DAY 5: KYOTO.

    Early morning transfer to Kyoto on local and bullet train (approx. 3 hours). Check into tour accommodation and begin guided tour of Kyoto after lunch. Walking through the Gion district, we visit the popular Yasaka shrine and from there continue to Kiyomizu temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, and a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views from its famous wooden terrace. After lunch, we visit the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts where we are introduced to the many splendid crafts of Japan, including lacquerware, textiles and stonework. Kyoto's Silver Pavilion — a World Heritage site with a famous rock garden — is our last stop of the day.
    A traditional Japanese breakfast is included.
    Accommodation is in a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.

  • DAY 6: KYOTO.

    Continuing our tour of Kyoto, we visit two of the best known temples in Kyoto — Kinkakuji (the magnificent Golden Pavilion) and Ryoanji with its famous zen rock garden. On the way back to central Kyoto, we stop at Nijo castle. This luxurious palace was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate from 1603 to 1867 and is well known for its "nightingale floors" — so called because they squeak and sing at every move to deter intruders. After lunch, we take a walk through Nishiki koji food market. This bustling market dates back to the 1600s and is a delightful showcase of Japanese food and culture.
    Breakfast is included.
    Accommodation is in a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.

  • DAY 7: HIROSHIMA/MIYAJIMA

    Today we travel on the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Our destination is the sacred island of Miyajima. This island off the coast of Hiroshima has a long history and is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will stay at a Japanese ryokan.
    Breakfast and traditional Japanese dinner are included.
    Accommodation is in a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan).

  • DAY 8: END.

    After breakfast, we visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Tour ends after the museum visit. Your guide will be available to assist you on your onward journey to your next destination.

  • 2010 Tour price (land only): JPY 325,000 per person. We also accept payment in other currencies.

Minimum tour group size is 4 persons. Maximum tour group size is 8 persons.

This itinerary is subject to change.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower

Asakusa Sensoji

Asakusa Sensoji

Kamakura Daibutsu

Kamakura Daibutsu

Kinkakuji, Kyoto

Kinkakuji, Kyoto

Miyajima

Miyajima

2010/11 Tour dates

Please contact us for tour dates in 2010 and 2011.

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Included & Excluded in this tour:

The services of an experienced tour leader are included in this tour.

Dining:

  • All breakfasts on the tour, excluding Day 1, are included.
  • Dinners, excluding drinks, on Days 1, 4, & 7 are included.

Transport:
All transport as per itinerary and luggage transport as per tour itinerary is included in the tour price. Please limit your tour luggage to one medium sized suitcase (H26cmxW44cmxL65cm or H10inxW17inxL26in) or similar and one day pack per person. Any extra luggage will be subject to additional transport charges.

Accommodation:
All accommodation on the tour is included.

Sometimes at Japanese inns, single travellers may be asked to share a room with another single traveller of the same gender in the group. Although we try our best to provide single accommodation, this is not always possible at Japanese inns.

Entry fees:
Museum entry fees as per tour itinerary are included.

Excluded from the tour price are the following:

  • Transport to the start of the tour on Day 1.
  • All lunches and drinks with dinners on the tour.
  • Dinners on the tour on Days 2, 3, 5 & 6.