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Tokaido Trail 2005
Starting in Tokyo, the pulsating heart of modern Japan, this trip follows the ancient Tokaido road now traversed by the 'Bullet' train and takes in three former capital cities along the way. Experience the hidden delights of Kamakura and enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality with a stay at a Ryokan; discover the vivid contrasts of Kyoto; relax in the authentic hot-spring baths of Hakone and, weather permitted, enjoy views of the majestic slopes of Mt. Fuji. On our excursion day you’ll have the option of visiting Hiroshima, Nara, the World Expo in Nagoya or many other exciting destinations for no extra cost. All in all, this is an unforgettable mix of the modern and traditional.
Itinerary summary
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Day 1: arrive Tokyo - meals: dinner
The tour group convenes in Tokyo. Your buddy will come to the airport to meet you and escort you back into Tokyo and on to our hotel in Asakusa, the ‘down-town’ area of the old Edo-era city. Many of our customers choose to arrive a day early (your buddy will still be available to meet you at the airport) in order to get over jet-lag and get the most out of the tour.
The first night's dinner is on us at a restaurant a short subway ride from the hotel.
Day 2: Tokyo - meals: breakfast
If you’d like to join him, your Buddy will be taking a group to Tokyo’s morning fish market - A chance to see where all that sushi comes from. It’s an early start though, leaving the hotel at 4.50am in order to catch the first subway of the day!
If you fancy it, there is the option of enjoying a breakfast of the best fresh sushi at the fish market (extra payment required on the day). If this isn’t for you, we’ll be taking breakfast at a restaurant close to the hotel. And of course, breakfast everyday is included in the price of your tour.
Mid-morning you can join us for a boat trip on the Sumida River which runs through the centre of Tokyo. Again this is included in the tour price. The boat takes you down to Hamarikyu teien, a tranquil garden which is surprisingly only a few minutes walk from the lively Ginza shopping district. You might like to take a cup of freshly made green tea served in the tea house which is the focal point of the garden.
After leaving the garden there are a whole host of different options and your Buddy will help you decide. You might like to take a ride on the new elevated light-railway which sweeps out into and across Tokyo bay affording stunning views of the Tokyo skyline; or perhaps take the walk into the Ginza for some shopping and a look at the latest electronic wizardry at the Sony Building; or maybe a walk down Omotesando, the 'Champs-Elysee' of Tokyo to Meiji shrine would appeal to you more. Whatever it is you want to do your Buddy will help you out.
Day 3: Kamakura - meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast we will move on to Kamakura. The journey takes about 1h45 from leaving the hotel in Tokyo to arrival at the hotel in Kamakura. You’ll be able to drop off your bags before heading off to look around some of Kamakura’s many beautiful temples and shrines. The town is small enough to see all the major sights on foot and there are some really nice walking routes you might like to take. Be sure not to miss Kamakura’s big Buddha who has sat serenely meditating for nearly 800 years. Unfortunately for him, he lost his house some 400 years ago when the building was washed away by a giant tidal wave.
In the evening you will be treated to an exquisite 'kaiseki' meal at a local restaurant. The chef will specially prepare a full course meal containing no meat or fish for the vegetarians in the group.
Day 4: Hakone - meals: breakfast
After enjoying breakfast at our hotel we will move on to Hakone. Total journey time is around 3h30. The tour includes a Hakone free-pass which allows you unlimited travel on all of the many forms of transport in the Hakone region; buses, funicular railway, cable car, rope-way, and even the sightseeing boat which crosses Lake Ashi from where if you’re lucky and the skies are clear, you will get a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. There are lots of things to see and do in Hakone and we’ll make sure you have all the necessary maps and information. We’ll be staying at the traditional style Fuji-Hakone guesthouse which boasts a very nice outside hot-spring ‘rotemburo’ bath where you can relax after a hard day sightseeing and look up at the stars!
Day 5: Hakone - meals: breakfast
More time to explore Hakone. You may like to take a short hike along what remains of the old Tokaido highway which used to be the major road linking Edo (modern day Tokyo) with Kyoto and Osaka. The open air sculpture museum features pieces by many world renowned artists all set against a stunning mountain backdrop. There are also all kinds of museums to visit and this is a great chance to pick up one of Hakone’s famous “trick boxes” as a unique souvenir.
Day 6: Kyoto - meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast we’ll be moving on to Kyoto, taking a two hour ride on the world famous ‘Bullet’ train. Kyoto needs no introduction and is without doubt Japan's capital of history and culture. We'll be spending the afternoon doing some leisurely sightseeing and enjoying the hidden delights of this wonderful city. This evening there is an optional “Geisha Walking Lecture” with one of our partners in Kyoto, Peter Macintosh, available at no extra charge. His ten years' experience of living in Kyoto and close involvement with the Geisha community mean that you’ll get a truly unique insight into this hidden world. After the tour Peter will be taking us to a local restaurant for a slap up meal!
Day 7: Kyoto - meals: breakfast
Another day in this most famous of Japanese cities. Check out some more temples and shrines or perhaps book a tour of the Imperial Palace gardens which are stunning in all seasons. To see a different side of Kyoto visit the Toei Eigamura movie studios and have the chance to star in the latest samurai drama or ninja performance.
Day 8: Optional Excursion day or full day in Kyoto - meals: breakfast and dinner
Today is our Excursion day – a free day for you to use your JR Rail Pass (included in the tour price) to visit a destination of your choice. Popular choices will include Hiroshima, Himeji castle, Nara or the Expo 2005 Exhibition in Nagoya. You can of course opt to stay in Kyoto if you wish to explore more in the city.
Day 9: Tokyo - meals: breakfast
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen back to Tokyo today for our final day in the city. Enjoy a further afternoon’s sightseeing or spend some time souvenir shopping in the wonderful Kappabashi-dori kitchen district or Nakamise shopping area.
Day 10: depart
It’s sayonara as the tour ends and we go our separate ways. If you are leaving Japan today your buddy will make sure you have no problems getting to the airport in good time to check-in for your flight. Remember your airport transfer is included in the price so no need to worry about this. If you are staying on a bit longer, we wish you all the best for the remainder of your visit!
Important Practical Information
Transport: Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan’s first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag or best of all, a rucksack, are most appropriate for this tour. Clothes washing machines are available in Tokyo at the start of the tour and in Hakone. A small fee is required for their use.
Accommodation: The hotels in Tokyo and Kamakura and the ryokan in Kyoto are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet). The Fuji Hakone Guest House has its own natural hot spring baths and shower which can be used privately but rooms do not have attached bathrooms or toilets.
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