Everything you want, all within reach. Experience Tokyo’s energy while venturing out to historic towns, nature-filled retreats, and iconic landscapes, all just a short ride away. We're setting up base in Tokyo and getting ready to explore!
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Welcome to Tokyo! The hard part's over, now you can relax and enjoy everything this city has to offer. Keep things gentle for your first day: hotel check-in, a neighborhood walk, and your first Japanese meal.
Tokyo, Japan
Welcome! Find your hotel, get settled in and start getting to know your immediate surroundings and prepare for the journey ahead.
Today you’ll get to know this wonderful town nicknamed Koedo or “Little Edo”. A time capsule of old Japan, here you'll be able to weave your way through historic streets, wooden storehouses, gentle temples, and have plenty of chances to snack your way through history.
Japan, 〒350-0066 Saitama, Kawagoe, Renjakuchō, ７−１
We're starting at this quiet and uncrowded temple, perfect for easing into the day.
Japan, 〒350-0066 Saitama, Kawagoe, Renjakuchō, １６−６ アーバンビル 2階A号室
Nourishing healthy meals for our day ahead. Arrive a little early if possible, this spot is well loved.
Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063, Japan
A very photogenic glimpse of Edo-era merchant life, but this shopping street goes far beyond the usual souvenirs. You will be able to to shop high quality goods to fill up your suitcase. Also, this place is famous for sweet potato, but if you haven't tried Japanese sweet potato yet you're in for a treat!
Japan, 〒350-0063 Saitama, Kawagoe, Saiwaichō, １５−７
The bell has marked time in the town for over 400 years and still rings daily, just as it did in the Edo period.
Japan, 〒350-0053 Saitama, Kawagoe, Kuruwamachi, 2-chōme−１３−番地
More of a palace building than a traditional castle, it has beautiful tatami rooms and a great garden.
2-chōme-30-1 Kuruwamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0053, Japan
Exceptionally well-presented exhibits about local history with lots of artifacts and life size models of stalls and merchant houses.
Japan, 〒350-0052 Saitama, Kawagoe, Miyashitamachi, 2-chōme−１１−３
Try your hand at fishing out omikuji fortunes, and don't miss the rows and rows of ema (wooden prayer plaques).
2-1 Shitamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0051, Japan
The matcha treats here are out of this world !
Japan, 〒350-0062 Saitama, Kawagoe, Motomachi, 2-chōme−１１−１
On our way back to the station, we're stopping at this gem of a temple with a statue of the Ascetic Shakyamuni.
Wakitahoncho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-1123, Japan
Stroll back to the station and enjoy the rest of the evening in Tokyo - while on the way to the station you can make your way through the shopping district for any last minute souvenirs.
The perfect day trip from Tokyo, this city beckons in the heat of the summer as a cool escape, but shines just as bright in any season. Less than two hours away, this mountain town feels like a deep breath: towering cedar trees, ornate shrines, rushing water, and a sense that you’ve stepped somewhere sacred.
1-chōme-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0033, Japan
The easiest way to access Nikko is via the Tobu railway, making Asakusa Station the perfect departure point. Tip: You can purchase a Tobu Nikko Pass at the station ticket counter before boarding for a discounted round-trip train fare from Tokyo and unlimited bus travel around Nikko for the day.
2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431, Japan
Are you seeing this dense cedar forest? Pure heaven. See if you can find the “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkeys ! Get here early to avoid the crowds.
2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1494, Japan
The three gilded Buddha statues within represent the deities of the three mountains of Nikko, Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyoho and Mt. Taro.
2307 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431, Japan
This shrine was founded in 782...
2366 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431, Japan
Fantastic vegetarian restaurant, perfect for a lunch break.
Takumicho, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1415, Japan
Enjoy a peaceful walk through a scenic forest path, I hope you brought comfortable shoes !
8-27 Honchō, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1434, Japan
Stunning villa where you can get lost for hours enjoying the architecture, views and craftsmanship.
Kamihatsuishimachi, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1401, Japan
Enjoy these modern times where you can unabashedly walk this bridge that was once reserved only for monks and imperial messengers. Enjoy a final stroll through Nikko’s small town area before heading back to the station.
We've planned a full day for you in Hakone, and we suggest going there in the afternoon on this day and stay in one of the many spa like hotels in the area, to get an early start on everything the area has to offer. So today, we're exploring a local favorite area of the city before we prepare to head over to our next stop.
3-chōme-13-1 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan
Use the day to explore the nostalgia of Yanaka Ginza, bursting with retro charm. The entire area has a special kind of calm that invites you to explore the city away from the usual tourist spots.
7-chōme-18-10 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan
This wonderful museum was formerly Asakura Fumio's studio and residence. Now you can explore not only his works but also the beautiful Japanese style residence complete with a koi pond with some of the biggest koi fish around...
7-chōme-14-8 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan
We also recommend a quiet stroll through Yanaka Cemetery, keeping in mind that it is an active cemetery where locals come to pay respects.
3-chōme-37-11 Sendagi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0022, Japan
Wonderful fresh ingredients and amazing green tea in this Australian style cafe that also doubles as a concept store.
Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan
After exploring the area, it's time to get ready to head over to Hakone for a night of rest away from the city lights.
With Hakone, a true retreat from the big city, we need to make a proper stop to make sure we're getting everything we can from this place full of adventure and wonder. Waiting for you in the valley is a Volcano, a pirate ship and even a floating torii.
1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493, Japan
Recommended even for non-museum lovers, this museum is a whole experience. Nature blends with an astounding collection of art pieces, that you can even explore while taking a foot bath.
Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
We're heading up to higher ground, and I hope you have clear views today !
Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
Check out the black eggs while you're taking in the sights and smells of the remains of an explosion crater formed by a steam explosion that occurred at the Hakone volcano about 3,000 years ago.
Lake Ashi, Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
The moment some of you have been waiting for, we're embarking on a pirate ship cruise ! Even if you're not into the whole pirate theme, the sights on this lake are something to be witnessed first hand...
161-1 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521, Japan
Finally, time for some much needed lunch after today's exploring. If you would rather spend more time at the museum, we recommend making your lunch stop before moving on to the ropeway.
1番地 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521, Japan
Travel back in history and explore this security checkpoint, established by the Tokugawa Shogunate on the Tōkaidō highway connecting the capital of Edo with Kyoto.
80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
Get your camera and pose ready !
1-chōme-1-1 Shiroyama, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0045, Japan
I hope you enjoyed your day out in nature - now it's time to get back to the city !
After exploring the forests and valleys of Hakone, we're changing the scenery today to visit the seaside. Kamakura is often called little Kyoto, but it still has it's own distinct culture and sights which we'll dive right into !
3-chōme-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
The mornings are calmer, so we recommend you start your day in Hasadera temple. You also get to take a great morning trek up into the hillside for amazing views of the town and ocean.
4-chōme-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Where you will find the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura that you simply have to see with your own eyes.
1-chōme-12-16 Inamuragasaki, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0024, Japan
A bit of a trip, but this place is famous for its tasty dishes (especially breakfast if you are able to make it in early) right by the train tracks.
Kamakura Yuigahama Beach, 4 Chome Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0014, Japan
If you're here in the more warmer months, we recommend a trip to the beach, even better if you have a watermelon to crack !
2-chōme-7-4 Jōmyōji, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0003, Japan
If you do want those Kyoto vibes, here's your chance to explore the beautiful bamboo forest of Houkokuji temple.
Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006, Japan
This is your chance to snack and souvenir shop your way through this charming shopping street - don't forget to fully explore the hidden gems in the side alleys.
101 1-chōme-6-8 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006, Japan
Don't forget to take a break from time to time and sip on some lovely coffee beans / tea leaves.
2-chōme-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan
We're ending the day at the most important shrine in the area that hosts most of the city's festivals. There's a lot to explore here, and flowers to fit every season.
As Japan's first harbor city to open up to the rest of the world, Yokohama has this really distinctive international vibe with something for everyone - a day isn't enough to explore all this city has to offer so feel free to change up the schedule to fit everything you want to check off your list !
Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
We're starting off in the harbor district, complete with its own amusement park.
2-chōme-3-4 Shinkō, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Throwing this in there for those interested, it's more entertaining than it might sound !
1-chōme-1-1 Shinkō, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Time for some shopping and lunch ! If you're here during the holiday season, make sure to stop by at the Christmas market after dark for a taste of the festivities and some holiday themed souvenirs.
Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
Welcome to the largest Chinatown in Japan, which we also highly recommend as a lunch stop for this day. The colorful gates, temple incense, and the aroma of street food reflect Yokohama’s history as a global port, and offer a taste of the Chinese culture that has been woven into the city for generations.
58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0824, Japan
A short bus ride away you can find this beautiful garden with a rich history and expansive grounds.
Japan, 〒220-0012 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Minatomirai, 4-chōme−6−５ リーフみなとみらい 2F
Head back up into the center for a coffee/tea break and spend the rest of your day taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Hakkeijima, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0006, Japan
As an alternative to any of the above, for those interested in aquariums, this one is quite impressive. It houses all sorts of inhabitants of the sea possible, from walruses, dolphins, sea lions, seals to polar bears, it's a wonderful place to visit with children.
We're sure you'll make your way back over as soon as you can, but for now it's time to enjoy your last day in Tokyo. No rushing, no box‑ticking, today is about soaking it all in, enjoying good coffee, beautiful streets, and leaving Tokyo feeling calm, full, and already a little nostalgic. See you again soon!
4-chōme-12-10 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Start your last day in style, browsing this huge shopping complex, designed by Tadao Ando. Stroll along and stop at cafés at your own pace.
Japan, 〒107-0062 Tokyo, Minato City, Minamiaoyama, 5-chōme−4−４１ グラッセリア青山 １階
We're keeping a relaxed vibe for our last day, and what better than lunch surrounded by lush greenery and fresh teas. You can also stop by later in the day for some sweets.
6-chōme-5-1 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
Not only is the museum a popular stop in the area, but the garden is exquisite !
Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingūmae, 2-chōme−3−１８ 建築家会館ＪＩＡ館
For those looking for a Michelin star meal to fight back the going back blues.