Cultural Japan: Tokyo, Kanazawa & Kyoto

Explore Tokyo, Japan, from the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower to bustling Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
Journey to Mount Fuji and Hakone, cruising Lake Ashi and gliding above volcanic valleys by ropeway.
Discover Kanazawa’s samurai heritage, exquisite Kenrokuen Garden, and gold leaf crafts.
Visit Shirakawago’s UNESCO-listed thatched farmhouses and stroll Takayama’s preserved Edo-period streets.
Uncover Kyoto and Nara’s treasures—golden temples, ancient castles, friendly deer, and tranquil gardens.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

Trip Features

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Epic Scenery

Showcases landscapes that elevate parts of the journey.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Tokyo

DAY

Explore Tokyo

DAY

Full Day Excursion to Mt. Fuji & Hakone

DAY

Tokyo to Kanazawa

DAY

Kanazawa to Shirakawago & Takayama

DAY

Kanazawa to Kyoto

DAY

Explore Kyoto & Nara

DAY

Day at leisure in Kyoto

DAY

Depart from Kyoto

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Tokyo

Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda airport, clear immigration and proceed to the arrivals hall, where our representative will greet you and assist you in boarding a taxi to your Tokyo hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Tokyo

Your Accommodation

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms with serene garden or city views, complemented by modern amenities and traditional Japanese hospitality. Set amid beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens, the hotel features multiple dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from Shinagawa Station.

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DAY

Explore Tokyo

Start off your stay in Tokyo with a morning tour. Pass the Imperial Palace, which is formerly known as Edo Castle, this palace is the residence of the Emperor of Japan. The grounds are lush with green foliage and provide a relaxing spot for Tokyoites and visitors alike. Then visit Tokyo Tower, an Eiffel tower inspired communication tower. Visit the main deck at 150 m. Next, visit Senso-Ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Senso-Ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, offers plenty to see including the bright red Kaminarimon Gate, a statue of the god of thunder, and a five-story pagoda. The bustling street known as 'Nakamise' stretches for about 250 m from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-Ji Temple and is filled with a plethora of shops. The tour ends near Tokyo Station in the early afternoon. Rest of day at leisure to explore Tokyo at your own pace.

Multi Day Tour

Tokyo

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa

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DAY

Full Day Excursion to Mt. Fuji & Hakone

Depart from Tokyo by bus for Fuji Hakone-Izu National Park in the morning. Your first stop is Mt. Fuji where you will drive half way up the mountain to the 5th station for a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside from a sight 2,300 meters. (When the drive to the 5th Station is closed in winter, due to snow, you will go to the highest possible point.) After lunch (included) take a cruise on the beautiful Lake Ashi followed by a scenic ride on the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway. Return to Tokyo in the evening, tour ends on arrival at Shinjuku Station.

Multi Day Tour

Tokyo to Mt. Fuji to Hakone

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa

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DAY

Tokyo to Kanazawa

Take a bus or taxi from your hotel to Tokyo station and then board the bullet train to go to Kanazawa. An English-speaking assistant will help with your transfer to the train station. You'll be met on arrival in Kanazawa and escorted to your hotel. Then begin your Kanazawa afternoon city tour. Visit the Nomura Residence, a former samurai family residence. There you can admire the traditional architecture and the beautiful Japanese garden. The next stop is Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan and Kanazawa's star attraction. The garden offers amazing seasonal views all year around. Continue to the Higashi Chaya-gai district, where teahouses line the stone-paved streets. While there stop to visit Hakuza Honten, known for its gold leaf products. The tour ends at Kanazawa Station.

Multi Day Tour

Tokyo to Kanazawa

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Kanazawa

Hotel Kanazawa offers spacious, well-equipped rooms. Its prime location just a minute from JR Kanazawa Station, combined with diverse dining options—including a 16th-floor lounge with panoramic vistas, make it a standout choice for travelers.

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DAY

Kanazawa to Shirakawago & Takayama

Take a full day bus excursion to Shirakawago and Takayama. Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage village. Your guide will show you around the village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses that have thatched-roofs, some of which are more than 250 years old. You will be able to look around inside one of these and will see how life in Japan's mountainous region used to be. Then continue by bus to Takayama where you will visit the Yatai Kaikan Hall, the exhibition hall for the Takayama festival floats and the Kusakabe Heritage House, where a range of folk art and traditional handicrafts are displayed. Take a stroll through Takayama's old town, originally developed as a merchant town with traces to the Edo period. Return by bus to Kanazawa.

Multi Day Tour

Kanazawa to Shirakawago to Takayama

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Hotel Kanazawa

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DAY

Kanazawa to Kyoto

Take the train from Kanazawa to Kyoto (assistance will be provided to board the train in Kanazawa). You'll be met on arrival in Kyoto and assisted by taxi to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Kyoto.

Multi Day Tour

Kanazawa to Kyoto

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo blends modern comfort with warm hospitality, offering a variety of stylish rooms. Located just steps from Kyoto Station, the hotel features multiple dining options and unique cultural experiences, making it a convenient and enriching base for exploring the city.

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DAY

Explore Kyoto & Nara

Take a full day tour to explore some of Kyoto's and Nara's most famous sites. Spend the morning in Kyoto. Visit Nijo Castle, noted for its gorgeous interiors and its 'squeaky' nightingale floors which alerted residents to unwanted intruders (if Nijo Castle is closed, visit Ryoanji Temple instead). Continue to Kinkakuji Temple, famous for its Golden Pavilion covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold as well as for its exquisite Japanese gardens and koi ponds. Afterwards, visit Kyoto's Imperial Palace and gain exclusive access to the former residence of the Emperor of Japan (if the Palace is closed, visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead). After lunch travel to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. Visit the colorful Kasuga Taisha Shrine with 3,000 lanterns. This Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan's "Three Great Shrines". Also visit Nara Park, affectionately called "Deer Park" because of the friendly, free-roaming deer that inhabit it. You will also visit the ancient Todaiji Temple and its massive Great Buddha (the largest bronze Buddha in Japan). After this you will return to Kyoto in the evening.

Multi Day Tour

Kyoto and Nara

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

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DAY

Day at leisure in Kyoto

Today is a day at leisure to explore Kyoto on your own

Multi Day Tour

Kyoto

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo

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DAY

Depart from Kyoto

Transfer to Osaka's Kansai or Itami Airport for your onward flight.

Multi Day Tour

Depart Kyoto

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Bustling Tokyo is Japan's capital and largest city

Tokyo, Japan

Shirakawa-gō

Mount Fuji

Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

Sarusawa Pond, Nara

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

KyotoLight Rain

36°C / 97°F

89mm / 3.5"

TokyoLight Rain

35°C / 96°F

79mm / 3.1"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,219 Reviews

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The booking processs was really easy. Katie was very communicative and was very responsive. Every change we asked for, she quickly replied. The room arrangements had a small hiccupp but Katie fixed it within minutes! All the excursions were a blast and well planned. The trip was a bucket list trip and was everything we hoped for. Alison M

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Allan Birkett at Goway has been an absolute godsend! Over the past year, he has helped me plan numerous vacations—especially honeymoons—and has been an incredible partner every step of the way. He is always quick to respond, patient with my clients' frequent changes, and goes above and beyond to help whenever an issue comes up. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication make my job as a travel advisor so much easier. I truly appreciate everything Allan does and highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service. Thank you, Allan, for always being thereBrooke Echols

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Our 2-week trip to Normandy, Switzerland and Italy after we disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton in mid-May was superb. Michael Keon did an amazing job of putting together highlights for us to see and visit with the short time we had. All the train reservations, private and small group tours and transportations were very well coordinated, on time, and usually exceeded our expectations. Drivers were courteous and knowledgeable. Mike did a wonderful job getting everything coordinated, in spite of our almost “last minute” booking. I booked a month-long trip through GOWAY back in 1989 for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, and they were superb then. So I tried them again, and found the entire organization to be even better. Mike was quick to respond to any questions that came up regarding booksings and times, regardless of the 6-hour time difference. Just superb! Although we had a nasty experience in Milan, GOWAY was very responsive and saw to our requests and our needs. Again, Michael Keon is the person who coordinated our travel. I will ask for Mike when I travel again with GOWAY. I recommend GOWAY highly. PJ Wheeler

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A BIG THANK YOU to Goway Travel, Brooke Theron and all of the partners onsite. Our trip to Africa was incredible, memories that will last forever. Everything planned and more went perfectly. The guides, the excursions, the accommodations, everything, was just spectacular. Fortunately, everything ran on time, no delays, no problems. Thank you again!! Linda Irias

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I have been blessed to have an amazing rep, Farooq Qaisar! He has helped me find the best spots for my clients to experience and when I am looking for something and just can't figure it out, he is able to put together something better than I was thinking. He my go-to and I am thankful for all his help over the years!Sherri

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Goway helped plan our two week trip to Peru and they (Virginia in particular) did a great job. The on-site logistics with Condor Travel went very smoothly, and the trip exceeded our expectations overall. They proactively suggested changes to our initial itinerary which were welcomed. I would recommend them and would work with them again in the future.Kate O'Neill

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We entrusted Goway with every detail of our trip from start to finish and they came through for us superbly! Every single detail was smooth sailing. It was a joy to plan our travels with Goway!! We had an amazing trip of a lifetime! E&D

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I recently went on an African Safari with my brother-in-law and sister and another couple who I knew. The entire experience was absolutely unbelievable. The complete details were flawlessly coordinated from the transfers to the breathtaking lodges. Our guides Peter showed us Kenya and Maulid Tanzania were very knowledgeable and very sharp eyes for finding the animals. We were able to see the animals up close, learn a lot about the people, birds , vegetation etc. We had several sundowners in the bush really added to a magical experience with beautiful sunsets. I would highly recommend Goway to all my friends, they will not be disappointed. Thank you to Bijal for the excellent African Safari that you put together for us. You were wonderful.Nancy Hay

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We enjoyed our trip very much. I was very pleased by the hotel, tours, and itinerary selections that Alice Teramoto made for us. It was all well organized and easy to follow. Thank you very much for helping us have a great experience in Peru.IN

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Everything was planned perfectly. The excursions were so small and personal. Ask for Mark! I have already planned another trip back to the Oregon wine country with Mark. Claire

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What do the experts say?

Steve Hope

Team Lead

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You should try a Zen meditation session. Imagine slipping into a silk kimono for the day—carefully tied by an expert dresser, every fold precise, every colour chosen to suit the season. It’s a ritual that feels as personal as it is timeless.

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Steve Hope

Team Lead

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What do I love about Japan? In a word - EVERYTHING. The incredible contrast that Japan offers - new/innovative vs old/traditional, the warm and welcoming people, the incredible rich culture, the culinary wonders awaiting around every corner, the cleanliness, efficiency and safety. It's one of the best places to visit in Asia in my opinion.

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Patrick Carleton

Destination Specialist

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Every season offers something to fall in love with, but autumn feels especially magical—fewer tourists, crisp weather, and foliage that rivals the famous blossoms.

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Insider Benefits

Cultural Japan: Tokyo, Kanazawa & Kyoto

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Arrive in Tokyo

Explore Tokyo

Full Day Excursion to Mt. Fuji & Hakone

Tokyo to Kanazawa

Kanazawa to Shirakawago & Takayama

Kanazawa to Kyoto

Explore Kyoto & Nara

Day at leisure in Kyoto

Depart from Kyoto

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Tokyo

Explore Tokyo

Full Day Excursion to Mt. Fuji & Hakone

Tokyo to Kanazawa

Kanazawa to Shirakawago & Takayama

Kanazawa to Kyoto

Explore Kyoto & Nara

Day at leisure in Kyoto

Depart from Kyoto

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Steve Hope

Steve Hope

Patrick Carleton

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