Overview
Independent Tokyo & Kyoto
Journey through Japan on this fascinating Globus Independent tour. A “prefecture” and capital of Japan, Tokyo is the world’s most populous metro area and home to unlimited choices—shopping, dining, entertainment, historic temples and sites, peaceful gardens, and excellent museums. Your full day guided sightseeing tour includes Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument built within a man-made forest, and a visit to one of the city’s most dazzling temples, the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Browse the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade and then visit the Samurai & Ninja Museum, where you will learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor. You’ll also ascend the Tokyo Skytree for spectacular views over the city. During your free day you may choose a trip to Mount Fuji. A highlight of your vacation is the shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. Reaching nearly 200 miles per hour, this is by far the most entertaining way to travel between cities. The “cradle” of Japan’s cultural heritage, Kyoto, was the country’s capital and residence of the emperor from the 8th until the 19th centuries. Your guided sightseeing tour includes visits to Sanjusangendo Temple and the beautiful Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Built on a lake and surrounded by a thick forest, the image of the temple’s reflection in the water is a can't-miss photo opportunity and memorable scenic view. You’ll also walk through Gion and explore the thousands of Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Take some free time for a visit to nearby Nara or to explore Nishiki Market.
Highlights of Independent Tokyo & Kyoto
City Highlights
Related Tours
Transportation
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour: • Guided sightseeing in Tokyo with visits to Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade • Immersive tour of the Samurai & Ninja Museum • Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Kyoto • Guided sightseeing in Kyoto with visits to the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine • Walking tour through the Gion district
Independent City Stay
Get to know the world’s most-loved and iconic cities without the group. The experts at Globus put Peace of Mind first in travel planning. We take care of the details with included hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, sightseeing orientations, and transportation between cities. Independent City Stays invite you to immerse yourself in a destination with plenty of time to explore the best places to see, shop, and sip. Explore confidently, knowing your Globus Local Hosts and GlobusGO mobile app provide you with tips and recommendations to personalize your vacation with the freedom to experience the world like a local.
Product Group
Independent Tokyo & Kyoto
Independent Tour
Venture further to enjoy the world your way without the group. The experts at Globus put Peace of Mind first in travel planning. We take care of the details with included hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts and select meals, guided sightseeing, and transportation between cities. Explore confidently, knowing your Globus Local Hosts and GlobusGO mobile app provide you with tips and recommendations to personalize your tour and see the world your way.
Notes
To accommodate optional excursion availability, the order of sightseeing and free days may occasionally be adjusted.
Meals
Breakfast daily; 2 lunches
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN TOKYO, JAPANWelcome to Japan! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2
TOKYOToday, meet your Local Guide and hop on Tokyo’s subway system for a sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. At Tokyo Skytree, ascend to Sorakara Point on floor 450 at some 450 meters/ 1500 feet, the highest point visitors can explore. Here you’ll marvel at the stunning panoramic views over the city and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum for a hands-on history lesson of Japan’s famous warriors, including the armor, weapons, and swords from the Medieval era.After lunch, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo. Explore more of the city with free time this evening. (B,L)
Day 3
TOKYOEnjoy a full day at your leisure.INSIDER PICKS Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Utilize your included Tokyo Metro Pass to explore more of Tokyo’s unique neighborhoods, take a day trip to Mount Fuji, or visit the street-food markets for local specialties. (B)
Day 4
TOKYO–KYOTOToday, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, former capital of Japan. Use your free time this evening to stroll along the Kamo River or savor a kaseiki dinner, a traditional Japanese multi-course cuisine. (B)
Day 5
KYOTOYour guided sightseeing tour uses efficient public transportation to take you around the city. Start at stunning Kinkakuji, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered with shimmering gold leaf. Next, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, which is also known for its high concentration of machiya-style merchant houses. Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms said to have the power to save 25 worlds. Finish with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gate.(B,L)
Day 6
KYOTOEnjoy a full day at your leisure. INSIDER PICKSTake an excursion to nearby Nara or explore more of Kyotos historic temples and shrines using your included subway and bus pass. (B)
Day 7
KYOTOYour vacation ends after breakfast this morning.(B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Hilton Tokyo | The Hilton Tokyo is the the perfect base for exploring the vibrant, energetic city of Tokyo. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Lobby and Marble Lounge. Rejuvenate in the 24-hour health club within the hotel and relax in the sauna or soothing whirlpool spa. Choose from seven tempting restaurants offering a range of delicious cuisine. Favorites include Dynasty authentic Chinese restaurant, and Musashino, featuring sushi, tempura and teppanyaki. For a relaxing evening drink, visit St. George's Bar. | Tokyo | 6-2 Nishi-Shinjuku 6 Chome | Deluxe |
| 2 | DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station | The centrally located Doubletree by Hilton Kyoto Station is a five-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, and close to restaurants, shops, and many popular attractions. Renovated in 2024, the interior offers a clean and inviting atmosphere after a day of sightseeing. | Kyoto | 15 Higashikujo Nishiiwamotocho | First-Class |
