Self-Guided Tours
The Path of The Samurai
Walking the historic Nakasendo trail, one of the five main highways in the Edo period, will make you feel like you have taken back into the time of the Samurai era.
Japan has a long and fascinating history of Emperors, Samurai, Shogun and castles amongst others. While in Tokyo, you can visit Zojo-ji Temple, standing next to Tokyo Tower where Six Tokugawa Shogun who ruled the nation are interred, or stroll Kagurazaka area, that capture the atmosphere of Edo period where former Samurai residences and Geisha district still exist.
After exploring Tokyo, travel on to Matsumoto, its castle dating from as early as 1504, set against a beautiful mountain backdrop.
Your journey onwards to Tsumago and walk along the ancient highway used in the Edo period by Samurai travelling between Kyoto and Edo.
Nagoya is home to a castle, the Tokugawa clan and Tokugawa Art Museum providing a fascinating insight into Samurai history and culture.
The tour ends in Kyoto where you can visit the famous shrines and temples before heading home.
Itinerary Highlights
- Walking along the ancient highway used in Edo period by Samurai
- Staying in Minshuku at old Post Town
- Explore ancient capital Kyoto
- Bullet Train (Shinkansen) ride
- Staying at Japanese style Inn & Hot Spring experience
Included in Tour Arrangements
- Airport transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport to hotel in Tokyo
- All accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- 7-day Japan Rail Pass – ordinary class
- 2-day Hakone Free Pass
Arrive in Tokyo.
You will be met by an English-Speaking Assistant who will help you boarding a reserved taxi to your hotel.
Stay for 3 nights.
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Hotel Gracery Shinjuku ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Tokyo.
Half-Day or One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing tours are available as an option.
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Hotel Gracery Shinjuku ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Tokyo.
Or visit nearby cities such as World Heritage Site Nikko or take an easy train ride to Kamakura, where once Japan’s political centre in the late 12th century.
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Hotel Gracery Shinjuku ★★★ or equivalent
Travel by train to Matsumoto.
Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the original 12 castles in Japan whose keep has survived since Edo period.
Stay overnight.
Japan Rail Pass from Tokyo to Matsumoto included
Hotel Buena Vista ★★★★ / Tabino Hotel Lit Matsumoto ★★★ or equivalent
Travel by train and local bus to the Kiso Valley. Upon arrival, free to explore Magome or Tsumago, beautifully preserved old Post Town. You may wish to hike some of the Nakasendo Trail, the original highway between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto.
Stay overnight in Magome or Tsumago at a Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)
Dinner included
Japan Rail Pass from Matsumoto to Nagiso included
Minshuku (shared bath and toilet)
Travel by local bus and train to Nagoya.
Nagoya developed as a castle town but is now Japan’s fourth most populated city and one of the largest economy centre, well known as a home for automotive giant Toyota. Visit Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Art Museum and try Nagoya’s Speciality Food, such as Miso Katsu!
Stay for overnight.
Breakfast included
Japan Rail Pass from Nakatsugawa to Nagoya included
Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel ★★★★ / Daiwa Roynet Nagoya Ekimae ★★★ or equivalent
Travel by Bullet Train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto
Free to explore ancient capital, Kyoto.
Stay for 3 nights.
Japan Rail Pass from Nagoya to Kyoto included
Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kyoto, the city has many World Heritage Sites such as Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Nijo-jo Castle, Kiyomizudera Temple.
Half-Day or One-Day Kyoto & Nara Sightseeing tours are available as an option
Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kyoto or visit Arashiyama and Sagano Bamboo Grove area.
Or a day to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan in 710. The city remains Buddhism cultural treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent
Travel to Hakone via Odawara by using Japan Rail Pass and Hakone Free Pass.
There is nothing better than relaxing in a spa at one of Japan’s most famous Hot Spring towns near Mt. Fuji before heading home.
Dinner included
Japan Rail Pass and Hakone Free Pass from Kyoto to Hakone included
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu ★★★★ / Aura Tachibana ★★★ or equivalent
Travel to Tokyo by Hakone Free Pass.
Once again, back to the bristling skyscrapers. Enjoy the last day in the capital city and last minute shopping.
Breakfast included
Hakone Free Pass from Hakone to Tokyo (Shinjuku) included
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Hotel Gracery Shinjuku ★★★ or equivalent
Tour ends upon check-out.
Accommodation Rating: ★★★★＝Superior, ★★★＝Standard
REMARKS and BOOKING CONDITIONS
* Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)
Accommodation in Magome / Tsumago area are mostly Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) or small Ryokan (Japanese style Inn) and capacities are limited. Especially in high season, if there is no availability of rooms, we may offer alternatives at nearby cities.
Unless otherwise specified, Sightseeing Tours are seat-in coach, operated by our partner suppliers in Japan and may be combined with another group.
Local government taxes, such as Resort tax, Accommodation tax or Bathing tax are not included in the tour price. Please pay directly to the accommodation if applicable.
For General information and Jaltour Terms & Conditions, please access from here.