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Tokyo tours & holidays

Name: Classic Japan
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 12095 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (178 reviews)

Travel guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Tokyo in a way like no other.
A hive of colour and energy, Tokyo’s blend of ancient culture and fast-moving futurism is absolutely captivating. When you travel Tokyo with Trafalgar, we’ll dive into this unique world where centuries-old temples, historic arts, tranquil parks and mom-and-pop noodle houses, sit right next to sleek skyscrapers, whizzing trains, robot restaurants and exquisite fine dining. We’ll show you all the very best things to do in Tokyo, from the famous shopping streets of Ameyoko and Nakamise and the world’s busiest street crossing at Shibuya, to the quieter cracks like the Buddhist shrines, Zen-style gardens and peaceful teahouses. Head to new heights at the Tokyo SkyTree for stunning city views, then feel the pounding rhythm of traditional Taiko drumming. Whether you’re drawn to the glowing lanterns of old, or the neon lights of the now, you’re sure to be dazzled by Tokyo.
Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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4.4

Classic Japan

11 Days

1 Country

6 Locations

A tale of four iconic cities and two former capitals—your epic journey through Japan blends old and new, with soul-stirring visits to ancient centres and modern cities.

The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.

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Big red lantern of Sensoji Asakusa Temple in Tokyo surrounded with giant red columns

Tokyo at a glance

From centuries-old temples and steaming noodle houses, to dazzling skyscrapers and robot restaurants, Tokyo is an ancient blend of ancient culture and fast-paced futurism. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and go from the world's busiest street crossing to the tranquil Buddhist shrines and Zen-style gardens, all in one captivating city.

Currency

Japanese Yen

Language

Japanese

Winter avg

2°C

Good morning

Ohayōgozaimasu

Summer avg

27°C

Good evening

Konbanwa

Time Zone

GMT+9

"Tokyo is like nowhere else on earth, and I love revealing the city's incredible diversity to our guests. Whether you want to explore ancient temples or check out the shopping mecca of Shibuya, there's something for everyone in Tokyo."

Travel Director

Our top 5 things to do in Tokyo

Our Tokyo tours take you to all the most iconic Tokyo attractions, from the spectacular Imperial Palace to the Sensoji Buddhist Temple with over a thousand years of history.

Wander through Ameyoko Street Market

We’ll lead the way through this buzzing street market, with almost 200 shops selling everything from clothing and trinkets to fresh fish, spices and sweets. Located along the Yamanote Line tracks, you’ll mingle with the locals seeking out the best bargains, and learn how the market originated as a black market selling candy after WWII.

Explore the centre of Asakusa to the Sensoji Buddhist Temple

You’ll feel like you’ve travelled back to the Tokyo of old in the Asakusa as you wander past traditional craft shops and food stalls, before arriving at the staggeringly ancient Sensoji temple. Originally built in 628, and rebuilt countless times since, this is the oldest temple site in Tokyo, and we’ll wander through the beautiful crimson pagoda, woven with incense.

Learn the mesmerising rhythmic art of Taiko drumming

You’ll dive into the traditional culture of Japan when you join a Local Specialist to discover the soul-stirring art of Taiko drumming. You’ll be amazed at how Taiko performers pound on the large drums in special choreographed movements to form a connection with the musical energy, and you can even have a go at playing the Taiko drums yourself.

Admire the Imperial Palace of Tokyo

Home of the Emperor of Japan, the Imperial Palace is one of the best places to visit in Tokyo. The magnificent palace is spread across three kilometres (almost two miles) of stunning grounds, and we’ll take you on a tour to see the two ornate bridges that form the entrance, and explore the lush Imperial Palace East Gardens, an oasis of lakes and blossom trees.

Pass through the vermilion-lacquered Kaminarimon Gate

You'll love walking through the picturesque Kaminarimon Gate, or the ‘Thunder Gate’ on your Tokyo tour. This Buddhist archway is famed for its huge paper lantern painted in red-and-black to represent thunder and lightning, and the gate leads to the famous Nakamise shopping street where you can soak up the charming old Tokyo atmosphere.

Best museums in Tokyo

You can’t visit this fascinating city without stopping by a few museums, and our Tokyo trips will point you in the direction of the very best institutions.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

This museum may be housed in a futuristic building, but the exhibits tell the fascinating story of Tokyo, or Edo as it was known until 1869. You’ll explore the cultural heritage, political climate and architecture of the Edo Period, with amazing models of towns and life-sized figures that give an insight into what life was like in the ancient Edo Period.

Samurai Museum

Get a blast from Tokyo’s medieval past when you visit the incredible Samurai Museum, with more than 70 exhibits on the history of combat in Japan up until the 16th century. You’ll feel completely immersed in the world of the samurai as you don a kabuto helmet, wear samurai costumes and even see combat reenactments with talented actors.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Set in the beautiful surrounds of Ueno Park, this fantastic art museum is the perfect place to discover traditional Japanese art forms and the works of famous Japanese artists, from calligraphy and ceramics to sculpture and woodblock prints. The museum also regularly features exhibits of iconic international artists like Van Gogh, El Greco and Da Vinci.

Best food in Tokyo

Tokyo food is on a whole new level and our Tokyo holidays will introduce you to all the unique flavours and dishes from sushi and seafood to sweet cakes.

Edomae sushi

Japanese sushi is one of the most beloved foods around the world, but it's Edomae sushi that has really stood the test of time. First created during the Edo period, this special sushi traditionally only uses fish that has been marinated for a few days and your Tokyo guide will show you where to find the most authentic Edomae sushi in the city.

Unaju (Freshwater Eel over Rice)

This traditional Japanese dish is made with freshwater eel that is prepared in a kabayaki style, where the eel fillets are grilled and basted in a sweet and salty sauce and dusted with powdered sansho (Japanese pepper). Usually served with steamed rice to balance the rich unaju flavour, you have to give this classic dish a try in Tokyo.

Wagashi

These adorable Japanese sweets are a beloved treat in Tokyo, and come in an endless array of varieties, shapes and colours. Whether they’re made with sweet azuki bean paste (anko), rice cakes (mochi), Japanese agar (kanten), rice, flour or sesame paste, you should always enjoy your wagashi with a hot cup of Japanese green tea.

What to pack for Tokyo

A man standing and packing suitcase next to a woman sitting on a bed

Japanese phrasebook

You’ll find it easier to connect with the locals after learning a few Japanese phrases, and you can start with simple words like konnichiwa (hello) and arigatō (thank you).

Comfortable slip-ons

In Japan, you must take off your shoes when entering homes, temples, ryokans and traditional restaurants, so bring a pair of sandals you can easily slip in and out of.

Japanese yen

The national currency of Japan is the Japanese yen, so come prepared for your Tokyo trip with some cash on hand.

Digital maps

Tokyo is an absolute maze of bustling streets and secret alleyways, so download some maps to your phone so you can access them any time you’re exploring the city.

Reusable bags

From Nakamise and Ameyoko, to the mega-malls and upmarket boutiques, Tokyo is a shopper’s delight, so bring some reusable bags to carry all your souvenirs.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this on our Frequently Asked Questions page, well in advance of your trip departure date. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.