What to do and see in Tokai, Chubu: The Best Multi-day Tours

November 7, 2021 Weston Hennigan

Discover the best top things to do in Tokai, Japan including 3-Day or 4-Day Self-Guided Hike on Nakasendo Trail with Lodging and Transport, 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto, Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group, 13-Day Classic Japan Tour: Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, and Kyoto, Nakasendo self-guided walking tour 2 days, Private 2Days Takayama & Shirakawago Tour, Takayama & Shirakawago 2 days tour, Hakone Private Two Day Tour from Tokyo with Overnight Stay in Ryokan, Kumano Kodo walking tour 3 days, Japan Discovery Tour (12 Days).
Restaurants in Tokai

1. 3-Day or 4-Day Self-Guided Hike on Nakasendo Trail with Lodging and Transport

Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
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Hike a section of the Nakasendo Trail on a 3- or 4-day self-guided tour from Tokyo or Kyoto that includes all rail transport. A series of forested trails and paved village paths linking the two cities comprise the Nakasendo, a trail among an ancient network of Japanese highways. Follow in the footsteps of travelers from the Edo period who walked this mountain route via the Kiso Valley. Stop in the best-preserved post towns — known as ‘juku’ — where you’ll stay overnight in local ‘minshuku’ (guest houses). Traditional Japanese dinners and breakfasts are included! Overnight accommodation is limited to 8 people on this independent tour, ensuring a personable experience with a small group of fellow travelers. This tour is self-guided - there is no attending guide - and is suitable for 1 to 8 travellers.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, 2 or 3 nights accommodation depends on your tour, Rail tickets to and from Kyoto/Tokyo and the trail

Exclusions: Drinks or other meals, guiding, Hotel Pick up or drop off, Solo supplement, Local bus fares (approximately 1200 JPY in value - payable locally)

2. 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto

Nagano Station, Japan, 〒380-0921 長野県長野市大字栗田59 Snow Monkey Resorts
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Situated between the popular destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto, the mountainous of region of Nagano is the literal heart of Japan and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This tour combines some of the region’s most iconic destinations - including the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, the 1400-year old Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, and the historic old town of Takayama - with the unforgettable experience of being driven through Japan’s Northern Alps, a place of high mountain peaks and rarefied beauty. With English-speaking guide, lunch, and full-service accommodation on Day 1 followed by hotel pick-up and transport to Matsumoto and Takayama, including hotel drop-off, on Day 2, this tour captures the history and beauty of central Japan with the convenience and comfort of one easy package.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Transportation from Nagano to all listed destinations, ending at Takayama, Snow Monkey Park entrance fee, Sake tasting, Accommodation at Hotel Kokusai 21 on Day 1 (inc. breakfast on Day 2), Matsumoto Castle entrance fee on Day 2, English-speaking guide & transport on Day 1, Driver & transport on Day 2

Exclusions: Dinner on Day 1 & Day 2, Accommodation in Takayama, Shinkansen/bullet train tickets, English-speaking guide on Day 2

Reviewed By LyceTherece

AMAZING Valentine's Day! Our guide (Peter, I believe) was absolutely fantastic, offering information, fun facts and history at every turn. He went above and beyond to make our experience wonderful, and it was, despite abnormally warm weather keeping the monkeys away from the onsen, and COVID precautions causing an early end to the lantern festival. Our guide was super knowledgeable and helpful, and went above and beyond to provide a memorable tour for us all. He was the epitome of the hospitality and kindness that I love so much about Japan!

3. Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group

Tokyo, Japan Japan and More
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See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner

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Reviewed By 559janies

My 2 friends and I went on the beginners Spring Tour 2019 for our first trip to Japan. We loved it and can't wait to go back! Becky and Shawn are awesome. They were so down to earth, helpful and very knowledgeable. I also really liked that the tour group is small. It allows you to get to know your fellow group members and ensures personal attention from your guides. We saw so many large tour groups at tour sites and they looked a little chaotic, it made me happy we chose a small group. The accommodations were always clean and comfortable and located perfectly. Food was amazing!!! If you are willing to try new things you can have an amazing gourmet experience. The events and locations that Becky and Shawn chose were top notch and we got to experience all different modes of transportation while there.

4. 13-Day Classic Japan Tour: Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, and Kyoto

Agora Place Tokyo Asakusa, 2-chōme-2-9 Kotobuki, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0042, Japan Intrepid Japan
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Discover the cultural highlights of Japan, from the neon-lit streets of modern Tokyo to the ancient temples of Kyoto, on this 13-day tour through the Land of the Rising Sun. See Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine, soak at a traditional outdoor ‘onsen’ (hot spring baths) in Hakone, enjoy a feast at the Takayama market and visit the Hiroshima Peace Park. Travel by train, boat and bus, with ample leisure time to customize your own itinerary. This small-group tour operates with a maximum of 12 people, ensuring you’ll receive personal attention from your expert guide.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, English-speaking guide, 12-night accommodation in hotels and local guesthouses, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Japan Rail Pass, Included Activities

Exclusions: Gratuities, JR Rail Pass Extension, Food and drinks, unless specified, Optional Activities

5. Nakasendo self-guided walking tour 2 days

Nakatsugawa, Gifu, Japan Cocolo Travel
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Over the course of two days of an easy walk (self-guided tour) along the Nakasendo road and one overnight stay at a Minshuku (family run lodging), immerse yourself in Japan's folkloric landscapes between the villages of Nakatsugawa and Tsumago. During Japan's feudal period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo road was one of the five routes that linked the economic hub, Tokyo, to the imperial capital, Kyoto. Unlike the Tokaido road, which was replaced by today's Shinkansen train, the Nakasendo was saved from rampant modernization and still upholds an old-fashioned charm. Created by general Tokugawa in order to assert his political domination, the route spans a distance of 534 kilometers and includes 69 rest stops. Its name literally means "mountain road" and is a means of communication in case of a large flood on the Tokaido: the coastal road. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Inclusions: 1 night overnight accommodation at family run traditional Japanese inn, 1 Japanese breakfast, 1 Japanese dinner, Detailed day-by-day itinerary and directions (PDF), Detailed walking map (Google Map), Local support by telephone

Exclusions: Activities entrance fees, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guide, Drinks, Lunches, Travel insurance, Train tickets according to itinerary (*if NO TRAIN option selected), Luggage delivery

Reviewed By davegoodrich

It was our first time in Japan and we decided to have a tour guide for our first day in Kyoto. Pierre was very nice, guiding with patience and enthusiasm. He shows us many beautiful temple that was not in any guide book, and we could feel a zen atmosphere. We realize after three days here, that it is not so easy to find beauty and calm in this really touristic city, Pierre knew those unknown temple, this is why we definitely recommend him.

6. Private 2Days Takayama & Shirakawago Tour

Takayama Station, Japan, 〒506-0053 岐阜県高山市昭和町1丁目22−2 Japan Oriental Tours

Visit the best parts of Takayama & Shirakawago with a private English speaking guide. You will be taken to the Sanmachi Street in Takayama, where you'll see the old castle town which has many restaurants, souvenir shops. Walk along the traditional local food street where Mitarashi Dango (rice dumpling in a sweet soy sauce) is the local specialty. The tour will also go to Shirakawago to see Japanese traditional buildings. You will learn the history of Shirakawago, how people have remained those life style. Take a photos of the well-preserved Shirakawago, then your tour will end at Kanazawa (We'll take you to Shirakawago by local express bus and you can keep your luggage in lockers at Shirakawago. Or send it to your Kanazawa accommodation one day in advance. Lockers or sending costs are not included.)

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Overnight accommodation, Professional guide, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Private tour, Round-trip shared transfer, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By Yvo51

Dreadful value for money. We spent £450 for something which would have cost less than £50 for entry and travel. The tour suggests driver and guide to cover a lot of sightseeing on the same day. We got picked up at the hotel and dropped at the ferry. The people were nice. The taxi could not take the ferry - though other cars did! We then walked for about 2.5 hours through the shops and to the shrine at Miyajima and back to the ferry. We a nice lunch at the Ferry Port in the Hiroshima side which we paid for) and then got picked up at the same ferry port and taken to the peace museum and then on to the A dome about 2pm. We had a lift to the A dome which they had expected that we might have walked. Its not that far but we were tight on time and i was tired b It was already 4pm so we missed the castle, they did offer it but we had had enough as the info we were getting was better said when read in english at the museum. The guide meant we did not get the audio at the museum which would have been far more informative than telling us what we were reading or looking at. I would have preferred to do the peace museum before the crowds came into town at 9/10am. It was so full at 2pm to move around, it was like leaving a football stadium or concert. In hindsight, our JR pass made the ferry free ( they refunded that) and a tram would have done it all for a day pass of 600 yen each. I feel completely ripped off and so disappointed. The English was learnt to share info but not to answer questions which were never understood or answered, we supply gave up engaging. Don't take this tour. The price is seriously inflated and not made up with the quality of the product.

7. Takayama & Shirakawago 2 days tour

Takayama Station, Japan, 〒506-0053 岐阜県高山市昭和町1丁目22−2 Happy Tour

You can satisfied completely this Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go area within 2 days with special local guide. -1 day- Shirakawa-go (UNESCO world heritage site 2hours walking) / Lunch in restaurant (include fee) / Big fall + Big tree (Hiking about 1hour) / Hot spring in nature. -2 day- Higashiyama walking course (walking 90min.you can see lot's of temples) / Lunch in restaurant (include fee) / Rickshaw ride (about 10min) / City side walking (90min) / Please bring the following few luggages. Towel for hot spring / shoes for hiking we will do this tour by English guide.we can also booking your hotel around this Takayama area if you need please let us know. (Not include hotel fee) Max 20 person. please let us inform when you need other language guide. you can change our start time. we can arrange other your private tour. (e.g. Kamikochi, etc ..)

Inclusions: Explain about spiritual part of Japanese, Guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Special lunch of 1 day, Special lunch of 2 day

Exclusions: Entrance fee of any places, Any other meals, Hotel (where you staying place between 2 days tour)

Reviewed By Daniele_deblasio

A lovely walk through the gorgeous old town and new parts of Takayama, at a slow pace and with loads of attention to details that we would have otherwise missed. I recommend the tour to anyone interested in visiting Japan, our host was very competent and answered our questions as the tour progressed.

8. Hakone Private Two Day Tour from Tokyo with Overnight Stay in Ryokan

Odakyu Shinjuku West Exit Station Front Shop, Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1-chōme−5−1 ハルク(新宿駅西口 Japan Awaits

Explore Hakone and see Mt. Fuji with an English guide on this private 2-day and 1 night tour with round-trip from Tokyo to Hakone and return. Take a cruise on Lake Ashi, ride on the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway that overlooks the Hakone National Park and walk on the Old Tokaido Road. Spend the first day exploring Hakone with your tour guide before your overnight stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). On the second day, you have the full the day to yourself (with Hakone Free Pass included) before returning to Tokyo.

Inclusions: All guide fees and transportation within Hakone, All Hakone bus fares, mountain train and cable cars, In good weather: Owakudani Ropeway with the view of the volcanic activity at the Boiling Valley and Mt Fuji; Cruising Lake Ashi with a Pirate ship with the view of Mt Fuji, One night stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with hotel breakfast, Fuel surcharge, Hakone Free Pass + Odakyu Express Train (Romance Car) from and return to Shinjuku Station

Exclusions: Meals, snacks and drinks, Optional Activities: Ride on the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway that overlooks the Hakone National Park (Optional: 1,300 JPY) Gora Park’s Tea Ceremony in Japanese garden (Optional: 500 JPY) Hakone Open Air Museum with Picasso Gallery (Optional: 1,600 JPY) Crusing Lake Ashi with a two body modern ship and a rope way to the top of Mt. Koma (Optional, Ropeway + Ship fee: 2,220 JPY) Narukawa Art Museum with good view of Mt. Fuji and Japanese paintings (Optional: 1,200 JPY) Public Hot bath at Hakone Yumoto (Optional, Entrance fee: 1,800 JPY, for private indoor bath: +1,000 JPY) Other optional activities in Hakone, Optional Geisha dinner experience (10,000 JPY per person). Must book 1 month in advance., Optional Kaiseki dinner at hotel on 1st night: 5,000 to 8,000 JPY per person

Reviewed By 926maggieh

While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.

9. Kumano Kodo walking tour 3 days

Tennōji Station, 10-45 Hideninchō, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0055, Japan Cocolo Travel

Not far away from the urban jungle that is Osaka and the old capital Kyoto, is the Kii Peninsula and its famous pilgrimage : the Kumanokodo. On those trails once perambulated by the Imperial family, you will find 3 of the most important Japanese sanctuaries called "Kumano Sanzan". Through beautiful forests, follow the ojis, the religious statues found along the way which will guide you on this spiritual journey.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Detailed day-by-day itinerary and directions (PDF), Detailed walking maps (Google Map), Local support by telephone, A transportation pass including all transportation except 2 local bus, 3 overnight accommodation stays at traditional Japanese inn

Exclusions: Activities entrance fees, Drinks and day 1, 3, 4 lunches, Travel insurance, Bus from Kii Tanabe to Takijiri (970 yen), Bus from Chikatsuyu-oji to Hosshinmon Oji (1,330 yen)

Reviewed By vicki_hunter

The scenery is outstanding and well worth the walk. It is presented as an easy walk but I believe it is for those who are quite physically fit as the walk from Nakatsugawa to Magome is mostly uphill- steep in some areas for a sustained time. A hiking stick would be helpful and runners are suitable footwear. We carried back packs (keep them light) with our necessities and drinking flasks. The route from the rail station to out of town is somewhat confusing and there are many turns until you actually begin on the flecked gravel road. Thankfully we passed hikers travelling in the opposite direction who assisted. We stayed in an Inn (which was booked for us by an agent) and it was quite basic, the meal being adequate (inform of any allergies). Day 2 was more picturesque and downhill for part of the way. Stop at the teahouse for a pleasurable green tea (small donation). On completion, transport from Tsumago is limited so you may be waiting an hour or two for a bus. Be prepared for a vigorous and beautiful walk.

10. Japan Discovery Tour (12 Days)

Tokyo, Japan Japan Awaits

On this Japan Discovery Tour (12 days), visit the most iconic locations in Japan that is the ideal trip for first-time travelers with an English-speaking tour guide. Stay in 3 – 4 Star overnight accommodations and travel in style with Shinkansen (bullet-train) with combination of private bus or vehicle. This tour is for a group of no more than 26 people.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, English-speaking Tour Manager, Lunch, Lunch, Small groups of maximum 26 travelers guaranteed. , The tour with private mini bus within some cities still operate with a smaller group of 16 people, If there are 15 people or less, transportation within the cities will be public transportation., For small groups, private tours or in some cases, there may be multiple tour guides., 10 nights First Class accommodations: 3 – 4* overnight stay at traditional and modern hotels or inns, Transportation costs included in the itinerary, Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles, trains, or other transportation., Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary (optional activities not included), One luggage forwarding per person from Tokyo to Kyoto., one large parcel with maximum dimensions of 80 cm x 40 cm x 30cm, less than 25 kg, Guests pack small luggage (carry-on size or smaller) for overnight stay in Kaga Onsen and Takayama., Option to transfer from Kyoto to Osaka (or Tokyo upon request) on Day 12 at no additional cost.

Exclusions: Other fees not included in the tour, Optional activities at the guests’ leisure, Drinks other than water for meals or additional food during meals provided, Transfers to and from the airport

Reviewed By 926maggieh

While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.

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