Tokyo, Japan
Today's Tokyo is a high-rise metropolis alive with activity - streets lined with dazzling department stores and filled with congregating commuters, rapid transit systems that are unbelievably easy to navigate, bullet trains that can whisk you off to the country in about an hour, and an overall sense of order that makes everything from ordering dinner to shopping for souvenirs easy for the visitor. Leave the bustling city behind simply by stepping into one of the many parks or the Imperial Palace grounds. There are also museums, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples to visit.
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Tokyo, Japan
Today's Tokyo is a high-rise metropolis alive with activity - streets lined with dazzling department stores and filled with congregating commuters, rapid transit systems that are unbelievably easy to navigate, bullet trains that can whisk you off to the country in about an hour, and an overall sense of order that makes everything from ordering dinner to shopping for souvenirs easy for the visitor. Leave the bustling city behind simply by stepping into one of the many parks or the palace grounds. The Imperial Palace is the most famous of places to visit. The actual residence is off-limits, but the grounds are enjoyed by the public. Dotted with ponds, they feature some of the best examples of Japanese gardening. Ueno Park, northeast of the city center, is large enough to spend an entire day in. There are also museums, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples. We also offer excorted tours in Asia. To learn more, view our E-Brochure. Tokyo is clean and hospitable. Help with directions is easily found and don't be surprised if students ask if they can practice their English with you. Package Includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- Roundtrip transfers between airport and hotel via airport limo bus (English-speaking assistance upon arrival)
- OnePass miles equal to credited flight miles
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Culture Lovers
Great for upscale vacationers wanting to discover another culture.
City Slickers
As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, Tokyo offers all the fine dining, culture, and attractions you'd expect in a world-class city.
Dining Enthusiasts
Renowned for fine dining such as kobe beef, sushi, and more.
What's the climate like?
| |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
Autumn |
| Average High |
51° F |
64° F |
82° F |
70° F |
| Average Low |
36° F |
49° F |
71° F |
58° F |
| Average Rainfall |
2.0" |
4.7" |
6.0" |
5.7" |
The weather in Tokyo is very similar to that in Washington, D.C. Spring, summer, and autumn are the best times to visit.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Transfers are included with your vacation package via airport limo bus and English-speaking assistance upon arrival.
Public Transportation
Tokyo's trains and subways are fast, efficient, frequent, safe, and clean. The main mass transit services are JR trains, Toei (Metropolitan) subway lines, Tokyo Metro subway lines, private railways, and buses. Most stations have a subway map and fare tables in English.
Taxi
Taxi stands can be found at train stations and on certain streets. Otherwise, just hail them on the street.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
With more than 110,000 restaurants to choose from, Tokyo provides an amazing array of cuisine, style, atmosphere, and choices. You'll find international cuisine, gourmet dining rooms, stand-up noodle joints, conveyor-belt sushi shops, yakitori bars, and anything else you can imagine. Famed dishes include fugu, a poisonous puffer fish that needs to be prepared by a specially licensed chef, and kobe beef, thought to be the most marbled and tender beef in the world.
- Takefuku
A famous fugu restaurant in the Ginza district. There's no English-language menu, but a signboard outside the front door shows various set-meal options that include fugu.
- Kamon
Traditional and at the same time modern, Kamon offers seating at a counter surrounding a grill where teppanyaki chefs skillfully prepare steak, seafood, and vegetables.
- L'Osier
Make your reservations well in advance to dine among at L'Osier, a splendid French restaurant combining traditional recipes and modern ingredients.
- Tableaux
An eclectic menu is served in a surreal atmosphere with bead-fringed curtains, mosaics of broken mirrors, animal skins, and red velvet upholstery.
- Nagase
A casual, comfortable, neighborhood French bistro offering great food at reasonable prices in a cramped dining room.
- Gonpachi
Imaginative and inexpensive, Gonpachi specializes in traditional Japanese dishes such as yakitori, seafood, noodles, and more.
- New York Grill
Some say the most sophisticated restaurant in all of Japan, the New York Grill has been amazing visitors since 1994 with huge steaks and succulent seafood prepared in an open kitchen.
When night falls on the uber-corporate Tokyo, the overworked Japanese fill the streets looking to relieve some stress. Diversions of all kinds can be found at jazz and reggae clubs, discos and dance clubs, traditional and modern theater, and at the high-end geisha bars, just to name a few. The most popular centers for nightlife revolve around the Ginza, Kabuki-cho, and Roppongi districts.
Where should I go shopping?
Tokyo's shopping opportunities are endless with an emphasis on the latest and greatest electronics. Popular souvenirs can be found throughout the city and include kites, swords, lacquerware, pottery, and exotic silk kimonos. A unique aspect to shopping in Tokyo is that specific areas in Tokyo are often devoted to specific goods, sold wholesale but also available to everyone. Ginza features the boutique stores for clothing and art. Akihabara is famous for the latest electronics. Aoyama features the city's largest collection of designer clothing. Kappabashi is great for kitchenware. And Kanda features many book sellers.
When are the local events?
Hatsumode
January 1. People dress in traditional clothing and pray for good fortune at shrines and temples.
Kokyo Ippan Sanga
January 2. The Imperial Family appears on a palace balcony to greet visitors.
Setsubun
February 3. Celebrating the last day of winter, this bean throwing ceremony is held to drive away evil and welcome good fortune.
Grand Festival of Ueno Toshogu Shrine
April 17. A festival dedicated to the first Tokugawa shogun.
Showa Day
April 29. The birthday of former Emperor Hirohito, dedicated for his love of nature.
Sanja Festival
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nearest May 18. Portable shrines are paraded through the streets of Asakusa.
Hanabi Taikai
Last Saturday of July. Tokyo's largest summer celebration features fireworks over the Sumida River.
Oeshiki Festival
October 11-13. Festival held in honor of Nichiren, a Buddhist leader who was exiled for his beliefs, and featuring lanterns and huge paper decorations.
Autumn Festival of Toshogu Shrine
October 17. A parade of warriors in early 17th-century dress are accompanied by spear carriers, gun carriers, flag bearers, Shinto priests, pages, court musicians, and dancers as they escort a sacred shrine.
Gishi-sai
December 14. Memorial service honoring the 47 ronin who avenged their master's death. Forty-seven men dressed as the ronin travel to Sengakuji Temple to recreate the event.
Emperor's Birthday
December 23. Celebration nationwide in honor of Akihito, Japan's 125th emperor.
New Year's Eve
December 31. At midnight, many temples ring bells 108 times to signal the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. Many families visit temples and shrines to pray for good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
Travel tidbits
Take Advantage of Jet Lag
On your first morning in Tokyo, take advantage of the fact that you're wide awake early in the morning and experience the thrill and excitement of the Tsukiji Fish Market. It's the largest fish market and also where you'll find some of the freshest sushi on the planet. The best time to see the action is between 5 and 9am.
Tea Ceremony
Many Tokyo hotels offer the chance to experience the simplistic grace of a tea ceremony. Developed in the 16th century as a means to achieve inner harmony with nature, the tea ceremony is a highly choreographed event where a server prepares a cup of tea for a patron. If you are invited to partake, before the ceremony it is customary to make conversation that enhances a mood of serenity. Sit quietly through the serving and drinking. And afterward, remark openly on the elegance and simplicity of the tools and cups.
47 Ronin
The story of the 47 ronin begins in 1701 when a feudal lord named Kira drew his sword to fight another lord, Asano, in Edo Castle. And, since the drawing of a sword inside the castle was strictly forbidden, Kira was ordered by the Tokugawa shogun to commit ritual suicide and thus left his samurai as ronin, or masterless. Then, after plotting revenge for more than a year, the 47 ronin decended upon Asano's mansion to avenge the death of their master. Upon completion of their mission, they paraded the head of Asano to the grave of their master before they themselves were ordered to commit ritual suicide by the shogun. Today, the 47 loyal ronin and their master are memorialized by tombs at Sengakuji Temple and at a small museum containing clothing, armor, and personal items belonging to the ronin. A short video describing the story of the ronin and the era is shown in Japanese, but an English version is available upon request.
Social Graces
Bowing is the most common greeting in Japan. The proper form for a bow is to bend from the waist with a straight back and to keep your arms at your sides. As a tourist, a simple head nod is usually appropriate. The removal of shoes is important to remember when visiting someone's home, a temple, and even some museums and restaurants. If this is required, plastic slippers will be available at the entryway. Also, be aware that restrooms require a different set of slippers and be mindful to remember to change slippers again upon leaving the restroom.
Good to Know:
Airport Names &
3-letter Code: |
Narita International Airport (NRT)
New Kansai Airport Japan (KIX) |
| Best Weather: |
March – November |
| Best Values: |
December – February |
| Currency: |
Yen |
| Language: |
Japanese |
| Time Zone: |
Japan is 17 hours ahead of Central Standard Time. Tokyo does not use Daylight Savings Time, so is only 16 hours ahead of Central Time in the summer. |
| Proof of Citizenship: |
Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| Tipping: |
It is not necessary to tip in Japan. |
| Dress: |
Japan is very formal and conservative. Jeans, shorts, sleeveless tops, etc. should not be worn and may even prevent you from visiting a place you wanted to see. |
| Tourist Board Phone #: |
272-757-5640 |
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Tokyo, Japan
The following options are available when you book your vacation package to Tokyo:
Dynamic City Tour
Discover Tokyo on this full-day tour. First stop is Tokyo Tower where you'll enjoy a panoramic view from the observatory. Then it's on to a traditional tea ceremony at the Happoen Japanese Garden before stopping for photos in front of the Imperial Palace and going on to lunch (included). Afterwards relax on a 40-minute cruise down the Sumida River to Asakusa where you'll visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest and most popular temple in Tokyo. On your return to Tokyo, drive through the celebrated Ginza shopping district where the tour ends. Tour departs daily except for blackout dates listed below. Passengers are picked up at their hotel for a 9am departure. Tour ends at the Ginza shopping district. Passengers are then on their own to return to their hotel. Approximately 9 hours. Tours must be booked for the exact day of use and cannot be changed upon arrival in Japan. NOTE: Hotel pick-up for this tour does not apply to the Radisson Airport Hotel. Hotel is located outside pick-up area. Blackout dates: 2008 - Jan 1-4
- Feb 17, 24
- Dec 27-31
Blackout dates: 2009
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Mt. Fuji and Hakone Tour
Travel via deluxe motorcoach through the picuresque Japanese countryside to Majestic Mt. Fuji. A western-style lunch is included at the Hotel Highland Resort. After lunch, the tour continues to Hakone, Japan's most famous hot springs resort followed by a cruise along Lake Ashi. Also included is an aerial cableway ride up and down Mount Komagatake. Travel via bullet train back to Tokyo is included. Daily departures except for blackout dates listed below. Passengers are picked up at their hotel and transported to a central point for an 8am departure. Tour ends at the Tokyo Train Station. Passengers are then on their own to return to their hotel. Approximately 12 hours. NOTE: Hotel pick-up for this tour does not apply to the Radisson Airport Hotel. Hotel is located outside pick-up area. Tours must be booked for the exact day of use and cannot be changed upon arrival in Japan. Minimum of 2 passengers booked for the tour to operate. Blackout Dates: 2008 Blackout Dates: 2009 - Jan 3-4
- Feb 22
- Mar 22
- May 2-5
- Jul 18
- Aug 13-15
- Sep 19-21
- Oct 11
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Nikko Tour
A full-day sightseeing via deluxe motor coach through the Japanese countryside. See the Tochogu Shrine, with it's beautiful two-storied Yomeimon Gate. Wind up the sharp hairpin turns to Lake Chuzenji, visit Kegon Falls and Ryuzn Falls, then back down to Nikko City located 80 miles NW of Tykyo. In Nikko visit the Mashiko Pottery Kiln and Sake Brewery. Lunch is included. Tour ends at Ginza and Shinjuku districts in Tokyo. Passengers are on their own to their hotel. Approximately 12 hours. Tours must be booked for the exact day of use and cannot be changed upon arrival in Japan. Minimum of 2 passengers booked for tour to operate. NOTE: Hotel pick-up for this tour does not apply to the Radisson Airport Hotel. Hotel is located outside pick-up area. Tour Operates as follows: 2008 - Jan 5-31: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Feb 1-29: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- March 1-December 31: Daily
Tour Operates as follows: 2009 - Jan 1-31: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Feb 1-28: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Blackout dates: 2008 - Feb 17-24
- Apr 26
- May 3-5, 18
- Jul 19
- Aug 13-14, 16
- Sep 14-16
- Oct 11-13, 17-19, 25-26
- Nov 1-2, 8, 22
Blackout dates: 2009 - Jan 304
- Feb 22
- Mar 22
- May 2-5, 18
- Jul 18
- Aug 13-16
- Sep 19-22
- Oct 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31
- Nov 1, 7
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Tokyo Morning Tour
This half day tour includes a visit to the Tokyo Tower Observatory, Imperial Palace Plaza, drive through Akihabara Asakusa Kanon Temple & Nakamise Shopping Arcade, ending in the Ginza District. NOTE: Hotel pick-up for this tour does not apply to the Radisson Airport Hotel. Hotel is located outside pick-up area. Tour departs daily except for blackout dates listed below. Passengers are picked up at their hotel for a 9am departure. Tour ends at Ginza shopping district. Passengers are then on their own to return to their hotel. Approximately 4.5 hours. Tours must be booked for the exact day of use and cannot be changed upon arrival in Japan. Blackout dates: 2008 Blackout dates: 2009
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Tour Japan
Your package includes:- Accommodations for 7 nights in first-class hotels
- Transportation via JR Super Express train and air-conditioned motorcoach
- 4 lunches (L) and 1 dinner (D) as indicated in the itinerary
- Services of a tour guide
- Complete program of touring and sightseeing, including cultural entertainment and other performances as specified
- Services of an English-speaking assistant on days 1 and 8 and English-speaking guide on days 2-6
- Luggage handling (1 bag per person)
- Hotel taxes and service charges
Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive Tokyo. Begin your tour by being met by a representative at the Tokyo Narita airport who will assist you with boarding an airport limousine bus to your hotel. Overnight for the next 2 nights at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar. Day 2: Tokyo. Enjoy a half-day tour and visits to Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade. The tour ends at the Tasaki Pearl Gallery in Ginza where you'll have time for shopping. Return transfer to your hotel will be provided by the Pearl Gallery. Day 3: Tokyo/Mt. Fuji/Hakone. Depart via deluxe motorcoach to the foot of Mt. Fuji. Then travel halfway up Japan's highest mountain to enjoy a spectacular view from a height of 7,545 feet. After a Japanese-style lunch, depart on a cruise on Lake Ashi and go on a cable car ride up Mt. Komagatake to enjoy the commanding views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Mt. Futago. Overnight in Hakone at the Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en or similar. (L) Day 4: Hakone/Inuyama. Depart in the morning and drive through the Hakone mountains to Odawara Station where you will board a bullet train to take you to Nagoya. A Western- style lunch is served enroute. After lunch, you will be shown how to wear a Kimono, the national costume of Japan. (A fishing show, depending on river water levels, or visit to a Japanese-style wind-up doll museum will be included May 11 - Oct 15.) Tonight enjoy a Japanese-style dinner. Overnight in Inuyama at the Meitetsu Innuyama Hotel (L, D)
Day 5: Inuyama/Nagoya/Kyoto. Morning cruise to see the beautiful scenery along
the Kiso River. (If water levels are too high, a visit to the Noritake Garden
and Atsuta Shrine will be included instead.) Afterwards, board a local train to
Nagoya with a Western-style lunch served enroute. In the afternoon, enjoy a
visit to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry & Technology and Nagoya
Castle. Later depart for Kyoto via bullet train. Overnight for the next 2 nights
Day 6: Kyoto/Nara/Kyoto. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Kyoto, visiting the Golden Pavilion; Nijo Castle, noted for its gorgeous interiors; and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, stopping for a buffet lunch enroute. In the afternoon, travel to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. Visit Todaiji Temple, housing the Great Buddha; colorful Kasuga Shrine with its 3000 lanterns; and the Deer Park. (L) Day 7: Kyoto/Tokyo. The day is at your leisure until your departure back to Tokyo. Transfer from your hotel in Kyoto to the train station and your bullet train ride to Tokyo. Upon arrival in Tokyo, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Day 8: Depart for the U.S.A.. Transfer by airport limousine bus to the Narita Airport for your flight home. Good to Know: Luggage: Luggage allowance for the tour is 1 bag per person. However, on Day 4 all luggage will be transported by land from Hakone to Kyoto. Therefore, a lightweight overnight bag is recommended for this 1 night. If you opt to keep your 1 piece of luggage with you, you will be charged approximately $20 USD. Hotel Information:- Tokyo: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa. 13-1 Takanawa, 3-Chome Minato-Ku, Tokyo. Telephone (81) 3- 3442-1111
- Hakone: Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en. 1297 Nintaira, Hakone-Machi Ashigarashinmo-gun Kanagawa. Telephone (81) 0460- 2-4111
- Inuyama: Meitetsu Inuyama Hotel. 107-1 AZA Kitakoken, Oaza Inuyama Inuyama City. Telephone (81) 568-61-2211
- Kyoto: New Miyako Hotel. 17 Nishikujo Inmachi Miami-Kyoto Kyoto. Telephone: (81) 75-661-7111
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