Sample Itinerary

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

Tokyo

Tokyo (Edo during the time of the Samurai), in the Kanto Region of Japan, was the center of power for the Shogun’s government during the Edo Period. Despite Tokyo’s non-stop, super-modern feel, its traditions can still be seen tucked away between the skyscrapers and among the people. The Tokyo and Beyond Tour will show you not only the modern capital of Japan, but the parts of it that represent old Japan and Edo culture.

Our Tokyo and Beyond Tour is an 8 day independent tour that will give you a chance to see Tokyo and visit the playgrounds of the Shogunates as well as modern Tokyo. Since this is an independent tour you will not have to worry about visiting places you have no interest in or sightseeing at a pace that is not right for you.

Tokyo

You will start off your day with a visit to enjoy the beauty of Rikugien, an 18th century landscape garden and arguably the most beautiful Japanese garden in Tokyo. Next you will visit the Meiji Imperial Shrine, where you can relax in the forested setting and enjoy the traditional Shinto architecture of this oasis nestled within one of the world’s busiest modern metropolis. Finally, you will end your day in Ginza, the upscale downtown district with huge department stores, fancy restaurants, the Sony Building where you can look at the company’s newest cutting-edge gadgets, and more.

Kamakura

Today you will take a day trip to Kamakura which was the home of the Shoguns from 1192 to 1333. Here you will find remnants of the Kamakura Period in various temples and shrines including the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Nikko

Upon arriving in the small mountain town of Nikko, you will go to Toshogu shrine, its most famous sight. This lavishly decorated Shinto Shrine, one of the most well-known in Japan, is also the mausoleum to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the most famous Shogun in Japanese history. In addition, there are a number of famous wood carvings at Toshogu, including the three monkeys embodying the phrase, “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.” You will also see Rinnoji Temple, which was founded by Shodo Shonin, who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century. At the end of the day, you will stay the night and dine at a Japanese style ryokan.

Nikko & Tokyo

The first stop today will be the picturesque Kegon Falls, located in Lake Chuzenji in Okunikko. This waterfall is 97 meters (320 feet) high and one of the tallest in Japan. This will be followed by a visit to Futarasan Shrine, founded in 767 by Shodo Shonin (the same monk who founded Rinnoji). This shrine is dedicated to three mountain deities and houses two swords that are national treasures. After returning to Tokyo, you will have the chance to explore freely and see some of the modern sights of the city. Destination suggestions within the city include: the Shiodome District (breathtaking skyscrapers and a reconstruction of the old Shinbashi train station), Akihabara (the flashy and famous electronic goods district), Odaiba (a futuristic island entertainment district in the bay), or Shibuya (a trendy shopping and entertainment district south of Shinjuku). You can also use your rail pass to visit nearby cities such as Yokohama.

Hakone

Today you will be going to Hakone, which is one of the finest hot spring resorts in Japan. This area has been popular as a hot spring resort for hundreds of years. Lake Ashi, Hakone – Tokyo and BeyondIts natural beauty and abundance of hot spring baths make it an ideal spot to relax after spending time in the capital, just as feudal lords did hundreds of years ago. While in Hakone you will have the chance to walk parts of the old Tokaido highway which connected Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto in times past, ride the scenic Tozan Railway through the mountains, and visit the breathtaking Lake Ashinoko. Additionally, you will be staying overnight at a ryokan with hot spring baths and delicious food.

Tokyo

Today you will head back to Tokyo for your final night in Japan.

Today will be your last day in Japan and your last chance for sightseeing and shopping. Please make sure you arrive at Narita Airport or Haneda Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Your personalized tour organizer will have exact directions to the airport.

What Our Customers Have To Say

The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.

John Moawad

Classical Japan Tour

It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...

Marina Boyer

North Central Exploration

Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...

Edan Ecker

Shoguns and Samurai

I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...

Our Team Of Local Experts

Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.

Jeff Aasgaard


Tour Sales Director

Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.

Michiyo Kakiuchi

Tour Arrangement Manager

Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.

Izumi Yamauchi

Tour Arrangement team

Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.

Why Rediscover Tours

Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.

Trips Made for You


Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you


Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour


Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements


Japan Experts


Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese


They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss


Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy


Finest Guides


Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour


We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience


Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds


With Confidence


Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you


Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000


You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away