A Week in Tokyo: Beyond The Stopover

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and transfer independently to your hotel in central Tokyo. The hotel’s location offers convenient access to Tokyo’s main areas, making it a practical base for your stay. Use the rest of the day to rest or explore nearby streets at your own pace.

• Hotel Description

Today’s private guided tour traces the city’s early foundations. Start at Tokyo Station and the Nihombashi district, once the heart of Edo-period commerce and culture. Walk through streets that were once the centre of trade routes and watch Tokyo’s layered history unfold in its architecture and traditions. Visit the Imperial Palace, a symbol of resilience and quiet continuity through centuries of change.

At the Fukagawa Edo Museum, step into reconstructed Edo-era streets and homes, offering insight into the daily lives of townspeople during a time of peace and cultural growth. This day offers a clear picture of how Tokyo transformed from a quiet marshland into one of the world’s most dynamic capitals. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today focuses on Shitamachi, Tokyo’s old downtown, where traces of Edo-period life remain. Start with a visit to a sumo stable to observe morning training - a quiet, structured routine that reflects the sport’s deep traditions. In Asakusa, explore the temple area and nearby streets by rickshaw, offering a different way to see one of Tokyo’s most historic neighbourhoods. Walk through Kappabashi, a district known for its kitchenware shops that have supported Japan’s food trade for generations.

Then join a lantern-making workshop, a practical craft still seen in use at local festivals. For a more hands-on experience, take part in a ninja or samurai session, drawing from the skills once used in this part of Japan’s history. End the day in Yoshiwara, the former entertainment district, where parts of the city’s cultural past remain visible in the layout and street names. (B)

• Hotel Description

Begin the day with a hands-on taiko drumming session, once used in festivals and spiritual rituals, now a dynamic and expressive art form. In the afternoon, experience the quiet discipline of a traditional tea ceremony, where every gesture reflects centuries of cultural refinement. Visit a sake and shochu information centre to explore how these iconic drinks connect ancient customs with modern dining culture.

Then walk through Ginza, Tokyo’s most elegant shopping and nightlife district, known for its architecture, galleries, and discreet bars hidden behind understated façades. End the day at a neighbourhood izakaya, where locals unwind over seasonal dishes and simple drinks. Today offers a look at Tokyo’s more refined side, where heritage, ritual, and everyday life blend seamlessly. (B,D)

• Hotel Description

After days of exploring Tokyo’s energy and culture, leave the city behind and spend the day exploring Mt. Takao, a forested retreat just outside Tokyo. This sacred mountain has drawn pilgrims for centuries and remains one of the city’s most beloved natural escapes. Walk along wooded trails lined with towering cedar trees, pass small wayside shrines, and visit Yakuoin Temple - an atmospheric mountaintop sanctuary where rituals are still performed.

Along the way, enjoy sweeping views over western Tokyo and, on clear days, even as far as Mt. Fuji. The experience offers a quieter, more spiritual side of Tokyo, revealing the country’s deep-rooted reverence for nature.

• Hotel Description

Spend the morning and afternoon at your own pace, with tickets included to two of Tokyo’s most imaginative attractions. Start at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), where exhibits on robotics, space, and AI offer insight into Japan’s cutting-edge advancements. Then continue to teamLab Planets, an immersive digital art experience where light, sound, and movement come together in interactive, sensory installations.

In the evening, join your guide for a food-focused walk through the lively districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya. Sample stand-up sushi, grilled meats, and crisp tempura as you explore Tokyo’s neon-lit streets. (B,D)

• Hotel Description

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before making your own way to Narita or Haneda International Airport for your flight. If time allows, take a final stroll through the neighbourhood or stop for one last coffee before heading off. Airport transfers are not included, but we’re happy to assist if you’d prefer to pre-book transport just contact one of our travel specialists. (B,D)