Independent Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka City Stays

The price covers nine nights of accommodation in mid‑range hotels, an English‑speaking guide for all private city tours, daily breakfast, selected lunches (including the okonomiyaki lunch in Osaka), all internal transportation such as the bullet‑train between Tokyo and Kyoto, private vehicle transfers, subway and local public‑transport tickets, and entrance fees to the listed attractions. Taxes and service charges are included; personal expenses, optional activities, and international flights are not.

No. The €5,717.11 price only includes the services listed in the itinerary. International airfare to and from Japan must be booked separately by the traveler. You can coordinate your flight arrival time with the first day’s meeting point, but the airline ticket is not part of the tour package.

Yes. Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals not listed, optional cultural experiences, tips for the guide or driver, and any upgrades to higher‑category hotels are excluded. If you need a private airport transfer outside the scheduled pick‑up times, an extra charge may apply. Always confirm any extra costs with the operator before departure.

The tour operator accepts major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) for the full payment. Some agents also offer a payment‑plan option that allows a deposit to secure the reservation followed by scheduled installments; the availability of this plan depends on the booking channel and should be verified at the time of reservation.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before the start date receive a full refund minus a small administrative fee. Between 30 and 60 days, a 50 % refund is offered. Cancellations within 30 days of departure are non‑refundable, though a credit for a future tour may be issued at the operator’s discretion. All refunds are processed in the original currency (EUR).

Travel insurance is not mandatory for booking the Independent Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka City Stays tour, but it is strongly recommended. A policy that covers medical emergencies, trip interruption, and personal belongings will protect you against unforeseen events such as illness, flight delays, or lost luggage while traveling in Japan.

Each day begins with a breakfast at the hotel, followed by a brief meeting with the guide at 9:00 am. Departures for scheduled activities usually occur between 9:30 am and 10:00 am. The bullet‑train from Tokyo to Kyoto departs at 11:30 am, and the final departure from Osaka to the airport is arranged for the afternoon of the last day, typically around 2:00 pm.

The initial meeting point is the lobby of the designated hotel in central Tokyo, where the guide will welcome the group after check‑in. Exact hotel details are provided in the confirmation email. If you arrive earlier, you may store luggage at the hotel’s concierge while you wait for the start of the city tour.

Yes. Private transfers are provided from Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airport to the first hotel, and from the final hotel in Osaka to Kansai International Airport on the departure day. Transfers are included in the price and are coordinated with your flight times; any changes to arrival or departure schedules should be communicated at least 48 hours in advance.

The Shinkansen (bullet‑train) allows two standard suitcases (up to 30 kg each) and one carry‑on per passenger, plus a small personal item. Private vehicle transfers have similar capacity; the driver will assist with loading and unloading. If you have oversized equipment, you may need to arrange separate freight services.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens of many European countries, including those holding an EU passport, can enter Japan visa‑free for short stays up to 90 days. Travelers who do require a visa must obtain a tourist visa before departure. The tour operator does not handle visa applications, so you should check the Japanese embassy website for your specific requirements.

A valid passport with at least six months remaining is required. As of the latest update, Japan does not mandate a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate for short‑term tourists, but entry requirements can change, so verify current health regulations before you travel. You will also need to present your tour confirmation and any necessary visa documents at immigration.

The itinerary is family‑friendly, featuring attractions such as the Samurai and Ninja Museum, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Osaka’s entertainment districts, which appeal to younger travelers. Walking distances are moderate, and most sites are accessible by public transport or short shuttle rides. Parents should consider the pace—some days include multiple stops—but overall the tour accommodates children aged 8 and up comfortably.

The tour involves moderate walking, typically 3–5 km per day, and occasional stairs at sites like Tokyo Skytree and Osaka Castle. No strenuous hiking is involved. A reasonable level of fitness—being able to walk for an hour at a time and climb a few flights of stairs—is sufficient. Those with mobility issues should inform the guide in advance to arrange assistance where possible.

Yes. The program is designed for a broad age range, and transportation is provided via comfortable bullet‑train seats and air‑conditioned vehicles. Most attractions are accessible, and the guide can adjust the pace or skip optional climbs if needed. Seniors who require a wheelchair or have limited stamina should notify the operator before booking so appropriate accommodations can be arranged.

The tour covers Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree’s Sorakara Point, Samurai and Ninja Museum, Nakamise shopping arcade, and Asakusa Kannon Temple. In Kyoto, you will see Kinkaku‑ji (Golden Pavilion), the Gion geisha district, Sanjūsangen‑dō Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Osaka highlights include Osaka Castle, Minami entertainment district, Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Dōtonbori, with a lunch featuring okonomiyaki.

Yes. Each day includes a scheduled free‑time window—typically 1–2 hours—in the afternoon or evening, allowing you to explore nearby neighborhoods, shop, or relax at a café. For example, after the Tokyo Skytree visit you have time to wander the surrounding Solamachi mall, and in Kyoto you receive a brief period to stroll the historic streets of Gion on your own.

For travelers visiting Japan for the first time, the Independent Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka City Stays tour offers a balanced mix of iconic landmarks and cultural experiences while handling logistics such as transportation and guide services. The private guide provides context in English, which helps newcomers navigate language barriers and maximize their time in each city.

Booking this tour removes the need to coordinate separate bullet‑train tickets, hotel reservations, and local transport schedules. The itinerary is curated by experts, ensuring you see top attractions without missing key sites. An English‑speaking guide offers historical insight and real‑time assistance, while included meals and transfers simplify budgeting and reduce on‑the‑ground stress.

Travelers who appreciate a structured schedule, want expert commentary in English, and prefer not to handle individual bookings benefit most. Families, first‑time visitors, and groups seeking a comfortable pace with some free time also find high value. Those who enjoy complete independence may prefer a self‑planned itinerary, but the tour’s convenience and included services appeal to anyone looking for a hassle‑free experience.