5-Day Tokyo Highlights Tour: A Quick Sketch of Tokyo

Asia Highlights handpicked hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

We recommend business hotels conveniently located near a major subway station, or a short walk away to some famous sites, in the larger cities such as Tokyo.

Tokyo Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

A newly-built, next-generation hotel focused on providing convenience, efficiency, and comfort opened on the side of the old Shinjuku Koma Theater, the heart of the area around Shinjuku Station��s East Exit.

Tokyo Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome

Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome provides convenient access to the subway as well as the monorail to Odaiba, the large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. The hotel is close to Hamarikyu Gardens and Tsukiji Fish Market.

Tokyo Shiba Park Hotel

Located just a stone's throw away from the iconic Tokyo Tower, this hotel is perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing stay in area away from the crowds yet offering convenient access to public transportation.

Journey information

• SeasonJapan can be visited year-round, though there are benefits and drawbacks of every season. There are also some events such as the blooming of the cherry blossoms that can be only experienced during certain times of year.
  Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Japan because of the beautiful, comfortable weather and the arrival of the cherry blossoms. The blooming of cherry blossoms or sakura has been a major part of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years and can only be experienced in the spring.
  Because of the opportunity to witness sakura and the beautiful weather throughout the country, spring is high season in Japan, the time of year with most crowds and highest cost. If traveling to Japan in spring, it will be important to book flights and hotels well in advance.
  Summer is the festival season in Japan, offering visitors an opportunity to experience multiple holidays and firework-shows in another country. Crowds are smaller in Japan in the summer, which means that standard prices for accommodation and flights are often lower.
  Although not as busy as spring, fall is the second most popular time to travel to Japan. In the fall, the weather cools down and the lower humidity allows for more comfortable traveling outdoors.
  Many people choose to visit Japan in the fall due to the changing colors of the leaves, turning brilliant orange and red, in the countryside near Kyoto and Tokyo.
  During winter, especially at the north of the Japanese islands, there are icy winds from Siberia often accompanied by heavy snows. This makes for great opportunities to participate in winter sports, such as skiing, in some of the many famous resorts and mountains.
• Accommodation Japan offers a wide range of accommodation in both Japanese and western styles. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that offer a glimpse into a more traditional way of life. A ryokan room usually has tatami (traditionally rice-straw, today sometimes polystyrene foam or compressed wood chip) mat flooring, a futon (mattress), tables and chairs. Guests sleep on a futon laid out on the tatami.
  While ryokans are the perfect places to stay in Hakone and other scenic and rural areas of Japan, when staying in the larger cities such as Tokyo or Kyoto, it's often best to choose hotels according to comfort, combined with location and convenience.
  Business hotels, catering to budget-conscious business travelers, are generally located in city centers near train stations. They are very convenient, especially for tourists with a half-independent, half-guided itinerary. Most hotels provide two room categories �� standard twin and standard double. Rooms are western-style, small (usually 16-22 square meters) and clean.
  Let us know your style preferences, and our travel consultant will find the most suitable hotel room for you.
• MealsMeals are not included. During a full day tour, your guide will take you to a budget or mid-range restaurant for a quick lunch. These restaurants are often near the train stations, or in malls. You will need to pay on the spot in cash when finished with your meal.
  Japan��s cuisine is based on combining staple foods, typically rice or noodles, with a soup and okazu �� dishes made from fish, meat or vegetables, to add flavor to the staple food. These are typically flavored with dashi, miso and soy sauce. The most famous Japanese food is sushi. This is cooked vinegared rice (shari) combined with other ingredients (neta).
  Other prominent foods are: sashimi, fresh raw meat, most commonly fish, sliced into thin pieces; tempura, seafood or vegetables covered in batter and deep fried; and sukiyaki, a popular dish of thinly sliced beef, served with vegetables, tofu and vermicelli, and usually cooked on a sizzling iron skillet at the table.
  If you have special dietary requirements, simply tell your travel agent at the time of booking. Come with an open mind and open mouth, and you won��t be disappointed.
• Traveling Around by TrainPublic transport services in Japan are admirable. Most major cities are connected by shinkansen bullet trains, which speed along at an incredible 300 km/hour. Many famous sightseeing areas lie on or near the bullet train lines between Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, making it convenient to visit places such as Kyoto, Himeji Castle and Hiroshima.
  Flying is probably best when travelling from the country��s main hubs to some of the more far-flung destinations, such as Okinawa and Hokkaido. Ferries are surprisingly uncommon, as all the major islands are linked by bridges and tunnels.
  The Japan Rail Pass offers overseas visitors unlimited travel on a vast network of trains. You can choose a 7-day, 14-day or 21-day pass, first or standard class. It must be purchased before a trip.
• Traveling Within Cities by Public Transportation Local transport systems in major cities are efficient, safe and clean. For example, Tokyo has an extensive metro and over ground rail system, and it is best to use a pre-loaded transport card, such as Suica, to get around. Hold your card against the barriers at the station entrance to access the platform.
  Kyoto��s bus system is quite convenient for getting around the city and is the best way to reach many of the main attractions. The ICOCA electronic card or a 1-day pass are valid on most forms of city transport.
  Taxis can be useful over short distances but they are very expensive during peak travel hours. Not only is public transport typically very convenient in Japan, it is also much cheaper than the average $1,000 a day needed to rent a private car with driver.
  Private cars can be arranged, only at a higher price. We recommend using private car services for travelers in family groups, or groups of about 5 people, seeking a more intimate experience.
• Pack LightWe recommend packing light and smart for your trip, as you will be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and hotels. This will involve climbing stairs and slopes. Light luggage is also better for bullet trains, which often provide little space for luggage larger than a carry-on suitcase.
  For travelers with heavy baggage, it can be difficult to find a particular train or exit during rush hour. But again, Japan��s travel infrastructure is among the most advanced in the world, and railway staff and local people generally try to be helpful to foreigners.
• Book EarlyWe always advise booking as early as possible when making travel arrangements in Japan, especially when travelling during the peak periods of March-May or October-November.
  Closure of tourist sites can occur at short notice on public holidays. Please be advised that many long-distance trains, ferries, and airlines will be fully booked, as well as hotels and guest houses, during the following peak periods: New Year holiday season (December 29 to January 3, plus adjacent weekends); ��Golden Week�� holiday season (April 29 to May 5, and adjacent weekends); ��Bon�� Festival season (one week around August 15).