You may think: is it even possible to travel Japan on a budget? The answer is: absolutely. Read on to discover how.
Vacation information
Small group budget tour, ideal for solos or couples:
This is one of our budget trips, designed specifically for travelers who still want the security of group travel without lots of added inclusions. These trips don't have many included activities & meals are rarely included in the price, giving you the opportunity to search out local restaurants and sample regional specialities to your heart's content. The amount of free time in these itineraries means that these trips often appeal to younger travelers looking to explore independently and tailor the trip to your own interests. You often won't spend too many days in any one place and you'll pack lots of different locations into your vacation.
Reviews
1 Reviews of Tokyo to Kyoto vacation in Japan
4 out of 5 stars
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Reviewed on 18 Apr 2018 by Lisa Watson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all fabulous! There was an ideal mix of pace and sightseeing between frenetic Tokyo, to gentle Nikko and beautiful Kyoto. Our guide Koi was so organised and helpful, her assistance in getting around really made traveling, navigating public transport or busy sightseeing spots enjoyable rather than stressful.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Double check your itinerary, as it was not clear from the notes that we would have a guide on hand throughout the trip and that our travel between venues was also paid-when talking to the London tour operator I was also told to book a seven day rail pass in Japan, which if I had followed this advice I would have wasted a lot of £s!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying at local guest houses owned by local people was part of the vacation. The first guesthouse in Tokyo was owned by a lovely family but the property was rather dated and the smoking inside the building by some of the other guests and the elderly owner was too much for me. The second guesthouse in Nikko had the best traditional baths. The third guesthouse in Kyoto had the right mix of traditional style with contemporary fittings and was situated in an ideal area for getting around.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Grand. Travel is soul food and Japan has been on my wish list to visit for an awful long time. Really felt I lucked out by booking with the tour operator, having fun & friendly fellow travelers and a truly brilliant guide in Koi.
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your vacation to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
This journey is filled with opportunities for you to learn about Japan today and its extraordinary contrasting blend of the ultra modern and high tech, with ancient traditions. The more you shed preconceptions, observe and participate in the many experiences on offer you will increase cross-cultural understanding.
Environment Much of the traveling on this trip is done on the famous Bullet train. Journeying by rail produces significantly less carbon emissions per passenger than travel by either air or car, making this one of the most environmentally responsible methods to explore this magnificent country. All travelers in the group will be encouraged to travel with refillable water bottles and purification tablets rather than purchasing water in plastic bottles to minimise waste and your group leader will also be on hand to advise on the responsible discarding of rubbish throughout the trip, recycling wherever possible.
We are a big supporter of the protection of endangered species around the world. It is against our Responsible Travel policy for leaders to take passengers to places that use cruel practices or supply or serve foods that are on the endangered species list, such as whale, turtle, tiger, bird’s nests, pangolin and shark.
People
Community: There are many activity options enabling you to interact with local people and learn and understand their traditions. We of course do what we can to demonstrate respect for local culture and tradition. While Japan is known for its 'out there' fashions overall, it is quite a conservative country. We spend time at temples, working monasteries, holy shrines, recreated villages and castles, cooking schools and ancient gardens. At these places it is important to be respectful to the staff and other visitors by wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. During your visit you will receive hospitality from local families and people. A great way to reciprocate is to bring a small gift from your country, eg. animal figurines, pens, flags or stickers.
The accommodation for this trip is a mix of small locally owned and operated ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and guesthouses, where our patronage is directly supporting local families. Our gracious hosts will help guide you around traditional practices and living arrangements. An outdoor onsen (hot spring bath) is a real highlight of a guesthouse stay. There are separate baths for males and females, and as no clothes or swimming costumes are allowed in the hot springs - it's time to shed those inhibitions!
