Day Tour All Three EDOs: Nikko to Kawagoe & the Imperial Palace

Tokyo , Japan

Day Tour All Three EDOs: Nikko to Kawagoe & the Imperial Palace

Active

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Nikko and Kawagoe is the two faces of EDO, seeing both lets you see both the samurai and commoner lifestyle of the people in Edo.

We will visit the Imperial Palace from outside to understand both the Samurai and Imperial family outlook of the location.

We will visit Nikko not only as a world heritage but as a location built to protect the city of EDO by blocking the KIMON (Demon Gate) of EDO hence learn the importance of “direction” (HOI) to understand the religious aspect of the Japanese; the importance in “location” of both Kawagoe and Nikko, the impact it had on the Japanese people and the heritage of the Tokugawa dynasty.

The Kawagoe area known as “KOEDO” (small Edo) is a Edo cultural melting pot where you will see the lifestyle of Edo merchants.

This tour will try to fit in three major locations associated with EDO for the time crunched traveler. If you want to see more in your limited time try us.

Available options

Day Tour All Three EDOs: Nikko to Kawagoe & the Imperial Palace

What's included

In-guide person

WiFi on board

Lunch

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will not only drive around the imperial palace circle but also walk the outer grounds to see the double bridge and several gates and towers and learn the historical background behind the walls of the palace.

Stop 2

We will visit the world heritage site and walk the duration of the site. The guide will give you a detailed description of what it is and what it means.

We will stop by the Sano SA and refuel ourselves and also ensure we have a brief stop at the water closets

We will visit this Japanese western restaurant should they be open. Alternatives will be at one of the nearby hotels or restaurants worth mentioning

We will visit the matsuri Kaikan to understand the festivities of the Japanese and understand what Shintoism is for the Japanese.

Stop 6

We will visit a shrine dedicated to marriage and prosperous family and good relationships.

We will visit the “Big Ben” of Kawagoe to understand how the Japanese townsfolk’s managed their days

We will strolls the streets of kawagoe to understand how the cities redeveloped itself after the Meiji Restoration and how they modernized.

We will depart Shinjuku Tokyo and proceed to Nikko which will be approximately two and a half hours proximity. From Nikko we will move on to Kawagoe area which will be approximately another one hour and a half of travel. Returning from Kawagoe will be another hour totaling 5 hours tranist.

What's not included

Dinner

Breakfast

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

We will meet you in front of the Shinjuku Post Office which is about five minutes away from Shinjuku Station West.

Important notes

Please show the entry ticket to the guide to confirm your reservation.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.