Karuizawa, Kawagoe and Hashino Resort Shrine Day Tour From Tokyo

The Karuizawa, Kawagoe, and Hashino Resort Shrine Day Tour from Tokyo offers a chance to explore three distinct destinations in a single day. Priced at $100 per person, the tour provides transportation, admission fees, and access to the relaxing Hoshino Onsen. While meals and gratuities aren’t included, the tour’s wheelchair and stroller accessibility caters to a wide range of travelers. With mixed reviews, it’s essential to consider feedback on communication and scheduling to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. What makes this tour stand out, and how does it fit into your travel plans?

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Tokyo takes visitors to multiple destinations, including Karuizawa, Kawagoe, and Hashino Resort Shrine.
• The tour is priced from $100 per person and accommodates up to 15 travelers, with vehicle costs, tolls, and admission to Hoshino Onsen included.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with free admission for infants, and travelers can select a meeting point for the tour.
• The tour includes vehicle fuel costs, tolls, and highway tolls, as well as the admission fee to Hoshino Onsen, but excludes personal expenses, meals, and gratuities.
• The tour has received a 3.0/5 star rating based on available reviews, with feedback suggesting communication challenges and a rushed schedule due to driver hours.

Tour Overview

The "Karuizawa, Kawagoe and Hashino Resort Shrine Day Tour from Tokyo" offers a full-day excursion that takes visitors to several notable destinations outside of the capital.

The tour lasts the total duration, including transportation. Priced from $100 per person, it accommodates up to 15 travelers. With 1 review averaging 3.0/5 stars, the tour includes vehicle costs, tolls, and admission to Hoshino Onsen.

Passengers can choose a meeting point, and the tour ends back at the original location. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with free admission for infants.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, paying later.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This day tour from Tokyo includes the vehicle fuel costs, tolls, and highway tolls. Plus, the admission fee to Hoshino Onsen, which is around $5, is covered.

The key exclusions for this tour are:

• Other personal expenses
• Meals
• Gratuities

Travelers should keep in mind that while the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and near public transportation, any other additional costs, such as souvenirs or extra activities, are the responsibility of the individual traveler.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers can select a meeting point for this day tour from Tokyo. The tour starts and ends at the chosen meeting location.

This tour is accessible by wheelchair and stroller, and it’s near public transportation. Infants aged 0-2 can join the tour for free, but they can’t occupy their own seats.

The tour wraps up back at the original meeting point. With transportation, fuel, tolls, and admission to Hoshino Onsen (around $5) covered, travelers only need to budget for other personal expenses during the excursion.

Cancellation and Payment Policies

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time). This policy provides flexibility for travelers who need to change their plans.

The tour also offers a "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option, allowing customers to secure their spot while staying flexible with payment.

Key details:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start
• Reserve Now and Pay Later option available
• Confirmation received at the time of booking
• No refunds for late cancellations or no-shows
• Travel insurance recommended for unexpected changes

Traveler Feedback

According to the available reviews, this day tour from Tokyo doesn’t seem to have met the expectations of at least one traveler.

The main guide primarily spoke Chinese, limiting communication with English speakers. Plus, the traveler reported that the tour missed stops and had a rushed schedule due to driver hours, resulting in more travel time than destination time.

The tour received a 3.0/5 rating, with the reviewer not recommending it.

Travelers should take these feedback points into consideration when deciding whether this tour aligns with their interests and preferences.

Exploring Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a popular mountain resort town located approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Tokyo.

Renowned for its natural beauty and mild climate, the town offers a variety of activities and sights to explore:

• Stroll through the charming Old Town, featuring traditional wooden buildings and boutique shops

• Visit the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, a bustling outdoor shopping complex

• Hike the Kumoba Pond Trail, a scenic nature walk surrounded by lush forests

• Relax at the Hoshino Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring resort

• Discover the Yokokan Garden, a peaceful oasis with historic buildings and meticulously manicured grounds.

Visiting Kawagoe

After exploring the idyllic charms of Karuizawa, the day tour moves on to the historic town of Kawagoe, just a short drive away.

Known as "Little Edo", Kawagoe offers a glimpse into Japan’s past with its well-preserved Edo-era architecture and merchant houses. Visitors can stroll along the charming streets, sample local delicacies, and visit the iconic Kitain Temple.

The tour includes admission to Kawagoe’s main attractions, allowing travelers to enjoy the town’s rich history and traditional atmosphere.

With its unique blend of heritage and modernity, Kawagoe provides a captivating complement to the earlier Karuizawa experience.

Discovering Hashino Resort Shrine

The tour then ventures to Hashino Resort Shrine, a serene and picturesque destination nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of the Chichibu Mountains.

Visitors can expect to:

• Immerse themselves in the shrine’s tranquil atmosphere, characterized by beautifully manicured gardens and traditional architecture.

• Explore the shrine’s rich history and cultural significance, dating back to the 8th century.

• Witness the awe-inspiring Noh stage, a unique performance platform that showcases the traditional Japanese theater art.

• Participate in a traditional purification ritual at the shrine’s sacred spring.

• Capture stunning photographs of the shrine’s iconic red torii gates against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour does not mention any restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks. You’re generally free to bring whatever snacks or beverages you’d like to enjoy during the tour, though the inclusions don’t cover these personal expenses.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks Scheduled During the Tour?

The tour includes scheduled restroom breaks, though the frequency and duration may vary depending on the itinerary and pace. Travelers should feel free to request additional stops if needed during the tour.

What Should I Wear to Be Comfortable During the Tour?

For a comfortable experience, dress in layers, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring weather-appropriate gear like a light jacket or umbrella. Dressing for the conditions will help ensure an enjoyable day during the tour.

Can I Request a Private Tour or a Smaller Group Size?

Yes, you can typically request a private tour or a smaller group size, though it may come at an additional cost. Check with the tour provider to see if they offer these options and get a quote.

How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour Activities?

The tour involves moderate walking, with visitors expected to walk around each destination for 1-2 hours. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The amount of walking can vary depending on the individual’s pace and interests at each site.

The Sum Up

The Karuizawa, Kawagoe, and Hashino Resort Shrine Day Tour from Tokyo offers a compelling full-day excursion at $100 per person. Travelers can enjoy the relaxing Hoshino Onsen, though they should be mindful of personal expenses as meals and gratuities are not included. While the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, the mixed reviews highlight the importance of considering feedback about communication and scheduling when planning the trip.