Tokyo remains one of the worlds most cosmopolitan and exciting cities. The neon lights, the flashing advertisements, the large indoor malls and streets with so much visceral stimulation you think you're in the middle of a video game. The karaoke bars, noodle shops, sushi restaurants and Kobe beef. The good deals on Sony products and the glimpse into our high-tech future. Those kooky teenagers with enough style and interesting hairdos to make anyone feel "un-with it." But Tokyo and its environs can be serene and calm as well. There is a peace to the Japanese gardens, tranquility to morning rituals, and there is always the quiet of your hotel, some of which begin on the 40th floor of high-rise buildings. With Asia set for a new economic boom, and the Yen-U.S. dollar exchange rate lower than past years, Tokyo is a great choice when looking for a solid summer and fall travel deal.
Pacific Delights (tel. 800/221-7179; www.pacificdelighttours.com) has some Super Value Tours that combine Tokyo with nearby Kyoto. A package totaling six-nights with three nights in each city starts at $1,949 out of Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco or Seattle. The trip includes all airfare, intra-Japan land transportation, locally guided tours including sightseeing excursions and concierge-type assistance in each city, all accommodations, daily breakfast and airport transportation as well as hotel taxes and service charges. The land-only price starts at $1,389. A summer coupon shaving $100 off the price for select departure dates is available. The trip leaves once or twice a month through the summer and fall but to qualify for the $100 savings you need to book and pay in full by end of today, June 1, 2005, so act fast. Add about $160 for add-on departure from most popular U.S. gateways such as the New York area, the Midwest and the large Texas cities. Accommodations for this trip are in five-star properties both centrally located in the city. The Capital Tokyo Hotel even has Shinto and Christian wedding chapels, so you can tie the knot Vegas-style if the sake gets you going.
Friendly Planet Travel (tel. 800/555-5765; www.friendlyplanet.com/japan.asp) has a "Discover Japan" special that include extended looks at Tokyo. If you reserve before June 10, 2005, you can save up to $600 per couple off the total price of your trip. The ten-day double occupancy package leaving out of Los Angeles starts at $1,699 with select departures through the fall. The trip starts off in modern Tokyo before heading off to Kyoto and the Japanese countryside. Accommodations in Tokyo are at the Sky Court Asakusa Hotel in the Asakusa section of Tokyo known for its old world feel and ancient temples. The hotel has Japanese-style baths overlooking Japanese botanical gardens where people go to escape the modern noise of the city.
If you just want to hit Tokyo, Pleasant Holidays (tel. 800/742-9244; www.pleasantholidays.com) has package tours for singles, couples or family travel. Starting at $1,168, this air-land exclusive includes air out of Los Angeles on Singapore Air and five nights at the Shiba Park Hotel, a full-morning sightseeing tour and transportation to and from the airport in Tokyo. This no-frills all-Tokyo trip leaves daily with travel good from August 21 to December 5, 2005. The Shiba Park Hotel is rated as "moderate," with comfortable rooms in a good location near several ancient sites and quiet tree-lined streets slightly away from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo.
U.S. departure taxes of approximately $180 are not included in any of these trips. Nor are September 11, security fees.
