Essence of Japan November 2026
Hello All, Very excited to finally be going to Japan.
We opted for the fall, hoping to see color but less crowds. I am looking for clothing tips, I already have heard about the shoes (slip in Sketchers recommended) since shoes are frequently taken off. I am assuming some light rain and maybe some chill.... Any feedback or suggestions on that?
We are also looking for tips on what to do on our first day in Tokyo. Shopping, restaurants, and general interesting places to see that Tauck is not doing on our first full days with the group.
We are doing the small group tour and will be at the Shangri-La Tokyo. Day and 2 and 3 take us to the major sites in Tokyo. Any other fun suggestions on what to explore on day 1 before the group dinner?
Also, Love to hear any other highlights we should take advantage of or fun, cool places you happened to discover in your free time along the rest of the trip!
Thank you All!
Comments
My husband and I took this tour mid-October two years ago, and I did post a trip report on this forum. I think outer wear is important, and we did have some some chilly weather and rain. We both brought good rain coats with hoods, also a fleece for layering. I also had light gloves, which I used once. And we each had a very light rain jacket, also with hood, that can be rolled up and carried in a day bag, as well as a small travel umbrella. We also had warm weather.
Our Tokyo free time included a tour of the Imperial Palace grounds, taking the Metro to and from the Gyoen National Garden, exploring and dining at the nearby train station, Metro to and from the Scramble Crossing area (and dinner there), dinner at a Sukiyaki restaurant in the Ginza area. There are many interesting areas of Tokyo, and I would love to see more on a future trip.
This is a wonderful tour.
I’m on October 26 tour! Question about slip on shoes for the experts: how much walking are you actually doing on the days you visit temple and other places where shoe removal is required? I have slip-ons but they’re NOT ideal for 10,000 step days! If you’re mostly on/off the bus, I could deal but need my good walking shoes for real walking.
Thanks!
My husband and I both wore good walking shoes. We did not bring slip on shoes. I did not mind undying and removing my shoes - there was always somewhere to sit while doing so. There is enough walking on tour, and in free time, that I appreciated having sturdy shoes.
I have some great hands free walking shoes - Orthofeet. Great arch support.
Highly recommend checking out Culinary Backstreets' food tours in Tokyo! Great way to get to know the city.
My husband and I are booked on the essence of Japan tour in late September. Has anyone found any good laundromats along the way? I can certainly wash personal items in the hotel sink but that won’t work for larger items. I’m sure the hotel laundry serve is expensive and I may have to do that for a few things if I have to but I’d rather do it myself. I’ve often found that using laundromats in other countries can be an interesteing cultural experience😂
Hi Charene, I am the self-appointed laundry "champion". Please put on your comment card at the end of the tour that you would like outside laundry suggestions provided prior to each departure, if possible. Thank you.
I will do that or, even better, if I stumble upon a good one along the way, I will post it.
Thanks for the input everyone!
Lotus Girl , I actually took notes on your post, so thank you for that! The palace is a good suggestion!
We had friends who went last spring and they recommend the sketchers slip ons, so I got a pair.
Any suggestions for what to do in down time at the other stops? Everyone has a fun "secret" place they came upon by accident that was just perfect. I'll take any suggestions you have!
Thanks! 74 days to go!
Perhaps I’m just being picky with language…but the image of “slip on” shoes is not what “hands free” shoes are. Most of my athletic shoes are “hands free” and they have good soles and traction and wonderful arch support and work with both jogging and strenuous walking. They hold your foot well and are not loose if you get the right size. You just don’t have to touch them with your hands and untie them to put them on and off - you kind of push your foot in. “Slip ons” connote a flimsier, thinner, beach kind of shoe.