9 Days Golden Route of Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun has a rich and extensive history which spans across millennia. During the course of its evolution, Japanese civilization has moved its center on numerous occasions. This trip is perfect for travelers who are interested in discovering this timeless tale called Japan. You will visit five of the country’s capitals of the past and present: Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka.
You can witness the fruits of Japanese ingenuity throughout the ages. You will start with the present capital, Tokyo, and visit the iconic spots in each capital city, as well as museums that cover the development of the Japanese culture.
You will also make a day trip to Mt. Fuji, an icon that has been a center of Japan's belief for centuries. Overall, this Golden Route tour will be a treat for history fans and casual travelers alike!
Services
Included:
- Accommodation: 8x nights in Western hotel and 1x night in Japanese Ryokan
- 8x breakfast, 6x lunch, 1x dinner
- Transport by taxi and public transport
- Tour guide
- Guided tours: 5 days (Day 2, 3, 5, 7, 8)
- Entrance fees included
Excluded:
- Air tickets
- Japan Rail Pass
- Shuttle bus to airport
Optional:
- Pick up taxi at Narita Airport for Day 1 (USD250/per group)
- Private car with a driver (from USD400/per day)
- Taxi transfer from Mt.Koya to the hotel near Kansai International Airport for Day 8 (USD250/per group)
Itinerary at a Glance
Narita International Airport - Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo!
Asakusa - Ginza - Shibuya
Make your way through Tokyo's wonders
Kamakura - Yokohama
Visit the past at Kamakura and Yokohama
Mt.fuji - Hakone
Gaze at the gorgeous Mt. Fuji
Kyoto
Take a trip through magnificent Kyoto
Osaka
Explore lively Osaka
Nara
Dive into the serenity of Nara
Mt.koya
Pay homage to the majestic Mt. Koya
Kansai International Airport
Sayonara, Japan!
Detailed Itinerary
Narita International Airport - Tokyo
Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo!
Welcome to Japan!
Your guide will pick you up at the airport and assist you with preparations for the tour. A private coach will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city (transfer time about 2 hours).
After the check-in procedures are completed, you will have the rest of the day to yourselves to relax and spend as you wish. Take your first stroll through Tokyo!
Asakusa - Ginza - Shibuya
Day 2: Make your way through Tokyo's wonders
You will start today’s tour in Asakusa, known for its iconic lantern of Kaminari-mon. Afterwards, enjoy the freshest sushi for lunch.
Later in the afternoon you will visit the great shrine Meiji Jingu where the spirit of Emperor Meiji is venerated, as well as the busy Takeshita Street renowned for its unique fashion boutiques and trendy stores. Your last stop for today will be Shibuya.
Kamakura - Yokohama
Day 3: Visit the past at Kamakura and Yokohama
Today, you will visit the eponymous capital of the Kamakura shogunate, which effectively governed Japan in the 13th century.
After an amazing unagi (Japanese eel) lunch you will enjoy a tea ceremony in a traditional Japanese temple with a view of a beautiful Japanese garden.
Afterward, you will head to Yokohama, the biggest port city in East Japan. Later you will visit Minato Mirai where you will enjoy the breathtaking view of Yokohama at night from a giant wheel, before continuing on to Osanbashi bridge and Yamashita Park.
Mt.fuji - Hakone
Day 4: Gaze at the gorgeous Mt. Fuji
Between the capital cities in the Kanto and Kansai region, you will go on a side trip to Mt. Fuji, and appreciate the stunning views by ropeway, before relaxing at the picturesque Fuji Five Lakes area.
After a buffet lunch, relax and wind down in an onsen at Hakone for as long as you wish. Hakone is the most famous onsen area!
Kyoto
Day 5: Take a trip through magnificent Kyoto
Today you will arrive in Kyoto at noon and enjoy a traditional lunch there. Then go on a walk in Kyoto’s most renowned old town district Higashiyama.
In the evening, you will be sightseeing around the city’s most famous geisha district. The area is full of old wooden houses, shops, and teahouses. If you are lucky, you may be able to catch a glimpse of a passing geiko and maiko.
To give you a better picture of geisha culture, you will watch a cultural show at Gion Corner, where you can learn about the various forms of Japanese art performed by apprentice geisha.
Osaka
Day 6: Explore lively Osaka
After a hearty breakfast, explore the largest city in the Kansai area! Osaka is known for its liveliness, and you will experience it firsthand when exploring the busy shopping streets or enjoying the famous okonomiyaki meal.
You will also visit Osaka Castle, an impressive piece of architecture that now serves as a museum about one of the three great unifiers of Japan. After lunch, you will make your way through the most colorful town in Japan.
A variety of cultures mix here, and you feel energy from this diverse district. Afterwards, spend a couple of hours enjoying the buzz of evening Osaka by walking through it.
Nara
Day 7: Dive into the serenity of Nara
Today you will visit Nara, best known for the thousands of wild deer that roam its park. Near the park is the equally famous Todai-ji, the Great Eastern Temple. It has the largest wooden building and Daibutsu statue in the country.
After your visit you'll journey on to the grand shrine Kasuga Taisha, which is known for its thousands of lanterns.There is even a dark room within the inner area, where the myriad hanging lanterns are fully lit, making this shrine a magical visit.
To conclude the day, you will visit the botanical garden just outside Kasuga Taisha.
Mt.koya
Day 8: Pay homage to the majestic Mt. Koya
You will first head to Wakayama to visit Mount Koya (Kōyasan), the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
It is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi, one of Japan's most significant religious figures.
Shukubo is up next. It offers you a taste of a monk’s lifestyle. Here you will enjoy a vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori) and join the morning ritual and prayers. Around fifty temples in the area offer these services to pilgrims and visitors.
Kansai International Airport
Day 9: Sayonara, Japan!
On the last day of your trip you will check out of your hotel and depart for Kansai International Airport. Remember the memories you've made, and cherish them.
Have a safe flight back home, and see you again soon!
