On our 8-day Golden Route journey you will visit two of Japan’s shining cities, its bustling modern capital Tokyo and the ancient and historically rich, Kyoto, with a welcome break in the peaceful hills around Hakone town. Explore Tokyo’s neon-washed backstreets, eating and drinking at fantastic bars and restaurants frequented only by locals. With river tours and shopping on Tokyo’s Champs-Elysee, Omote-Sando, you’re guaranteed to have seen this wonderful world city from every angle. In the beautiful town of Hakone you'll cast off onto the still waters of Lake Ashi, enjoy the serenity of the surrounding foothills and uninterrupted views of one of the world’s most stunning and iconic natural wonders, Mount Fuji. Onto Kyoto, to be immersed in traditional Japanese culture that has remained unchanged for centuries. Drink at traditional tea ceremonies and visit stunning zen temples, for Kyoto is the perfect place for those who not only wish to see Japan’s rich history, but experience it for themselves.
Day 1 - Tokyo
- Welcome to your self-guided tour of Japan
- Arrival transfer from Narita Airport to Tokyo - by shared taxi
- Welcome to Tokyo
Day 2 - Tokyo
- Suggested Sightseeing: See Hamarikyu Garden (Optional)
- Enjoy a short cruise along the Sumida River (Self-guided)
- Visit Asakusa, home of the grand temple of Senso-ji (Self-guided)
- Visit Meiji Shrine (Self-guided)
- Explore Omote-Sando, known as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysee (Self-guided)
- Get spectacular views of Tokyo from the Metropolitan Government Building (Self-guided)
Day 3 - Tokyo
- A day at leisure in Tokyo
Day 4 - Hakone & Mt Fuji
- Travel from Tokyo to Hakone by train (Self-guided)
- See Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi (Self-guided)
Day 5 - Kyoto
- Travel from Hakone to Kyoto by train then bullet train (Self-guided)
- Welcome to Kyoto
- At leisure in Kyoto
Day 6 - Kyoto
- Travel from Kyoto to Arashiyama by train (JRP)
- See Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama (Self-guided)
- Visit Tenryuji Temple (Self-guided)
Day 7 - Nara, Kyoto
- Travel from Kyoto to Nara by JR train (Self-guided)
- At leisure in Nara
- Visit Todaiji Temple (Self-guided)
- Visit the Kasuga Shrine (Self-guided)
- Travel from Nara to Kyoto by JR train (Self-guided)
Day 8
- Departure transfer from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport - by train (JRP)
The Spring months of March, April and May are generally considered the best for visiting Japan, both in terms of climate and the arrival of its famed pink sakura (cherry blossoms). Another fine time to visit is Autumn, specifically October and November, which is when the landscape is on fire with the colourful leaves turning on the maple trees. Anybody intending to make use of Japan's legendary snow sports infrastructure should obviously plan a visit during the winter ski season: December to February. Bear in mind that Japan's latitudinal range means that the climate is not consistent all over the country, but the flipside is that you can usually find good weather somewhere at any time of year.
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