8-Nights Japan Golden Route – Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto from $5,399

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Tokyo; Arrival in Tokyo

Upon arrival at Narita Airport, you will be met by an assistant at the arrival lobby before boarding your shared transfer to your hotel in Tokyo, The Gate Hotel Tokyo by HULIC, or similar.

Day 2: Tokyo; Tokyo Highlights Tour

Take a full-day tour by public transportation with a local guide. First up is Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town where you can soak in the atmosphere of traditional Tokyo. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Next, travel down the Sumidagawa River on Tokyo's Water Bus, a unique means of transportation (does not operate on Tuesdays). Visit Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo-period Japanese garden where you will stop for a cup of steaming matcha and Japanese sweets in a tea house on a small island in the park’s lake. Later, enjoy a visit to Meiji Shrine. As the sunlight fades, take a walk down Harajuku and Omotesando shopping street. (B)

Day 3: Tokyo; Half-day Tsukiji Market Tour

Meet your guide and go to Tsukiji to stroll around the market. While the wholesale market has moved to its new location, the outer market remains, and you can explore both the vegetable and fruit areas plus the impressive seafood section as you wander the streets here. You will also be able to try some tasty samples as you explore. Tsukiji market is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. (B)

Day 4: Hakone; Transfer to Hakone and Self-Guided Tour

Take Japan’s world-famous shinkansen (bullet train) to Hakone. Using your included Hakone Free Pass, take advantage of the extensive local transport network to explore this stunning area. Ride zig-zag trains, cable cars, ropeways, and buses – then embark on a pirate ship cruise, which will sweep you across the volcanic Lake Ashi while providing views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. In the evening, enjoy your stay at Hakone Kowakien Tenyu, a traditional Japanese ryokan, complete with delicious multi-course meals, a steaming onsen (hot spring) and futons laid out on tatami mats. (B,D)

Day 5: Kyoto; Transfer to Kyoto

In the morning, make your way to Odawara Station using your Hakone Free Pass, then board the bullet train bound for Kyoto. On arrival in Kyoto, make your way to your hotel for the following three nights, Granvia Hotel Kyoto. Rest of day at leisure. (B)

Day 6: Kyoto; Kyoto Highlights Tour

Explore Kyoto by public transportation with your guide. First, head to the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. Thousands of bright red torii gates line the mountain trail, and walking through them is a visually stunning experience. Next, visit Sanjusangendo, the longest wooden temple structure in Japan. Inside, you will find 1001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist god of mercy. Next stop is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, you will visit Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion. Finally, visit Kitano-Tenmangu shrine, then marvel at the surrounding entertainment district of Kamishichiken, every bit as charming as its more touristy cousin Gion, with the bonus of fewer crowds and excellent photo opportunities. (B)

Day 7: Kyoto; Full-day Nara Excursion

Enjoy a day tour to Nara, Japan’s former capital, with a local guide. First, you will visit the beautiful Isuien Garden, a striking example of Japanese horticulture, borrowing the water from the Yoshikigawa River and the mountain backdrop of Mt. Wakakusayama to create its striking appearance. Next, wander through Nara Park, also known as the 'deer park' due to the more than 1,000 free-roaming deer living there. Within Nara Park is Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s biggest Buddha statue. Next stop is Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 AD and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers. End your day with a stroll around Naramachi, a charming historic merchant district showcasing some exceptionally well-preserved ‘machiya’ town houses. (B)

Day 8: Tokyo; Return to Tokyo or Osaka

Depending on whether your international flight departs from one of Tokyo’s airport or from Kansai airport in Osaka, you will travel to Tokyo or Osaka for your final night. Accommodation in Tokyo is at The Gate Hotel Tokyo by HULIC, or similar. Accommodation in Osaka is at Hotel Granvia Osaka, or similar.

Day 9: Tokyo; Depart Tokyo or Osaka (B)

Take a shared transfer to the airport for departure.