Classic Japan Golden Route Tour

Your Day in Detail

Start your morning with a quiet walk through the forested pathways of Meiji Shrine, a Shinto sanctuary right in the heart of Tokyo. Then, your private guide will take you through Harajuku, from the quirky youth fashion of Takeshita Street to the tree-lined avenues of Omotesando. Just a short distance from one another, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Omotesando offer very different sides of Tokyo.

In the afternoon, head to historic Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple complex. Wrap up your day with a sumo dinner experience. Taste chanko nabe, a traditional hot pot enjoyed by sumo wrestlers, and watch a live performance.

Your Day in Detail

Today, you'll see Mt. Fuji from several scenic viewpoints.

Depart by private car for a 1.5-hour drive to Kawaguchiko. Start with a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi. If the water is calm, you might catch Mt. Fuji reflected on the lake. Next, visit Arakurayama Sengen Shrine for its five-story pagoda with Mt. Fuji rising behind it, then stroll through Oishi Park to see seasonal flowers along the lakeside.

Continue to Hakone, a renowned hot spring resort surrounded by mountains and lakes. Check in to your hotel and relax in a traditional Japanese hot spring.

Spend the morning in Hakone before heading to Odawara Station to board the Shinkansen to Kyoto (about 2 hours). If you'd like to explore Hakone this morning, here are some ideas:

• Hakone Open-Air Museum: See modern sculptures set against the backdrop of mountains.
• Owakudani Valley: Explore volcanic landscapes and try the famous black eggs boiled in hot springs.
• Lake Ashi: Take a short cruise or stroll along the lakeside for views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Hakone Shrine: Visit this serene forested shrine and see its famous torii gate by the lake.

Your Day in Detail

Your day begins with a stroll along thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up the mountain at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Continue to Nishiki Market to browse local foods and snacks before choosing something for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Nijo Castle to admire its classic architecture, stunning gardens, and unique "nightingale floors". Conclude the day with a tea ceremony, dressed in a kimono and learning about the rituals behind this cultural experience.

Take the day to relax or explore Kyoto at your own pace. If you'd like some inspiration for your day, here are a few suggestions:

• Discover Kyoto's quieter side by visiting lesser-known temples and gardens away from the main tourist routes.
• Spend a day in Arashiyama enjoying its scenic riverside setting, bamboo groves, and lush mountain surroundings.

Prefer a fully guided day instead? Simply let your travel specialist know. We are always happy to arrange a private guide, vehicle, or specific activities to make your day completely effortless.

Your Day in Detail

This morning, travel from Kyoto to Nara, where centuries-old temples and shrines share the landscape with freely roaming deer and wooded paths.

Begin your Nara exploration at Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, a remarkable bronze statue housed within its grand wooden hall. Continue through Nara Park to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, passing deer and rows of stone lanterns along the forested approach. Pause at the tranquil Ukimido Pavilion overlooking Sagiike Pond.

After the tour, continue to Osaka, the final stop of Japan's Classic Golden Route.

Known as "Japan's Kitchen," Osaka is a great place to taste Japan's flavors. Today is yours to explore the city with no fixed schedule. If you'd like some ideas, visit Osaka Castle Park, wander through Dotonbori, or browse the stalls at Kuromon Market.