Japan Golden Route Explorer

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure in this magical city.

Today, explore the highlights of this incomparable city at your pace. Head across town to Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town, where you can soak in the atmosphere of the Tokyo of old. 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 souvenirs for centuries. Visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings.

In the morning, you may consider visiting the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji Market, handles about 2,888 tons of marine products a day. Take time to wander through this enormous market, exploring both the fresh produce areas plus the impressive seafood section. In the afternoon, you can consider joining a tour, even a cooking class!

In the morning, make your own way to the railway station to take Japan’s world-famous Shinkansen bullet train to Hakone (tickets available on request).Take advantage of the extensive local transport network to explore this stunning region; from switchback trains to cable cars, ropeways to buses and even a replica pirate ship that will sweep you across the volcanic Lake Ashi, offering views of Mt. Fuji.

This morning, make your own way from your hotel to Hakone train station for travel to Kyoto(tickets available on request). Kyoto represents the “Japan of old” and beyond the high-rise skyscrapers built as a monument to progress, the real monument to Japan’s historical and cultural past can be found in the plentiful tea houses and kimono-clad geisha hurrying from elegant function to function. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today, explore the former imperial capital on your own or alternatively join a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You can start your day with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence. In the afternoon, you also visit Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple and Sanjusangendo, a temple which is Japan's longest wooden structure. It is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Today, we recommend you to visit Nara! For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time remain. Visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha.

In the morning, check out from your hotel and make your own way to railway station for your train back to Tokyo (train tickets available on request). Upon arrival, make your own way your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

In the morning, you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the Tokyo airport where you will check-in for your onward flight.