Golden Route Tokyo to Kyoto

Golden Route Tokyo to Kyoto Overview

Japan's Golden Route from Tokyo to Kyoto Delight your senses with an awakening trip to the spectacular 'Land of the Rising Sun'. Arrive in the eclectic capital city of Tokyo before travelling to Hakone, the gateway to Mt Fuji.

Stay in traditional ryokan accommodation and savour the delights of classic Japanese cuisine with a multi-course kaiseki meal. Board the famous Shinkansen to Japan's cultural capital Kyoto, home to an astonishing 2000 shrines and temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about Japanese culture, adorn a traditional kimono and participate in several traditional Japanese arts and customs.

Best season to visit is during Spring and Autumn. Mar to May and Sep to November.

Touring style: self-guided adventure with a choice of scheduled coach excursions or private guide

Day 1: Arrival Tokyo

On arrival, take the Airport Limousine coach or the Narita Express to your chosen hotel.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Journey time: 1.30 to 2 hrs

Day 2: Nikko full day touring

Commence a full day tour to Nikko National Park. In Nikko, visit Toshogu Shrine and the Rinnoji Temple. Later drive up to the Lake Chusenji via the hairpin curves of Irohazaka to visit the Kegon Waterfall. Return to Tokyo for overnight.

Distance and journey time: 149 km, 2 hrs each way

Day 3: Tokyo Full day touring

An early start today as you head with a local guide to Tsukiji Fish Market. Best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, Tsukiji handles over 2,000 tons of marine products per day.

Following breakfast, stroll through nearby Hama-Rikyu Teien, a former private garden of an Edo period Lord. Break up your walk with a stop in a tea house on a small island on the park’s lake, where you will have the opportunity to witness a short tea ceremony.

You will then have a chance to view Tokyo from a different angle as you take a boat cruise along the Sumida River.

Next stop will be Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s Shitamachi, or old town. Asakusa is home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and is also the city’s oldest Geisha district. The streets around Sensoji have many traditional shops selling Japanese crafts and souvenirs and are a delight to wander through.

Last stop for the day is Ueno’s Ameyoko-cho, a busy market street underneath the train lines.

Originally the site of a black market after World War Two, this bustling market is filled with shops and stalls selling various products such as fresh fish, dried food, and spices, and is a great place to try some local snacks.

Overnight in Tokyo

Day 4: Hakone and Mt Fuji touring

Make your own way to Shinjuku station to board a train to Hakone and proceed to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Weather permitting, drive up to the 5th station of Mount Fuji. Visit the Peace Pagoda and drive to the Hakone Mountains to enjoy a pleasant Lake Ashi cruise. Take a cable car ride to the Komagatake Mountain. Afterwards, transfer to Odawara City and board a bullet train to Kyoto.

Overnight in Kyoto

Journey time by train:

Tokyo to Hakone: 1.30 hrs on the Romance Car

Odawara to Kyoto: 1.45 hrs

Day 5: Kyoto and Nara touring

Visit the Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion, and the Kyoto Imperial Castle. Drive to Nara city to visit the Todaiji Temple with its giant bronze statue of Buddha and its dozens of tame deer. Next, visit the Kasuga Shrine with its 3000 stone lanterns.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 6: Departure

Take a train to Kansai Airport for departure or extend your stay to visit Osaka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima.

Journey time by train: 1.30 hrs