Golden Route
Independent Tour
Explore the Golden Route. Explore Tokyo with plenty of free time. In Hakone, soak in the relaxing mineral waters of an onsen hot spring, one of Japan’s most restful cultural practices. An exceptionally efficient travel experience. Visit some of the most famous sights with the option to enhance your tour by adding unique optional activities such as Sushi Making Lesson in Tokyo and tea ceremony in Kyoto.
Your Itinerary
-
Day 1
-
Day 2
-
Day 3 & 4
-
Day 5
-
Day 6
-
Day 7
-
Day 8
-
Day 9
-
Day 10
-
Day 11
-
Day 12
Day 1 : Tokyo
On arrival meet your driver and be transferred to the hotel by private vehicle. Check in for a 4-night stay.
Day 2 : Tokyo
Enjoy a full day tour today with an English-speaking guide using public transit to visit many of the city sights, including Tokyo Skytree, the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world.
Day 3 & 4 : Tokyo
Start the day with a relaxing stroll around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, before driving past the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, before rejoining the group for dinner.
Day 5 : Hakone
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base and the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacularly dotted by the calm waters of five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Mount Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Upon arrival, ascend 2,000 metres up to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views over the landscapes below. Next, continue to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the artist’s elaborate dyed silk creations and spend some time strolling around the beautiful garden. Also explore Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko. Destroyed by a landslide in 1966, the remaining thatch-roofed houses of this old village have been transformed into an open-air museum and craft village. Stay overnight in Mishima and enjoy the public onsen facilities.
Day 6 : Takayama
Start the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai before learning how to make your very own traditional Japanese soba noodles which you will then tuck into for lunch. Later, transfer to Mishima station and journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for 1,000 years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.
Day 7 : Takayama
Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto starting with a visit to one of the city’s delightful temples, the 17th century Buddhist Kiyomizu. Immerse yourself in the culture by experiencing the sacred rituals of a tea ceremony with a Tea Master and try your hand at origami. Later, explore the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its remarkable 10,000 red torii gates. Tonight, dine on a special Christmas feast in a local restaurant, while enjoying the street decorations, Christmas markets and many amazing illuminations.
Day 8 : Kanazawa
Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’. Continue to Osaka, arriving in time for lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori district. Later, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that needs no introduction. End the day with a special Christmas dinner cruise on Hiroshima Bay.
Day 9 : Kyoto
Hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most recognisable, located on the edge of the waters of the Seto Island Sea. Enjoy some free time and take an optional ride on the cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy the panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima and take a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which pays homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and also visit the Orizuru Tower.
Day 10 : Kyoto
Your package ends with the check out from your hotel and a private transfer to the airport. We can assist with your onwards journey either within Japan or beyond.
Day 11 : Kyoto
Your package ends with the check out from your hotel and a private transfer to the airport. We can assist with your onwards journey either within Japan or beyond.
Day 12 : Kyoto Departure
Your package ends with the check out from your hotel and a private transfer to the airport. We can assist with your onwards journey either within Japan or beyond.
