Japan's Golden Route: A 7-Day Classic Journey

  • Japan (Tokyo,Kyoto,Osaka)
Minimum Guests
2 Person
Activate Day
6 Nights/ 7 Days
Included Meals
Breakfasts: 6 , Lunches: 2
Accommodation
6 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
Rail Journeys
rail Journeys and current taxes
Shuttle
Private shuttle / vehicle

This 7-day Japan highlights tour is a vivid and well-balanced journey that captures the essence of the country through culture, cuisine, nature and modern city life. Thoughtfully designed for travellers who want to see Japan’s most iconic destinations in one smooth experience, the itinerary connects Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with comfort, depth and flexibility.

One of the strongest highlights of this journey is its seamless travel experience. Carefully arranged transfers and efficient transport links ensure minimal stress and maximum enjoyment. Rather than rushing from place to place, the pace allows travellers to truly absorb each destination, making the experience both relaxed and rewarding.

Cultural immersion sits at the heart of the tour. From historic temples and shrines to traditional districts and living rituals, travellers gain insight into Japan’s heritage in an engaging and accessible way. Interactive experiences, such as hands-on sushi making, transform sightseeing into meaningful participation and offer a deeper connection to local life. These moments create lasting memories beyond photos.

Nature adds a refreshing contrast to the cities, with the journey to Mt. Fuji and the Hakone area delivering dramatic landscapes, peaceful lakes and mountain views. Scenic transport experiences enhance the day, making the natural surroundings just as memorable as the destination itself.

Food lovers will find this tour especially appealing. Japanese cuisine is explored through markets, workshops and lively food streets, offering a genuine taste of regional flavours. From refined traditions to playful modern food culture, each meal becomes part of the story.

This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors to Japan, couples, families with older children and small groups seeking a culturally rich yet comfortable holiday. With its blend of iconic sights, authentic experiences and thoughtful pacing, this journey offers a captivating introduction to Japan and leaves travellers inspired, fulfilled and eager to return.

Tour Timeline

If you need to increase or reduce the number of travellers, please contact us for customised arrangements.

  • Enjoy a private pickup from your arrival point directly to your hotel with a professional driver.
Recommended activities

  • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku Premier  (Default) Link1

  • None
  • Private Van
  • Imperial Palace & East Gardens
    Visit the Imperial Palace and East Gardens, home of Japan’s Emperor. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, explore historic architecture, and enjoy seasonal flora. Perfect for photography, cultural sightseeing, and learning about Tokyo’s imperial history.
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  • Tokyo Sushi-Making Workshop: Half-Day Guided Experience with Public Transportation

    Your adventure begins with a warm welcome as your guide meet you at your railway station and enjoy a unique and immersive experience with our sushi-making class.

    Our guide will take you to a local workshop where you'll learn about the history of sushi and the etiquette of eating it. Under the guidance of a professional sushi chef, you'll get step-by-step instructions on how to make sushi. Practice rolling up the rice with various ingredients using nori, and experience the joy of creating your own sushi. Afterward, enjoy your handmade sushi for lunch, and perhaps try a cup of sake if you like.

    Special Lunch with Sushi Making Class

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  • Senso-ji Temple
    Explore Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest and most visited temple. Witness traditional ceremonies, stroll along Nakamise Street with its souvenir shops and street food stalls, and admire historic architecture. A must-visit for cultural immersion, photography, and experiencing Tokyo’s spiritual heritage.
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  • Nakamise Shopping Street

    Nakamise Shopping Street, a historic thoroughfare leading to Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple, is a vibrant blend of tradition and charm. Lined with over 80 shops, it offers iconic Japanese souvenirs—from handcrafted snacks and folding fans to kimono accessories—all steeped in Edo-era flair. Wander its bustling lanes, savor fresh taiyaki or matcha treats, and soak up the lively atmosphere that merges ancient culture with modern sightseeing joy. A must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of traditional Japan.

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  • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku Premier  (Default) Link1

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Public Transportation
  • From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji: Full-Day Trip

    Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and begin your day with a convenientprivate transfer from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. Sit back and enjoy a scenic drivethrough the picturesque Japanese countryside as you make your way tothe iconic peak.

    Explore the National Park using the various transport options available:

    Cable Car: Ride the world's second longest cable car up Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulphurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers in thisvolcanic area.Don't miss the chance to eat an egg hard-boiled in thesulphuric hot springs, said to add seven years to your life!

    Pirate Ship: Sail across Lake Ashinoko on a majestic replica pirate ship. The lake, formed by a volcanic eruption 3000 years ago, offers stunningViews.

    Hakone Tozan Train: Experience the switchback train as it zigzags through the mountains, providing amazing views of the surroundingvalleys.

    After a day of exploration and relaxation, your private transfer will takeyou back to Tokyo. Enjoy a comfortable ride as you reflect on the day'sadventures and the stunning views of Mt. Fuji.

    activity pic

  • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku Premier  (Default) Link1

  • Breakfast
  • Private Van
  • We coordinate seamless ground transport connected to your train schedule, operated without guiding support. (Tokyo to Kyoto)
  • Nishiki Market
    Discover Nishiki Market, a vibrant food street in central Kyoto. Sample local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and experience traditional culinary culture. Perfect for food lovers and cultural explorers.
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  • Kiyomizu Temple (Pure Water temple)

    Visit Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along wooden terraces with panoramic city views, explore temples and pagodas, and enjoy cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Ideal for sightseeing, photography, and cultural immersion. 

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  • Gion District
    Stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district. Admire traditional wooden machiya houses, spot geiko or maiko, and enjoy tea houses. Ideal for cultural sightseeing, photography, and experiencing traditional Japanese life.
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  • Yasaka Shrine

    Yasaka Shrine, located in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district, is one of the city’s most cherished Shinto shrines and a vibrant symbol of local culture. Known for its bright vermilion gates and welcoming atmosphere, Yasaka Shrine offers travelers an easy, enriching way to experience Japan’s spiritual traditions—day or night.

    Visitors can stroll through spacious grounds, admire lantern-lined walkways, and observe traditional rituals performed by locals. The shrine is especially famous for hosting the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s largest summer festivals, attracting thousands with its lively parades and cultural celebrations. Even outside festival season, Yasaka Shrine remains a peaceful place to make a wish, take photos, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet reflection.

    Its central location makes it a perfect starting or ending point for exploring Higashiyama. From the shrine, travelers can easily walk to Maruyama Park, Chion-in Temple, or the charming streets of Gion. Whether you’re interested in spirituality, photography, or Kyoto’s traditional charm, Yasaka Shrine is an essential and memorable stop on any Kyoto itinerary.

    activity pic

  • Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA   (Default) Link1

  • Breakfast
  • Public Transportation
  • From Kyoto to Osaka via Nara: Full-Day Trip

    Today is all about immersing yourself in the cultural heritage and local life of Kyoto. After breakfast, our guide will take you to one of Kyoto's iconic sites, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, dedicated to Inari, the kami of agriculture and commerce. In addition to the traditional prayer halls, you'll embark on a hike through the famous Senbon Torii, a stunning pathway lined with over 10,000 vermilion torii gates that leads to the summit of Inari Mountain. Our carefully planned morning visit will help you avoid the crowds, giving you a serene experience. Run along this seemingly endless path of torii gates, just like the heroine in Memoirs of a Geisha, make a wish, and capture the perfect photos for social media.

    In the afternoon, we'll move to the ancient capital Nara and visit Nara Park (45 minutes). For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan's capital, and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. Visit Todai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha.

    Nara Park, also called Deer Park by locals, is famous for its free-roaming deer. You can buy special deer crackers (shika senbei) in the park to feed the deer and enjoy close encounters with these gentle creatures. It's a favorite activity for kids, but be sure to follow park guidelines and treat the deer with respect.

    After touring, you will be transferred back to your Osaka hotel.

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  • Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower   (Default) Link2

  • Breakfast
  • Private Van
  • Osaka Castle
    Explore Osaka Castle, a historic symbol of the city. Walk through expansive grounds, admire the reconstructed main tower, and enjoy panoramic views from the top. Learn about samurai history and the castle’s role in Japan’s unification. Perfect for photography, cultural sightseeing, and immersing yourself in Japanese history. Fun fact: the castle’s gold-leaf accents sparkle in the sun, making it a popular photo spot.
    activity pic
  • Cup Noodles Museum

    Dive into the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda—trace instant ramen’s history, craft your custom cup noodle with unique toppings, and relive its invention. A fun, flavorful blend of food culture and hands-on creativity!

    activity pic
  • Shinsaibashi
    Visit Shinsaibashi, a major shopping area in Osaka. Discover fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, and trendy cafés. Perfect for shopping enthusiasts, urban explorers, and those seeking a modern Japanese shopping experience.
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  • Dotonbori

    Experience Dotonbori, Osaka’s bustling entertainment district. Wander along neon-lit canals, try street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and enjoy lively nightlife. Ideal for foodies, photography enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a taste of Osaka’s vibrant energy.

     

    activity pic

  • Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower   (Default) Link2

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Public Transportation
  • Enjoy a private drop-off from your hotel to your departure point with a professional driver.

  • Breakfast
  • Private Van

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

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  • Tokyo,Japan
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku Premier
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  • Kyoto,Japan
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA
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  • Osaka,Japan
Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower

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OFFER
Private Tours
7 DAYS
From AU$6,980PP
  • Tokyo(3N) - Kyoto(1N) - Osaka(2N) - Osaka