Japan's Golden Route

On your first full day in Japan, you’ll embark on an immersive tour through this inimitable city.

You’ll meet your guide at your hotel after breakfast before hopping on Tokyo’s efficient public transport to the Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to the deified spirits of the former Emperor and his wife, the Meiji Shrine is one of Japan’s most famous Shinto shrines. Enter through the 12-metre-high torii gate into the tranquil grounds, where you will wash your hands in accordance with Shinto ritual before exploring this sacred space, observing Shinto rituals that connect you with the traditions of this unique culture.

You’ll then delve headfirst into the vivacious centre of Tokyo’s youth culture, exploring some of the city’s latest trends and fashions in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most famous shopping districts and home to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.

Next, you’ll visit Kokyo Gaien, the peaceful plaza gardens that stretch outside the Imperial Palace, home of the imperial Japanese family. From the gardens, you can admire this classic Japanese castle, which lies encircled by a moat and understated greenery.

After skirting the Imperial Palace, you’ll visit Tokyo’s vibrant Asakusa District, a renowned hub of entertainment during the Edo Period. Nowadays, Asakusa is home to charming shops and restaurants plus the oldest temple across Tokyo, Senso-ji. Enter this 7th-century Buddhist temple by passing beneath the Thunder Gate, indicated by an enormous red lantern. After the temple, you’ll stroll along Nakamise Street, a centuries-old souvenir street where you can do some shopping to pick up a unique souvenir or sample some of the local street food.

Your tantalising tour of Tokyo will conclude with awe-striking panoramic views across the sprawling city from the Tokyo Skytree. With a height of 634m, it is the tallest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world, rewarding visitors with extraordinary vistas across Tokyo’s glittering cityscape. Take in the vastness of the Japanese capital before heading back to your hotel via public transport.


Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

Spend another day soaking up the sights and sounds of one of the planet’s most distinct metropolitan cities - one whose magic and atmosphere lingers long after you’ve left.


Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and meet your driver, who will escort you to the train station in Odawara. Here you will board Japan’s innovative, high-speed Shinkansen bullet train and travel to Takayama, a charming city in Japan’s mountain-dominated Gifu Prefecture that is known for its historic district’s narrow streets lined with Edo Period merchants’ houses.

Disembarking in Takayama, you’ll make your own way to your hotel via public transport.


Accommodation: Hidatei Hanaougi (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

Check out of your hotel in the morning and make your own way to Kanazawa via the lightning-fast Shinkansen bullet train.

When you arrive in Kanazawa, you’ll continue making your own way to your next hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

The capital of Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo-era districts, the 17th-century Kenroku-en Garden and the impressive Kanazawa Castle, erected in the late 16th century.


Accommodation: ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

Explore the former imperial capital of Japan with a knowledgeable local guide, utilising Kyoto’s excellent bus system to visit some of the city’s famous World Heritage Sites.

You’ll begin at Kinkaku-ji Temple (widely referred to as the Golden Pavilion), whose top two floors are coated in glistening gold leaf. The temple was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun but, at his own request, became a Buddhist temple following his death. Next, you’ll make your way to Nijo Castle, an ornamental fortress built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate which lies encased by serene gardens. The castle is famous for its period architecture, decorated sliding doors and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors.

Then head to Heian Shrine, constructed on the occasion of the 1,100th anniversary of the capital’s foundation in Kyoto and dedicated to the spirits of the first and last emperors who reigned from the city: Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei.

Finally, you’ll visit the breathtaking Kiyomizu Temple, where you can admire both its 13-metre-high veranda as well as stunning panoramic views across Kyoto. Learn about the fascinating history of this iconic Japanese building, including how both the main hall and veranda were built entirely without the use of nails or any other form of joiner.


Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

Enjoy your final morning in Kyoto before departing for the airport in Osaka in a comfortable private vehicle to begin your onward journey.