14-Day The Real Japan
Description
Explore the full breadth of Japan on this 14-day Golden Route tour, designed for travellers who want to go beyond the surface. Start in Tokyo’s buzzing neighbourhoods, unwind in the hot springs of Hakone, then dive into the cultural core of central Japan—visiting Nagoya, the historic trails of the Kiso Valley, and the castle town of Matsumoto.
Continue to Nagano for its famous temple and seasonal wildlife before reaching Kanazawa, home to one of Japan’s top gardens and preserved samurai quarters. Venture deeper into the mountains with visits to Shirakawago and Takayama, two beautifully preserved towns rich in tradition.
The journey then heads west to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima—where temples, castles, deer parks, and historical landmarks bring Japan’s past and present to life. End your tour on the tranquil island of Miyajima, walking beneath the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
This tour balances must-see highlights with immersive regional experiences, giving you the chance to connect with Japan's diverse landscapes, people, and food culture.
Tour Highlights
Tokyo ➝ Hakone ➝ Nagoya ➝ Kanazawa ➝ Shirakawago ➝ Takayama (day trip) ➝ Kyoto ➝ Nara ➝ Osaka ➝ Hiroshima ➝ Miyajima
Day 1 – Tokyo:
Arrival in Tokyo. Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji, evening in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Day 2 – Tokyo:
Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando. Ginza or teamLab Planets in the evening.
Day 3 – Hakone:
Shinkansen + local train. Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani Ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise. Stay in ryokan with onsen and kaiseki dinner.
Day 4 – Nagoya:
Travel to Nagoya by Shinkansen. Visit Nagoya Castle, SCMAGLEV and Railway Park, Osu Shopping Street. Try hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice). Overnight in Nagoya.
Day 5 – Kanazawa:
Travel by Ltd. Express Shirasagi to Kanazawa. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, 21st Century Museum.
Day 6 – Kanazawa:
Explore Higashi Chaya District, Nagamachi samurai area, Omicho Market. Optional: geisha performance or izakaya dinner.
Day 7 – Shirakawago + Takayama (day trip):
Morning bus to Shirakawago (UNESCO village). Afternoon in Takayama: old town streets, sake tasting. Return to Kanazawa in the evening.
Day 8 – Kyoto:
Travel to Kyoto via Thunderbird train. Fushimi Inari Shrine, evening stroll through Gion.
Day 9 – Kyoto:
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji, Katsura River walk. Afternoon visit to Kinkaku-ji or Ryoan-ji.
Day 10 – Kyoto:
Philosopher’s Path, Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji. Optional tea ceremony, kimono or craft experience.
Day 11 – Nara (day trip):
Visit Todai-ji, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha. Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 12 – Osaka:
Transfer to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori street food tour.
Day 13 – Hiroshima:
Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Day 14 – Miyajima ➝ Departure:
Ferry to Miyajima. Visit Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, ropeway or hiking. Return to Osaka or Tokyo for departure depending on flight.
What's Included
13 nights’ accommodation in the standard plan
Daily breakfast
Reserved seat train tickets for all long-distance travel
Bus transport to Shirakawago and Takayama
Entry to featured attractions: Kenrokuen Garden, Matsumoto Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, Todai-ji Temple, Osaka Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima
Digital itinerary with maps and train guidance
24/7 English-language support
All taxes and service fees
What's Excluded
International flights to/from Japan
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Meals not listed in the itinerary (lunches and most dinners)
Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, laundry, etc.)
Local transportation outside the planned route (e.g., taxis, subways beyond included passes)
Optional activities and entrance fees outside of the listed itinerary
Tips and gratuities (not mandatory but appreciated for guides or drivers)
Accommodation upgrades, single room supplements, or extra nights before/after the tour
