21-Day Golden Route
Description
This 21-day journey is the ultimate way to experience Japan. Starting in Tokyo, you’ll explore the city’s buzzing neighbourhoods and historic sites before relaxing in the mountain town of Hakone. Continue west with stops in Nagoya and the scenic Kiso Valley, followed by castle views in Matsumoto and temples in Nagano.
From there, you’ll head to Kanazawa to walk among gardens and geisha streets, then climb into the Japanese Alps to visit Shirakawago and Takayama. The journey continues to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka—rich in tradition, food, and vibrant urban life. Then it’s south to Hiroshima and the island of Miyajima, where history and spirituality come together.
Your final days take you off the typical trail to Kurashiki’s canal district and Naoshima Art Island, offering a peaceful and reflective finish to your complete Japan experience. This route is designed to minimise travel time, eliminate backtracking, and provide a seamless progression through Japan’s most inspiring regions.
Tour Highlights
Tokyo ➝ Hakone ➝ Nagoya ➝ Kiso Valley ➝ Matsumoto ➝ Nagano ➝ Kanazawa ➝ Shirakawago ➝ Takayama ➝ Kyoto ➝ Nara ➝ Osaka ➝ Himeji ➝ Kurashiki ➝ Hiroshima ➝ Miyajima ➝ Naoshima ➝ Departure
Day 1 – Tokyo:
Arrival. Explore Asakusa, Senso-ji, and evening in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Day 2 – Tokyo:
Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando. Optional: teamLab Planets or museum visit.
Day 3 – Tokyo:
Tsukiji Market, Ginza, or a day trip to Nikko/Kamakura.
Day 4 – Hakone:
Travel to Hakone via Odakyu Romancecar or Shinkansen to Odawara. Ropeway over Owakudani, Lake Ashi cruise, Open-Air Museum. Stay in ryokan with onsen.
Day 5 – Nagoya:
Shinkansen to Nagoya. Visit Nagoya Castle, Osu Kannon area, SCMAGLEV Railway Park. Try local hitsumabushi (eel) or miso katsu.
Day 6 – Kiso Valley:
Train to Nakatsugawa, bus to Magome. Hike part of the Nakasendo Trail to Tsumago. Stay overnight in a traditional minshuku.
Day 7 – Matsumoto:
Bus/train from Kiso Valley to Matsumoto. Visit Matsumoto Castle and Nakamachi Street. Stay overnight.
Day 8 – Nagano:
Train to Nagano. Visit Zenko-ji Temple and stroll through the city. Optional half-day trip to see snow monkeys in Jigokudani (seasonal).
Day 9 – Kanazawa:
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and 21st Century Museum.
Day 10 – Kanazawa:
Explore Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, and Nagamachi samurai area. Optional geisha performance or izakaya dinner.
Day 11 – Shirakawago + Takayama:
Bus to Shirakawago. Continue to Takayama. Explore old town, sake tasting, Hida beef dinner. Overnight in Takayama.
Day 12 – Takayama:
Morning market, Hida Folk Village, or cycling tour. Second night in Takayama.
Day 13 – Kyoto:
Ltd. Express Hida + Shinkansen to Kyoto. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, evening walk in Gion.
Day 14 – Kyoto:
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji, river walk. Afternoon at Kinkaku-ji or Nishiki Market.
Day 15 – Kyoto:
Philosopher’s Path, Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji. Tea ceremony, crafts, or kimono rental.
Day 16 – Nara (day trip):
Visit Todai-ji, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha. Return to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 17 – Osaka:
Travel to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori. Optional cooking class or nightlife tour.
Day 18 – Himeji + Kurashiki:
Shinkansen to Himeji. Visit Himeji Castle, then continue to Kurashiki. Explore the Bikan district. Overnight stay.
Day 19 – Hiroshima:
Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, okonomiyaki dinner.
Day 20 – Miyajima:
Ferry to Miyajima. Visit Itsukushima Shrine, ropeway or hike Mount Misen. Return to Hiroshima or stay on the island.
Day 21 – Naoshima ➝ Departure:
Travel via Okayama and ferry to Naoshima Art Island. Visit Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House, outdoor installations. Return to Okayama or Osaka/Tokyo depending on flight.
What's Included
20 nights’ accommodation in the standard plan
Daily breakfast
Reserved seat train tickets for all long-distance travel
Bus transport to Shirakawago, Takayama, and Kiso Valley
Entry to featured attractions: Kenrokuen Garden, Matsumoto Castle, Zenko-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, Todai-ji Temple, Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine, Chichu Art Museum
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
