Off the Beaten Golden Route: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Osaka

Starting from ¥299,000

8 Days

All Year-round

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Price is per person
Price doesn't include international flights

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All Packages are customisable unless specified otherwise.

Description

The Golden Route is Japan’s classic travel path — and for good reason. On this carefully crafted tour, you’ll explore the contrasts and connections between Japan’s dynamic modern cities and its rich cultural heritage. Starting in Tokyo, you’ll immerse yourself in cutting-edge city life, historical temples, and world-class dining. From there, travel by bullet train to Kanazawa, where samurai districts, teahouses, and artisanal crafts await in a city that has preserved its charm without the crowds. Continue to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural soul, to wander through ancient shrines, iconic gardens, and geisha quarters. Conclude in Osaka, where neon lights, street food, and a friendly local spirit create the perfect finale.
This tour balances guided experiences with free time, offering the ideal mix of structure and flexibility for travellers who want to see the best of Japan at a comfortable pace.

Tour Highlights

Tokyo ➝ Kanazawa ➝ Kyoto ➝ Osaka

Day 1 – Tokyo:
Arrival in Tokyo. Transfer to hotel, check-in, free time to rest or explore nearby. Welcome dinner at a local izakaya.

Day 2 – Tokyo:
Join a guided tour to see Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya Crossing. Optional: teamLab Planets or an omakase sushi experience.

Day 3 – Kanazawa:
Travel via Shinkansen. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and Higashi Chaya Geisha District. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.

Day 4 – Kanazawa:
Explore the Nagamachi Samurai District, enjoy a gold-leaf workshop, and taste fresh seafood at Omicho Market. Optional evening sake tasting.

Day 5 – Kyoto:
Travel to Kyoto via Thunderbird Limited Express. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine in the afternoon, then take an evening stroll through Gion.

Day 6 – Kyoto:
Morning visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple, followed by a river walk. Afternoon at Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) or Nishiki Market. Optional tea ceremony or cultural workshop.

Day 7 – Osaka:
Travel to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle, explore Dotonbori’s neon streets, and enjoy a street-food tasting at Kuromon Market.

Day 8 – Departure:
Depart from Osaka or return to Tokyo by Shinkansen. Optional final shopping or leisure time depending on flight schedule.