Japan Golden Route
A classic 7-day journey through Japan's 'Golden Route', balancing Tokyo's modern energy with Kyoto's ancient temples and Osaka's culinary delights.
Narita Airport → Tokyo 🚄 Kyoto → Osaka → Kansai Airport
- Senso-ji Temple
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
- Dotonbori District
- Nara Deer Park
Tokyo Arrival
Welcome to Tokyo! Start your journey in the neon-lit heart of Shinjuku after landing at Narita. This route covers Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka via the Shinkansen.
Narita Airport
✈️ Arrive in Japan. Pick up your JR Pass and pocket Wi-Fi here.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Walk off the jet lag in this massive park blending French and Japanese styles.
Metropolitan Building
Free observation deck with stunning views of the Tokyo skyline.
Old & New Tokyo
Explore the spiritual side of Asakusa before diving into the pop culture of Akihabara.
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple. Browse the Nakamise stalls for traditional snacks.
Ueno Park
Home to several world-class museums and a beautiful lotus pond.
Akihabara Electric Town
The global hub for anime, manga, and electronics. Explore multi-story shops.
Imperial Palace East Garden
The former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defense.
Bullet Train to Kyoto
Speed west on the Shinkansen to Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto.
Tokyo Station
🚄 Board the Nozomi or Hikari Shinkansen. Grab an 'Ekiben' lunch box.
Kinkaku-ji
The Zen temple covered in gold leaf. A must-see Kyoto landmark.
Ryoan-ji
Japan's most famous rock garden. Meditate on the 15 mysterious stones.
Kyoto's Iconic Gates
Walk through thousands of vermilion gates and explore the historic Gion district.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Famous for its 10,000 torii gates. Hike up for a view of the city.
Kiyomizu-dera
Massive wooden stage with no nails used. Drink from the Otowa Waterfall.
Sannenzaka Slope
Preserved historic street. Perfect for tea houses and souvenir shopping.
Gion District
The geisha district. Walk along Hanami-koji at dusk to spot a Maiko.
Arashiyama & Osaka
Visit the bamboo groves of Arashiyama before heading to the food capital, Osaka.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Walk through the towering green stalks. Visit Tenryu-ji Temple nearby.
Osaka Castle
🚄 Short train to Osaka. Explore the castle grounds and museum inside.
Dotonbori
Osaka's kitchen. See the Glico Man sign and eat street food.
Deer & Skyscrapers
Take a day trip to Nara to meet the friendly deer, then return for Osaka views.
Nara Park
Home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. Buy crackers to feed them.
Todai-ji Temple
Houses the world's largest bronze Buddha statue in a massive wooden hall.
Umeda Sky Building
Unique architecture with an open-air 'Floating Garden' observatory.
Osaka Departure
Final morning for shopping in Shinsaibashi before heading to Kansai Airport.
Shinsaibashi-suji
Covered shopping street. Great for cosmetics, clothes, and snacks.
Kansai Airport
🚄 Take the Nankai Rap:t train to the airport for your flight home.
- Pack light or use luggage forwarding (Takkyubin)
- Book Shinkansen seats in advance during peak season
- Carry some cash for small temples and street food
- Day 3: hotel change (Shinjuku, Tokyo → Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
- Day 5: hotel change (Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto → Namba, Osaka) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
- Day 7: hotel change (Namba, Osaka → Departure) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
- Day 7: Shinsaibashi-suji → Kansai Airport flight transit only 4.0h — allow ≥5h door-to-door
- 🛫 Route includes 0 flight + 1 rail segments. Map shows them as dashed lines (connection only, not real road).