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Japan Golden Route

A classic first-timer's journey through Japan's neon cities, ancient temples, and incredible food scene via the high-speed Shinkansen.

7days
20stops
DAY01

Narita Airport (NRT) → Shibuya Sky

Overnight in Shibuya Sky
  1. 10:00
    Narita Airport (NRT)· start
  3. 14:30
    Shibuya Crossing
  5. 16:30
    Shibuya Sky· overnight
Accommodation
Shinjuku
Food
  • Ichiran Shibuya · Classic tonkotsu ramen in individual booths.
Costs
Narita Express
¥3,200
Shibuya Sky Ticket
¥2,200
Dinner
¥2,500
DAY02

Senso-ji Temple → TeamLab Borderless

Overnight in TeamLab Borderless
  1. 09:00
    Senso-ji Temple· start
  3. 13:00
    Akihabara Electric Town
  5. 15:30
    TeamLab Borderless· overnight
Accommodation
Shinjuku
Food
  • Asakusa Kagetsudo · Famous for jumbo Melonpan (sweet bread).
Costs
TeamLab Ticket
¥3,800
Lunch
¥1,800
Subway Day Pass
¥800
DAY03

Tokyo Station → Gion District

Overnight in Gion District
  1. 09:00
    Tokyo Station· start
  3. 13:00
    Nishiki Market
  5. 16:00
    Gion District· overnight
Accommodation
Shimogyo Ward (Near Kyoto Station)
Food
  • Gion Tanto · Excellent Okonomiyaki in a traditional setting.
Costs
Shinkansen Ticket
¥14,000
Ekiben Lunch
¥1,500
Lodging
¥35,000
DAY04

Fushimi Inari Shrine → Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Overnight in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  1. 07:30
    Fushimi Inari Shrine· start
  3. 11:00
    Kinkaku-ji
  5. 14:30
    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove· overnight
Accommodation
Shimogyo Ward
Food
  • Arashiyama Yoshimura · Soba noodles with a view of the Togetsukyo Bridge.
Costs
Temple Entry Fees
¥1,500
Lunch
¥2,200
Bus/Taxi
¥3,000
DAY05

Nara Park → Kasuga Taisha

Overnight in Kasuga Taisha
  1. 10:00
    Nara Park· start
  3. 11:30
    Todai-ji Temple
  5. 14:30
    Kasuga Taisha· overnight
Accommodation
Namba, Osaka
Food
  • Nakatanidou · Famous for high-speed mochi pounding and fresh rice cakes.
Costs
JR Nara Line
¥1,400
Todai-ji Entry
¥600
Deer Crackers
¥200
DAY06

Osaka Castle → Dotonbori

Overnight in Dotonbori
  1. 09:30
    Osaka Castle· start
  3. 12:30
    Kuromon Ichiba Market
  5. 16:00
    Dotonbori· overnight
Accommodation
Namba, Osaka
Food
  • Mizuno · Michelin-guide Okonomiyaki in Dotonbori.
Costs
Osaka Castle Entry
¥600
Street Food Feast
¥4,000
Subway
¥600
DAY07

Namba Parks → Kansai Airport (KIX)

  1. 10:00
    Namba Parks· start
  3. 14:00
    Kansai Airport (KIX)
Accommodation
N/A
Food
  • 551 Horai · Grab their famous pork buns for the train ride.
Costs
Nankai Rap:t Train
¥1,450
Lunch
¥1,500
Souvenirs
¥5,000
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Day 3Train · Tokyo Station
Heads Up
  • Carry cash (many small shops don't take cards)
  • Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi for navigation
  • Pack light or use luggage forwarding services
  • Day 3: hotel change (Shinjuku → Shimogyo Ward (Near Kyoto Station)) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 4: hotel change (Shimogyo Ward (Near Kyoto Station) → Shimogyo Ward) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 5: hotel change (Shimogyo Ward → Namba, Osaka) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 7: hotel change (Namba, Osaka → N/A) — allow 1-2h check-out + transfer
  • Day 7: Namba Parks → Kansai Airport (KIX) flight transit only 4.0h — allow ≥5h door-to-door
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