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.
Tokyo → Kyoto 🚄 Nara → Osaka
- Shibuya Crossing
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
- Dotonbori Food Street
Tokyo Arrival
Welcome to Tokyo! Start your journey in the neon-lit heart of the city after picking up your JR Pass and pocket Wi-Fi.
Narita Airport (NRT)
Pick up your JR Pass and Suica card here. Take the Narita Express to the city.
Shibuya Crossing
Experience the world's busiest intersection and visit the Hachiko Statue.
Shibuya Sky
Panoramic 360-degree views of Tokyo from 229 meters up. Great for sunset.
Old & New Tokyo
Explore the spiritual side of Asakusa before diving into the pop culture of Akihabara.
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple. Walk through Nakamise-dori for traditional snacks.
Akihabara Electric Town
The mecca for anime, manga, and electronics. Visit a multi-story hobby shop.
TeamLab Borderless
Immersive digital art installations that respond to your presence.
Shinkansen to Kyoto
Speed west on the Bullet Train to Japan's cultural capital.
Tokyo Station
🚄 Train to Kyoto. Grab an 'Ekiben' (station bento) for the ride.
Nishiki Market
Known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen'. Try octopus skewers and pickled veggies.
Gion District
The geisha district. Walk the wooden Tatsumi Bridge at dusk.
Kyoto's Icons
Visit the most photographed spots in Kyoto, from orange gates to golden pavilions.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Hike through thousands of vermilion torii gates. Go early to beat crowds.
Kinkaku-ji
The Golden Pavilion. A Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Walk through towering stalks of green bamboo. Visit Tenryu-ji nearby.
Nara Day Trip
A short train ride to see the giant Buddha and the friendly (but hungry) deer.
Nara Park
Home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. Buy 'shika senbei' (crackers) to feed them.
Todai-ji Temple
Houses the Daibutsu, one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.
Kasuga Taisha
Famous for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns.
Osaka's Energy
From the historic castle to the neon madness of Dotonbori.
Osaka Castle
A grand landmark with a museum inside and beautiful surrounding park.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Osaka's best street food. Try grilled scallops or wagyu beef skewers.
Dotonbori
The heart of Osaka. Famous for giant mechanical signs and street food.
Departure
Last-minute souvenir shopping before heading to Kansai Airport.
Namba Parks
A massive shopping mall with a rooftop garden. Perfect for last gifts.
Kansai Airport (KIX)
Take the Nankai Rap:t train from Namba Station directly to the terminal.
- 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
- 🛫 Route includes 0 flight + 1 rail segments. Map shows them as dashed lines (connection only, not real road).