Japan: Backtracking the Golden Route

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9 or 12 days

Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, extension to Sapporo City

Experience rich culture, historic landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty while backtracking Japan’s Golden Route, an immersive journey that includes the country’s must-see cities and sights. From the centuries-old spirit of Kyoto to the legendary Mount Fuji to the modern metropolis of Tokyo, this adventure is a beautiful collection of the many shining gems of Japan.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Japan: Backtracking the Golden Route tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan

Day 2: Kansai region

Meet your Tour Director at the airport

Day 3: Kansai region

Visit Osaka Castle

Travel to Nara

Take a guided tour of Nara

Visit Todaiji Temple

Continue on to Kyoto

Visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Day 4: Kansai region

Take a tour of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Take a guided tour of Kyoto

Visit Kiyomizudera Temple

Sample green tea ice cream

Explore the Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple

Day 5: Kansai region • Fuji-Hakone-Izu region • Tokyo

Travel by bullet train to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu region, home of Mount Fuji

Enjoy views of the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji (weather permitting)

Explore the Fugaku Fuketsu wind cave and Narusawa Hyoketsu ice cave

Visit Lake Saiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, and the reconstructed village of Iyashi no Sato Nenba

Continue on to Tokyo

Day 6: Tokyo

Tour Tokyo with an expert local guide

Explore the Asakusa Kannon Temple

Take a tour of Akihabara Electric Town

Explore the serene pond, temples, and shrines of Ueno Park

Visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, Japan’s largest and oldest museum

Enjoy a sumo-style hot pot dinner

Day 7: Tokyo

Explore Yokohama on an immersive scavenger hunt

Visit the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

Explore Yokohama’s Chinatown on your own

Add this in-depth excursion:

Karaoke

A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without an evening of singing with friends in your very own private karaoke lounge. Belt your favorite jams in English or Japanese, or just clap along and enjoy a truly authentic Japanese pastime.

Day 8: Tokyo

Venture near the top of the Tokyo Tower, the second tallest structure in the country

Visit the Harajuku shopping district

Visit the Meiji Shinto Shrine

Explore Tokyo on your own

Take a walking tour of Shibuya

Day 9: Depart for home

Add 3 more days

Day 9: Tokyo • Sapporo City

Fly to Sapporo City

Take a tour of Sapporo City

With your Tour Director you will visit: