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From Mt. Fuji to Miyajima: Japan’s Wonders
Best of Japan Tour: Spring Golden Route
10
Days
9
Nights
springPerfect Tour for who wants to visit the well known regions of Japan.
This tour is "The Golden Route" itinerary, plus highlights of the Shikoku Island and Chugoku regions too, and caters to a wide variety of interests from culture, architecture, nature, Onsen spa baths, to 21st century sights.
Itinerary
10
Days
9
Nights
Discover Japan’s highlights: Tokyo’s landmarks, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto’s temples, Nara’s Great Buddha, and Osaka’s nightlife. Visit Himeji Castle, Hiroshima, and Miyajima Island. Journey along Shimanami Kaido to Shikoku, explore Ritsurin Garden, cruise Oboke Gorge, and enjoy Wagyu beef in Kobe.
Arrive in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met at the arrival gate by our representative holding a name sign.
Hotel Mystays Premier Narita / Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar
Tokyo
Visit Tsukiji Outer Market, a bustling outdoor street market known for its fresh seafood, produce, and kitchenware. From there, drive by the Imperial Palace and enjoy splendid views of the front lawn, moat, and stone walls.
Next, enjoy a fun Sushi-Making Experience, creating and eating your own sushi. Visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple complex, featuring the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Street.
End the day by ascending Tokyo Skytree for a panoramic 360-degree view of the city.
Breakfast & LunchHotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similarFor Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, on gluten-free diets, have seafood allergy, or don't eat raw fish, please contact us for other ingredient options.
Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride
Depart from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji on a private coach. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery. Stop at Mt. Fuji 5th station (weather permitting) to admire the world-famous peak.
Travel to Hakone, view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park, and take a 20-minute ropeway ride from Togendai to Owakudani. Experience hot springs, hot rivers, and splendid views of Mt. Fuji. Take a Shinkansen bullet train ride reaching speeds up to 300 km/hr.
Stay at the Onsen Hotel at Hamanako Kanzaiji Onsen, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a spa bath.
Breakfast & Lunch & DinnerGrand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa or similar
Hikone, Koka
We will visit the Hikone Castle, an original castle that has survived the post feudal era without undergoing severe damages or reconstruction. It is considered an excellent impression of what a complete feudal castle looks like, and is a national treasure itself.
Afterwards, visit the tranquil Genkyuen Garden, located on the grounds of Hikone Castle. From there, proceed to the Miho Museum, which is distinguished for its fascinating architecture designed by I. M. Pei. Miho Museum is also listed as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die"
BreakfastKyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class
Kyoto
Begin our tour of Kyoto, the heart of Japan’s traditional culture. Start in Arashiyama to explore the Bamboo Forest, then visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a Kyoto icon with shimmering gold-leaf walls reflected in the Mirror Pond.
Enjoy a traditional Green Tea Ceremony, a refined ritual hosted by a Maiko (Explore more in our blog), offering a glimpse into Japan's elegant hospitality.
Visit Kiyomizu Temple, famed for its three-story pagoda, wooden stage with stunning views, and sacred springs.
End the day in the Gion Geisha District, where stone-paved streets and historic teahouses offer a chance to spot Geisha or Maiko amid Kyoto's timeless charm.
Breakfast / DinnerKyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of bright vermillion torii gates. Travel to Nara to visit Todaiji Temple and Nara Deer Park.
Continue to Osaka to explore the Dotonbori district and Shinsaibashi, Osaka's largest shopping district.
Breakfast / LunchHotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class
Himeji, Kurashiki
Take a private coach to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, known as "White Heron Castle" for its brilliant white exterior.
Continue to Kurashiki, a scenic town with historic architecture and stone-lined canals. Travel to Hiroshima in the afternoon.
Breakfast / LunchHiroshima Grand Prince Hotel or similar class
Hiroshima, Shimanami Kaido (Scenic Driving)
First, we visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. After lunch, we will take a short ferry ride to the island of Miyajima (Explore more in our blog). At high tide, the famed vermilion torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine looks like it's floating in the middle of the sea. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Miyajima has been selected as one of Japan's three most scenic places (nihon sankei).
In the afternoon, we will drive through the Shimanami Kaido to Shikoku Island. The Shimanami Kaido is a 60 kilometer long toll road that connects Japan's main island of Honshu to the island of Shikoku, passing over six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. It is also known as the Nishiseto Expressway.
Breakfast / DinnerImabari Kokusai Hotel or similar class
Oboke Gorge, Takamatsu, Kobe
Continue to Oboke Gorge, enjoying a relaxing boat ride. Visit Ritsurin Park in Takamatsu, then cross Awaji Island through a series of spectacular bridges. In the evening, savor Wagyu beef in Kobe.
Breakfast / DinnerKobe is known around the world for its famous Kobe beef, which is beautifully marbled, delicious, and very expensive beef. The most popular way to enjoy Kobe beef is in a restaurant where the chef grills the meat in front of the guests. Eating Kobe beef is a popular activity for tourist visiting Kobe and can provide a delicious and unforgettable experience.
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar class or Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class
Tour Ends
After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 AM. Osaka Kansai Airport is a three-minute walk from the hotel.
BreakfastIf you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.
Accommodations
Tokyo
Hotel Mystays Premier Narita / Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar
HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Narita, just 10 minutes by car from Narita International Airport, offers soundproofed rooms for a relaxing stay. Enjoy amenities like a pool, tennis court, sauna, and a fully equipped exercise room, all complemented by attentive service.
Shizuoka
Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa or similar
Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa features serene lakeside views, luxurious rooms, and a variety of spa services. This resort offers an ideal retreat with its tranquil setting and extensive amenities.
Kyoto
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel offers a blend of traditional Kyoto elegance and modern luxury, providing comfortable accommodations and fine dining options. It is conveniently located for exploring Kyoto's cultural landmarks and attractions.
Osaka
Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class
Hotel Elsereine Osaka features stylish accommodations and modern amenities in the heart of Osaka. Its central location provides easy access to the city's vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment districts.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima Grand Prince Hotel or similar class
Hiroshima Grand Prince Hotel offers waterfront views, luxurious rooms, and a range of dining options. Its location provides convenient access to Hiroshima's key attractions and historical sites.
Ehime
Imabari Kokusai Hotel or similar class
Imabari Kokusai Hotel combines comfort and convenience with modern facilities and amenities. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the Shimanami Kaido and surrounding areas.
Osaka
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar class or Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, directly connected to Kansai International Airport. provides high quality omotenashi (hospitality) suitable for various purposes.
Notes
This part serves as a guide to prepare travelers for their journey, ensuring a smooth and informed experience.
Accommodations: 8 nights Western style and 1 night Japanese style accommodation
Meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport
Admission Fees & Activities: All entry fees to listed sites and activities
Meals: • Breakfast everyday/ 4 lunches and 4 dinners
Guides: Comprehensive tour with a professional English-speaking guide
Private Coach Transfers
International Airfares
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses (e.g. telephone, laundry)
Tour Pricing, Occupancy, and Flight Details
All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included in our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure.
We can arrange international flights for US/Canada customers if needed, please ask for details to Amnet.
Additional Information
Deposit
We require a NON-Refundable US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at the time of booking. The final payment is due 2 months prior to departure.
Transport
Travel by private coach between destinations, with hassle-free baggage handling.
Arrival Departure Airports
Airport Transfers (Arrival and Departure) included: We provide airport transfers on arrival and departure days.
This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo, with arrivals and departures at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).
Meal Requests
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged upon request.
Meet and Greet
Our representative will meet you at Narita Airport.
Please note that the meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour after 11 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to your hotel on your own.
Flexible Arrival and Stay Options
If you wish to stay extra nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.
Day1: If you wish to stay in the center of Tokyo for the first night instead of Hotel Mystays Premier Narita, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included. We will provide you directions to get to your hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$90.00 per person per way.
Day9: If you wish to stay in the center of Osaka for the last night instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Elsereine Osaka (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included, but we will provide full instructions for you to get to the airport in advance.
Tour#: AJT4531719
Springtime Golden Route Adventure
Experience Japan’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems this spring. Contact us to plan your personalized Golden Route tour.
