Golden Route: Tokyo, Kansai & Hiroshima

A classic two-week itinerary ideal for first-time visitors to Japan. Travel through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima while enjoying a well-balanced mix of cities, history, hot springs, and cuisine along a smooth and efficient route.

 

Route

Tokyo → Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone → Kyoto, Nara → Kurashiki → Hiroshima → Himeji, Kobe → Osaka

 

 

Days 1–3: Tokyo (3 nights)

Day 1

• Arrival and hotel check-in
• Explore the surrounding area, including convenience stores and local izakaya
• Asakusa: Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate

 

 

 

Day 2

• Shibuya Crossing
• Ginza for shopping and sushi
• teamLab digital art museum
• Shinjuku: Kabukicho and the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower Observation Deck

 

 

 

Day 3

• Day trip to Yokohama and Kamakura
• Temples known for seasonal beauty, such as Engakuji Temple and Meigetsuin Temple

 

 

 

Day 4: Hakone (1 night)

• Travel from Tokyo via Romancecar
• Hakone Shrine
• Hakone Ashinoko Boat Cruise with views of Mt. Fuji
• Stay at a traditional onsen ryokan with kaiseki dinner and an open-air bath

 

 

 

Days 5–6: Kyoto (2 nights)

Day 5

• Travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto
• Explore quieter sites such as Sanzenin Temple in Ohara, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace

 

 

 

Day 6

• Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art
• Keage Incline

Additional recommendations available in the seasonal itineraries

 

 

 

Day 7: Nara (1 night)

• Walk through the historic Naramachi district
• Nara Park with its famous deer
• Optional visit to Horyuji Temple

 

 

 

Day 8: Nara → Kurashiki (1 night)

• Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
• Kojima Jeans Street
• Seasonal fruit-picking experience

 

 

 

 

Day 9-10: Hiroshima (2 nights)

Day 9

• Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• Okonomimura, a lively okonomiyaki dining complex

 

 

 

Day 10

• Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine and the floating torii gate
• Kayaking
• Shukkeien Garden

 

 

 

Day 11: Himeji (1 night)

• Travel by Shinkansen
• Himeji Castle
• Kobe beef experience

 

 

 

Days 12–13: Osaka (2 nights)

Day 12

• Travel from Himeji to Osaka
• Sake brewery tour in Nada
• Night views from Umeda Sky Building
• Bar hopping or walking tour

 

 

 

Day 13

• Dotonbori for takoyaki 
• Abeno Harukas
• Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street
• Dinner at a crab specialty restaurant

Additional recommendations available in the seasonal itineraries

 

 

 

 

Day 14: Departure from Osaka

 

Transportation Tips

• JR Pass (14-day) recommended for long-distance travel
• IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA for city transport