The Sites You’ll Visit:

The Golden Route Japan is one of the most popular travel routes for visitors exploring Japan’s major cities and cultural highlights.

Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the center of the Greater Tokyo Area. Located in the Kantō region on Honshu Island, it includes the Izu and Ogasawara Islands. As the country’s political and economic heart, Tokyo is home to the Imperial Palace, the Japanese government, and the world’s most populated metropolitan area. Formed in 1943 from the merger of Tokyo Prefecture and Tokyo City, it blends rich history with modern attractions.

The Tokyo Tower

Standing 333 meters tall, Tokyo Tower rises higher than its inspiration, the Eiffel Tower. Completed in 1958, it symbolizes Japan’s post‑war rebirth and serves as a broadcast tower and major tourist landmark.

Tokyo Tower glowing orange against the night sky, showcasing Tokyo’s modern cityscape.

Happo-en (Tea Ceremony)

Happo‑en, known as the “garden of eight views,” has carefully preserved the elegance of Edo‑period landscaping. Here, guests enjoy a peaceful traditional tea ceremony surrounded by serene nature.

A Japanese woman in kimono preparing matcha during a traditional tea ceremony at Happo-en.

Imperial Palace Plaza

The Imperial Palace sits on the former site of Edo Castle. Surrounded by moats, stone walls, and gardens, the palace is home to Japan’s Imperial Family. Visitors can explore the beautiful East Garden during the tour.

Stone bridge and tranquil moat at the Imperial Palace Plaza surrounded by trees.

Sumida River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise beneath 12 historic bridges as you travel from Hinode Pier to Azumabashi. The river offers a relaxing view of Tokyo’s blend of modern and traditional architecture.

The Himiko sightseeing boat cruising along Sumida River with Rainbow Bridge in the background.

Asakusa Sightseeing

Asakusa preserves the charm of Tokyo’s old town. Its main attraction, Senso‑ji Temple, is one of Japan’s oldest and most vibrant Buddhist temples. The area offers a nostalgic atmosphere rich with history and culture.

Large red gate and pagoda at Senso‑ji Temple with tourists exploring the grounds.

Nakamise Shopping Street

Nakamise Street stretches 250 meters from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso‑ji Temple. With over 50 shops, it offers traditional sweets, handcrafted goods, and classic souvenirs.

Busy traditional shopping street leading to Senso‑ji Temple lined with souvenir shops.

Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s most luxurious shopping district. Filled with high‑end boutiques, department stores, and modern architecture, it represents the city’s upscale lifestyle and refined atmosphere.

Famous Ginza intersection with upscale stores and modern architecture.

Hakone

Located less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo, Hakone is famous for hot springs, mountain scenery, and sweeping views of Mt. Fuji. It is a popular retreat for both locals and international travelers seeking relaxation and natural beauty.

Scenic pirate ship on Lake Ashi with Mt. Fuji and forested mountains in the distance.

Mt. Fuji 5th Station

Mt. Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters, is Japan’s highest and most iconic mountain. The 5th Station offers panoramic views and serves as a spiritual and artistic inspiration known throughout history.

Lake Ashi Cruise

Lake Ashi is a stunning crater lake offering postcard views of Mt. Fuji. Travelers can enjoy scenic boat rides, crisp mountain air, and peaceful landscapes while cruising across the lake.

Traditional torii gate standing beside the lake with mountains in the background.

Mt. Komagatake Ropeway

The Komagatake Ropeway ascends toward the Senjojiki Cirque and offers sweeping views over the Central Alps. From the summit, visitors can admire Mt. Fuji, the Southern and Northern Alps, and rare alpine plant life.

Kyoto

Kyoto, once Japan’s imperial capital for more than a thousand years, is home to over a million residents and countless historic temples and shrines. Located in the Kansai region, it forms part of the Kyoto‑Osaka‑Kobe metropolitan area and is often called the “City of Ten Thousand Shrines.”

Nijo Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle was completed in 1626 as a residence for the Tokugawa Shogun. Its historic architecture and intricate interiors showcase the power and culture of the Edo era.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku‑ji, another UNESCO site, is famous for its gold-leaf‑covered upper floors and a reflective pond that enhances its beauty throughout the seasons.

Kinkaku‑ji dazzles with its gold‑leaf exterior and serene mirror‑like pond.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Kyoto Imperial Palace preserves the refined architectural style of ancient dynasties. Rebuilt in 1855, the complex includes several elegant structures such as the Shisinden and Seiryoden.

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

This shrine’s main hall is a designated national treasure and is famous for housing the God of scholarship. The shrine is especially great to see during the plum blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple

Todaiji Temple, an impressive wooden structure housing the Great Buddha statue, is one of Japan’s most significant cultural landmarks. The surrounding Nara Park is home to friendly free‑roaming deer.

Massive wooden temple structure housing the Great Buddha statue.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasuga Taisha is known for its stone lanterns, vibrant colors, and close connection with the sacred deer of Nara.

Free-roaming deer interacting with visitors in a grassy park area.

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Namba Yasaka Shrine, once a large temple complex, is known today for its unique lion‑shaped stage and has long served as the guardian shrine of the Namba district.

Osaka Central Public Hall

Completed in 1918, this striking red‑brick building with a bronze dome is one of Osaka’s architectural icons, located among a row of historic civic buildings.

Osaka Castle

Built in 1583, Osaka Castle symbolizes the unification of Japan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. With its towering stone walls and majestic structure, it remains one of Japan’s most important historical landmarks.

Osaka Castle rising above stone walls surrounded by trees.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Founded in the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of Japan’s oldest shrines and features the unique Sumiyoshi‑zukuri architectural style, which developed independently of mainland influences.

Daiso Park Japanese Garden

This traditional garden in Sakai City showcases classical Japanese landscaping techniques, creating a calm and harmonious environment ideal for reflection.

Hamono Museum

The Hamono Museum displays handcrafted cutlery and demonstrates traditional forging, sharpening, and smithing techniques. Visitors may observe artisans or try basic sharpening on weekends.