Japan Golden Route

Tokyo, Hakone and the old capital

Tokyo, Hakone and the old capital A ready-built creator-led group trip across Japan, 7 days / 6 nights. GoExplorer shapes it into a departure under your name, with route, inclusions and logistics handled.

Japan · 7 days / 6 nights · Best season: March to May for cherry blossom, October to November for autumn colour · Group size: 2–15 guests

Route

Tokyo > Hakone > Kyoto > Nara

Highlights

  • Asakusa, Imperial Palace, Sumida cruise, sushi-making
  • Bullet train to Hakone, Owakudani, Lake Ashi, onsen ryokan
  • Bullet train to Kyoto, city tour
  • Kyoto, Kinkakuji, Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryuji
  • Day trip to Nara, Deer Park, Todaiji Temple

Day by day

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Arrive at Narita or Haneda airport and transfer to your Tokyo hotel with an English-speaking assistant.

Day 2: Tokyo

A full day in Tokyo: Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise arcade, the Imperial Palace, a Sumida River cruise and Hamarikyu Garden, plus a sushi-making experience with lunch. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Tokyo > Hakone

Bullet train to Odawara and on to Hakone for Owakudani, a Lake Ashi cruise and the Open-Air Museum, with lunch. Check in to a hot-spring ryokan for a yukata and kaiseki dinner, sleeping on a futon.

Day 4: Hakone > Kyoto

Return to Odawara and take the bullet train to Kyoto. Begin exploring the old capital, with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Kyoto

A full day in Kyoto: Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), the Arashiyama bamboo grove and Tenryuji temple, and the Iwatayama monkey park. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Nara day trip

A day trip to Nara to visit the free-roaming deer of Nara Park and the great Todaiji Temple, returning to Kyoto for dinner.

Day 7: Departure from Kansai

Transfer to Kansai airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

  • English-speaking guide/assistant during your stay
  • Hotel accommodation in your chosen plan (3★ or 4★), twin sharing, with daily breakfast
  • Lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary (except arrival and departure days)
  • Private transfers and public transport as specified
  • Bullet train (Shinkansen) and express train, reserved tourist-class seats
  • Admission fees as listed in the itinerary
  • Luggage transfer (one piece per person, where needed)
  • Government tax, service charge, tips to drivers, tolls and parking

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Japan visa fees and documentation
  • Lunch and dinner on arrival and departure days
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
  • Anything not mentioned under inclusions