9-Day Highlights of Japan Tour: Japan’s Golden Route
Japan’s Iconic Destinations
Discover the Essentials of Japan in 9 Unforgettable Days
Discover Japan’s must-see cities on this 9-day highlights tour, designed especially for first-time visitors who want culture, scenery, and food — without the stress of planning.
Get a taste of Japan’s rich culture and history on a memorable, Tailor-made journey.
You will immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Japan by combining the essentials with futuristic cities & imperial heritage.
This Highlights of Japan tour is the perfect introduction to the country’s culture, history, and modern life. Carefully paced and expertly guided, it takes you through Japan’s most iconic destinations — without feeling rushed or overwhelming.
From Tokyo to Osaka through Hakone and Kyoto, this trip makes you discover the essentials of this fascinating country.
Price
From USD 4,250 per person – excl. flights
(double occupancy)
When to visit
All year round
Length of stay
Ideally 8 Nights
Tour Highlights
- Admire Mount Fuji views from the scenic Hakone region
- Ride the famous Shinkansen bullet train between major cities
- Explore iconic temples and shrines in Tokyo and Kyoto
- Enjoy authentic Japanese food experiences, from street eats to local specialties
- Take part in cultural experiences that bring Japan’s traditions to life
Perfect for
- First-time visitors to Japan who want to experience the country’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed by planning every detail.
- Adventure seekers who want both must-see landmarks and hidden gems, guided by local insights that only true Japan experts can provide.
- For travelers seeking to experience Japan’s most iconic destinations and authentic culture in a short time.
What’s included
- A tailor-made itinerary crafted personally for you
- English-Speaking resident tour director and local guides
- A curated collection of stays
- Large choice of tours & experiences
- Airport Meet and Greet with private transfers
- Internet access
- Thoughtful customer service
- And more !
Day 1 – Tokyo Arrival
Yokoso 日本へようこそ！– Welcome to Japan !
After clearing customs and immigration, transfer by private car to your ideally located hotel.
Then you’ll likely spend your first day in Japan just getting settled.
You might want to lock down some of the best food in Tokyo and enjoy a truly unique meal! A multi-course kaiseki, an omakase sushi experience…
Or follow the lead of our food-obsessed expert and spend an early evening hopping between Izakaya! and discover the delights of small-plate dining and sake.
Day 2 – Tokyo
Tokyo is a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis which brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.
Most visitors to Tokyo will visit the most well-known sights – Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and the Meiji Shrine. These are all of course worth visiting, but Tokyo also offer a multitude of choices for travelers looking for a less touristy and typical Japanese experience.
The real charm of Tokyo is more discreet. We can discover it in the maze of streets behind the main one, with a village atmosphere, miles away from urban life. It is warm and simple, full of nice shops with clean design as well as charming cafes and small bars…
Explore Tokyo at your own pace with a private guide who will adapt the itinerary to your interests, uncovering both iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Day 3 – Tokyo
Begin your day witnessing the ancient ritual of morning training at a Tokyo Sumo Stable, where rishiki (sumo wrestlers) dedicate their lives to the sport, living and training in these traditional quarters.
Follow this with a hearty bowl of Chanko-nabe, the protein-rich stew that fuels sumo wrestlers—a flavorful broth brimming with vegetables, tofu, and your choice of seafood, chicken, pork, or beef.
Alternatively, choose from these curated Tokyo experiences:
- Join a sushi chef at Toyosu Fish Market for an insider’s perspective
- Participate in the meditative art of Chanoyu (Japanese Tea Ceremony)
- Become part of the immersive digital artworks at teamLab Planets
- Take in panoramic city views from Shibuya Sky’s observation deck
- And much more…
Day 4 – Tokyo / Hakone
Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) or Romance Car to Hakone.
Nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is a picturesque resort town renowned for its natural beauty, hot springs, and stunning views of Mount Fuji (if the weather permit).
It is fun journey which combines rides on several trains or buses, funicular, cable car and enjoy a cruise across the peaceful Ashino-ko lake, surrounded by natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji.
Hakone is also one of Japan’s most popular hot spring resorts, with more than a dozen springs providing hot spring water to the many bath houses and ryokan in the area.
At your ryokan, you will be treated to a tasty traditional Kaiseki dinner before retiring to your room and your private hot spring bath.
Day 5 – Hakone / Kyoto
Before transferring to Odawara for your shinkansen journey to Kyoto, you might consider a visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum with its Picasso exhibit.
In the evening, explore Gion with your guide – Gion is part of the Higashiyama or “Eastern Mountain” area of Kyoto. It’s one of the famous geisha (called “geiko” in Kyoto) districts in the city, stretching from Yasaka Shrine in the east to the Kamo River in the west, and from the Shirakawa Canal in the north to Kenninji Temple in the south.
Not the only geisha district left in Japan, Gion is a collection of streets defined by its traditional wooden merchant houses, beautifully illuminated by glittering neon lights and exclusive Japanese restaurants.
As twilight falls, you may catch a glimpse of a Geiko or Maiko apprentice gliding gracefully to an evening appointment, their exquisite kimonos adding mystique to this timeless neighborhood.
Day 6 – Kyoto
Kyoto – literally, “Capital City” – has been called a variety of names through the centuries – Heian-kyō “Capital of Peace and Tranquillity”, Miyako “The Capital”, and Saikyō “Western Capital” was obviously the capital of Japan for over a millennium, and has the reputation of being its most beautiful city.
However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see Kyoto’s beautiful side. Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto was able to keep the customs and traditions of the Old Japan, as it was spared from the bombing of the Second World War and was never affected by earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Nonetheless, the persistent visitor will soon discover Kyoto’s hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city is boasting a plethora of must-see attractions and has much more to offer than immediately meets the eye.
Day 7 – Kyoto
Continue exploring Kyoto’s highlights and begin your morning at Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s historic “Kitchen,” or explore the ethereal moss gardens of Saiho-ji Temple.
Don’t miss Arashiyama, this little corner of greenery crossed by the Katsura-gawa river, which will enchant you with its authentic atmosphere. Symbol of the district: the famous Togetsu-kyo bridge offers a unique view of the river and its gorge.
You could also enjoy the “Sagano Romantic Train“, the steam train of the Sagano line offers a 25-minute journey along the banks of the Hozu River and Hozukyo ravine.
Or enjoy the Hozugawa River Cruises, a sightseeing boat rides down the Hozugawa River from Kameoka to Arashiyama.
Alternatively, choose from our curated Kyoto experiences.
Day 8 – Nara / Osaka
Today visit Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital in the 8th century.
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Kyoto, Nara is omitted from many tourist’s itinerary. However, Nara is a treasure trove of historical and cultural gems. It is home to many important historical sites, such as Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure.
But Nara’s rich heritage also spans ancient monuments, some of Japan’s oldest temples and shrines and sacred mountain trails – Nara is the starting point of one of the World Heritage Kumano Trails.
In the evening, enjoy an explosion of neon and entertainment at Osaka’s Times Square. By day, Dotonbori, the bustling main street, caters to every taste, but it truly comes alive at night, earning its place as one of Japan’s iconic landmarks.
As dusk falls, neon lights and billboards transform the streets into a mesmerizing spectacle, teeming with shoppers, families, and friends.
Day 9 – Final Day – Osaka & Departure
Depending on your departure time, enjoy some final shopping in Osaka—a shopper’s paradise offering everything from cutting-edge fashion and electronics to gourmet food products, home goods, and unique souvenirs.
One of the best shopping areas in Osaka is Shinsaibashi, a vibrant district known for its trendy boutiques, high-end fashion stores, and popular international brands.
Another must-visit shopping destination is Namba, where you can find everything from modern electronics to traditional Japanese souvenirs.
Whether seeking bargain finds or luxury brands, Osaka’s diverse shopping districts have something for every taste and budget.
Transfer by private car to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight.
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