Golden Route Extended — 14 Days
Tokyo → Nikko → Hakone → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka → Hiroshima
Two weeks of discovery — from the sacred shrines of Nikko to the floating torii of Miyajima, this extended route covers it all.
Highlights
Nikko shrines, Mt. Fuji views, Nara deer park, Miyajima torii
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Japan! Activate your 14-day Japan Rail Pass at Narita Airport and take the Narita Express to Shinjuku. Check into your hotel and explore the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku for your first evening in Tokyo.
Morning visit to Meiji Shrine followed by a stroll through Harajuku's Takeshita Street. Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing in the afternoon. Evening free to explore Shinjuku's Golden Gai.
Start at teamLab for an immersive digital art experience. Afternoon at Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa. Explore Nakamise shopping street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Full-day excursion to Nikko. Visit the ornate Toshogu Shrine, see the majestic Kegon Falls, and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Chuzenji surrounded by mountains.
Board the Romancecar to Hakone. Cruise Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, ride the ropeway over volcanic Owakudani valley. Check into a traditional ryokan with private onsen and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
Day trip to the Mt. Fuji area. Visit Chureito Pagoda for iconic views of Fuji-san, stroll along Lake Kawaguchi, and explore the charming lakeside town with craft shops and local cuisine.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (2.5 hours). Check into your hotel near Gion. Afternoon free to explore the historic district and spot geisha. Evening walk along the Kamo River.
Morning at Kiyomizu-dera with panoramic city views. Walk through thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari. Evening guided tour through Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district.
Explore Arashiyama's famous bamboo grove in the morning. Visit the serene Tenryu-ji Temple and its stunning garden. Afternoon hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park for panoramic views.
45-minute train to Nara. Feed the free-roaming deer in Nara Park. Visit Todai-ji, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha. Walk the lantern-lined path to Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Shinkansen to Osaka (15 min). Visit Osaka Castle surrounded by moats and parkland. Explore Shinsekai retro district. Evening dive into Dotonbori for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and gyoza.
Morning visit to Himeji Castle, Japan's most beautiful original castle. Afternoon in Kobe — stroll Harborland and enjoy legendary Kobe beef for dinner.
Shinkansen to Hiroshima (1.5 hours). Visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Ferry to Miyajima to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Leisurely morning for last-minute souvenir shopping. Transfer to Hiroshima Airport for your departure flight. Sayonara, Japan — until next time!
Pricing & Accommodation
Included
• 13 nights accommodation (3-star hotels + 2 nights traditional ryokan)
• Japan Rail Pass (14-day ordinary)
• Airport transfers (Narita → Tokyo, Hiroshima Airport)
• Daily breakfast at hotel
• Nikko day trip with English-speaking guide
• Hakone sightseeing cruise, ropeway & pirate ship
• Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera & Gion walking tours
• Miyajima ferry and Itsukushima Shrine visit
• Himeji Castle entry
• 24/7 bilingual travel concierge support
Not Included
• International flights
• Lunches and dinners (except where noted)
• Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs)
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Optional activities (Universal Studios, additional tours)
Accommodation
Tokyo (4 nights): Modern business hotel in Shinjuku, walking distance to stations. Western-style rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi.
Hakone (1 night): Traditional ryokan with private onsen. Includes kaiseki multi-course dinner and Japanese breakfast.
Kyoto (3 nights): Boutique hotel near Gion district. Combines Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort.
Osaka (2 nights): Hotel in Namba/Dotonbori area, perfect for evening food exploration.
Hiroshima (2 nights): Modern hotel near Peace Memorial Park with river views.
Takayama (1 night): Traditional ryokan in the old town with Hida beef dinner.
Important Information
Best season: March–May (cherry blossom) or October–November (autumn foliage). This itinerary runs year-round with seasonal adjustments.
Japan Rail Pass must be activated at the airport upon arrival. We will send detailed instructions before departure.
Luggage forwarding service available (extra cost) — travel light between cities while your suitcase meets you at the next hotel.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Expect 5,000–10,000 steps per day with temple/shrine visits involving stairs.
The Nikko day trip involves approximately 2 hours of walking on uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Travel Tips
Get an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) at Narita Airport for seamless local transit. Works on trains, buses, and even convenience store purchases.
Download Google Maps offline — it works perfectly for Japan transit routing even without data.
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are your best friend for quick meals, ATMs, and essentials. Open 24/7.
Carry cash — many smaller restaurants and shops in Japan are cash-only.
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes be considered rude. Excellent service is simply part of the culture.
Book the ryokan in Hakone early — rooms with private onsen fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Traveler Reviews
Michael R.
The 14-day route was incredible — every city felt distinct and well-paced. Nikko and Miyajima were absolute highlights. The ryokan in Hakone was a dream come true.
Anna & Peter
Great extended itinerary covering all the must-sees. Would have loved one more day in Kyoto, but overall an unforgettable journey through Japan.