Japan's Golden Route is the classic first-timer's introduction to the country - and this 10-night itinerary is built around it. You'll travel from the neon energy of Tokyo to the mountain calm of Hakone, the temples of Kyoto, and the street-food buzz of Osaka, before flying back to Tokyo for one final night. Every hotel, rail transfer, and flight is arranged for you, so all that's left to do is pack. Charter Travel are leading Japan holiday specialists, established in 1988. ABTA and ATOL Protected.
Duration: 10 Nights
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Itinerary Highlights:
Based on 2 adults sharing.
Japan's Golden Route connects Japan's four must-see destinations in one seamless loop. This itinerary balances iconic sights with genuine downtime, uses reliable rail transfers between each stop, and stays in centrally located hotels so you spend less time commuting and more time exploring. There is also the option to add on a trip to Disneyland Tokyo / Universal Resort Japan!
Charter Travel have specialised in tailor-made Japan holidays since 1988, with first-hand destination knowledge, long-standing relationships with the hotels and airlines. Every Japan holiday is planned by a dedicated specialist who adjusts the route, pace and accommodation to suit you, rather than selling a fixed, one-size-fits-all package. All holidays booked with Charter Travel are both ABTA and ATOL protected, so you can book with confidence that your trip is fully financially protected. A UK-based team remains on hand before, during and after your holiday, so support is always a phone call away.
Stay at Park Hotel Tokyo
Start your Golden Route in Japan's capital. Based centrally at Park Hotel Tokyo, use your two nights to explore Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, or the Tsukiji Outer Market before heading onward by rail. Visit the historic Sensō-ji Temple, experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, browse the boutiques of Harajuku, enjoy panoramic city views from Tokyo Skytree, or spend an evening sampling izakayas and neon-lit entertainment districts.
Tokyo Highlights:
A scenic rail transfer takes you from Tokyo into the mountains of Hakone.
Stay at HOTEL nehako
Trade skyscrapers for hot springs. Two nights at HOTEL nehako, with an Odawara Day Pass included, gives you easy access to Lake Ashi, the Hakone Ropeway, and views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Cruise across Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship, soak in traditional onsen baths, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, explore the volcanic landscapes of Owakudani, and enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji when conditions allow.
Hakone Highlights:
Board your rail transfer south to Japan's cultural heart, Kyoto.
Stay at The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
Three nights based near Nijo Castle give you time to properly explore Kyoto's temples, shrines, and traditional streets—from Fushimi Inari to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Wander through the historic Gion district, admire the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take part in a traditional tea ceremony, and stroll through Nishiki Market to sample Kyoto's renowned local cuisine.
Kyoto Highlights:
A short rail transfer brings you to Osaka, Japan's food capital.
Stay at Moxy Osaka Umeda
Two nights at the design-led Moxy Osaka Umeda put you close to Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, and the city's famous street food scene. Discover the vibrant Dotonbori entertainment district, taste local favourites including takoyaki and okonomiyaki, explore Osaka Castle, shop in Shinsaibashi, or enjoy panoramic city views from the Umeda Sky Building. Known as Japan’s kitchen, Osaka is the ideal place to enjoy local favourites including: Takoyaki (octopus snacks), Okonomiyaki savoury pancakes, Fresh seafood, and Japanese street food markets.
Osaka Highlights:
A Japan Airlines domestic flight returns you to Tokyo, saving travel time on your final leg.
Stay at Park Hotel Tokyo
Round off your Japan Golden Route with one last night in Tokyo. Use your final evening to pick up souvenirs in Ginza, enjoy world-class dining, visit one of Tokyo's rooftop bars, or take in the illuminated skyline before your journey home.
Japan's Golden Route suits any season, but spring (late March–April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (November) for spectacular colours are the most popular, and busiest, times to travel. January - February offer a cheaper flights to Japan for those looking for a more affordable option.
Book your hotels and rail transfers well in advance during these peak travel periods to secure the best availability.
All our holidays are tailor-made and can be adapted by changing hotels durations and destinations to suit the individuals tastes and requirements – please do get in touch so we can start planning.
The Japan Golden Route is the classic travel corridor connecting Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. It's the most popular first-time itinerary in Japan because it combines a modern capital city, a hot spring mountain town, a historic temple city, and a major food destination in one connected trip.
Most travellers complete the Japan Golden Route in 9–11 nights. This itinerary covers it in 10 nights, giving enough time in each city — 2 nights in Tokyo, 2 in Hakone, 3 in Kyoto, 2 in Osaka, and 1 final night in Tokyo - without feeling rushed.
This itinerary includes Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, with a final overnight stop back in Tokyo before departure.
Travel between Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka is by rail transfer. The return leg from Osaka to Tokyo is by domestic flight with Japan Airlines.
Yes. Hakone offers hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and a change of pace from Japan's cities. An Odawara day pass is included in this itinerary for easy local transport around the Hakone area.
This package uses Park Hotel Tokyo (Tokyo), HOTEL nehako (Hakone), The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo (Kyoto), and Moxy Osaka Umeda (Osaka).
Yes. Ten nights is enough to see the highlights of each destination comfortably, with Kyoto given the most time (3 nights) given the number of temples and sights, while Hakone offers a shorter, more relaxed 2-night stop.
A domestic Japan Airlines flight from Osaka to Tokyo is included to complete the loop. International flights to and from Japan are ALSO included.
