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Japan Golden Route: Route Guide

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Chureito Pagoda framed against snow-capped Mount Fuji
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The Golden Route is the classic first taste of Japan. Bullet trains carry you from Tokyo's neon streets to Kyoto's quiet temples and Osaka's boisterous food stalls, with Mount Fuji sliding past the window in between. Ancient and ultra-modern Japan sit side by side the whole way.

Japan Golden Route is a 505 km one-way journey (rail). It works best as 7–10 days; the plan below is the 10-day version for April, built from 1014 verified places, with published scheduled journey times, opening hours and daylight checked.

7–10
days
505km
distance
8
Stops
1,014
curated stops

Plan your own version → 7-day plan · 10-day plan · best time to go

The route

Tokyo→ 3 kmShinjuku→ 87 kmHakone→ 360 kmKyoto→ 30 kmNara→ 25 kmOsaka→ 54 kmHigashiyama (Kyoto)→ 2 kmArashiyama (Kyoto)

What you'll see

Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art
Discover rotating art in a cultural haven nearby.
Tokyo
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Stroll through diverse garden styles and enjoy peaceful cherry blossoms.
Shinjuku
Hakone Open Air Museum
Stroll through lush parkland surrounded by global sculptures.
Hakone
Ryōan-ji
Contemplate serene rocks and raked gravel in quiet meditation.
Kyoto
Tōdai-ji
Marvel at the world's largest Buddha in a grand wooden hall.
Nara
Osaka Castle
Marvel at the imposing concrete reconstruction of this historic landmark.
Osaka
Kiyomizu Temple
Take in breathtaking city views from this historic temple terrace.
Higashiyama (Kyoto)
Matsunoo Taisha
Visit this ancient shrine cherished by sake brewers.
Arashiyama (Kyoto)

Choose your length

7-day plan41 stops · 12.7 h transit5.9 stops/day · 1.8 h transit/daySee the full plan →10-day plan59 stops · 14.6 h transit5.9 stops/day · 1.5 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: February, March, April, May, June

Cherry-blossom season: magical and mobbed — book trains, stays and popular temples weeks ahead.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →