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Japan Golden Route — a 10-Day Plan You Can Actually Do
The 10-day version for April: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 5-day plan · 7-day plan · 10-day plan · best time to go.
10
days
728 km
distance
6.6 h
on trains
71
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Cherry-blossom season: magical and mobbed — book trains, stays and popular temples weeks ahead.
Day 1 Tokyo → Shinjuku
🌡 -0.5–26.7°C · 🌧 ~19 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:00
Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Centermuseums & heritage
Discover Japan's medical system and insurance details in multiple languages.
50 min · Tokyo
open: 09:00-20:00
09:50
Emergency Translation Services (for Medical Institutions)
Know emergency translation aid for smoother doctor-patient communication.
50 min · Tokyo
open: Weekdays:17:00-20:00, Weekends and Holidays:09:00-20:00
10:40
China
Find visa application services for China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
50 min · Tokyo
11:32
Suga Shrinehistory & sagas
Admire iconic stairs featured in the film Your Name.
50 min · Shinjuku · free
open: 10:00 ~ 17:00
12:22
Fire Museummuseums & heritage
Explore firefighting vehicles and interactive kids' exhibits.
50 min · Shinjuku · Free
open: 09:30-17:00, closed on Mondays
13:12
Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardenmuseums & heritage
Stroll through diverse garden styles and enjoy peaceful cherry blossoms.
50 min · Shinjuku · ¥500, seniors/students ¥250, children un
open: 09:00-16:30; open until 18:00 mid-March to June and mid-August to Sept
14:02
Pasutakanlocal & traditional
Savor okonomiyaki cooked right at your table.
60 min · Shinjuku · ¥1200
open: 11:00-22:00
18:30
Loft/Plus Onemuseums & heritagecraft beer & pubs
Experience eclectic performances from comedy to bold art installations.
75 min · Shinjuku · Tickets ¥1000-6000 (discounts for advanc
open: Shows at 14:00, 19:30, and 00:00
Overnight: Shinjuku
e.g. Hilton Tokyo · Sakura Hotel Hatagaya
Day 2 Around Shinjuku
🌡 -0.5–26.7°C · 🌧 ~19 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:00
Tokyo Toy Museummuseums & heritage
Step into a nostalgic world filled with classic toys and playhouses.
50 min · Shinjuku · ¥500 per child, ¥700 per adult
open: 10:00-16:00, closed on Thursdays
09:50
Hanazono Shrinehistory & sagas
Enjoy a quiet moment with a weekend flea market nearby.
50 min · Shinjuku
10:40
Shinjuku-sanchōme and related red-light districts to the east of the stationhiking
Observe vibrant photo billboards and lively street atmosphere.
50 min · Shinjuku
11:30
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Centermuseums & heritage
Marvel at towering architecture and panoramic city views.
50 min · Shinjuku · Free
12:20
Tokyo Opera Citymuseums & heritage
Experience a mix of performing arts, art museums, and dining.
50 min · Shinjuku
13:10
Tokyo Tourist Information Centermuseums & heritage
Discover Japan with expert guidance and multilingual support.
50 min · Shinjuku
open: 09:30-18:00 daily
14:00
Blumarecraft beer & pubs
Savor pizza and pasta in a bustling hub surrounded by Sapporo Beer restaurants.
60 min · Shinjuku · Lunch ¥1300
Overnight: Shinjuku
e.g. Hilton Tokyo · Sakura Hotel Hatagaya
Day 3 Hakone
🌡 5.1–22.6°C · 🌧 ~23 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:47
Hakone Kowakien Yunessunlocal & traditionalcoffee & bakes
Enjoy unique baths from sake to coffee in a fun complex.
90 min · Hakone · \3500/1700 adult/child
open: March to October daily 09:00-19:00
11:17
Hakone Museum Of Arthistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Savor ancient Japanese earthenware and peaceful moss gardens.
50 min · Hakone · ¥1300 adults, children free
12:07
Hakone Open Air Museummuseums & heritage
Stroll through lush parkland surrounded by global sculptures.
50 min · Hakone · ¥1,600 (¥200 discount for holders of Hak
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
12:57
Pola Museum of Artmuseums & heritage
Explore a curated collection of Western and Japanese art.
50 min · Hakone · ¥1800
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
13:47
Hakone Museum of Photographymuseums & heritage
Capture memories amidst beautiful photos of Hakone and Fuji.
50 min · Hakone · ¥500
open: Daily 10:00-17:00
14:37
Hakone Jinja Shrinehistory & sagas
Admire torii gates emerging from serene waters.
50 min · Hakone
15:27
Nukafukucoffee & bakes
Savor vegan, gluten-free rice bran sweets and doughnuts.
60 min · Hakone
open: 11AM-4PM
18:30
PUBSTOP Pizza & Barcraft beer & pubs
Enjoy pizzas and craft beers from the Gora Brewery.
75 min · Hakone
open: 11:30-14:30,16:00-20:30
Overnight: Hakone
e.g. Asante Inn · Hotel Okuyumoto
Day 4 Hakone → Shinjuku
🌡 5.1–22.6°C · 🌧 ~23 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:00
Lake Ashihiking
Enjoy scenic views and ride colorful pirate ships on the lake.
50 min · Hakone
09:50
Hikingmuseums & heritagehiking
Trek scenic trails with panoramic lake and mountain views.
90 min · Hakone
11:20
Great Boiling Valley
Feel the heat from volcanic springs bubbling around you.
50 min · Hakone
12:10
Tenzan Tōjigō
Relax in diverse hot spring baths indoors and out.
90 min · Hakone
14:27
Meiji Jingu Stadium
Enjoy thrilling baseball games in a historic stadium.
90 min · Shinjuku
15:57
Shinjuku Southern Terrace
Savor scenic views of Takashimaya and passing trains.
50 min · Shinjuku
16:47
Sagamiyahiking
Indulge in freshly made mountain brownies with rich aroma.
60 min · Hakone
Overnight: Hakone
e.g. Asante Inn · Hotel Okuyumoto
Day 5 Kyoto
🌡 -1.2–26.2°C · 🌧 ~17 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
12:16
Imperial household Agency Kyoto Office,history & sagashiking
Perhaps catch a glimpse of palace life up close.
50 min · Kyoto
13:06
Toei Kyoto Studio Parkhistory & sagas
Walk famous samurai movie sets, maybe watch a period drama film.
90 min · Kyoto · ¥2,200
open: 09:30 - 16:30
14:36
Kyoto Cycling Tour Project (KCTP)hiking
Pedal through historic streets on a well-equipped mountain bike.
50 min · Kyoto
15:26
Funaoka Onsen
Soak in Kyoto's oldest public bathhouse, rich in architectural history.
90 min · Kyoto · ¥430
open: 15:00 - 01:00
16:56
Kyoto University
Wander prestigious grounds, a beacon of academic excellence.
50 min · Kyoto
Day 6 Kyoto → Higashiyama (Kyoto)
🌡 -1.2–26.2°C · 🌧 ~17 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:01
Hosomi Art Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Admire timeless Japanese religious art in rotating seasonal temple and shrine exhibits.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Prices vary depending on the exhibit
open: Tu-Su 10:00-18:00
09:51
Rokuharamitsu-jihistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Marvel at unique Kamakura Period artwork in its serene museum.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Grounds: free, Museum: ¥500
open: Daily 08:00–17:00
10:41
Kyoto National Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Discover ancient Japanese treasures in a grand, serene setting.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Admission ¥500 (¥1500 during a special e
open: Tu-Su 09:30-18:00
11:31
Chishaku-in Templehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Stroll through a historic garden once cherished by a tea master.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · ¥500
open: 9:00-16:00
12:21
Heian Shrinehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Admire a scaled-down imperial palace and its blooming garden.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Grounds: free; Garden: ¥600
open: Mar-Aug 08:30–17:30; Sep-Oct: 08:30–17:00; Nov-Feb: 08:30–16:00
13:11
Kōdai-ji Templehistory & sagashiking
Stroll through a serene bamboo grove leading to this historic temple near Ryōzen Kannon.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Entrance fee: ¥600
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
Day 7 Higashiyama (Kyoto)
🌡 -1.2–26.2°C · 🌧 ~17 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:01
Ryozen History Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Explore artifacts and stories from Japan's transformative Meiji Period in this engaging museum.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto)
open: Tu-Su 10:00-16:00
09:51
Kenninji Templehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Visit Japan's oldest Zen temple with stunning gardens and famed Edo-period art treasures.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Admission is ¥500
open: Daily 10:00-16:00
10:41
Ginkakujihistory & sagashiking
Contemplate meticulously maintained dry landscapes at the serene Silver Pavilion temple.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Admission ¥500
open: Mar-Nov 08:30-17:00; Dec-Mar 09:00-16:30
11:31
Eikandō Templehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Marvel at the unique right-facing Amida Buddha statue and charming temple legends.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Regular admission ¥600
open: Daily 09:00–17:00
12:21
Camellia, Tea Ceremonyhistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Experience an authentic tea ceremony in a century-old geisha house.
90 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · ¥2000 per adult (price listed 2000)
open: Daily 10:00-18:00
13:51
Chion-inhistory & sagashiking
Experience the grandeur of the nation's largest Sanmon gate at this head temple of Jodo Buddhism.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Walking the temple grounds is free, but
14:41
Saryou Tsurijilocal & traditional
Savour iconic matcha parfait, a Kyoto specialty loved by locals.
60 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Dishes typically range from ¥1000–1400
open: M-F 10:00-21:00, Sa Su national holidays 10:00-20:30
18:30
Gion Kappa Restaurantlocal & traditionalcraft beer & pubs
Unwind in a lively izakaya, enjoying freshly made dishes and sweet plum liquor.
75 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Most of the small dishes cost ¥390 each.
Overnight: Higashiyama (Kyoto)
e.g. Hana-Touro Stay Miyagawa-cho Residence · Guesthouse Tanakaya
Day 8 Arashiyama (Kyoto)
🌡 -1.2–26.2°C · 🌧 ~17 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:01
Jōjakkōji Templehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Enjoy autumn foliage and panoramic city views from the pagoda heights.
50 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · ¥400
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
09:51
Matsunoo Taishahistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Visit this ancient shrine cherished by sake brewers.
50 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · Shrine is free, ¥500 to see shrine treas
open: Shrine: 05:00-18:00; Treasure house 09:00-16:00
10:41
Giōji Templehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Marvel at a vivid green moss garden tied to ancient tales of devotion.
50 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · ¥300
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
11:31
Daikakuji Templehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Appreciate the birthplace of Saga Goryu Ikebana amidst historic grounds.
50 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto)
12:21
Umenomiya Shrinehistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Pray for easy delivery and sake under sacred stones.
50 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · The shrine grounds are free, but to ente
13:11
Tenryū-jimuseums & heritage
Stroll serene gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site with tranquil beauty.
50 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · ¥600 (garden + temple), or ¥500 (garden
open: Mar-Oct: daily 08:30-17:30; Nov-Feb: daily 08:30-17:00
14:01
Shintogetsu
Delight in simple yet famous Yodofu and soothing soba dishes.
60 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · ¥650-1300
open: 11:00-17:00
18:30
Shinpachi Tea House
Savor gelatto while browsing souvenirs in this charming teahouse.
75 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · Gelatto single ¥350, double ¥400
open: Daily 09:00-18:00
Overnight: Arashiyama (Kyoto)
e.g. Rokuō-in · Bola Bola Guest House
Day 9 Nara
🌡 -2.1–26.5°C · 🌧 ~19 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:40
Kōfuku-jihistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Admire towering pagodas vying for architectural supremacy.
50 min · Nara · Eastern Golden Hall ¥500
open: 09:00-17:00
10:30
Nara City Museum of Photographymuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
See compelling photos of local festivals and scenes.
50 min · Nara · ¥300
open: 09:30-17:00
11:20
Japanese Tattoo Art Gallerymuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Learn about traditional tattoos and Japan's complex tattoo culture.
50 min · Nara
open: Th-Tu 12:00–22:00
12:10
Kasuga Taishahistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Marvel at countless stone lanterns lining the temple path.
50 min · Nara · Grounds free, inside of shrine ¥500, tre
13:00
Saturday Walking Tourhistory & sagaslocal & traditional
Discover hidden machiya houses and vibrant alleys with a local guide.
90 min · Nara · Adults ¥2000, children under 15 free (price listed 2000)
open: Apr-Jul, Sep-Nov: Sa 10:00-13:00
14:30
Nara Walkhistory & sagashiking
Explore Nara Park's highlights from Buddha to serene shrines.
90 min · Nara · ¥3000
open: Mar - Sep: daily 10:00
16:00
Sanshū-teimuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Enjoy traditional dishes in a beautiful old house with a serene garden.
60 min · Nara
open: W-M 11:30-15:30
18:30
Kuramoto Hoshukulocal & traditionalcraft beer & pubs
Unwind with a local brew at a brewery popular with commuters.
75 min · Nara · Sake test set of 3 small glasses ¥350, s
open: Daily 11:30-14:00, 16:00-21:00
Overnight: Nara
e.g. Ryokan Matsumae · Nara Washington Hotel Plaza
Day 10 Osaka
🌡 -2.1–26.5°C · 🌧 ~19 rain days · ☀ 12.9h light
09:14
ICOCA smart card
Tap effortlessly through Osaka's transport hubs with this handy card.
50 min · Osaka · ¥2000, including a refundable ¥500 depos (price listed 2000)
10:04
Unlimited Kintetsu Rail Pass
Explore Kansai region freely with unlimited rail travel for days.
50 min · Osaka · ¥1800/3000/4700 for 1/2/5 days
10:54
Subway and bus one-day Passes
Enjoy unlimited city travel and discounts with a day's pass.
50 min · Osaka
11:44
English-speaking doctor
Receive confident care from an English-speaking doctor nearby.
50 min · Osaka
12:34
From JR Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen Line)
50 min · Osaka · ¥310
open: Travel time: at least 40 minutes to Cosmosquare Station
13:24
From Namba
50 min · Osaka · ¥270
open: Travel time: at least 30 minutes to Cosmosquare Station