Japan Golden Route 2026

Japan Golden Route 2026

Enjoy the Japan Golden Route in 10 days — Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa & Kyoto. UNESCO villages, samurai districts & expert guides. From $3,990.

Countries

1 Country

Type

Sharing Small group Tour

Duration

10 Days/ 9 Nights

Run

Everyday

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What Makes This Trip

The Soul of Japan
10 Days/ 9 Nights

Not every journey through Japan is the same. The Japan Golden Route is the one that shows you what makes this country genuinely extraordinary — not just its famous cities, but the mountain towns, ancient trade routes, UNESCO villages, and samurai districts that most travelers never reach. This is a 10-day Japan tour designed for those who want the full picture. Beginning with Tokyo Tours, you will spend three days absorbing one of the world's most dynamic capitals — guided visits to Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and the iconic Shibuya Crossing, balanced with free time to explore at your own pace. From there, a day trip to Kamakura brings you face to face with the Great Buddha and the coastal shrines that have stood for centuries. Then the route turns inland, climbing through the Japanese Alps toward Takayama — a city so beautifully preserved that walking its old Sanmachi Suji streets feels like stepping into Edo-period Japan. End the evening in a traditional onsen, soaking in hot spring waters as the mountains settle into silence around you. The following day takes you through Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village of towering thatched-roof farmhouses that seem to belong to another world entirely, before continuing to Kanazawa — home to the Nomura Samurai House and Kenrokuen Garden, consistently ranked among Japan's three most beautiful. Your journey concludes in Kyoto, where expert guides lead you through Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji's Zen rock garden, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the timeless streets of Gion. With English-speaking guides throughout all key touring days, bullet train travel between destinations, 4-star accommodations, and entrance fees included, the Japan Golden Route with Memphis Tours is a seamlessly planned 10-day Japan tour that leaves nothing important out — and gives you the space to let Japan leave its mark on you.    

Day by Day

Itinerary Journey

10 Days/ 9 Nights

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Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – Hotel Check-In

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo, transfer to your hotel using shared taxi services. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring this vibrant city at your own pace.

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo, transfer to your hotel using shared taxi services. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring this vibrant city at your own pace.

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Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a full-day guided exploration of Tokyo using public transportation. Visit the serene Hamarikyu Garden, then continue to Asakusa to stroll along Nakamise Shopping Street and admire the historic Sensoji Temple. Di…

Enjoy a full-day guided exploration of Tokyo using public transportation. Visit the serene Hamarikyu Garden, then continue to Asakusa to stroll along Nakamise Shopping Street and admire the historic Sensoji Temple. Discover Ueno’s cultural highlights, including Toshogu Shrine and Shinobazu Pond. Conclude your day at the iconic Meiji Shrine and witness the famous Shibuya Crossing along with the Hachiko Statue.

Meals: Breakfast

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Day 3: Tokyo – Free Day at Leisure

Spend the day at your own pace exploring Tokyo or join one of our optional experiences, such as the Yanesen Half-Day Walking Tour, offering a glimpse into Tokyo’s nostalgic charm. Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day at your own pace exploring Tokyo or join one of our optional experiences, such as the Yanesen Half-Day Walking Tour, offering a glimpse into Tokyo’s nostalgic charm.

Meals: Breakfast

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Day 4: Kamakura Sightseeing Tour

Travel by train to Kamakura, a coastal city rich in history. Visit the impressive Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, marvel at the Great Buddha, and explore the peaceful Hase Temple. Meals: Breakfast

Travel by train to Kamakura, a coastal city rich in history. Visit the impressive Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, marvel at the Great Buddha, and explore the peaceful Hase Temple.

Meals: Breakfast

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Day 5: Tokyo – Takayama

Journey to Takayama via bullet train and express train through Nagoya. Upon arrival, explore Takayama’s charming old town, including Takayama Jinya and Kami Sannomachi Street. In the evening, unwind with a tradi…

Journey to Takayama via bullet train and express train through Nagoya. Upon arrival, explore Takayama’s charming old town, including Takayama Jinya and Kami Sannomachi Street. In the evening, unwind with a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) experience.


Please prepare an overnight bag for 2 nights, as your main luggage will be transferred directly to Kyoto.

Meals: Breakfast

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Day 6: Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa

Travel by bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO-listed village famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses. Continue to Kanazawa, where you will visit the Nomura Samurai House in the historic Nagamachi District and the bea…

Travel by bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO-listed village famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses. Continue to Kanazawa, where you will visit the Nomura Samurai House in the historic Nagamachi District and the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast

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Day 7: Kanazawa – Kyoto

Transfer independently to Kyoto via bullet train. Upon arrival, an English- speaking assistant will meet you and assist with your transfer. Meals: Breakfast

Transfer independently to Kyoto via bullet train. Upon arrival, an English- speaking assistant will meet you and assist with your transfer.

Meals: Breakfast

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Day 8: Kyoto Sightseeing Tour

Discover Kyoto’s cultural treasures on a guided tour. Visit Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), and Ryoanji Temple with its famous Zen rock garden. Continue to Tenryuji Temple, stroll through the encha…

Discover Kyoto’s cultural treasures on a guided tour. Visit Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), and Ryoanji Temple with its famous Zen rock garden. Continue to Tenryuji Temple, stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Grove, and enjoy scenic views from Togetsukyo Bridge. Lunch is included.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

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Day 9: Kyoto – Free Day at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure or join an optional excursion to Nara and Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its iconic red torii gates. Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a day at leisure or join an optional excursion to Nara and Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its iconic red torii gates.

Meals: Breakfast

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Day 10: Departure of Japan Golden Route - Kyoto

Transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) via airport shuttle for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Japan. Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) via airport shuttle for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Japan.

Meals: Breakfast

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Starting From

$3990

per person

Available
Adults
(+ 12 years)
Children
(2 to 11 years)
Infants
(0 to 2 years)
No booking fees
100% Secure Payment
What's Included

Your Tour Details

Enjoy the Japan Golden Route in 10 days — Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa & Kyoto. UNESCO villages, samurai districts & expert guides. From $3,990.

Included

Everything you need, covered.

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    ● Arrival Airport Transfer by Shared Taxis ● Departure Airport Transfer by airport by shuttle ● Accommodation for 9 Nights based on Bed & Breakfast ● One lunch in Kyoto ● All sightseeing tours as mentioned

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    ● English-speaking guide during guided tours ● Bullet train tickets as mentioned ● Public transportation and transfers as per itinerary ● Entrance fees to all mentioned sites

Not Included

Available as custom add-ons.

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    ● International airfare ● Entry visa fees (if applicable) ● Optional tours and activities ● Meals and beverages not mentioned ● Early check-in, late check-out ● Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, phone calls, etc.) ● Tipping for guides, drivers, and hotel staff ● Travel insurance

Pro Tip

Optional add-ons and upgrades are available for this japan-tour-packages program. Speak with our travel specialists to tailor your package.

Investment

Select Your tier

Transparent seasonal rates for your japan-tour-packages program — choose the tier that fits your style.

         

Featured Stays

Price per Person in Double Room Min. 2 people

$3990

Arrival Date in Japan 2026 Departure Date in Japan
May 24th June 4th
June 7th June 18th
June 21st July 2nd
July 12th July 23rd
July 26th August 6th
August 23rd September 3rd
August 30th

September 10th

October 4th October 15th
November 15th November 26th
November 29th December 10th

Voices of Experience

Stories from
Our Community

Real stories from real travelers who trusted us with their journeys.

Japan
E

Emma Clarke

“Kyoto & Kanazawa”

I'm coeliac and had basically resigned myself to convenience-store food for two weeks. Instead they booked restaurants that could accommodate me and gave me a card explaining my dietary needs in Japanese. Genuinely thoughtful.

Verified Traveler
Japan
M

Michael Doyle

“Tokyo, Kyoto & Hakone”

The balance of the itinerary was perfect. Tokyo for the energy, Kyoto for the temples, then two quiet nights in a ryokan in Hakone that ended up being our favourite part of the whole trip.

Verified Traveler
Japan
R

Robert & Lisa Chen

“the Japanese Alps”

Second trip with them. They remembered what we loved the first time around and built on it rather than handing us a generic itinerary. Sapporo, Furano and the Kamikōchi valley this time.

Verified Traveler
Japan
H

Hannah Berg

“Tokyo, Kanazawa & Takayama”

Solo female traveller here. They picked accommodation in safe, well-connected neighbourhoods and were upfront about what to expect. I felt looked after without feeling managed.

Verified Traveler
Japan
T

Tom & Rachel Whitfield

“Tokyo & Nikko ”

First time in Asia and I was worried about the language barrier. They gave us a printed guide with key phrases, station names in Japanese, and a WhatsApp number for emergencies. Never felt lost once.

Verified Traveler
Japan
P

Priya Raghavan

“Osaka & Kansai region ”

What sold me was the responsiveness. Every email answered within a few hours, even while we were mid-trip and completely confused about a connection at Shin-Osaka.

Verified Traveler
Japan
S

Sarah Mitchell

“Tokyo, Nara & Kyoto ”

Travelling with a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old made me nervous, but the pacing was clearly designed with kids in mind. Shorter travel days, hotels near stations, and they even flagged which restaurants were family-friendly. Feeding the deer in Nara was the highlight for both of them.

Verified Traveler
Japan
J

James & Helen Thornton

“Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka”

We'd been talking about Japan for years and kept putting it off because planning it felt impossible. They handled everything  flights, rail passes, hotels and all we had to do was show up. Fourteen days and not a single thing went wrong.

Verified Traveler
Japan
D

David & Anne Fraser

“Kyoto & Yoshino”

We asked for sakura season and they were honest that the timing is always a gamble. They built in flexibility so we could shift days depending on the forecast — and we caught full bloom in Kyoto.

Verified Traveler
Japan
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Andrew Pike

“Tokyo, Hiroshima & Miyajima ”

The value surprised me. I priced out doing it independently and the difference was small but the time saved and the hotels they got us into made it an easy decision. Miyajima at sunset was worth the whole trip.

Verified Traveler