Could you please provide more information on the itinerary, inclusions, and the types of accommodations for this tour?

The itinerary, inclusions/exclusion and type of accommodation can be find in our TourRadar page.

Will someone meet us at Narita Airport to help get transfer from there to our hotel as I paid for transfer but have received nothing buit statement sayingh about Skyliner ans Subway. I have nothing in hand as far as tickets or info as to how,where to catch the rtides.

I am booked on a Tourist Journey and will leave Thailand in 2 1/2 days but still nothing about meeting at airport, Paid for transfer from airport to hotel, Not sure where meeting point is on Sat April13 in Tokyo.

Do the hotels provide breakfast?

The hotels do provide continental breakfast.

Can two 17-year-olds travel alone with your tour group? Without parents or an adult? (but, we can supply signed parental consent forms?)

Yes, of course two 17-year-olds can travel with our tour group - they need their parents permit to travel to Japan, but not to join the tour.

I would like to ask if this tour includes a guide in each city, or if everything is self-guided.

Yes, the tour will be accompanied by an expert guide throughout all the cities included in the itinerary. This way, you'll have valuable insights and assistance during your journey.

Meals are not included but is it possible to purchase breakfast at the hotels? Also, is insurance included? If not, what type needs to be purchased for this trip?

Yes, it's possible to add breakfast to the hotel. Insurance is unfortunately not included. There is no special insurance required. Travel insurance is recommended.

Do you have 2 person private tour?

Private tour will be the same price?

for day 8 are we travelling by train but we also have the option to fly?

Could you explain a bit further your inquiry? You mean if we can include flights?

Need twin beds for two single guys

We will select twin beds, no problem. Do you want to add the transfer from Osaka to KIX? Please let us know if private or shared.

From

US $2,874 per person

12 Day Best of Japan the Golden Route

12 days

•

From Tokyo to Osaka

1.5

2 traveler reviews

View all
View all

From

US $2,874 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Operator: Tourist Journey
In-depth Cultural: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Partially Guided: Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 50
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Tokyo
Start point
Tokyo Prefecture, Japan (Tokyo)
Accommodation
Hotel (the b shimbashi, Tokyo), Hotel (Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai Tokyo), Hotel (The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection)
Optional Activities
- Shared airport transfer
Day 2
Tokyo
Accommodation
Hotel (the b shimbashi, Tokyo), Hotel (Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai Tokyo), Hotel (The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection)
Included Activities
- Walking tour near Tokyo Station
- Imperial Palace Gardens visit
- Senso-ji Temple visit
- Meiji Jingu Shrine visit
- Harajuku district exploration
- Shibuya Crossing viewing
Optional Activities
- Lunch at local restaurant (free time for lunch)
Landmarks
Imperial Palace Gardens
Nijubashi Bridge
Nakamise-dori street
Senso-ji Temple
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Harajuku district
Shibuya Crossing
Day 3
Tokyo
Accommodation
Hotel (the b shimbashi, Tokyo), Hotel (Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai Tokyo), Hotel (The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection)
Optional Activities
- Self-guided city exploration
- Local restaurant dining
- Hotel relaxation
Day 4
Tokyo
Meals
Tasting (4-5 traditional food tastings including seafood and savory meat)
Accommodation
Hotel (the b shimbashi, Tokyo), Hotel (Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai Tokyo), Hotel (The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection)
Included Activities
- Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple purification ritual observation
- Tsukiji Outer Market exploration
- Food tastings at vendors - 4-5 traditional foods
- Namiyoke Shrine visit
Landmarks
Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple
Tsukiji Outer Market
Namiyoke Shrine
Day 5
Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Accommodation
Hotel (the b shimbashi, Tokyo), Hotel (Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai Tokyo), Hotel (The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection)
Included Activities
- Oishi Park visit with Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji views
- Arakura-Fuji Sengen Shrine visit
- Mount Fuji 5th Station visit
- Oshino Hakkai natural ponds water tasting
Landmarks
Oishi Park
Lake Kawaguchi
Mount Fuji
Arakura-Fuji Sengen Shrine
Mount Fuji 5th Station
Oshino Hakkai
Day 6
Tokyo to Kanazawa
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Forza Kanazawa), Hotel (the square hotel KANAZAWA), Hotel (Hyatt Centric Kanazawa)
Included Activities
- Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa
Optional Activities
- Kenrokuen Garden visit
- Self-guided Kanazawa exploration
Landmarks
Kenrokuen Garden
Day 7
Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
Meals
Lunch (Lunch in Shirakawa-go)
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Forza Kanazawa), Hotel (the square hotel KANAZAWA), Hotel (Hyatt Centric Kanazawa)
Included Activities
- Shirakawa-go village exploration
- Lunch in Shirakawa-go
Optional Activities
- Gokayama Kaminashi district walk (Monday/Tuesday/Friday)
- Gokayama village discovery (Monday/Tuesday/Friday)
- Hida-Takayama exploration (Wednesday/Thursday)
Landmarks
Shirakawa-go
Gokayama Kaminashi district
Gokayama village
Hida-Takayama
Day 8
Kanazawa to Kyoto
Accommodation
Hotel (Comfort Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma), Hotel (Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER), Hotel (The Thousand Kyoto)
Included Activities
- Train to Kyoto
- Pontocho Alley walk
- Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni viewing
- Gion district exploration
- Gion Corner visit
- Yasaka Shrine visit
- Hanamikoji Street stroll
Landmarks
Pontocho Alley
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni
Gion
Gion Corner
Yasaka Shrine
Hanamikoji Street
Day 9
Kyoto & Nara
Accommodation
Hotel (JR WEST GROUP VIA INN Prime SHINSAIBASHI YOTSUBASHI), Hotel (HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi), Hotel (Hotel THE LEBEN OSAKA)
Included Activities
- Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple) visit
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest stroll
- Fushimi Inari Shrine visit with red torii gates
- Todai-ji Temple visit
- Great Buddha viewing
- Nara Park free time with Sika deer
- Train to Osaka with guide
Optional Activities
- Lunch (free time)
Landmarks
Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple)
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Todai-ji Temple
Great Buddha
Nara Park
Day 10
Osaka to Hiroshima & Miyajima
Accommodation
Hotel (JR WEST GROUP VIA INN Prime SHINSAIBASHI YOTSUBASHI), Hotel (HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi), Hotel (Hotel THE LEBEN OSAKA)
Included Activities
- Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima
- Ferry to Miyajima
- Itsukushima Shrine visit
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park visit
- A-Bomb Dome viewing
Landmarks
Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
A-Bomb Dome
Day 11
Osaka
Accommodation
Hotel (JR WEST GROUP VIA INN Prime SHINSAIBASHI YOTSUBASHI), Hotel (HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi), Hotel (Hotel THE LEBEN OSAKA)
Included Activities
- Namba & Dotonbori entertainment district exploration
- Hozeiji Temple visit
- Kuromon Ichiba Market visit
- Shinsekai neighborhoods exploration
- Osaka Castle visit
- Shinsaibashi shopping district walk
- Nipponbashi exploration
Landmarks
Namba
Dotonbori
Hozeiji Temple
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Shinsekai
Osaka Castle
Shinsaibashi shopping district
Nipponbashi
Day 12
Osaka
End point
Osaka, Japan (Osaka)
Optional Activities
- Transfer to Kansai Airport (KIX)
- Transfer to Tokyo city center

Landmarks
Imperial Palace Gardens
Nijubashi Bridge
Nakamise-dori street
Senso-ji Temple
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Harajuku district
Shibuya Crossing

Landmarks
Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple
Tsukiji Outer Market
Namiyoke Shrine

Landmarks
Oishi Park
Lake Kawaguchi
Mount Fuji
Arakura-Fuji Sengen Shrine
Mount Fuji 5th Station
Oshino Hakkai

Landmarks
Kenrokuen Garden

Landmarks
Shirakawa-go
Gokayama Kaminashi district
Gokayama village
Hida-Takayama

Landmarks
Pontocho Alley
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni
Gion
Gion Corner
Yasaka Shrine
Hanamikoji Street

Landmarks
Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple)
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Todai-ji Temple
Great Buddha
Nara Park

Landmarks
Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
A-Bomb Dome

Landmarks
Namba
Dotonbori
Hozeiji Temple
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Shinsekai
Osaka Castle
Shinsaibashi shopping district
Nipponbashi

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Meals
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai Tokyo
Hotel
Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
the b shimbashi, Tokyo
Hotel
Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection
Hotel
Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Hotel Forza Kanazawa
Hotel
Days 6, 7
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Hotel
Days 6, 7
the square hotel KANAZAWA
Hotel
Days 6, 7
Comfort Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma
Hotel
day 8
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER
Hotel
day 8
The Thousand Kyoto
Hotel
day 8
JR WEST GROUP VIA INN Prime SHINSAIBASHI YOTSUBASHI
Hotel
Days 9, 10, 11
HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi
Hotel
Days 9, 10, 11
Hotel THE LEBEN OSAKA
Hotel
Days 9, 10, 11

Adventure Type

Choose the type of organized adventure that suits your preferences.

Group Adventures
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships.
What to expect
- Group of 50 travelers max.
- Fast booking confirmation
- Carefully planned itineraries
- Travel with like-minded people
Starting at
US $2,874 / traveler
Check availability
Personalized Adventures
Customize an existing itinerary or create your own.
What to expect
- Travel with your own group of min. 1 travelers
- Choose your preferred dates and duration
- Upgrade your accommodation
- Customize the itineraries
After requesting a quote, we will get back to you with a price based on your requirements.
Request quote

Operated by

Tourist Journey

3.9

(47 reviews)

Number of tours

Age Range

1 to 99 years old

Response time

within 3 days

Response rate

100%

We are travel enthusiasts, redefining the way journeys are experienced. Our...

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

1.5

Overall rating based on 2 Reviews

Itinerary
1.5
Transport
2.0
Guide
2.0
Accommodation
3.5
Food
2.0
Tour Operator
3.9

R
robert
January 28th, 2025
1
Not guided, guide no show on day 7. Poor organization as far as where to meet guides and distance from hotels....
Show more
Traveled in January 2025
Reply from: Tourist Journey
Hi Robert! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback on the 12-Day Best of Japan – The Golden Route tour. We’re sorry to hear that the experience didn’t meet your expectations. Our goal is to offer a balance of guided exploration and independent travel so guests can enjoy flexibility while still benefiting from expert insights and support. That said, we understand that finding meeting points in a large city like Tokyo can sometimes be a challenge. To help with this, we’ve recently improved our meeting instructions by including detailed descriptions, map links, and even photos to make navigation easier. We also provide live support 7 days a week in case any additional guidance is needed. Regarding the accommodation, we do offer hotel options across a range of budgets. In many cases, we can suggest hotels that are closer to the meeting points for added convenience — and we’d have been happy to assist with this if informed in advance. We value your comments and take them seriously as we continue refining the tour experience for all our travelers. Thank you again for your insights, and we wish you all the best in your future travels.
Show more
M
Mark
November 7th, 2024
2
Quite a number of organisation issues including failure to be booked on one day trip and one half day trip....
Quite a number of organisation issues including failure to be booked on one day trip and one half day trip. Communications delayed due to location of Tour Company out of the time zone. Had to spend an hour each day just trying to understand the itinerary updates. The last day included 8 hours of driving to do a rushed few hours at the destination. Hotels located quite a long way from the daily meet up pointsShow more
Traveled in October 2024
Reply from: Tourist Journey
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Mark. Our customer support team is available 7 days a week and we strive to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, especially during busy seasons like autumn. We understand the importance of clear communication and regret any delays you experienced in getting the updates you needed. Regarding the day trips, we always aim to provide the best possible experience, and sometimes adjustments are made to itineraries due to factors like weather or unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. As for the hotels, we offer a range of options, but we understand that proximity to the meeting points can be crucial. For future bookings, we can help suggest accommodations that are more conveniently located for your needs. We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we’ll take your feedback on board to further improve our services!
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

From Friday
13 Mar, 2026
To Tuesday
24 Mar, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types
From Saturday
14 Mar, 2026
To Wednesday
25 Mar, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types
From Sunday
15 Mar, 2026
To Thursday
26 Mar, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Monday
16 Mar, 2026
To Friday
27 Mar, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Tuesday
17 Mar, 2026
To Saturday
28 Mar, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Wednesday
18 Mar, 2026
To Sunday
29 Mar, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Thursday
19 Mar, 2026
To Monday
30 Mar, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Friday
20 Mar, 2026
To Tuesday
31 Mar, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
21 Mar, 2026
To Wednesday
1 Apr, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Sunday
22 Mar, 2026
To Thursday
2 Apr, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,175 per person
Multiple Room Types

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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D
Don
Asked on February 5th, 2026
Could you please provide more information on the itinerary, inclusions, and the types of accommodations for this tour?
Accommodation
Tour Details
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written February 2026
  The itinerary, inclusions/exclusion and type of accommodation can be find in our TourRadar page.
D
Dean
Asked on April 3rd, 2025
Will someone meet us at Narita Airport to help get transfer from there to our hotel as I paid for transfer but have received nothing buit statement sayingh about Skyliner ans Subway. I have nothing in hand as far as tickets or info as to how,where to catch the rtides.
Flights / Transfers
Transport
- D
  Dean
  Traveler•Written April 2025
  I am booked on a Tourist Journey and will leave Thailand in 2 1/2 days but still nothing about meeting at airport, Paid for transfer from airport to hotel, Not sure where meeting point is on Sat April13 in Tokyo.
- D
  Dean
  Traveler•Written April 2025
  Your help has been worthless so far as they refuse to get info here and I leave for airport in 3 hours. who and how do i contact this outfit once I land in Tokyo
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written April 2025
  I can see in your booking that you have a shared transfer from Narita to your hotel, so you'll be responsible for taking the Skyliner and subway on your own. Our customer service team will be sending you the voucher soon, along with all the meeting points and times for your tours.
M
Melanie
Asked on December 20th, 2024
Do the hotels provide breakfast?
Accommodation
Meals
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written December 2024
  The hotels do provide continental breakfast.
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written December 2024
  Please note that we can gladly add breakfast to the package for all of the hotels. Keep in mind that due to the number of participants you have, it must be a private package. To send you a proposal please let me know how would the rooms be? 7 double rooms?
J
Jay
Asked on October 13th, 2024
Can two 17-year-olds travel alone with your tour group? Without parents or an adult? (but, we can supply signed parental consent forms?)
Age Range
Tour Details
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written October 2024
  Yes, of course two 17-year-olds can travel with our tour group - they need their parents permit to travel to Japan, but not to join the tour.
- J
  Jay
  Traveler•Written October 2024
  For the time spent in Hiroshima, will there be time to go inside the Hiroshima Museum? Are tickets included?
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written October 2024
  The inclusions and exclusions are: a) Includes: Hand-picked expert tour guide, Miyajima visitor tax, Transportation by Shinkansen b) Excludes: Meals & drinks, Personal travel insurance, Gratuities
S
Sandy
Asked on September 26th, 2024
I would like to ask if this tour includes a guide in each city, or if everything is self-guided.
Tour Details
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written September 2024
  Yes, the tour will be accompanied by an expert guide throughout all the cities included in the itinerary. This way, you'll have valuable insights and assistance during your journey.
A
Allison
Asked on September 5th, 2024
Meals are not included but is it possible to purchase breakfast at the hotels? Also, is insurance included? If not, what type needs to be purchased for this trip?
Meals
Travel Support
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written September 2024
  Yes, it's possible to add breakfast to the hotel. Insurance is unfortunately not included. There is no special insurance required. Travel insurance is recommended.
J
Joanna
Asked on August 28th, 2024
Do you have 2 person private tour?
Price / Availability
Tour Details
- J
  Joanna
  Traveler•Written September 2024
  Private tour will be the same price?
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written September 2024
  Private tour will generally have a different price compared to a group tour. Private tours usually come at a higher cost due to the exclusive nature and personalized service provided. If you'd like more specific details or a quote for a private tour, please let me know, and I'll be happy to provide that information.
N
Natasha
Asked on August 5th, 2024
for day 8 are we travelling by train but we also have the option to fly?
Tour Details
Transport
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written August 2024
  Could you explain a bit further your inquiry? You mean if we can include flights?
H
Helen
Asked on July 25th, 2024
Need twin beds for two single guys
Accommodation
- Tourist JourneyOperator•Written July 2024
  We will select twin beds, no problem. Do you want to add the transfer from Osaka to KIX? Please let us know if private or shared.
- H
  Helen
  Traveler•Written July 2024
  Want to add transfer to KIX from Osaka if reasonably priced

From

US $2,874 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 285113

Currency
¥
Yen
Japan
Plugs & Adapters
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before April 14th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after April 14th, 2026, a minimum payment of 35% is required to confirm your booking with Tourist Journey. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 35 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Tourist Journey will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Tourist Journey" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Tourist Journey. Please familiarize yourself with the Tourist Journey payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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12 Day Best of Japan the Golden Route

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Adventure Type

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

Travel Insurance

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

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