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Tourist Japan

Japan stands out as a unique destination where East meets West, seamlessly blending the old with the new. From the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, with its robotic restaurants and remote-controlled services, to the preserved traditional culture found in ancient villages and well-maintained temples, Japan offers a diverse and captivating experience.

For many, the chance to experience this unique combination feels like a far-off dream due to Japan’s notorious yet often mistaken reputation as an expensive, large and complicated place to visit. There’s also most often a language barrier. Frankly, it’s hard to know where to start.

Fortunately, Tourist Japan is helping solve this issue with its 14-day Golden Route Japan tour package. Imagine a path winding through Japan, connecting ancient temples with neon-lit metropolises and serene gardens with bullet-train speed. This is the Golden Route, a classic and concise itinerary for first-time visitors. Loosely following the historic Tokaido Road, once the main artery between Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto, it now encompasses a collection of Japan’s most captivating destinations.

Despite Japan’s reputation for complexity, Tourist Japan’s meticulously planned itineraries, knowledgeable guides and responsive customer service make things straightforward and enjoyable. Its flexible nature and customizable packages are particularly noteworthy, especially in a country where arrangements are generally more rigid and fixed. Its website also provides all the necessary pre-travel information, instilling confidence and excitement for the journey ahead.

For lovers of fashion and design, Tokyo is a city full of inspiration. Begin with a stay in the Trunk Hotel, a suave design accommodation in the heart of trendy Shibuya. It can be selected from the various options for all tastes and budgets during the booking process. The hotel is filled with Japanese-made furniture and art pieces by Ido Yoshimoto, Maru Michinori and David Horvitz, among others. It’s the perfect introduction to the incredible art and design that Tokyo is famous for. 

Each place along the route brings a true range of contrasting experiences. In Tokyo, visit historical and traditional sites like the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the beautiful Imperial Palace and a 300-year-old Buddhist temple to learn about ancient traditions. In contrast, enjoy an elevator ride up the Tokyo Tower—a modern-day architectural wonder offering panoramic bird’s-eye views of the lit-up city below. 

The free days in the schedule enable travellers to spend more time on the things that interest them the most, often upon the recommendations of the helpful guides. In Tokyo, for example, one can explore the incredible range of shopping districts. On one end is Ginza, home to high-end department stores, boutiques and art galleries. On the flip side, there’s the Nihonbashi district, filled with historical and traditional craft and regional food stores. The quaint neighbourhoods of Daikanyama and Nakameguro are full of ultra-trendy boutique retailers where local designers such as Minä Perhonen and Okura sit alongside international fashion names like Maison Kitsuné and APC. Daikanyama Tsutaya Books, possibly the world’s most beautiful bookstore, is a must-visit.

Next, travel to Mount Fuji to take in the spectacular views from one of the fifth stations. After some leisure time along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, embark on a scenic ride up the Panoramic Ropeway cable car and enjoy a boat cruise on the lake. Mount Fuji is famously difficult to reach via public transport from Tokyo, especially during off-peak times. There are a limited number of direct buses, and those going up from the mountain base are infrequent. With Tourist Japan, customers have the luxury of not having to worry about bus and train schedules. They’re simply given a time and place to meet the driver, and the rest is taken care of. 

In Takayama, a picturesque town nestled in the Japanese Alps, experience traditional Japanese hospitality at a ryokan, complete with an onsen (hot spring) and tatami mats. This authentic accommodation provides a welcome contrast to the more modern lodgings, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions.

Enjoy the thrill of a bullet-train ride to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and historical heart. The stark contrast between Kyoto’s rich history and modern-day architectural wonders is highlighted during a guided tour featuring iconic sites such as Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Sanjusangendo Temple and Kiyomizudera. 

On a day trip to Nara, explore Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in Nara Park. The next stop is a poignant guided visit to Hiroshima, a city with a resilient spirit and a testament to the horrors of war. 

Last but not least, Osaka offers a vibrant urban experience with its bustling entertainment districts, lively markets and impressive architectural landmarks. With your guide, explore the Namba and Dotonbori districts, wander through the vibrant Kuromon Ichiba Market, uncover the Shinsekai neighbourhood’s charm, marvel at the majestic Osaka Castle and indulge in shopping at the Shinsaibashi shopping district.

Tourist Japan’s all-inclusive packages, covering hotels, tours, transfers and personalized activities, remove barriers to travelling in Japan. Catering to various budgets and time frames, they make Japan accessible and enjoyable for all travellers, from first-time visitors to seasoned explorers.

KO Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.