The Golden Route of Japan from Kyoto to Tokyo by bus.

1965 €, 8 Days

Experience Japan’s perfect mix of old and new on this unforgettable journey from Kyoto to Tokyo. Along the way, you’ll discover incredible sights, rich traditions, and a variety of regional flavors.

Start in Kyoto, where ancient temples, the vibrant torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the peaceful bamboo forests of Arashiyama transport you to another era. In Kanazawa, wander through the lively fish market and the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscapes.

Takayama offers a glimpse into rural life with the charming, thatched-roof houses of Shirakawago, while the iconic Mt. Fuji provides breathtaking views from the 5th Station. Finally, Tokyo’s electric energy welcomes you with its buzzing streets, cultural hotspots, and the pulse of modern Japan.

Every stop tells a different piece of Japan’s story—ready to explore?

Highlights:
♦ The historic city of Kyoto - Japan's cultural capital with more than 2000 temples and shrines
♦ Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station - a majestic volcano, an iconic symbol, and a cultural treasure
♦ Shirakawago - known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
♦ Lake Kawaguchiko - providing a picturesque setting for exploring the region.
♦ Modern Tokyo - Japan's vibrant capital where tradition meets innovation

Itinerary:

Day 1. (Saturday) Arrival Kyoto
Transfer by train from the airport to Kyoto station (incl.). Final arrival and check-in at the hotel on your own and at your own expenses. Use the rest of the day to soak up your impressions of this iconic and historic city: The capital of Japan and the emperor's residence from 794 to 1868. Overnight at Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar. (-/-/-)

Day 2. (Sunday) Kyoto - 4 major sites in one day
Early breakfast at the hotel, after which you will go on your own to Kyoto Station, where the bus for today's experiences stops. There is an English-speaking guide on the tour, which has its first stop on the outskirts of Kyoto at Fushimi Inari Taisa, where Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousand shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. From here, continue to Kiyomizudera, a UNESCO protected temple complex. Here you have time for a light lunch. From Kiyomizu-dera Temple we go further on to Kinkakuji, a Zen temple whose two upper floors are covered with gold leaf. In Arashiyama, fantastic nature, traditional cityscapes and peaceful temples await. The tour ends at the large Avanti shopping center, where you can make a good purchase. The rest of the day is on your own. (B/-/-)

Day 3. (Monday) Kyoto – Kanazawa
Today we take the bus from Kyoto Station to Kanazawa, where we will visit the impressive fish market. The restaurants here are popular and the exciting fish menus are insanely delicious. We also visit Kenrokuen – one of the three most beautiful Japanese gardens in the country. Own transport from the station to the hotel Kanazawa Daiwa Roynet Kanazawa Nishiguchi or similar. (B/-/-)

Day 4. (Tuesday) Kanazawa – Takayama
The morning is spent on your own and just after noon we depart from the station (own transport to the station) for Takayama. Along the way we stop in Shriakawago, famous for its distinctive wooden gardens up to 250 years old and on the UNESCO World Heritage List. From the remote mountains we drive to Takayama, where we arrive at the station at 6 am. Overnight stay at Hotel Takayama Hida or similar. lik. (B/-/-)

Day 5. (Wednesday) Takayama – Mt. Fuji – Tokyo
Early breakfast you depart on your own from the hotel to the bus stop, from where the trip continues towards Tokyo. But first awaits Mt. Fuji, (3776 m), Japan's highest mountain and an active volcano that has been dormant for the last 400 years. We stop at Mt.Fuji 5th station, (highest option and if not possible an alternative will be found). The station is above the lower level of clouds halfway up Mt. Fuji. From here we continue to Tokyo, where we drop off at Taranomon Hills. Own transport to the hotel and overnight at Hotel Tokyo Monterey Ginza or similar. (B/-/-)

Day 6. (Thursday) Tokyo
Early in the morning you will find your way to Shinjuku Center, from where the bus will take you on an exciting excursion that begins with a visit to Enoshima, a charming island known for its stunning coastal views, shrines and beautiful beaches. Then we will continue to Kamakura, where you can admire the iconic Big Buddha and explore ancient temples nestled in lush green areas. We will continue to Asakusa, where the famous Senso-ji Temple is located. Here you will also find the 250 m long Nakamise Street, Japan's oldest and most famous shopping street. After a day full of cultural highlights, the tour ends in the lively district of Shibuya, where you can enjoy the bustling energy of Tokyo. (B/-/-)

Day 7. (Friday) Tokyo
Use the day to make your own experiences and enjoy the opportunity to explore, see, taste, feel exactly what you want. (B/-/-)

Day 8. (Saturday) Tokyo
The tour ends after breakfast and if you are going on by plane/train or bus, you can take a taxi to the terminals. (B/-/-)

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

Transfers: There are no hotel pick-up or drop-off transfers included in this trip
Luggage: Each passenger is allowed one carry on baggage and one piece of luggage (lxwxh >250cm) to be stored under the bus
Scheduled times: Please plan to arrive to the meeting point at least 10 minutes before time of departure. The bus will leave as scheduled without waiting for late arrivals. Same procedure for all scheduled / announced departures during stops.
Excursions (day 2 and day 6): The group is international and the guide is English speaking.
Boarding locations: Please be careful not to make a mistake in the boarding location. The stations are big and the boarding locations are different even if they are from same city.
More inspiration - check out our blog post about Tokyo here

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Price Includes:
7 nights in 4* hotels in shared double/twin or triple room with private facilities
Meals as per program (B=breakfast/L=lunch/D=dinner)
Airport transfer by train to Kyoto City (own transport to final hotel) upon arrival day 1
Transport by bus as per itinerary
English speaking guide on excursion days

Not Included:
Flight to Kyoto and from Tokyo
Airport transfer day 8
Any transport not mentioned included (necessary and optional)
Meals not mentioned included and drinking
Entrance fees
Tipping for drivers and guides
Insurance
Evt. visa
Personal expenses

Additional Services:
Extra nights before and after the round-trip - please ask for our best offer

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