Enjoy the Japan Golden Route in 10 days — Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa & Kyoto. UNESCO villages, samurai districts & expert guides. From $3,990.
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
The plan as the operator publishes it. Exact timings are confirmed with your booking.
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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. -
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. Discover Ueno’s cultural highlights, including Toshogu Shrine and Shinobazu Pond. -
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 -
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 -
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 traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) experience. -
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 beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscapes. -
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 -
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 enchanting Bamboo Grove, and enjoy scenic views from Togetsukyo Bridge. Lunch is included. -
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 -
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
What this holiday includes
Everything the price covers, and what to budget for separately.
Included
17- Meet and greet service upon arrival in Tokyo.
- Arrival airport transfer by shared taxi.
- Departure transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) by airport shuttle.
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Tokyo based on bed and breakfast
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Takayama based on bed and breakfast
- 1 night’s accommodation in Kanazawa based on bed and breakfast
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Kyoto based on bed and breakfast
- English-speaking guide during the scheduled guided sightseeing tours.
- Sightseeing tours as specified in the itinerary, including Tokyo, Kamakura, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, and Kyoto.
- Bullet train and express train tickets for the following routes:
- Tokyo → Nagoya → Takayama, using the Shinkansen and connecting express train.
- Public transportation and transfers as specified in the itinerary, including travel to Kamakura.
- Bus transportation from Takayama to Shirakawa-go and onward to Kanazawa.
- Entrance fees to the sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary.
- One lunch during the Kyoto sightseeing tour.
- Luggage transfer from Tokyo to Kyoto (1 luggage per Adult)
- All applicable service charges and taxes.
Not included
6- International airfare
- Japan entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Transfer from hotel to Station and Bullet train: Kanazawa → Kyoto
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Prices
Per person, by hotel standard and travel season. The operator publishes these rates; we confirm the exact cost for your dates before anything is booked.
Hotels used
Hotel Intergate Kanazawa
3
Monterey Akasaka Hotel
4
Moxy Kyoto
4
Takayama Ouan
4
| Occupancy | The Tour Price: (Valid from September 2026 - Till May 2027) |
|---|---|
| Price per Person (Min. 2 People) | USD 3,799 |
| Price per Person (Min. 4 People) | USD 2,999 |
| Price per Person (Min. 6 People) | USD 2,749 |
| Price per Person (Min. 8 People) | USD 2,649 |
| Price per Person (Min. 10 People) | USD 2,549 |
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