Travel site for foreigners visiting Japan Lumina Travel

【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan

Tokyo / Hakone / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Hiroshima - With Private Vehicle & English-Speaking Guide

This 10-day itinerary follows Japan’s Golden Route, covering Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima. In addition to major cultural highlights, the journey includes time to explore historic cities, coastal scenery, and places of reflection. Traveling with a private vehicle and English-speaking guide ensures smooth connections across regions. Ideal for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to Japan with added depth and perspective.

  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan

Seasonal Hightlights

  • This 10-day itinerary is designed for year-round operation, with seasonal changes expressed through scenery, visibility, and travel comfort rather than reliance on festivals or fixed events.
  • Spring (March – May) Mild temperatures and stable weather make this the most comfortable season for a 10-day journey. Cherry blossoms appear across cities, gardens, riversides, and historical sites, adding seasonal scenery without affecting travel pace.
  • Summer (June – August) Long daylight hours allow for extended sightseeing and flexible daily schedules. Lush greenery dominates the landscapes, while coastal and island areas provide natural ventilation compared to inland cities.
  • Autumn (September – November) Clear air and cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for long-distance travel. Autumn foliage enhances temples, shrines, mountains, and urban parks, offering strong visual contrast throughout the route.
  • Winter (December – February) Lower visitor numbers allow smoother sightseeing at major highlights. Crisp weather brings clearer visibility, particularly for coastal views and open landscapes, and a calmer overall travel rhythm.

Travel Itinerary

DAY City/Area Highlight Details & Experiences Accomodation Style Photo
DAY1 Arrival in Tokyo Welcome to Japan! Begin your journey in Tokyo, a dazzling metropolis where centuries-old traditions coexist with futuristic skylines. Feel the excitement as your guide greets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel in comfort.
  • Meet your English-speaking guide at Narita or Haneda Airport. Transfer to your hotel by private vehicle.
  • Evening free at leisure for first impressions of Tokyo.
Tokyo International-standard hotel Arrival in Tokyo
DAY2 Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing Explore Tokyo’s contrasts — ancient temples, serene shrines, bustling shopping streets, and vibrant cityscapes — all with special knowledge from your guide.
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Visit:Asakusa & Senso-ji – Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, a spiritual landmark with centuries of history.
  • Nakamise Shopping Street – Edo-era avenue of traditional snacks and crafts.
  • Meiji Shrine – A tranquil Shinto shrine nestled in a lush man-made forest.
  • Harajuku / Omotesando – Hub of fashion, youth culture, and striking architecture.
  • Shibuya Crossing – Experience the pulse of modern Tokyo at the world’s busiest intersection.
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Kyoto International-standard hotel Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing
DAY3 Excursion to Hakone Escape into nature with views of Mt. Fuji, volcanic valleys, and hot-spring culture — Hakone is the gateway to Japan’s natural beauty.
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Visit: Lake Ashi Cruise – Scenic boat ride with Mt. Fuji views on clear days.
  • Hakone Ropeway – A panoramic cable ride over steaming valleys and lush mountains.
  • Owakudani Valley – Dramatic volcanic valley, famous for black eggs said to add seven years of life.
  • Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Tokyo International-standard hotel Excursion to Hakone
DAY4 Tokyo →
Kyoto (Shinkansen)
Transfer to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital.Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital, famous for its temples, shrines, and geisha culture. Enjoy beautiful gardens, historic streets, and seasonal scenery. A must-visit for a taste of traditional Japan.
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Guide-assisted transfer to Tokyo Station. Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto (luggage forwarded separately for comfort).
  • Afternoon Visit: Kiyomizu-dera Temple – UNESCO site with a dramatic wooden stage overlooking Kyoto, guided stroll in Gion District, Kyoto’s famous geisha quarter with traditional wooden teahouses.
Kyoto International-standard hotel Tokyo →<br>
Kyoto (Shinkansen)
DAY5 Kyoto Full-Day
Sightseeing
Step into Kyoto’s cultural treasures — golden temples, sacred gates, and landscapes that have inspired emperors and poets alike.
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Visit: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – A Zen temple covered in gold leaf, shimmering against a reflective pond.
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Stroll through an enchanting forest of towering bamboo.
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine – Walk beneath thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates.
  • Check in hotel in the evening.
Kyoto International-standard hotel Kyoto Full-Day<br>
Sightseeing
DAY6 Excursion to Nara Find serenity in Japan’s first capital, where ancient temples and sacred deer reflect a harmony of history and nature.
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Visit: Todai-ji Temple – Built in the 8th century, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu).
  • Nara Park – A vast green space where sacred deer freely interact with visitors.
  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine – A spiritual site renowned for its stone and bronze lanterns. guided stroll in Naramachi -discover old charm town. Return to hotel in Kyoto in the evening.
Kyoto International-standard hotel Excursion to Nara
DAY7 Kyoto →
Osaka
Experience Osaka’s vibrant spirit — a city of samurai castles, neon-lit entertainment districts, and mouthwatering street food.
  • With private vehicle & guide: Transfer to Osaka.
  • Visit: Osaka Castle – Originally built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, symbol of unification.
  • Aqualiner boat -You can enjoy views of the city from the river.
  • Dotonbori – Neon-lit canalside entertainment district, best enjoyed with Osaka’s street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
  • Return to hotel in Osaka in the evening.
Osaka International-standard hotel Kyoto →<br>
Osaka
DAY8 Osaka →
Hiroshima
Hiroshima, a city that turned great tragedy into a strong message of peace. Walking through the city, visitors not only learn about its history but also feel the spirit of recovery and hope that defines Hiroshima today.
  • With private vehicle & guide: Transfer to Shin-Osaka. Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima
  • Visit: Peace Memorial Park – A serene space dedicated to remembrance and peace.
  • Peace Memorial Museum – A powerful exhibition sharing Hiroshima’s story and message of hope.
  • Atomic Bomb Dome – A UNESCO site that stands as a symbol of resilience.
  • Shukkeien Garden – A historic garden offering calm and seasonal beauty.
  • Check in hotel in the evenng
Hiroshiama nternational-standard hotel Osaka →<br>
Hiroshima
DAY9 Hiroshima →
Osaka
For centuries, Miyajima has been revered as a sacred island. With its deep history, spiritual traditions, and scenic beauty, it offers visitors a timeless glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage.
  • With private vehicle & guide: Transfer to Miyajima.
  • Sail across to Miyajima Island Visit: Itsukushima Shrine-A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its “floating” torii gate.
  • Five-Storied Pagoda & Senjokaku – Scenic photo spots near the shrine.
  • Omotesando Street – Try oysters, anago-meshi, and momiji manju. Mount Misen – Ropeway + short hike, panoramic views of Seto Inland Sea.
  • Return Ferry – Back to Hiroshima by train,Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka
Osaka International-standard hotel Hiroshima →<br>
Osaka
DAY10 Departure from Osaka Say farewell to Japan with lasting memories — enjoy one last stroll or shopping experience before your journey home.
  • Free time for last-minute shopping in Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s bustling arcade.
  • Private transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for departure.
- Departure from Osaka

Travel Itinerary

DAY1

City / Area
Arrival in Tokyo
Highlight
Welcome to Japan! Begin your journey in Tokyo, a dazzling metropolis where centuries-old traditions coexist with futuristic skylines. Feel the excitement as your guide greets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel in comfort.
Details & Experiences
  • Meet your English-speaking guide at Narita or Haneda Airport. Transfer to your hotel by private vehicle.
  • Evening free at leisure for first impressions of Tokyo.
Accomodation Style
Tokyo International-standard hotel
Photo
Arrival in Tokyo

DAY2

City / Area
Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing
Highlight
Explore Tokyo’s contrasts — ancient temples, serene shrines, bustling shopping streets, and vibrant cityscapes — all with special knowledge from your guide.
Details & Experiences
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Visit:Asakusa & Senso-ji – Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, a spiritual landmark with centuries of history.
  • Nakamise Shopping Street – Edo-era avenue of traditional snacks and crafts.
  • Meiji Shrine – A tranquil Shinto shrine nestled in a lush man-made forest.
  • Harajuku / Omotesando – Hub of fashion, youth culture, and striking architecture.
  • Shibuya Crossing – Experience the pulse of modern Tokyo at the world’s busiest intersection.
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Kyoto International-standard hotel
Photo
Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing

DAY3

City / Area
Excursion to Hakone
Highlight
Escape into nature with views of Mt. Fuji, volcanic valleys, and hot-spring culture — Hakone is the gateway to Japan’s natural beauty.
Details & Experiences
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Visit: Lake Ashi Cruise – Scenic boat ride with Mt. Fuji views on clear days.
  • Hakone Ropeway – A panoramic cable ride over steaming valleys and lush mountains.
  • Owakudani Valley – Dramatic volcanic valley, famous for black eggs said to add seven years of life.
  • Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Tokyo International-standard hotel
Photo
Excursion to Hakone

DAY4

City / Area
Tokyo →
Kyoto (Shinkansen)
Highlight
Transfer to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital.Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital, famous for its temples, shrines, and geisha culture. Enjoy beautiful gardens, historic streets, and seasonal scenery. A must-visit for a taste of traditional Japan.
Details & Experiences
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Guide-assisted transfer to Tokyo Station. Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto (luggage forwarded separately for comfort).
  • Afternoon Visit: Kiyomizu-dera Temple – UNESCO site with a dramatic wooden stage overlooking Kyoto, guided stroll in Gion District, Kyoto’s famous geisha quarter with traditional wooden teahouses.
Accomodation Style
Kyoto International-standard hotel
Photo
Tokyo →<br>
Kyoto (Shinkansen)

DAY5

City / Area
Kyoto Full-Day
Sightseeing
Highlight
Step into Kyoto’s cultural treasures — golden temples, sacred gates, and landscapes that have inspired emperors and poets alike.
Details & Experiences
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Visit: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – A Zen temple covered in gold leaf, shimmering against a reflective pond.
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Stroll through an enchanting forest of towering bamboo.
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine – Walk beneath thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates.
  • Check in hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Kyoto International-standard hotel
Photo
Kyoto Full-Day<br>
Sightseeing

DAY6

City / Area
Excursion to Nara
Highlight
Find serenity in Japan’s first capital, where ancient temples and sacred deer reflect a harmony of history and nature.
Details & Experiences
  • With private vehicle & guide
  • Visit: Todai-ji Temple – Built in the 8th century, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu).
  • Nara Park – A vast green space where sacred deer freely interact with visitors.
  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine – A spiritual site renowned for its stone and bronze lanterns. guided stroll in Naramachi -discover old charm town. Return to hotel in Kyoto in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Kyoto International-standard hotel
Photo
Excursion to Nara

DAY7

City / Area
Kyoto →
Osaka
Highlight
Experience Osaka’s vibrant spirit — a city of samurai castles, neon-lit entertainment districts, and mouthwatering street food.
Details & Experiences
  • With private vehicle & guide: Transfer to Osaka.
  • Visit: Osaka Castle – Originally built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, symbol of unification.
  • Aqualiner boat -You can enjoy views of the city from the river.
  • Dotonbori – Neon-lit canalside entertainment district, best enjoyed with Osaka’s street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
  • Return to hotel in Osaka in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Osaka International-standard hotel
Photo
Kyoto →<br>
Osaka

DAY8

City / Area
Osaka →
Hiroshima
Highlight
Hiroshima, a city that turned great tragedy into a strong message of peace. Walking through the city, visitors not only learn about its history but also feel the spirit of recovery and hope that defines Hiroshima today.
Details & Experiences
  • With private vehicle & guide: Transfer to Shin-Osaka. Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima
  • Visit: Peace Memorial Park – A serene space dedicated to remembrance and peace.
  • Peace Memorial Museum – A powerful exhibition sharing Hiroshima’s story and message of hope.
  • Atomic Bomb Dome – A UNESCO site that stands as a symbol of resilience.
  • Shukkeien Garden – A historic garden offering calm and seasonal beauty.
  • Check in hotel in the evenng
Accomodation Style
Hiroshiama nternational-standard hotel
Photo
Osaka →<br>
Hiroshima

DAY9

City / Area
Hiroshima →
Osaka
Highlight
For centuries, Miyajima has been revered as a sacred island. With its deep history, spiritual traditions, and scenic beauty, it offers visitors a timeless glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage.
Details & Experiences
  • With private vehicle & guide: Transfer to Miyajima.
  • Sail across to Miyajima Island Visit: Itsukushima Shrine-A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its “floating” torii gate.
  • Five-Storied Pagoda & Senjokaku – Scenic photo spots near the shrine.
  • Omotesando Street – Try oysters, anago-meshi, and momiji manju. Mount Misen – Ropeway + short hike, panoramic views of Seto Inland Sea.
  • Return Ferry – Back to Hiroshima by train,Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka
Accomodation Style
Osaka International-standard hotel
Photo
Hiroshima →<br>
Osaka

DAY10

City / Area
Departure from Osaka
Highlight
Say farewell to Japan with lasting memories — enjoy one last stroll or shopping experience before your journey home.
Details & Experiences
  • Free time for last-minute shopping in Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s bustling arcade.
  • Private transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for departure.
Accomodation Style
-
Photo
Departure from Osaka

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  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan
  • 【Perfect for First-Time Visitors】10-Day Golden Route of Japan