The Ultimate Japan Vacation: Discover the Golden Route with Tiki Travel Agency

Japan is a country where modern cities are built around ancient temples - where every meal feel like art, and centuries of culture still intrigue today’s generation.  

Tiki Travel Agency specializes in helping travelers experience Japan’s Golden Route, the perfect first-time itinerary that connects Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.  This route showcases Japan’s iconic cities and gives travelers a deep sense of the country’s history, spirit, and beauty. 

Let’s further explore each destination and the experiences you can’t miss. Your flight is long, and the airline ticket isn’t cheap, let’s explore each destination so you don’t miss these popular experiences.  

Tokyo – The Electrifying Gateway to Japan

Tokyo is Japan’s busy capital city and is considered the beating heart of innovation.  Originally a small fishing village named Edo, it rose to prominence in the 1600s.  Today, Tokyo is massive, and the world’s most populous metropolitan area.  Tokyo has 23 wards, and the most popular are Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza.  

Why is Tokyo Unique: 

No other city in Japan captures the country’s diversity like Tokyo.  You can sip matcha in a century-old garden and a block away visit a café, where robots serve a bowl of ramen.  

Top Experiences in Tokyo: 

• Visit Asakusa to see the historic Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. 

• Shop for your favorite luxury brands in Shibuya or visit Takeshita Street in Harajuku for cosplay or cute culture items.  

• Ginza is well-known for high-end fashion and fine dining. 

• Visit an interactive, digital art museum at TeamLab Plants in Toyosu.  

• Enjoy the calmness in the Meiji Shrine forest. 

Popular Areas to Stay: 

• Shinjuku: Vibrant and active nightlife with easy train access.

• Shibuya: Trendy, youthful, and full of shopping and eating.  

• Ginza: Elegant, luxurious, and very walkable. 

• Asakusa: Budget and family friendly with rich culture. 

A Tokyo vacation offers enough entertainment and activities without the need to explore more.  However, if you have enough time in your vacation plans or with careful itinerary planning, you can experience much, much more.  

Mt. Fuji and Hakone – Japan’s Sacred Mountain

Mount Fuji is the symbol of Japan and has been worshipped as a sacred mountain for centuries. The surrounding areas that include Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) offer a peaceful escape for the cities. 

Why is Mt. Fuji Unique: 

The area blends nature, spirituality, and relaxation into one perfect visit.  From the steaming onsen baths to the serene lake cruises, you will have the postcard-perfect views of Mt. Fuji.  

Top Experiences in Mt. Fuji: 

• Take the Hakone Ropeway for a view of Owakudani Valley’s volcanic steam vents. 

• Cruise Lake Ashi and spot Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

• Visit the Chureito Pagoda, one of Japan’s most iconic viewpoints.

• Soak in a traditional onsen bath at a local ryokan, a Japanese inn.  

Popular Areas to Stay: 

• Hakone: Great for hot springs and luxury ryokans. 

• Kawaguchiko: Stunning Mt. Fuji views and lake scenery. 

• Gotemba: Known for shopping and easy train access.

Kyoto – The Soul of Traditional Japan

Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years and remains the cultural heart of the country.  It is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, countless gardens, and the homes are traditional machiya (wooden townhouses). 

Why is Kyoto Unique: 

Kyoto is where Japan’s traditions are preserved.  A visit to Kyoto includes geisha performances, kimonos, and a tea ceremony.

Top Experiences in Kyoto:

• Walk through Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of red torii gates.

• See the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji.

• Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at sunrise and then hike to monkey park in the afternoon to visit the Japanese macaque monkeys.

• Explore the Gion District, Kyoto’s geisha quarter. 

Popular Areas to Stay: 

• Gion: This area is traditional, central, and elegant.

• Higashiyama: Is well-preserved and historic that features wooden buildings and stone-paved streets.  It is home to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and offers exceptional views during cherry blossom season. 

• Kyoto Station Area: Convenient for Shinkansen access.  

• Arashiyama: Peaceful and scenic, ideal for nature lovers. 

Your day should start early in Kyoto, the temples and popular tourist areas become extremely crowded during the day. 

Osaka – Japan’s Kitchen

Once a merchant city during Japan’s Edo period, Osaka has long been known as the nation’s kitchen.  This is the home of foodies.  Thank goodness calories don’t count in Japan due to the amount of walking you will do.  

Why is Osaka Unique: 

Osaka has an infectious energy, a city that embraces fun, flavors, and flair.  It is less formal than Tokyo or Kyoto.  Enjoy the city’s laidback vibes while exploring. 

Top Experiences in Osaka:

• Eat your way through Dotonbori Street while taking part in a food tour. 

• Visit Osaka Castle, a beautiful remnant of samurai history. 

• Experience Universal Studios Japan for worldclass amusement park fun. 

• Explore Kuromon Market for fresh seafood and snacks. 

Popular Areas to Stay:

Namba: Near Dotonbori and ideal for nightlife.

Umeda: Modern, upscale, and well-connected. 

Shin-Osaka: Convenient for bullet train travelers. 

Osaka and Kyoto are basically neighbors.  The commute is 15 minutes by bullet train; you can easily visit both cities during your time here. 

Hiroshima – A City of Peace and Renewal

Hiroshima will forever be remembered for the tragic events of 1945, but today it stands as a vibrant city of hope, culture, and remembrance.  Rebuilt from ashes, Hiroshima’s history embodies Japan’s resilience and compassion.  Hiroshima has an abundance of history and heart. 

Why is Hiroshima Unique:

Hiroshima combines moving history with incredible food, friendly people, and easy access to one of Japan’s most beautiful islands, Miyajima. 

Top Experiences in Hiroshima:

• Reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. 

• Visit the Hiroshima Peace Museum for more insight and reflection. 

• Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the ‘floating’ Itsukushima Shrine torii gate.

• Try a layered Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. This Japanese savory pancake is layered with yakisoba noodles, fried egg, and pork belly. 

Popular Areas to Stay: 

• Hiroshima City Center: Walkable to the Peace Park and downtown shops. 

• Miyajima Island: Stay overnight for magical sunset views and quaint evenings. Your overnight stay in Miyajima is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  You will have this island to yourself after all the day-trippers leave. 

How to navigate the Golden Route? By riding the Shinkansen (bullet train) of course.   Traveling Japan’s Golden Route wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Shinkansen, Japan’s legendary bullet train. 

Tiki Travel Tips:

• Buy a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) before you arrive in Japan.  Its valid on most Shinkansen routes and saves money if you’re visiting multiple cities.  

• Seat reservations are optional but highly recommended for busy routes like Tokyo to Kyoto or Kyoto to Osaka. 

• Store your luggage in designated areas and arrive early, the train departs on the minute.  The average Shinkansen delay is measured in seconds, not minutes. 

• Use luggage forwarding services. Most hotels provide this service at their front desk.  

The Shinkansen isn’t just a train; it’s part of Japan’s experience.  The Shinkansen tilting mechanism allows the train to lean into curves, ensuring a smooth ride even at high speeds. 

Travel Japan the Tiki Way

At Tiki Travel Agency, we turn your dream of visiting Japan into a seamless, unforgettable journey.  From booking your rail passes and hotels to crafting a personalized itinerary filled with authentic experiences, we make Japan easy and magical. 

Whether its your first trip or your fifth, Tiki Travel Agency will help you navigate Japan’s train system with ease, stay in the best areas for convenience and culture, and have 24/7 support while traveling abroad. 

Ready to experience the Golden Route of Japan?  Contact Tiki Travel Agency to start planning your dream trip through Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.  You may choose to experience all 5 cities or just 2 or 3. We create customized itineraries to meet your needs.