The Perfect First-Time Japan Trip: An Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Golden Route
The Golden Route is a classic sightseeing path that takes travelers through Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Nagoya, and Osaka. It offers a perfect mix of traditional and modern Japan, delicious cuisine, natural beauty, and historical landmarks—all in one itinerary.
Most travelers enter Japan via Narita Airport and explore these destinations over 5 to 10 days, departing from Kansai International Airport. The route can also be taken in reverse, starting from Osaka and heading toward Tokyo.
From first-timers to seasoned visitors, this route satisfies a wide range of travelers. Let’s dive into the highlights, local food, activities, and travel tips for each destination along the Golden Route.
Sample Itinerary on the Golden Route
Day 1: Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport and head into the city. Explore Ueno Park, Asakusa, and the Tokyo Skytree in the Ueno and Sumida areas.
Day 2: Tokyo – Shopping
Spend the day shopping in upscale Ginza, bustling Shinjuku, and the electronics hub of Akihabara.
Day 3: Hakone → Mt. Fuji
Travel to Hakone, enjoy views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi, then continue to Kawaguchiko at the base of the mountain.
Day 4: Mt. Fuji → Nagoya
Begin the day at Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, possibly hiking toward the summit (depending on your plan). Then travel through scenic Lake Hamana en route to Nagoya.
Day 5: Nagoya → Kyoto
Tour Nagoya Castle before heading to Kyoto. Visit iconic sites such as Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari Shrine, ranked #1 by TripAdvisor in 2018 for international travelers.
Day 6: Osaka
Visit Osaka Castle, enjoy the lively neighborhoods of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, and maybe spend the day at Universal Studios Japan. Overnight stay in Osaka.
Day 7: Departure
Fly out from Kansai International Airport.
Tokyo: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
As the gateway to Japan, Tokyo offers a vibrant mix of old and new, making it a must-visit destination along the Golden Route. From centuries-old temples to towering skyscrapers, the city embodies the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
Start your journey in Asakusa, where you can explore Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Stroll along Nakamise Street, lined with shops offering traditional snacks and souvenirs. Then contrast this experience with a visit to Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection, surrounded by neon lights and giant digital screens.
For a quieter moment, head to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful retreat near Harajuku, or take in the natural beauty of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Each neighborhood in Tokyo offers its own charm—Ginza for luxury shopping, Akihabara for pop culture and electronics, and Ueno for museums and cherry blossoms.
Tokyo is also a food lover’s paradise. Enjoy sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, slurp a bowl of ramen in Shinjuku, or sample street food like takoyaki and taiyaki in Ameya-Yokocho. The city is increasingly welcoming to halal and vegetarian travelers as well.
Getting around is easy with the city’s clean and efficient subway system. With a prepaid IC card like Suica or PASMO, you can travel smoothly between sights. Whether you’re here for history, culture, cuisine, or cutting-edge technology, Tokyo offers an unforgettable start to your Japan adventure.
Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi: Nature, Hot Springs & Scenic Views
No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the iconic beauty of Mount Fuji, the country’s highest and most revered mountain. Rising 3,776 meters above sea level, Mount Fuji has inspired artists, poets, and travelers for centuries. One of the best places to admire its majestic presence is Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko), a scenic resort town located in the Fuji Five Lakes region.
Just a couple of hours from Tokyo by train or highway bus, Lake Kawaguchi offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji across still waters, especially during clear mornings and the cherry blossom season in spring. In autumn, the area is equally enchanting, as colorful foliage frames the mountain in shades of red and gold.
For panoramic views, ride the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, which takes you up Mount Tenjo. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the lake and Mount Fuji—perfect for photos. You can also enjoy a relaxing cruise on the lake or rent a bicycle to explore the tranquil lakeside paths.
The area around Lake Kawaguchi is rich with cultural and natural attractions. Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, known for its beautiful kimono exhibits and serene garden. For families, the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park offers thrilling rides and roller coasters with views of the mountain.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or spiritual inspiration, Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi promise an unforgettable experience in the heart of Japan’s natural beauty.
Hakone: Hot Springs & Art
Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone is one of Japan’s most beloved resort areas. Known for its hot springs (onsen), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and a rich blend of nature and culture, Hakone offers a perfect getaway from the city.
One of Hakone’s highlights is the Hakone Ropeway, which provides panoramic views of the Owakudani Valley, a volcanic area with steaming vents and sulfurous hot springs. Try the famous black eggs, boiled in natural hot spring water and said to add years to your life!
For a serene experience, enjoy a ride on the Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise, where you can admire the lake’s calm waters with Mount Fuji in the background. The red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, standing at the lake’s edge, offers one of the most iconic photo spots in the region.
Hakone is also a hub for art lovers. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where modern sculptures are displayed in a lush outdoor setting. Nearby, the Polà Museum of Art showcases both Western and Japanese masterpieces in a beautifully designed forest setting.
Whether you’re soaking in a hot spring, exploring volcanic landscapes, cruising on a peaceful lake, or immersing yourself in art and tradition, Hakone is a destination that blends relaxation with discovery.
Osaka: Food, Fun, and Friendly Vibes
Located in the heart of the Kansai region, Osaka is a vibrant city known for its bold flavors, friendly people, and unique blend of modernity and tradition. Often called “Japan’s kitchen,” Osaka is a paradise for food lovers and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.
One of the city’s most iconic areas is Dotonbori, a lively district along the canal filled with neon signs, street food stalls, and entertainment. Visitors can try famous local specialties such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), while snapping a photo with the legendary Glico Running Man sign.
For those interested in history and architecture, Osaka Castle offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. Surrounded by lush gardens and moats, the castle is especially stunning during the cherry blossom season in spring.
Families and pop culture fans won’t want to miss Universal Studios Japan, a world-class theme park with attractions based on popular movies and characters. It’s a place where children and adults alike can enjoy thrilling rides and immersive experiences.
Osaka is also a great base for exploring the wider Kansai area. Cities like Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are all within an hour’s travel, making Osaka a convenient hub for discovering the cultural heart of Japan.
Whether you’re indulging in street food, strolling through historical landmarks, or enjoying city life with a local twist, Osaka promises an unforgettable journey filled with energy, flavor, and warm hospitality.
Kyoto: The Heart of Traditional Japan
Once the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto remains the cultural heart of the country. With its countless shrines, temples, gardens, and preserved historical streets, Kyoto offers a timeless experience that captures the soul of traditional Japan.
Among Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks is Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf that reflects beautifully in its surrounding pond. Equally famous is Kiyomizu-dera, perched on a hillside with sweeping views over the city, especially breathtaking in cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons.
Another unforgettable destination is Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its thousands of bright red torii gates that form tunnels through the forest. Walking this sacred path is both a spiritual and visually striking experience.
Kyoto’s preserved districts such as Gion offer a glimpse of old Japan, where traditional wooden townhouses and the occasional geisha can still be seen. Strolling through these quiet streets in a kimono rental is a popular way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city.
Beyond the famous sights, Kyoto invites visitors to participate in cultural experiences such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Zen meditation at local temples. For food lovers, kaiseki cuisine—a multi-course meal featuring seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation—is a must-try.
With its deep spiritual roots, refined beauty, and strong connection to Japanese heritage, Kyoto offers an unforgettable journey into the essence of Japan.
Nara: Ancient Calm and Friendly Deer
As Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara holds a special place in the country’s history. Just under an hour from both Osaka and Kyoto, Nara offers a peaceful escape where you can experience the roots of Japanese culture, religion, and art.
One of Nara’s most iconic attractions is Nara Park, where hundreds of free-roaming deer greet visitors. These friendly creatures are considered sacred and have become a symbol of the city. You can even feed them special deer crackers (shika senbei), which they’ll bow for in return.
Within the park lies Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world. Walking through the massive wooden Great Hall, you’ll feel the deep spiritual history that defines Nara.
Another must-see is Kasuga Taisha, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns lining the paths and halls. During the Lantern Festivals held in February and August, the shrine is illuminated in a magical glow.
For those interested in ancient Japanese art and history, the Nara National Museum offers impressive collections of Buddhist sculpture and historical artifacts.
Nara’s calm atmosphere, combined with its rich heritage and natural beauty, makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japan beyond the modern cities. It’s a journey into the timeless soul of the nation.
Tips for a Smooth Golden Route Trip
- Use a JR Pass: Great value for long-distance train travel, exclusive to international tourists
- Luggage Delivery Services: Send your bags between hotels using “takuhai-bin” so you can travel light
- Wi-Fi & eSIM: Essential for maps, translation, and bookings
- Cashless Payments: Use IC cards (like Suica or ICOCA), credit cards, or QR payments like PayPay
Final Thoughts: The Golden Route Is Japan in a Nutshell
The Golden Route offers a compact yet rich experience of Japan—from Tokyo’s modern wonders to Mt. Fuji’s majestic beauty, Kyoto’s historical elegance, Nara’s peaceful charm, and Osaka’s culinary buzz. Perfect for first-time visitors, this 7–10 day journey is an ideal introduction to the heart and soul of Japan.
With extra time, consider adding a visit to Japan’s regional towns or countryside to explore even deeper layers of its charm.