The Golden Route
about this trip
May 11, 2023 – May 20, 2023
Fully Guided in Dutch (volledig Nederlandse begeleiding)
Men & Female welcome | Capacity: total 8 spots (currently only 2 spots left)
overview
Included
Timeline
FAQ
Book
A classic Japan trip, perfect for Japan first-timers. We offer this tour for both mixed and ladies-only groups. This current trip is all-welcome: both women and men can join.
[Kindly note that this tour is designed in collaboration with our Dutch partner, and is only offered to Dutch-speaking guests travelling from the Netherlands. Kindly refer to our other tours for English guidance.]
Highlights:
- Exlore the world’s most populous and ever-fascinating megacity Tokyo, where the possibilities are unlimited.
- Discover the most stunning temples, shrines and castles – all with a unique backstory – throughout your travel in Japan
- Learn how Japanese make their ramen, snack on street foods, and indulge in the Japanese (but halal!)
- View the dramatic Mt. Fuji from different viewpoints
- Visit the birth place of Kobe Japanese beef, and try the tender, well-marbled in a high-dining course.
- Deepdive into Japan’s history while walking through Japan’s ancient city, Kyoto.
Of course there’s more – check the timeline tab for more details.
Current tours:
Currently, this tour is offered on the following dates:
Dates: May 11, 2023 – May 20, 2023 (9 nights, 10 days).
Rates: €3499 (flights included) per person based on a twin share room. For single rooms there will be an extra cost of €400 per person.
Please note that for this tour the flight tickets from Amsterdam to Tokyo are included. Not all trips include flights tickets, so kindly check carefully or inquire before you book.
How to book:
You can reserve your spot for this tour by filling in the form under the tab “book”. Upon filling this form you will be asked to pay 25 percent of the total trip cost as a deposit to confirm your participation in this tour.
Upon timely cancellation you will be refunded the amount paid, minus the €200 non-refundable booking cost (this is included in the trip rate). Please see the FAQ tab for more information regarding our cancellation policy.
Please check the below list of what is and what is not included for this trip.
Included:
- Handpicked larger-than-usual-Japan-standards hotels that offer enough room for prayers
- A Dutch/English/Japanese/Turkish speaking tour guide
- Meet & greet pick- and drop-off at the airport
- Entrance fees to sites and activities as mentioned
- Meals as mentioned
- Workshop fees as mentioned
- Shinkansen cost
- Local transportation costs for itinerary-planned activities
- 24/7 assistance before, during and after your trip
- Japan survival kit guide
Not included:
- International airfares (unless otherwise specified)
- Domestic flights (if applicable)
- Travel/health insurance
- Visa expenses and application
- Personal expenses (such as telephone bills, wifi, laundry bills, souvenirs etc.)
- Meals and snacks that are not included in the itinerary
- Baggage handling and luggage forwarding (unless otherwise specified)
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change in case of unforeseen closures or cancellations, weather conditions, or any conditions that are above Tulu Tours’ power.
Yokoso to Japan
Welcome to Japan – you must be exhausted after your long flight!
No worries, we’ll check you in into your hotel so you can freshen up and get some quick sleep.
We’ll visit the stunning Hamarikyu Gardens and head out for a welcome dinner together.
At night, we’ll explore Tokyo Station, but brace yourself – as its never-ending shopping wonderland will have you get lost over and over again.
Included meals: dinner.
Tokyo Camii, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku
Let’s start off the day with a quick breakfast, then head out for Shibuya Sky,
where you can enjoy a panoramic view from the highest point in Shibuya at approximately 230 meters and 47 stories above the ground! Afterwards we’ll head for Tokyo Camii to pray our Friday prayers and to enjoy the stunning architecture of the mosque.
Let’s again head to Shibuya to walk through one of the world’s busiest crossings – it can get overwhelming –
and to head out for lunch (perhaps time to try out some of the popular Japanese fluffy pancakes?
We’ll explore Meiji Jingu, after which you’re free to shop around in Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Dori and Shinjuku district.
Owakudani, Mt. Fuji
Wakey wakey, it’s time to travel!
We’ll get up early on day 3 as we’re heading out to see the dramatic Mt. Fuji.
On our way we’ll stop at Owakudani Volcanic Village, to observe the intense volcanic activity from up close.
Don’t forget to snack on some eggs before we hop into our car to continue our journey to Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba Village, an ancient healing village where Mt. Fuji features as a stunning backdrop. After a relaxing stroll, we’ll pay a visit to the Chureito Pagoda, where you’ll walk up the endless stairs to capture the picture-perfect view of Mt. Fuji.
To finish off the day, we might be able to enjoy the panoramic view from Tenku no Torii, depending on how cloudy it is. After our drive back to the hotel, you’ll want to sleep immediately, as tomorrow is a day full of nature as well.
Included meals: breakfast
Nikko
Hope you’ve slept well through the night! We’ll head off to Nagano prefecture, where we’ll visit Nikko,
famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Shrines.
The panoramic view from the Hangetsuyama Observation Deck will have you falling in love with Nikko’s stunning nature (Alhamdulillah!), after which we’ll explore Nikko’s shrines. You’ll explore Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine named Toshogu, also the mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu, as well as the Nikko Futarasan Shrine.
Not only will you enjoy exploring the architectural details and history of these shrines, we’ll also stop by the dramatic Kegon Falls, which seemingly seems to fall from the sky due to its 100 meter height. As the evening approaches, we’ll head back to the hotel for a great night’s sleep.
Included meals: breakfast
Asakusa, Ueno Park
Today we’ll explore the Asakusa district in Tokyo, particularly known for the Buddhist temple Senso-ji.
After we arrive in Asakusa you can optionally opt to dress up in a kimono, before heading out to the oldest temple in Tokyo. With lots of souvenir and snack shops, you’ll want to spend a couple of hours strolling through its Nakamise (shops).
After lunch, we’ll head to one of Japan’s oldest parks named Ueno Park.
With tons of activities there’s plenty of exciting things to do, whether it’s a visit to one of its galleries and museums, visiting the pandas at Ueno Zoo, visiting more shrines, a swan boat ride on its lake, or sipping on your Japanese-style Starbucks latte, you’ll find yourself lost in time soon enough.
As the evening approaches we’ll take the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto, for more adventures to come.
(please note that Kimono dressing is optional and is not included in the trip rate)
Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Gion Shopping
Good morning! We’ll wake up early to enjoy the marvelous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest of Kyoto while the morning air is still fresh. We’ll stroll through the forest and park, along the Katsura river (where you may want to hop onto a boat if available!), to get some Kyoto-style Japanese lunch.
After lunch we’ll head to Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the head temple of Zen Buddhism. We’ll explore the temple from within, and are able to stroll through its garden, which has survived the centuries in its original form. In the afternoon we’ll head to the famous Golden Pavilion, a unique sight only home to Kyoto.
Before the night falls, we’ll head to Maruyama Park and Gion, the Geisha district that’s known for its charming, historic atmosphere.
Osaka, Universal Studios Japan, Katsuo-ji, Osaka Castle
What happens in Osaka, stays in Osaka. For our visit in Osaka you’ll have two options: an exciting visit to Universal Studios Japan (optional), or visiting the Minoo Waterfalls, Katsuo-ji and the stunning Osaka Castle instead. Choose carefully, as both options are once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
Whichever option you choose, we’ll get together at night to enjoy all-you-can-eat Japanese Yakiniku (barbecue) in the bustling heart of Osaka: Dotonbori.
Included meals: dinner.
(please note that entrance to Universal Studios Japan is optional and is not included in the trip rate)
Nara Deer Park, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Ramen Workshop
In the morning we’ll head out to Nara Deer Park, where there are over 1200 free-roaming deer (shika in Japanese) for you to interact with. As these deer as so used to the presence of humans, they’re very friendly and will even bow if you bow to them first.
You’ll have the option of visiting the Todaiji Temple, said to be the world’s largest wooden building, or the Man’you Botanical Garden, before we head to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its countless red Torii gates.
Before we close the day, we’ll participate in a ramen-making workshop, where you’ll learn to kneed, cook and assemble your own ramen noodles.
Included meals: dinner
(please note that entrance to Todaiji Temple or the Man’you Botanical Garden are optional and are not included in the trip rate)
Kobe Mosque, Kobe Beef Experience
It’s Friday again, which means we’ll head to Kobe to pray our Friday prayers at the stunning Kobe Mosque.
Before our prayers we’ll hop onto a cable car to the Mt. Rokko Observatory, where you can enjoy the most stunning view over Kobe.
As it’s the last day we’ll spend together, we’ll indulge in a luxurious halal Kobe Beef experience, prepared by extremely skilled Wagyu (Japanese beef) chefs, before we hop onto the Shinkansen (bullet train) back to Tokyo.
Included meals: dinner
Sayonara
It’s your last day in Japan, as tonight you’ll fly back home.
Make sure you have your suitcases packed, as we’ll leave our suitcases at the hotel as we check-out.
Before your flight to Amsterdam, you’ll have about half a day of free time to roam through Tokyo to visit places of your choice.
Q: I am a solo traveller, can I join this trip?
Yes, of course! Japan is a far destination, both in geography and culture, and your loved ones won’t always be able to travel with you. This does not mean you shouldn’t travel either! We can guarantee that your experience on a group tour will let you leave Japan satisfied and with a great group of friends to share these unique memories with. Also, rest assured that you can give our contact information to your family back home and vice versa, so that they can stay updated whenever needed.
Q: Is it possible to take this tour as part of a longer, individual journey?
Of course! In case of a longer, individual journey, we might not be able to pick you up or drop you off at the airport, and will ask you to meet the group at the hotel or a designated meeting point instead.
Q: Will I have to share rooms?
For all our tours goes that we will arrange twin rooms with private bathrooms when staying in hotels. With more unique accommodations, such as castle, ryokan or kominka stays, single rooms or private bathrooms are not always available. You might have to share the room and other facilities with other guests of the same gender. For all-welcome (mixed) tour groups goes that all accommodations have either private rooms/bathrooms, or are only shared with the same gender.
If you wish to stay in a single room throughout your stay, we can arrange a single room for you at hotels for an extra cost (please see the “overview” tab), depending on availability. For unique accommodations we might not be able to arrange single rooms for you.
If you are travelling with your spouse, we might be able to arrange double rooms depending on availability. If double rooms are not available, we will arrange twin rooms instead.
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
Depending on your nationality and country of residence, you may be required to apply for a visa to enter Japan. Tulu Tours does not offer nor aid in acquiring a visa, so please check with your official government website for the requirements.
Q: How big is the group size?
As we focus on quality and memories, we keep our group at a maximum of eight guests (unless otherwise specified). The minimum number of guests is three. If you’re planning on traveling with a larger group or wish to create your own itinerary, please refer to our tailored tour page.
Q: Are there any age restrictions for this tour?
The minimum age requirement for all omakase group tours is 20 years. Please opt for a tailored tour when traveling with younger companions. While we do not have a maximum age limit, please do understand that these tours require guests to be in good health and very active. If, according to our tour leaders, you are not in good enough health to participate in some of the listed activities, you may not be able to join that activity for the day.
Q: I am not Muslim, can I still join a Tulu Tour?
Of course! While Tulu Tours offers curated tours that suit a Muslim traveller’s lifestyle, being Muslim is not a requisite. Even if you are not Muslim, we would still love to travel with you!
Please note that Tulu Tours does not suggest or book any sightseeing spots or restaurants that are not in line with a halal lifestyle, such as bars, izakaya, clubs, breweries and others. If you wish to visit such a spot, we can plan your day around these activities, where the booking or planning of such a spot falls onto you (this only goes for tailored tours, not Omakase (fixed) group tours).
Tulu Tours will continue to make time for prayers during the day as well, so please keep in mind that there will be short breaks from time to time.
Q: How does payment work?
Upon filling in the booking form (see the “book”) you will be asked to pay a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost per person in order to confirm your participation. Payment can currently be made in Euro only (bank transfer, iDeal or credit card). Please contact us if you need more information or help regarding payment options.
The remaining balance payment (75% of the total trip cost) will have to be completed 45 days before the start date of the trip. If you fail to pay in time, we might have to cancel your participation, which will be regarded as cancellation by the customer.
We can work with payment in installments, please let us know in case you’d like to pay in installments.
Please refer to “What happens in case of cancellation?” for more details regarding our cancellation policy.
Q: What happens in case of cancellation?
In case the guest is responsible for cancelling the trip, refunds will be as follows:
- More than 90 days before tour starting date: you will be refunded 100% of the total trip cost, minus the non-refundable booking cost of €200.
- 60 to 89 days before tour starting date: you will be refunded 90% of the total trip cost, minus the non-refundable booking cost of €200.
- 30 to 59 days before tour starting date: you will be refunded 75% of the total trip cost, minus the non-refundable booking cost of €200.
- 15 to 29 days before tour starting date: you will be refunded 50% of the total trip cost, minus the non-refundable booking cost of €200.
- 8 to 14 days before tour starting date: you will be refunded 25% of the total trip cost, minus the non-refundable booking cost of €200.
- up to 7 days before tour starting date: there will be no refund.
Please note that in case flight tickets are booked, the cancellation cost of flight tickets will not be refunded either. If flights cannot be cancelled anymore, the flight will not be refunded.
In case of a cancellation due to Tulu Tours (when booked through Tulu Tours directly), your trip will be fully refunded, including the administration cost of €200.
Tulu Tours is not responsible for costs associated with flights tickets in case of cancellations.
Kindly do not book your international flight arrangements until after you have spoken with a Tulu Tours representative if you’re booking a tour with us, and after receiving confirmation.
Please note that filling in the below form does not confirm your participation in the tour.
Participation is only confirmed after Tulu Tours has acknowledged receipt of payment.
Tulu Tours will contact you within 48 hours after filling in this form with further details.