The Golden Route

Day 2 – Temple & Shrine Hopping in Kamakura

Today we’ll start off our breakfast on our private coach as we head towards Kamakura, the center city of Japan in medieval age. We’ll dress up in the most stunning kimonos, then stroll through the temples and shrines of the picturesque town. Try matcha as you watch into the lush green gardens of the temples, and finish off your day trip by walking through the bustling Komachi-dori.

Included meals: breakfast

Day 3 – 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

Day 4 – 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. Before the night falls we’ll hop onto the Shinkansen to Osaka, for more adventures to come.

Included meals: breakfast

Day 5 – Osaka, Universal Studios Japan, Minoo Waterfalls, Katsuo-ji, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori

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)

Day 6 – Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Gion Shopping

Good morning! We’ll wake up early to travel to 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!), and 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.

For lunch stop by a Japanese-style restaurant along the river to enjoy a luxurious Michelin-rated traditional Japanese scrumptious meal. 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. 

Day 7 – Kobe Mosque, Kobe Beef Experience

It’s Friday, 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 Kobe is famous for its Kobe beef, we’ll indulge in a luxurious halal Kobe Beef experience, prepared by extremely skilled Wagyu (Japanese beef) chefs, before we head back to our hotel.

Included meals: dinner.

Day 8 – Nara Deer Park, Fushimi Inari Shrine

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.

(please note that the entrance to the Todaiji Temple or Man’you Botanical Garden is optional, and not included in the trip rate)

Day 9 – Tokyo Camii, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku

We hop onto the early bullet train to Tokyo, and head towards Tokyo Camii to enjoy the stunning architecture of the mosque. Afterwards we’ll stop by 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!

After walking through one of the world’s busiest crossings – Shibuya Crossing – it’s time for lunch (perhaps time to try some 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.

Included meals: breakfast

Day 10 – Akasuka, 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.

Day 11 – 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 our arranged drop-off to the airport, you’ll have free time to roam around Tokyo.