0800 110 108
info@mondotravel.co.nz
From $6,439
8 nights
Friday 1st of August 2025 until Wednesday 16th of December 2026
9 days | Tokyo- Hakone- Kyoto- Nara-Shi- Hiroshima- Osaka
Experience Japan’s Golden Route like never before with our extraordinary 9-day Japan Golden Route Independent tour, thoughtfully curated to showcase the country’s most beloved destinations, cultural treasures, and culinary delights. This unforgettable journey begins in Tokyo, where the ancient tradition blends with cutting-edge innovation. From there, marvel with a sightseeing tour at Mount Fuji, soak in the serene beauty of Hakone, and delve into the natural beauty of Nara. The journey continues in Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, where the charm of temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese tea ceremonies captivate all who visit.
The adventure guides you with an emotional visit to Hiroshima Peace Park, offering a moment to honor history and resilience. Finally, let the neon-lit streets of Osaka leave you spellbound with their vibrant energy, delicious street food, and bustling nightlife. This is truly an unforgettable trip to Japan like no other, crafted to provide an immersive and memorable experience.
You will arrive at the International Airport and and be greeted by your driver who will transfer you to your Tokyo hotel in the city center. The transfer will be smooth and comfortable, and your driver will help you with your luggage. Once you arrive at the hotel, check in your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo
Enjoy breakfast at hotel.
In the morning, make your own way to the meeting point in Shinjuku to join the tour group. Today, we have an exciting Tokyo Full Day Tour planned for you. The group will start at 8AM. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the departure time.
The tour will take you to some of Tokyo's top attractions, including the Imperial Palace East Garden, Asakusa Kannon Temple & Nakamise Street. During the trip, enjoy an authentic Uji matcha tea tasting and Izakaya-style Japanese lunch. Vegetarian and Muslim-friendly meals are available upon request at the time of booking.
Your final stop is the Odaiba Area, a vibrant entertainment and shopping district on Tokyo Bay. Enjoy a relaxing cruise under the Rainbow Bridge while admiring the Tokyo skyline. In case of bad weather or other disruptions, the cruise will be replaced with a visit to either the Fukagawa Edo Museum or Hamarikyu Gardens.
The tour concludes with a 6:00 PM drop-off at Shinjuku Station. Make your own way back to the hotel.
Overnight in Tokyo
After breakfast, make your own way to the meeting point in Shinjuku to start your Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour. The tour will start at 8AM. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the departure time.
From there, you’ll travel via the Tokyo Metropolitan and Tomei Expressways.
The first major stop is Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station (Subashiri route), perched at 2,000 meters above sea level. Here, you can take in the crisp mountain air and admire breathtaking views of Japan’s most iconic peak. You’ll also feel the spiritual atmosphere at a Shinto shrine located at the station. If weather or road conditions prevent access to the 5th station, the tour will proceed to the highest point accessible that day, or alternatively to Oshino Hakkai or a substitute location.
Next, enjoy a Japanese buffet lunch made from fresh, local ingredients. Vegetarian and Muslim-friendly meals are available upon request at the time of booking.
In the afternoon, embark on the Hakone Ropeway, offering a thrilling aerial journey with panoramic views of Hakone’s natural wonders. Continue your exploration with a relaxing Lake Ashi cruise, where you’ll glide across the serene caldera lake, with scenic vistas that may include Mt. Fuji on clear days.
The tour concludes with an optional drop-off at Odawara Station for those wishing to explore further on their own, or a final return to Shinjuku Station’s west exit at 6:50 PM, where the tour officially ends. Make your own way back to the hotel.
Overnight in Tokyo
In the morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Enjoy your last minutes in Tokyo ad check out your hotel at 11AM.
Make your own way to Tokyo Station and board the Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station (ticket included). On arrival to Kyoto Station, walk to your hotel.
Overnight in Kyoto
Enjoy breakfast at hotel in the morning.
Make your own way to the meeting point near Kyoto Station. We have an exciting day ahead as we explore the beautiful city of Kyoto. The tour will start at 8AM. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the departure time.
Begin with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning views from its famous wooden terrace. Continue to Sanju-san-gen-do Temple, known for its hall filled with 1,001 golden Kannon statues.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Katsura River before a buffet lunch with vegetarian options available upon request.
In the afternoon, take a walk through Arashiyama, exploring the Togetsu-kyo Bridge and bamboo forest, followed by a visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, a historic Zen temple with beautiful gardens.
Drive past Ninna-ji Temple before visiting the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a stunning golden structure reflected in a serene pond. Pass by Nijo-jo Castle on the way to the final stop at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
The tour ends at 4:30 PM with drop-off at JR Kyoto Station. Make your own way to your hotel.
Overnight in Kyoto
Enjoy breakfast at hotel and your morning at leisure.
At 1:30 PM, make your own way to the meeting point near Kyoto station to join the Nara half day tour. Please arrive 10' prior to departure.
The first stop is Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park (60 minutes), where you’ll visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of the world’s largest wooden buildings and the impressive Great Buddha statue. The surrounding park is also home to friendly, free-roaming deer.
Next, visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine (40 minutes), another World Heritage Site known for its historic lanterns and sacred deer. Please note the tour does not enter paid areas, though starting in 2025, a special visit to the Main Sanctuary will be included for closer views and access to the lantern corridors.
Return to Kyoto by bus, arriving back at 6:30 PM near Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit, where the tour concludes. Make your own way back to the hotel.
Overnight in Kyoto
Enjoy breakfast at hotel and your morning at leisure. Check out hotel at 11AM.
Make your own way to Kyoto station for a quick train trip to Osaka. On arrival in Shin-Osaka station, make your own way to the hotel. Check in from 3PM and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight in Osaka
After breakfast at hotel, make your way to the meeting point to join the Osaka day tour.
The tour begins at 9:40 AM at Hotel Hankyu Respire Osaka. From there, enjoy a short walk to the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda district.
Spend 60 minutes at the Floating Garden Observatory, where you’ll take in stunning panoramic views of Osaka, Awaji Island, and Mt. Ikoma from 170 meters above the ground.
Return to the hotel for a Western-style lunch (60 minutes). Vegetarian meals are available with advance request at the time of booking.
After lunch, travel from Osaka Station to Osakajokoen Station via JR local train (non-reserved seats).
Next, board the Aqua Liner river cruise (50 minutes) and enjoy seasonal scenery and city landmarks from the Ogawa River.
Then explore Osaka Castle (90 minutes), built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This historic site stands as a powerful symbol of Japan's Sengoku era.
Finally, take the subway from Temmabashi Station to Higashi-Umeda Station and return to Osaka Station by 5:45 PM, where the tour ends. Make your own way back to the hotel.
Overnight in Osaka
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Check out before 11AM.
You will be picked up at the hotel lobby and transferred to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight home.
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Peak season dates:
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
