Golden Route

Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you. You could easily spend a lifetime exploring Tokyo and never run out of places and things to discover. From Asakusa’s ancient temple to the Ginza’s ultra-modern department stores and shops, the sheer energy level of Tokyo will sweep you away. Tokyo is not just a destination – it’s an experience. Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto today is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the stone-paved roads, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks and a tea master warming water and making tea. In addition, you will visit the natural area of Hakone, where, weather permitting, you will get a close-up view of Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji. And Osaka, the foodie destination of Japan. Tokyo Skytree, Ginza District, Asakusa (Nakamise-dori, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine), Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, Sushi Lunch, Shibuya Crossing Lake Ashi Sightseeing Boats, Hakone Ropeway Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Nishiki Koji, Tea Ceremony, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Higashiyama District, Yasaka Shrine, Gion Geisha District Dotonbori-dori, Hozenji Temple After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours meeting staff member. They will then purchase a limousine bus ticket for you and help you board the bus to the hotel. After checking in, the evening is free. No meals are included. Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Light After breakfast, you will start the day with a Welcome/Orientation meeting. Next, the licensed, English-speaking guide will escort you to the Tokyo Skytree for a birds-eye view of Tokyo. Next we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. Afterwards, we will travel to the famous Ginza district. The Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. We will return to the accommodations, where we will go through the train tickets for the rest of the tour. Breakfast at the accommodations and lunch at a local restaurant included. Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Heavy We will be visiting the outer market of Tsukiji Market. We will wander through many of the shops selling numerous items needed for Japanese cooking. Many professionals visit Tsukiji Outer market to purchase ingredients and cooking tools. You can see many authentic tools and try various foods easily while browsing the market. After this, we will go to a sushi restaurant near the market for a sushi lunch. After lunch, we will travel the short distance by subway to Shibuya. Shibuya is a center for youth fashion and culture, and its streets are the birthplace of many of Japan’s fashion and entertainment trends. We will cross the Shibuya Crossing, which is said to be the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. The intersection is heavily decorated by neon advertisements and giant video screens and gets flooded by pedestrians each time the crossing light turns green, making it a popular photo and movie filming spot. After this short explanation of the Shibuya area and the hotspots, the guide will give you a map and allow you to have some free time in Shibuya. You can return to the hotel with the guide or stay in Shibuya and return on your own. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant is included. Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Heavy The morning is free to enjoy the world-class city of Tokyo. Go shopping for that perfect souvenir, visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Japanese emperor of the 19th century, or wander through the trendy Shibuya or Harajuku districts where you will more than likely see interesting and far-out fashions. In the afternoon, we will meet at a pre-determined time, and then travel to Hakone. We will be staying overnight at the Hakone Yumoto Onsen. In the morning, we will be sending our overnight bags ahead to Kyoto. You will need enough items for two night and one day. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan is included. Travel: 1 1/2 Hours; Walking: Light Hakone is famous for its natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). We will be taking many different forms of transportation (electric train, funicular, gondola and bus) around Hakone including the Hakone Sightseeing Boats on Lake Ashi. In good weather, you can get an excellent view of Mount Fuji, and enjoy Hakone’s rich scenery reflected on the lake’s calm surface. After returning to Hakone Yumoto and picking up our overnight bags, we will continue on to Kyoto. Breakfast at the ryokan is included. PLE