Golden Route Japan 13 days Tokyo to Kyoto
Timed to maximise our chance of experiencing Cherry Blossom we travel the age-old Tokaido road recently renamed the Golden Route, from Tokyo to ancient Kyoto, using local transport and bullet trains and staying in quality hotels throughout
To join this guided tour please visit https://www.meetup.com/aussie-explorers/events/304282784 RSVP plus any guests.
16 March: Arrival details: Meet at Keio Presso Inn Shinjuku, Tokyo 3pm for our group check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore Tokyo, join me for a wander of the bright lights of Shinjuku and street food!
Overnight: Keio Presso Inn Shinjuku, Tokyo
17 March: Tokyo Welcome to Japan! A day full of activities a visit to Asakusa, Tokyo’s most historic area and home to the magnificent Senso-ji Temple followed by a wander along the streets of Harajuku and through Yoyogi Park, onto Meiji Shrine one of Japan’s most celebrated temples, maybe lucky enough to see a traditional wedding take place! Evening stroll around the back streets of Akihabara’s bright lights and Anime subculture an amazing night time experience of bright lights and anime characters
Overnight: Keio Presso Inn Shinjuku, Tokyo
18 March: Tokyo Tokyo has so much to offer sightseeing, Tokyo Metropolitan Building for fabulous views over Tokyo maybe even Mt Fuji on a clear day, Imperial Palace gardens, Ginza crossing, Roppongi and so much more
Overnight: Keio Presso Inn Shinjuku, Tokyo
19 March: Tokyo to Hakone Today & tomorrow we explore Hakone! Travel from Shinjuku Station to Hakone, drop our bags at our accommodation then off to explore the geothermal wonders of Hakone, Mt Fuji view and Lake Ashi No, two days of fabulous scenery, and best of all staying in a unique Japanese hotel with Tatami mats and super comfy futon beds. Even better, a Japanese breakfast and superb Japanese dinner is included! This morning we use our Hakone Free pass and take a train to Odawara Station and on to Hakone Yumoto before transferring to our accommodation, and head off to explore Hakone, taking the Hakone Rope Way, mountain trains and buses as we explore the lake, boil eggs in volcanic water, wander Lake Ashi before returning to our accommodation and relax in hot springs, enjoy a feast of Japanese food and a cold beer!
Overnight: Hakone Yumoto Hotel, Hakone
20 March: Hakone Today we explore Hakone giving ourselves enough time to relax and enjoy our hot spring in our hotel, wander Lake Ashi, and take a boat ride on a pirate ship! Explore the ropeway and little villages in the mountains, museums and art galleries galore and much more
Overnight: Hakone Yumoto Hotel, Hakone triple share room (Large)
21 March: Hakone to Hiroshima A bullet train hurtling at up to 300kph down the easter seaboard to Hiroshima which has developed itself into a must-visit tourist destination on arrival drop our bags at our hotel, take a tram and visit the Peace Park and A-Bomb Museum. The city is forever linked to the tragic events of August 6th 1945, yet today you will find a friendly, bustling city many times the size of wartime Hiroshima. After our visit the museum we can lighten the mood in the wonderfully designed Peace Park, mixing with bubbly young schoolkids and teachers who will be keen to talk to you. The park includes numerous monuments to the victims and the iconic A-Dome World Heritage Site. A late afternoon wander alongside the river hopefully busting out in Cherry Blossom. Dinner is street food Hiroshima style Okonimiyaki – Hiroshima’s famous savoury pancakes…
Overnight: APA Hotel Hiroshima Station Ohashi, Hiroshima
22 March: Hiroshima Miyajima Island A ferry ride to Miyajima Island with more enchanting scenery and culture awaits you, nestled in the Seto Inland Sea National Park. This tranquil island is famous for Itsushima shrine and the “floating” vermillion red Tori gate. And a steep walk to Daishoin Temple one of my favourite temples in Japan!
Overnight: APA Hotel Hiroshima Station Ohashi, Hiroshima
23 March: Hiroshima to Osaka via Himeji Castle
This morning sit back, relax and watch the coastal plains between Hiroshima and Osaka whizz by as you travel up to 300kph on the Tokaido Bullet train. Stopping at Himeji Castle for a morning stroll around this picture-perfect Japanese castle before onward again by bullet train to Osaka
Overnight: Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka – Namba, Osaka
24 March: Osaka first up is the castle then on to Umeda Sky Building for fabulous views and wander the bustling night streets of Osaka and DotonBori an amazing array of street food, and bright lights are guaranteed to dazzle!
Overnight: Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka – Namba, Osaka
25 March: Osaka to Kyoto a short train ride to Kyoto the capital of World Heritage sites, a day bus pass offers easy sightseeing including Kiyomizu Dera and Kinkaku Ji temples plus more amazing sights
Overnight: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma, Kyoto
26 March Kyoto Explore Kyoto Arashiyam Bamboo Fores, Philosophers walk, Gion, Inari Shrine and much more
Overnight: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma, Kyoto
27 March Kyoto Explore Kyoto Arashiyam Bamboo Fores, Philosophers walk, Gionm Inari Shrine and much more
Overnight: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma, Kyoto
28 March Kyoto departure day say farewell and check out for your onward travels, easy transfers to Osaka Kansai Airport
Overnight: Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto
The link to RSVP (You are required to join Meetup which is free then join Aussie Explorers again free to join then you can RSVP here: https://www.meetup.com/aussie-explorers/events/304282784
Please note, that the itinerary may change, accommodation is a guide only and may change due to availability. Prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuations and other circumstances.
Prices are $2840 per person based on twin share accommodation except for Hakone which is a triple share
Single supplement may be available but very limited about $1100 please ask for a quote.
No refunds however you may find a replacement from the waitlist however fees and charges apply, JR rail passes are non-refundable as is the Hakone Free pass.
The deposit required is $550 a 2nd deposit of $500 is required on 20th November for rail passes and transport, and the final payment due by 15th January 2023
By RSVP this meetup you agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of Aussie Explorers which can be found here https://www.meetup.com/Aussie-Explorers/pages/28346396/Terms_and_Conditions_of_joining_Aussie_Explorers/
Aussie Explorers organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well-being of members at all times however as this is a weekend away travelling, exploring different areas and hiking in the great outdoors accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings. Deposits are non-refundable, final price subject to currency fluctuation
A note on cherry blossom: Please be aware that cherry blossom is a naturally occurring event and we cannot guarantee you will experience/see cherry blossom, along our itinerary there are a myriad of smaller gardens we can pop into and experience cherry blossom if in bloom.
