Japan: Golden Route

By: ViaExperience

Japan is one of the most beautiful countries, topping countless lists of the best places to travel with its authentic mix of futuristic and historical cultures, making it a unique experience unlike anywhere else on this planet. This 7-day itinerary will have you traveling along the Golden Route, seeing some of Japan’s most iconic sites with a few hidden treasures mixed in. You’ll cover Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara with options to add Himeji or Kobe as well. This itinerary can be modified to be extended or reversed in order.

Day 1: Tokyo

teamLab Planets Tokyo is an unbelievable interactive art installation that has overtaken Tokyo as one of the most popular experiences in the city. Make a reservation as early as possible (their website and social media will indicate when tickets will go on sale for a certain period), but they will sell out. For this experience, you must take your socks and shoes off, and water will go above your ankles, so dress accordingly. We started our day with Team Labs (10:00 am reservation), but some art installations will change with the time of day; they say the garden area is better at night.
Travel to Ginza: From teamLab, you can take a 25-minute bus ride just a few minutes outside the teamLab entrance.
Lunch in Ginza: Ginza Bairin: These are some of Japan’s best Tonkatsu fried pork cutlets. There will be a wait, so try to get there towards the opening; it is worth the wait! Get the recommended roast set; the pork will melt in your mouth like butter.
Whiskey Museum and Store: A whiskey store with all 2000 varieties featuring some unique bottles. They also do tastings of some high-end whiskeys. It’s worth popping in for a few minutes, even if you’re not a big whiskey fan.
Art Aquarium Museum: The Art Aquarium Museum is a collection of art installations centered around all the diverse types of goldfish. I’ve never seen anything like this place, it will probably take about 30 minutes.
Chaya 1899 Tokyo: On the way to Tokyo Tower, stop at Chaya 1899 Tokyo for tea, matcha soft serve, or a parfait.
Tokyo Tower: Tokyo Tower is one of the most famous city outlooks, with 360 views of the city.
Janai Coffee: Janai Coffee is a Speakeasy, and when I say Speakeasy, it’s not like one of those back bars you can just walk into that everyone claims is a speakeasy. To get in, you must know the code to make a reservation. Play around on their website, especially using a mobile phone, to see if you can crack the code and make a reservation.
Ebisu Yakiniku Uson: Delicious Japanese bbq with some Korean favorites, just a short walk from Janai Coffee. Be warned your clothes might smell like bbq after. You can make a reservation through Google.
Shinjuku Nichome: The gay bar scene in Tokyo is a blast and one of the few places in Tokyo with a western-bar scene feel. Check out King for more social time and start the night, then pop down to Eagle and Dragon Men’s for dancing. Arty farty can be fun for dancing but skews younger.

Day 2: Tokyo

Asakusa Kannon Temple Sensoji: Tokyo’s most famous temple with great options for souvenir shopping in the many stalls in front of the temple. Be sure to get an Omikuji: a Japanese fortune. You’ll find these in the rows before the main temple. Insert 100 yen into the coin slot, then shake the metal containers with the hole facing the bottom. A chopstick-like object will fall out with a number written in Japanese. Match that number up with one of the drawers, and then pull out a slip of paper with your fortune. If your fortune is good, fold it and keep it in your wallet. If your fortune is bad, there are small metal strings you’ll see that you can tie your fortune to so you will be prayed for.
Tokyo SkyTree: The tallest tower in the world (not the tallest building). There is an observation deck at the top with great views, but you could skip this since you’ll see Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Sky, you could skip.
Taiyaki: Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese treat with red bean paste inside a pastry. Some shops, like this one that’s a short walk from Senso-ji feature custard creme, cherry blossom, and matcha flavors. They’ll also heat them up for you which makes them extra yummy.
Meiji Shrine: Meiji Shrine is a beautiful oasis in the sprawling sometimes chaotic-feeling energy of Tokyo. Walk through the serine forest and if you’re lucky you might be able to see a Japanese wedding procession. Also before you enter the Meiji Shrine you can take a walk around Yoyogi Park (on Saturday mornings there are people dressed in 1950s sockhop-era clothes go out and enjoy their mornings dancing away). You can also get a great view of the stunning Yoyogi Gymnasium.
Takeshita Dori: Located just outside Yoyogi Station, Takeshita Dori is a collection of shops that symbolize the eccentric culture of Harajuku. You might remember Harajuku from Gwen Stefani’s many references when her four friends from Harajuku gave her inspiration to end her writer’s block when she went solo.
Miyashita Park: Miyashita Park is about a 30-minute walk from Harajuku. Miyashita Park is a brand new installment with a rooftop park, tons of trendy shopping and restaurants, and on the bottom floor a restaurant hall that embodies the spirit of old Japan.
Shibuya Scramble: The world’s busiest cross-walk. Within seconds you’ll understand why it’s called the scramble. Take some fun pictures in the area, check out the statue of Hachiko (be sure to look up his story, it will make you want to cry) and walk through Center-Gai or also recently renamed Basketball Street (go from the crossing to the left of the main screen/Starbucks).
Shibuya Sky: Tokyo’s newest sky deck. Try to book way in advance for their sunset slots.
Dinner: Few Options for dinner
- Kaiten Sushi Uobei Sushi: Sushi delivered to you on an express conveyer belt, it’s very affordable basic quality sushi. This place is fun to stop in for a quick snack if you want to try more things.
- Miyashita Park: Check out their restaurant hall.
- Shabu Shabu or SukiYaki at Nabezo: Be sure to make a reservation as it was a 3-hour wait for a table.
- Yakitori at Kushiyaki Bistro: Make a reservation through Google. This restaurant is quaint, delicious, and an authentic Japanese experience.
Maid Dreaming in Shibuya: Maid Cafes, which made their rise in Akihabara is a sub-culture of Japan’s famous hostess bars. These hostess bars are where Japanese men spend time after work having drinks and flirting. For people who are more into anime and gaming, Maid Cafes were created. There is one in Shibuya called Maid Dreaming. There are also butler cafes but those are in Ikebukuro. Everything from the minute you walk in the door until you leave is all about cuteness…and that cuteness comes with a price, everything costs money. Want to take a picture with a maid? $8. Want to make eye contact with a maid for 3 seconds? $11. They are very fun and a unique experience to grab a drink at.

Day 3: Tokyo & Hakone

Travel by bullet train to Hakone, the bullet train is an experience in itself.
Hakone Ginyu is a luxury Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). The moment you know your travel dates to Japan reach out to the Ryokan Collection to see if there is availability because it books up so fast. A ryokan is an experience in itself, especially Ginyu which features private ensuite onsen (hot spring) pools that look out at a beautiful mountain, as well as gorgeous common onsens. Breakfast and dinner are provided and are a multicourse feast.
Owakudani Valley: Also known as the valley of hell, features a ropeway that takes you to the top of this geothermic site. On a good day you can see picturesque views of Mt. Fuji. Make sure to eat one of their famous black eggs, that supposedly will extend your life by 7 years.

Day 4: Hakone & Kyoto

Cafe Ryusenkei: A cute coffee shop housed in an old airstream camper, that the owner had shipped all the way from California. Speaking of the owner, he is a former director of Jpop music who retired to open up this precious coffee shop, he is such a kind and welcoming person. The coffee was great and a good pick me up on the way to the Open Air Art Gallery, just a short walk away.
Open Air Art Gallery: A unique outdoor gallery with mesmerizing displays, this experience is great for kids too.
Take the bullet train to Kyoto.
Gion & Kiyomizu Dera: Stroll around Gion a historic shopping area with great souvenirs and various tastes of Japan. Gion will lead you to Kiyomizu Dera, a temple with stunning views of Kyoto.
Nishiki Market: Graze and enjoy all the unique food stalls.
Tempura at Komefuku Shijo Karasuma: Delicious and very fresh tempura.
Fushimi Inari: This and the Shibuya Scramble are my two favorite places in Japan. I highly recommend going just an hour before sunset so it will be less crowded, and dusk creates this spiritual atmosphere as the lamps around some shrines illuminate, creating a new perspective. The beginning of Fushimi Inari will be overcrowded; you’ll have the worst tourists block the entire path right at the start trying to get a photo without anyone in it, which is impossible. But just power through these people and keep going; the further up you hike, the more secluded and enchanting it becomes. Take some time to explore the side paths and areas where few wander. Also, since you’re going at dusk, mosquitos will start to come out, so try to keep your legs and arms covered or wear bug spray.

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu - Teramachi-Kyogoku

Osake no Bijutsukan Sanjo Karasuma Marumoto

Day 5: Kyoto

Arashiyama: Features the monkey park, which is about a 20-minute uphill hike, the monkeys are very cute and also slightly terrifying. Be sure to keep your distance, and you’ll enjoy these furry friends out in the wild. The bamboo forest is probably my least favorite place in Kyoto because it’s always overcrowded; maybe catching this at sunrise if you have jetlag is a good option.
Sushi Naritaya: In such a tourist area, we expected only to find tourist trap food, but it’s Japan, and Japan’s culture is to put care and love into their work, and that’s found at Sushi Naritaya, which featured some of the best sushi I’ve had in my life. It’s a small restaurant, and they will only serve the first 60 parties, so try to arrive right when they open. Also, note there could be a bit of a wait, so put your name down on the signup list and grab a snack at the restaurants in the corridor. Next door is a delicious matcha soft serve place.
Kinkakuji: Japan’s Golden Temple can be accessed by bus and is a beautiful marvel to enjoy.
Osake no Bijutsukan Sanjo Karasuma Marumoto: Enjoy a variety of beautiful drinks in a classic setting.
Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu – Teramachi-Kyogoku: A very popular chain restaurant in Japan, but worth adding to your itinerary. You are served fried beef that you can cook to your liking on a grill in front of you. Be sure to arrive early as the wait time can be awhile. This location is great as you can walk around and even find hidden shrines in the shopping mall

Day 6: Osaka

Bullet train from Kyoto to Osaka, which is amazingly 13 minutes compared to driving which takes 1 hour and 9 minutes.
Osaka Castle: Explore Osaka Castle and the surrounding park.
Self-guided food tour of Osaka’s famous Dotonbori and surrounding areas. Things to try:
- Some stands sell Kobe beef, it’s worth trying, but you probably won’t find as good of quality as actually going to Kobe, but if you don’t have time to make it out there, this will do! You can also try Kobe beef sushi!
- Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae : Try their famous Takoyaki, be sure to let the takoyaki cool down, or you’ll burn your mouth; speaking from experience here.
- Ajinoya Honten: Try Osaka’s famous dish, Okonomiyaki, and Yakisoba. Arrive before 7:30 pm, or there is a chance you might not get in.

Ajinoya Honten: Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba

Day 7: Nara

Train to Nara for the day
Nara Park: See and feed the deer in Nara park. The deers will bow for a cracker and get a little aggressive too.
Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall): See the Great Buddha in Nara.
If you also have time, you can take a day trip to Kobe for Kobe Beef or to Himeji to see Himeji Castle.

Tips and Tricks:

1. Having 30 million people in one metropolitan area, you naturally have to be a germaphobe, so try and avoid sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing in public.
2. People are very quiet and respectful on trains, try to whisper.
3. Japan is still a very cash-based economy, but recently credit cards are becoming widely accepted.
4. Following tip 3: 7/11 and CitiBank ATMs are the best ATMs for foreign debit cards. I’ve found many of the other ATMs in Japan won’t accept American debit cards. There is a 7/11 ATM in both Haneda and Narita.
5. You can get around mostly by train; taxi cabs are a little pricey.
6. You can drink the water.
7. The food safety standards are one of the best in the world.
8. Some useful phrases are:
“Konichiwa” = Hello. “Arigatou”= Thank you. “~wa doko desuka?”=Where is ~?. “toire wa doko desuka?” = Where is the bathroom? “Sumimasen”= Excuse me. “gomen” = Sorry. “ikura?” = How much? “kudasai”= please.
9. Pay attention and try to imitate how people board trains and the subway, there is a particular art to it, which in turn makes the whole experience more efficient…and well downright beautiful.
10. Download a translator app on your phone. Sometimes it’s hard to find people who speak English. Google’s translator app works very well and you can use the camera for Japanese characters.

Should I get the JR Pass? I’ve never used the JR Pass myself. You can’t ride the Nozomi Trains (the fastest bullet trains with less stops) and with how much tourism has increased in Japan, I hear the lines at JR stations to activate them have become very long (sometimes over 2 hours). Additionally, starting in the Fall, the price is nearly doubling.

Any hotel recommendations? The one accommodation, besides Ginyu Ryokan in Hakone mentioned above, that stood out was the Royal Park Hotel Iconic Kyoto which featured beautiful rooms, a traditional Japanese common bath, and mediation rooms and experiences. The location was superb.