Discover Japan Golden Route with Hiroshima – 7 Days of Iconic Experiences



Experience a 7-day vacation full of culture, history, scenic beauty, and amazing memories. This Golden Route itinerary takes you to Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in each city. Are you planning a trip? Don't miss our official Japan Golden Route with Hiroshima, including Hiroshima, for a smooth experience.

Day 1–2: Tokyo – A Modern & Traditional Masterpiece

Begin your voyage in Tokyo, where ancient temples coexist with contemporary skyscrapers.

  • Visit the Tokyo Tower, which offers panoramic city views.

  • Wander through the tranquil gardens of Meiji Shrine before identifying metropolitan life at the Imperial Palace East Garden.

  • Optional activities include climbing the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views or visiting Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise retail street.

Day 3: Hakone – Hot Springs & Mt. Fuji Vistas

On day three, take a leisurely drive to Hakone, a charming resort just outside of Tokyo.

  • Relax in traditional onsen hot springs overlooking Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji.

  • The Hakone Open-Air Museum offers a chance to appreciate art and architecture.

  • Experience the iconic Hakone ropeway and the echoing cable car rides.

Days 4–5: Kyoto & Nara – Heart of Heritage

Next, take the Shinkansen to Kyoto, Japan's cultural treasure chest.

  • Explore the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the bamboo woods of Arashiyama.

  • Explore the historic Gion area after visiting Fushimi Inari, which has the characteristic red torii gates.

Take a day‑trip to Nara—just a short hop away—where you'll:

  • Admire the Great Buddha at Todai‑ji Temple and its giant wooden hall.

  • Interact with sacred deer in Nara Deer Park.

Day 6: Osaka – Culinary Exploration & Castle Views

Arrive in Osaka, a city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and street food.

  • Take pictures at the towering Osaka Castle, a stately five-story edifice with beautiful grounds.

  • Ride the Aerial Garden Observatory to get a bird's-eye view of cities.

  • Dotonbori offers a culinary excursion with local specialties including as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.

  • Optional activities include an aquatic bus tour and a stroll through colorful commercial areas.

Days 6–7: Hiroshima & Miyajima – History, Resilience & Spiritual Beauty

Take the Shinkansen to Japan Golden Route with Hiroshima, a city reborn from adversity.

  • Visit Peace Memorial Park, which includes the Atomic Bomb Dome, and learn from the Peace Museum.

  • Explore the gorgeous Shukkeien Garden, a peaceful urban oasis.

On your second day in Hiroshima, head to Miyajima Island:

  • Visit the famed "floating" Itsukushima Shrine with its massive torii gate.

  • Hike or ride the ropeway to Mt. Misen to witness the breathtaking inland sea views.

  • Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, grilled oysters, and momiji manju street cuisine.

Day 7: Return to Tokyo

Finish the loop with a quick Shinkansen trip back to Tokyo (about 4 hours via Osaka).

  • Spend your final evening visiting any missing Tokyo sites, such as Shibuya or a Sumida River boat.

  • Alternatively, you can prolong your stay by visiting Kyoto, Osaka, or even Fukuoka and Kanazawa, as shown in our extended Golden Route itinerary.

Why the Golden Route with Hiroshima is Timeless

  • Balanced itinerary: It combines megacities (Tokyo, Osaka), traditional heartlands (Kyoto, Nara), spiritual retreats (Hakone, Miyajima), and a significant historical offering in Hiroshima.

  • JR Pass optimization: Long journeys become more efficient and cost-effective with unlimited Shinkansen access.

  • Cultural and emotional depth: From rooftop empire vistas to historic remembrance, your tour is rich in variety and reflection..

Final Thoughts

A 7-day Japan Golden Route with Hiroshima, including Hiroshima, provides a rich tapestry of Japan's renowned places, cultural significance, and moving history. This tour covers the entire spectrum of experiences, from skyscraper views to spiritual retreats and resilience memorials.


Begin planning today by checking out Tokyo Travel Bureau's Japan Golden Route Tour, including Hiroshima. Explore our site's interconnecting pages to add city expansions or thematic side trips.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Experience Japan Like Never Before with Japan DMC in India

The Ultimate Guide to the Japan Golden Route Tour: Highlights and Tips