GR50111 days
Japan’s Golden Route with Ise-Shima & Nagoya
The Golden Route: Tokyo Round Trip
Ready to Book. Pay Within 7 Days to Confirm.
Golden RouteSpecial ExperienceHistory
Kansai
Nara
29 tours available
Why Visit Nara
Nara was Japan's first permanent capital, established in 710 AD, and its legacy endures in eight UNESCO World Heritage sites packed into a remarkably walkable area. The star attraction is Todai-ji, housing the world's largest bronze Buddha inside one of the world's largest wooden buildings — a sight that still overwhelms after 1,300 years.
Then there are the deer. Over 1,200 semi-wild sika deer roam freely through Nara Park, bowing for crackers and posing alongside temple gates. The atmosphere is gentler and less hurried than nearby Kyoto, making it an ideal complement. Most visitors come as a day trip, but staying overnight reveals a quieter side — lantern-lit paths, empty temples, and some of the region's best sake breweries.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (late March – mid April) — Cherry blossoms at Nara Park and Mount Yoshino (nearby) create a stunning backdrop for the deer and temples.
Autumn (mid November – early December) — The maple trees along the path to Kasuga Taisha are spectacular, and deer photographs against red foliage are iconic.
January & August (Yamayaki) — The dramatic grass-burning ceremony on Mount Wakakusa in late January lights the hillside ablaze at night.
Insider Tips
- Buy deer crackers (shika-senbei, ¥200) from official vendors — the deer know the routine and will bow before you offer one.
- Kasuga Taisha's 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns are lit twice yearly (February 3 and August 14–15) — an unforgettable sight.
- Walk beyond the main park to Nigatsu-do Hall for a panoramic view over the city — it's free and rarely crowded.
- Try kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi) — it's Nara's signature local delicacy found at stalls near Kintetsu Nara Station.
Tours Visiting Nara
GR00112 days
US$3,300 ~ US$4,400
Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape Hotel Standard
Explore Japan's hidden gems on this 12-day self-guided tour from Tokyo to Kashikojima via Nagoya. Visit Ise Grand Shrine and pearl island paradise.
Self-Guided Tours
GR00212 days
US$3,300 ~ US$4,800
Japan Highlights ＆World Heritage
Golden Route Plus: Nara & Shirakawa-go Hotel Standard
12-day Golden Route through Japan's World Heritage: Tokyo, Takayama's Edo streets, thatched-roof Shirakawago, and Kyoto's ancient temples.
Self-Guided Tours
GR00312 days
US$3,200 ~ US$4,700
Timeless Traditions: Kanazawa & Hida Journey
Golden Route Plus: Kanazawa & Shirakawa-go Hotel Standard
12-day cultural journey from Tokyo to Kyoto through Kanazawa's samurai districts and Hida Takayama's mountain heritage. All transport pre-booked.
Self-Guided Tours
GR00515 days
US$3,700 ~ US$5,400
Castles & Heritage of West Japan
Golden Route Plus: Himeji,Kanazawa & Miyajima Hotel Standard
15-day heritage tour: Tokyo to Hiroshima via Himeji Castle, Kanazawa, and Miyajima. Explore west Japan's samurai history and Seto Inland Sea.
Self-Guided Tours
GR00914 days
US$4,100 ~ US$5,900
Spirit of Tradition: Shirakawa-go & Cultural Japan
Golden Route Plus: Shirakawa-go, Miyajima & Nara Hotel Standard
14-day journey: Tokyo through Hakone, Takayama, and Shirakawago's thatched villages. Experience Japan's spiritual traditions and mountain culture.
Self-Guided Tours
GR01016 days
US$4,500 ~ US$6,200
Cultural Odyssey: Tokyo to Fukuoka
Golden Route Plus: Miyajima & Shirakawa-go Hotel Standard
16-day odyssey: Tokyo to Fukuoka via Takayama, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Explore alpine villages, ancient temples, and Kyushu's vibrant cities.
Self-Guided Tours
GR10112 days
US$5,900 ~ US$7,600
Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape Hotel Deluxe
12-day tour with deluxe hotels: Tokyo to Kashikojima via Nagoya. Upgraded stays, Ise Grand Shrine, pearl island coast, and Shinkansen all included.
Self-Guided Tours
GR10212 days
US$4,200 ~ US$5,400
Japan Highlights ＆World Heritage – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Nara & Shirakawa-go Hotel Deluxe
Japan's Golden Route with deluxe hotels: 12-day Tokyo to Kyoto journey via Takayama and UNESCO Shirakawago. Premium accommodation throughout.
Self-Guided Tours
GR10312 days
US$4,500 ~ US$6,800
Timeless Traditions: Kanazawa & Hida – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Kanazawa & Shirakawa-go Hotel Deluxe
Kanazawa and Hida traditions with deluxe hotels: 12-day Tokyo to Kyoto tour through Japan's cultural heartland. Upgraded stays at every stop.
Self-Guided Tours
GR10515 days
US$4,400 ~ US$5,800
Castles & Heritage of West Japan – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Himeji,Kanazawa & Miyajima Hotel Deluxe
West Japan's castles with deluxe hotels: 15-day Tokyo to Hiroshima via Himeji, Kanazawa, and Miyajima. Premium accommodation throughout.
Self-Guided Tours
GR10914 days
US$5,000 ~ US$6,600
Spirit of Tradition: Shirakawa-go – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Shirakawa-go,Miyajima & Nara Hotel Deluxe
Shirakawago and cultural Japan with deluxe hotels: 14-day tour from Tokyo via Hakone and Takayama. Premium mountain stays included.
Self-Guided Tours
GR11016 days
US$5,400 ~ US$6,900
Cultural Odyssey: Tokyo to Fukuoka – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Miyajima & Shirakawa-go Hotel Deluxe
Tokyo to Fukuoka with deluxe hotels: 16-day odyssey through Takayama, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Premium accommodation across Japan.
Self-Guided Tours
KM00115 days
US$4,400 ~ US$6,300
From Sacred Mountains to Coastal Calm
Faith & Tradition: Koyasan, Ise-Shima & Shirakawa-go Hotel Standard: Departures from April to November
Temple stay at Koyasan, Ise Grand Shrine visit, Ago Bay cruise, and Shirakawago's thatched villages. 15-day spiritual journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara.
Self-Guided Tours
KM10115 days
US$5,300 ~ US$6,600
From Sacred Mountains to Coastal Calm – Deluxe
Faith & Tradition: Koyasan,Ise-Shima & Shirakawa-go Hotel Deluxe: Departures until November 2026
Koyasan temple stay with deluxe hotels: 15-day tour with Ise Grand Shrine, Ago Bay, and Shirakawago. Premium stays from Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara.
Self-Guided Tours
TP00115 days
US$4,000 ~ US$5,900
15 Days Through Japan & Universal City
Japan Highlights with an Osaka Theme Park Hotel Standard
15-day Japan tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Shirakawago, and 2 days at Osaka's theme park. Hotels, Shinkansen, and luggage delivery all included.
Self-Guided Tours
TP10115 days
US$5,000 ~ US$6,500
15 Days Through Japan & Universal City – Deluxe
Japan Highlights with an Osaka Theme Park Hotel Deluxe
15-day tour with deluxe hotels: Tokyo, Kyoto, Shirakawago, and Osaka's theme park. Upgraded accommodation with Shinkansen and luggage delivery.
Self-Guided Tours
NT00511 days
US$2,800 ~ US$4,000
Alpine Routes & Cultural Japan
Alpine Peaks Meet Ancient Streets: Departures from June to November
Cross the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, visit Matsumoto Castle, and explore Kanazawa & Kyoto. 11-day tour from Japan's Alps to historic cities.
Nature & Outdoors
NT10511 days
US$3,000 ~ US$4,000
Alpine Routes & Cultural Japan
Spring-Only Spectacle: Tateyama Snow Wall - April & May 2027
Experience the spring-only Yuki-no-Otani snow corridor on the Tateyama Alpine Route, and explore Matsumoto, Kanazawa & Kyoto. Spring-only 11-day tour.
Nature & Outdoors
SL00112 days
US$3,700 ~ US$4,400
SOLO Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape
12-day solo journey: Tokyo, Nagoya, Kashikojima. Travel independently with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.
Self-Guided Tours
SL00312 days
US$3,700 ~ US$5,400
SOLO Koyasan: Sacred Sites and Quiet Beauty
Faith & Tradition: Koyasan 2nights & Shirakawa-go
12-day solo journey: Tokyo, Koyasan, Kyoto. Travel independently with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.
Self-Guided Tours
SL00515 days
US$4,000 ~ US$5,400
SOLO Castles & Heritage of West Japan
Golden Route Plus: Himeji,Kanazawa & Miyajima
15-day solo journey: Tokyo, Okayama, Himeji Castle, Kanazawa, and Miyajima. Independent travel with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.
Self-Guided Tours
KR0034 days
US$900 ~ US$1,500
Hidden Cherry Blossom & Ancient Temple of Nara
Travel with Kintetsu Railway: April 8-17, 2027 Departures
Talk With Us. Request Your Preferred Date.
Hidden Gems
KA5016 days
Kansai Essentials: Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto
Discover West Japan: Osaka Roundtrip
Ready to Book. Pay Within 7 Days to Confirm.
Explore West JapanCultureHistory
GR50211 days
Discover Old Japan: Takayama, Kyoto & Nara
The Golden Route: Tokyo Round Trip
Ready to Book. Pay Within 7 Days to Confirm.
Golden RouteCulture HistorySolo (1 person)
GR50413 days
Castles, Ancient Capitals & Hakone Hot Springs
The Golden Route: Tokyo Round Trip
Ready to Book. Pay Within 7 Days to Confirm.
Golden RouteHistoryCultureSolo (1 person)
GR50711 days
Japan’s Cultural Treasures from Tokyo to Osaka
The Golden Route: Tokyo Start, Osaka Finish
Ready to Book. Pay Within 7 Days to Confirm.
Golden RouteHistorySolo (1 person)
FG50211 days
Hot Springs & Heritage: Hakone, Kyoto & Arima
Family & Group Tours: Tokyo Start, Osaka Finish
Ready to Book. Pay Within 7 Days to Confirm.
FamilyCity HighlightsOnsen & Relaxation
FG50411 days
Ancient Capitals & Mountain Japan: Nara to Yudanaka
Family & Group Tours: Tokyo Round Trip
Ready to Book. Pay Within 7 Days to Confirm.
FamilyCultureWildlife Encounters
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Travel Information
Region
Kansai
Location
Available Tours
29 tours