The Golden Route: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
Japan offers a wealth of experiences for the curious traveler.
While there's much to explore off the beaten path, there are plenty of good reasons why Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka form what's known in the travel scene as the "Golden Route."
These cities, each with its unique character, provide a great introduction to this amazing destination of Japan.
The Golden Route is also immensely popular these days, as popular as Japan itself has become in recent years. This has some upside as well as its share of challenges for both visitors and locals alike.
In this article we're going to present both sides to you, in an honest assessment of whether you should travel on some or all of Japan’s Golden Route when visiting Japan – as well as how to make the most of your experience.
What is Japan’s Golden Route of Travel? Why Is It So Popular with Visitors?
As mentioned earlier, the Golden Route of Japan travel comprises Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
The Golden Route offers an ideal blend of iconic sights and hidden gems. From Tokyo's neon-lit streets and buzzing energy, to Kyoto's shrines & temples and Osaka's vibrant food scene and longstanding mercantile and industrialist heritage, these three cities are seemingly always on everyone’s list when they visit Japan.
In fact, many people only visit Tokyo, Kyoto and/or Osaka when on a self-guided tour in Japan, at least on their first visit here.
Nothing wrong with that. Can't say I blame them.
When it comes to traveling in Japan, I'd have to agree that Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are the low-hanging fruit. Everyone knows about these places, and In fairness they offer a wealth of sites and a well-established travel infrastructure that’s well rather suited for international visitors.
And while we'll get to some of the challenges and reasons to get away from the Golden Route – eventually – when it is in japan, let's first do a rundown of these three cities.
Tokyo: Hustle & Bustle in the World’s Biggest City
Tokyo, Japan's sprawling capital, is a place where you can start your day at a famous fish auction (and enjoy a sushi breakfast afterwards), fill the middle with one-of-a-kind attractions and experiences, and end it in a jazz club or hotel rooftop bar.
Tokyo’s energy is palpable, there’s no doubt about it.
For first time visitors to Japan, it's pretty difficult to suggest skipping Tokyo. Well, I’ll be talking about that in an upcoming article with some sure-to-be controversial opinions.
But for most folks, Tokyo probably should be on your Japan travel itinerary.
When I lived in Tokyo back in the day, foreigners who lived in other parts of Japan would revel in insisting to me that “Tokyo is not the real japan.” Something at which I very much bristled.
“Literally one in four Japanese people live in the Tokyo area,” I’d retort. “How is that not the real Japan?” And while I no longer live in Tokyo, and am sometimes accused of having a bias to the Kansai Area (which includes Kyoto & Osaka), that statement is no less true today.
Tokyo is the real Japan. And yet Tokyo is also not the only part of the real Japan.
So long story short, I want you to see Tokyo. I want you to experience the amazing city that it is today. And then I want you to get beyond Tokyo and explore as much of Japan as possible.
But first… Tokyo.
Tokyo Musts – And Probablys – On Your First Trip to Japan
It's your first time in japan, there are probably some images of Tokyo that you've already formed most likely stemming from social media, YouTube videos, travel books or various anecdotes etc.
There are probably things that you want to see already. I'm going to get a little rundown here of what I think you might want to include on your itinerary, but please by all means don't take it as gospel, these are just suggestions.
Shibuya – Plus Aoyama, Meiji Jingu & (If You Need It) Harajuku
You know that iconic image of masses of people crossing a Tokyo intersection in all directions at the same time? That’s Shibuya, specifically Shibuya Crossing just in front of Shibuya station. The intersection is fun to watch – and organized chaos to cross, especially for the first time. After a while, it becomes second nature, much as it is for hundreds of thousands of Tokyo locals who cross it every day. The area of Shibuya is great for eating and shopping, and has some cool vantage points and photo ops such as Shibuya Square, Miyashita Park and Shibuya Sky.
Nearby Minami-Aoyama and Omotesando are also hubs for strolling, shopping and eating. Harajuku is in this area too. As is Meiji Jingu, a grand Shinto shrine and park that form a green oasis in this mega urban area.
Shinjuku – Staying on Tokyo’s West Side
If Tokyo were New York City, Shinjuku could be considered Midtown Manhattan. And Shinjuku station would be Grand Central and Penn stations all rolled into one.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (aka “Tocho”) has some nice views. In this area are a whole host of hotels (we recommend staying here or Shibuya), restaurants, shops and offices.
Nearby Shinjuku Gyoen is another urban oasis, a great park that’s a bit underrated if anything.
Other Areas of Tokyo to Explore
Honestly, there’s so much to see, do, explore and soak in when you’re visiting Tokyo.
We always caution folks not to try to pack your schedule in too tightly. Leave some room to wander, even get lost (it’s one of the world’s safest places, so getting lost won’t amount to much; just avoid the red-light district of Kabukicho in Shinjuku at night and you’ll be fine).
Popular neighborhoods for visitors to Tokyo include Azabu, Roppongi, Ginza, Ikebukuoro and – further afield – Nakano, Koenji, Kichojoji and Shimokitazawa.
Ueno park is beautiful – and packed – when the cherry blossoms come out in March & April. Nearby Ameyokocho is worth a stroll for a more “local” vibe, although thanks to some youtubers and influencers, this neighborhood is getting more and more tourists coming through.
We always recommend checking out a shotengai – local covered shopping arcade – in Tokyo and in other cities. Good options include Yanaka Ginza, Azabu Juban, Togoshi Ginza, Sugamo Jizo-dori, and several others. Just depends which fits best with your Tokyo itinerary timings and logistics.
We’ll do a whole article on Kyoto. But for now, here are some highlights of the second city (and historically the old capital) in the Golden Route triumvirate.
Kyoto: Japan’s Historic Capital
Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital for over a thousand years, is seen by many as a living museum of Japanese culture and history.
With its abundance of temples, shrines and Japanese gardens, Kyoto stands to offer a stark contrast to Tokyo's modernity.
Having said that, Kyoto has become a victim of its own success in recent years, now known in global travel circles as a hotbed of “overtourism.”
Still, I don’t recommend skipping Kyoto – at least not skipping it solely for the purpose of avoiding the crowds.
Instead, do Kyoto strategically.
Many folks figure Kyoto is crowded so they stay in Osaka and come to Kyoto as a day trip.
Really, I couldn’t disagree more with that approach.
If anything, Kyoto is least crowded and most enjoyable in the evening and early morning hours, before or after the day crowds make things uncomfortable. That’s why I recommend staying in Kyoto, enjoying life after 6pm or so here; waking up early to hit some sights before they get crowded at some point in the morning; then venture out of the city a ways to escape the crowds and get more peace (which Kyoto was about for the longest time, until recently).
Iconic Sights of Kyoto
The Fushimi Inari Taisha is perhaps the most popular Kyoto attraction, along with the Kiyomuzu-dera temple. Do these early in the morning (likely on different days).
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the Shinto shrine you’ve undoubtedly seen images of again and again, with its iconic reddish-orange gates (some ten thousand of them) forming an archway all the way up the hill. It’s open 24 hours a day, and much of it is well lit.
Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple in the grand tradition, a timeless Kyoto postcard image. You’d be extra lucky to be here amidst fall colors (usually mid-November into December) or on a snow morning. Again it gets crowded pretty quickly, so come soon after it opens (usually from 6am, check the sunrise times for your Kyoto itinerary).
Another timeless favorite is the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, its shimmering reflection in the surrounding pond amidst the throngs of tourists clamoring to get a photo.
The nearby Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its enigmatic rock garden, offers a space for quiet contemplation. Haha, again that is if you go at the right time and aren’t surrounded by tourists from (I’m not going to name the countries responsible, but some folks are waaayyyy too for Japan’ read the room, folks!).
For a taste of old Kyoto, wander through the atmospheric streets of Gion, the city's famous geisha district. If you're lucky, you might spot a geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) hurrying to an appointment. But whatever you do, please be respectful. Some streets are closed to visitors entirely. Others have signs posted saying no photography. And even in the photo-OK areas, please don’t harass the maiko like some tourists have. Also, a lot of the geisha-looking women you see around town are not legit; they’re either posing for tourists, or themselves are tourists dressed up. So there’s that.
The towering bamboo grove of Arashiyama is another popular place, especially magical in the early morning light. The earlier the better, these days, with so many tourists. While there, don't miss the chance to visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a gorgeous garden.
Want to experience Kyoto with a local perspective? Try a Kyoto city tour! These private or semi-private tours give you more than just the highlights, offering local insights and knowledge.
Exploring Beyond Kyoto
You’ve got plenty of options to get out of the city during the daytime on your Kyoto tour. Here are a few.
Nara: Land of Ancient Temples and Friendly Deer
Less than one hour by local~ish (though take the express!) train from Kyoto, Nara was Japan's first permanent capital and is home to some of the country's oldest and largest temples.
The colossal bronze Buddha at Todai-ji Temple is a, while the thousands of stone lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine create a splendid atmosphere.
Don't forget to feed the friendly deer that roam freely in Nara Park – they're considered messengers of the gods.
Nara is no secret, mind you, and can get crowded in its own right. Still, it’s well worth a visit when in the Kyoto-Osaka area.
Uji: Green Tea Paradise
Uji, halfway between Kyoto and Nara, is a must-visit for green tea enthusiasts.
Home to some of Japan's oldest tea fields, Uji is the perfect place to learn about and sample high-quality green tea.
Don't miss the stunning Byodo-in Temple, whose image graces the 10 yen coin.
You might also try your hand at the classic tea leaf picking experience.
With Kyoto, Uji and Nara covered (for now), there’s a big city right next door: Osaka!
Osaka: “Japan's Kitchen” and Quintessential “Second City”
Osaka, often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, is a city that deserves your attention.
Known for its down-to-earth locals, amazing food scene and vibrant nightlife, Osaka offers a different flavor of urban Japan.
Top Attractions in Osaka
Start your Osaka adventure at Osaka Castle, a nice replica (it was destroyed in WWII) surrounded by sprawling grounds and, depending on the season, sometimes fall colors or cherry blossoms. For a bird's-eye view of the city, head to the Umeda Sky Building's Observatory.
Dotonbori is in Osaka's lively entertainment district. Here, you can sample local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) while marveling at the district's famous neon signs and mechanical billboards.
It’s super touristy, to be sure. But worth a stop. Just appreciate it for what it is (a kind of Osaka version of NYC’s Times Square). Locals seldom come here anymore, though they do frequent nearby Namba, Shinsaibashi and Midosuji.
Other Osaka Spots to Visit
For a glimpse into Osaka's recent past, explore the Shin-Sekai district, with its retro atmosphere and iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. Nearby, the Tennoji area offers a mix of ultra-modern architecture and calm green spaces, including the lovely Tennoji Park and the unique Abeno Harukas, Japan's tallest building.
Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the National Museum of Art, Osaka, housed in a striking underground structure. Its collection focuses on post-war Japanese and international contemporary art.
Venturing Out from Osaka
In addition to the aforementioned sights in nearby Nara, Uji and Kyoto, other parts of the Kansai Area are worth visiting when in Osaka.
Kobe: More Than Just Beef
A short train ride from Osaka, Kobe offers a blend of international influences and Japanese culture. While it's famous for its eponymous beef, Kobe also boasts attractions like the Kobe Harborland, the quaint Kitano district with its 19th-century Western-style houses, as well as Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring towns.
Himeji: Home of Japan's Finest Castle
Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Himeji Castle is a fine example of Japanese castle architecture and a must-visit for history buffs.
Navigating the Golden Route: Travel Tips & Tricks
Traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka is a breeze thanks to Japan's efficient rail network, including the super-fast shinkansen (bullet train) and good connections with regional train lines. The Japan Rail Pass can be a cost-effective option if you plan to make multiple trips, but point-to-point tickets can often work out better. Not sure? Feel free to reach out to us with questions anytime!
Look into staying in a mix of accommodations to round out your Japan experience. For example, you could try a ryokan (traditional inn) in Kyoto, a modern luxury hotel in Tokyo, and a well-situated business hotel in Osaka.
While English signage has improved greatly in recent years, having a translation app on your phone can be helpful. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help – Japanese people might often seem shy at first, but deep down they really do want to help.
Wrapping Up the Golden Route: Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka
The Golden Route of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka offers the first time visitor to Japan a good introduction to Japan's multifaceted culture.
From Tokyo's technology, fashion and rapidly changing skyline to Kyoto's timeless beauty and Osaka's culinary delights, each city provides a unique window into the Japanese experience.
But remember, travel in Japan is about more than just checking off boxes on a list of famous sights. By venturing off the beaten path and exploring the hidden corners, you'll discover the true heart of Japan.
Whether you're watching the sunset from a lesser-known Tokyo viewpoint, participating in a tea ceremony in Kyoto or laughing with locals at an Osaka comedy club (I know a good one in English and you might even catch a familiar face on stage), it's these moments and others like them that will help make your journey truly unforgettable.
Want more tips and a complete itinerary to get off the beaten path, in and away from Japan’s Golden Route? Why not schedule a FREE consultation with us today?!