Golden Route

The Golden Route is an itinerary often done by first-time visitors to Japan. The itinerary does not have a set list of stops but it always involves starting in Tokyo, while using the Tokaido Shinkansen to visit Kyoto for a couple of days, most travellers also visit a third location usually Hiroshima, Hakone or Koya-San before returning to Tokyo, it is usually done in about two weeks. It's often done while using the Japan Rail Pass.

Prepare
Most travellers choose to use the 7-day Japan Rail Pass, it is recommended that one purchases the pass outside of Japan as it is ¥4,000 cheaper. The Japan rail pass may be not worth-it if one chooses to fly out of Osaka's airport instead of returning to Tokyo to fly out of there. The most-popular time to travel this route is spring because cherry blossoms are in season, though it is popular all year-round.

Get in
Although one could do this route in reverse starting in Kyoto most choose to start in Tokyo due to its larger airport. The Tokaido Shinkansen departs from two stations in Tokyo, Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station.

Go
Most travellers begin at one of Tokyo's airports, Narita or Haneda. If you purchased your Rail Pass outside of Japan you can exchange your voucher at either airport though various other stations around Tokyo offer this service. It is not worth it to use your Japan Rail Pass just for transport in Tokyo. Most travellers spend about 4-7 days in Tokyo and day-trips to and  are also popular among travellers of this route.