An Overview of the 'Golden Route' Journey
IRCTC has announced a special group tour titled “Japan – The Golden Route with Hiroshima,” designed as an eight-night, nine-day exploration of the country's most famous destinations. This curated package aims to provide a hassle-free experience by bundling
flights, accommodation, meals, and guided sightseeing into a single booking. The tour covers a classic tourist path that includes the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, the natural splendour of Mt. Fuji and Hakone, the cultural heart of Kyoto, and the historic resonance of Hiroshima. The upcoming tour is scheduled to depart from Mumbai on October 25, 2026. For travellers from other parts of India, IRCTC often announces similar packages from cities like Delhi and Ahmedabad throughout the year.
What Does the Itinerary Include?
The nine-day journey is packed with a mix of modern wonders and ancient traditions. In Tokyo, travelers will visit landmarks like the Senso-ji Temple, the towering Tokyo Skytree, the famous Shibuya Crossing, and the immersive teamLab Planets digital art museum. The tour then moves towards the majestic Mt. Fuji, with plans to visit the 5th Station (weather permitting), followed by a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi and a ride on the Hakone Ropeway. The cultural leg of the trip focuses on Kyoto and Nara, where the group will explore the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nara's famous deer park. A significant historical component is the visit to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum, offering a poignant look into the city's past.
The Shinkansen Bullet Train Experience
A major highlight explicitly mentioned in the package is the ride on the Shinkansen, Japan's world-renowned bullet train. The itinerary includes a high-speed journey to Hiroshima, allowing travellers to experience the incredible efficiency and speed of Japan’s advanced rail network firsthand. This isn't just a mode of transport; it's a core part of the modern Japanese experience, combining technological prowess with punctuality, and is often a much-anticipated feature for first-time visitors to the country. The inclusion of the bullet train ticket saves tourists the hassle of navigating the complex booking system independently.
Cost and Key Inclusions
The package price for the Mumbai departure is ₹3,36,200 per person on a twin-sharing basis, with a 2% TCS charge applicable. Prices for tours from other cities and with different sharing options may vary. For example, a similar recent tour from Delhi started at ₹3,45,999 for triple sharing. The all-inclusive nature of the package is a key selling point. The cost covers return international flights (on airlines like Air India), accommodation in three or four-star hotels, Japan tourist visa fees, and travel insurance for passengers under 70. It also includes daily breakfast along with specified Indian-style lunches and dinners, all airport transfers, sightseeing in air-conditioned coaches, entry tickets to attractions, and the services of an IRCTC tour manager and a local English-speaking guide.
What's Not Included and How to Book
While the package is comprehensive, travelers should budget for expenses that are not included. These typically consist of tips for guides and drivers, personal expenses like laundry and shopping, and any meals that are not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary. It is essential for prospective travelers to have a passport with at least six months of validity from the date of return and to provide the necessary documents for the visa application process. Bookings can be made directly through the IRCTC Tourism website, which provides the most up-to-date information on availability and final pricing. Offline booking facilities are also available at various IRCTC tourism offices across major cities.
