The Itinerary: A Nine-Day Whirlwind
The tour, officially titled "Japan – The Golden Route with Hiroshima," is an eight-night, nine-day journey that departs from Mumbai. The trip is scheduled to run from October 25 to November 3, 2026. It is designed to give travellers a comprehensive look
at Japan's most famous sights, blending ancient history with modern life. The itinerary covers a wide swathe of the country, starting in the bustling capital, Tokyo. From there, the tour takes you to the scenic region of Hakone for iconic views of Mt. Fuji. The journey continues through cities like Hamamatsu and Nagoya before reaching the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto, and the vibrant commercial hub of Osaka. A significant part of the tour is a visit to Hiroshima, offering a poignant look at its history with a trip to the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island. The itinerary also includes a stop in Nara, famous for its friendly deer and historic temples.
Key Experiences and Sightseeing
This package packs the schedule with a variety of experiences. In Tokyo, you can expect to see everything from the immersive digital art at teamLab Planets to the panoramic views from the Tokyo Skytree. The tour also includes visits to the historic Senso-ji Temple, the electronics district of Akihabara, and the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. A sumo show adds a unique cultural touch to the Tokyo leg of the journey. The tour's highlight for many is the journey on the Shinkansen, Japan's iconic bullet train, which takes the group to Hiroshima. In Kyoto, the itinerary focuses on its rich heritage with visits to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine. These carefully selected stops ensure that travellers experience Japan’s diverse offerings, from serene temples and natural beauty to its fast-paced, modern cityscapes.
What the Package Includes
IRCTC has designed this as a largely all-inclusive package, aimed at providing a hassle-free experience. The price covers several major components of the trip. This includes return economy airfare from Mumbai on Air India, all accommodation in three-star hotels, and Japan visa processing fees. It also covers most meals, specifically daily breakfast along with Indian-style lunches and dinners. All internal travel is managed, including airport transfers, sightseeing in air-conditioned coaches, and the bullet train ticket. To help navigate the country, the services of a local guide and an IRCTC tour manager are provided throughout the trip. The cost also includes entry fees for all the monuments and sights mentioned in the itinerary, as well as mandatory travel insurance.
Cost and Booking Details
The financial breakdown is a key factor for any traveller. For this specific package, the cost is set at ₹3,36,200 per person on a twin-sharing basis. For those travelling alone, the single occupancy rate is ₹4,14,770. The price for a child travelling with an extra bed is the same as the adult fare, while a child without a bed is priced at ₹2,63,200. It is important for prospective travellers to note that an additional 2% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is applicable on top of these fares. Bookings and further inquiries can be made through the official IRCTC Tourism website, and offline booking options are also available at IRCTC offices in Mumbai and other cities in the region.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This structured tour is particularly well-suited for certain types of travellers. First-time visitors to Japan will find the comprehensive itinerary and guided nature of the tour extremely helpful. It removes the stress of navigating Japan's complex public transport system and overcomes any potential language barriers. Families and older travellers may also appreciate the convenience of having all logistics, from accommodation and meals to sightseeing, handled for them. The inclusion of Indian meals is another point of comfort for many. However, travellers who prefer spontaneity and the freedom to explore at their own pace might find the packed schedule restrictive. It is a trade-off between the convenience of a fully planned tour and the flexibility of independent travel. This package prioritises seeing the maximum number of highlights in a limited time, making it ideal for those who want a guided, worry-free introduction to Japan.
