The Golden Route with Hiroshima
For those daunted by the prospect of arranging a multi-city tour of Japan, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced a package aimed at simplifying the entire process. Titled “Japan – The Golden Route with Hiroshima,”
this 8-night, 9-day group tour is designed specifically for travellers departing from Mumbai. The tour, scheduled to depart on October 25, 2026, bundles flights, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing into a single booking, promising a hassle-free experience for first-time visitors or those who prefer a structured travel plan. The journey is designed to cover Japan's most iconic destinations, offering a comprehensive look at the country's cultural, historical, and modern highlights.
A Packed Nine-Day Itinerary
The tour covers an ambitious route, starting in Japan’s bustling capital, Tokyo. Here, travellers will experience landmarks like the ancient Senso-ji Temple, the towering Tokyo Skytree, the immersive teamLab Planets digital art museum, and the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. The itinerary then moves towards the iconic Mount Fuji, including a visit to the 5th Station and a scenic trip on the Hakone Ropeway. The journey continues through cities like Hamamatsu and Nagoya before reaching the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto. In Kyoto and nearby Nara, the tour includes visits to the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Golden Pavilion, the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red gates, and Nara Park, famous for its friendly deer. A major highlight is a trip on the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima, where visitors will explore the poignant Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island.
Breaking Down the Cost and Inclusions
The package is priced at ₹3,36,200 per person on a twin-sharing basis, with a mandatory 2% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applicable on top. This cost covers a significant portion of the travel expenses. Inclusions are return economy class airfare from Mumbai on Air India, Japan tourist visa fees, and accommodation in three-star hotels. It also includes most meals, specifically daily breakfast plus Indian-style lunches and dinners. All sightseeing entry tickets, a ride on the Shinkansen bullet train, travel insurance, and the services of a local guide and an IRCTC tour manager are part of the package. This all-in-one approach means travellers don't have to worry about booking individual tickets or navigating transport between cities.
What's Not Covered in the Package
While the package is largely inclusive, travellers should budget for additional expenses. The listed price does not include the 2% TCS, which is an extra cost. Furthermore, any expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, tips to drivers or guides, and shopping, are not part of the deal. While most meals are covered, any food or drinks ordered outside of the planned Indian-style lunches and dinners will be at the traveller's own expense. Optional tours or activities not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary would also need to be paid for separately. It's crucial for prospective travellers to read the fine print on the official IRCTC Tourism website to understand all the exclusions before booking.
The Verdict: Convenience vs. Flexibility
So, does the IRCTC package make Japan trip planning simpler? For a certain type of traveller, the answer is a resounding yes. If you are a first-time visitor to Japan, travelling with family, or simply someone who wants to avoid the stress of logistics like visa applications, hotel bookings, and navigating Japan's complex train system, this package is invaluable. The inclusion of Indian meals can also be a significant comfort for many. The trade-off, however, is a lack of flexibility. The itinerary is packed and follows a fixed schedule, leaving little room for spontaneous exploration, lingering in a favourite spot, or dining at local Japanese eateries. A DIY trip might offer more freedom and could potentially be done on a different budget, but it would require significantly more research and planning. This package prioritises convenience and a guided experience above all else.
