Routes · Asia

Stockholm to classic Japan: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka

Stockholm → Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Osaka

Classic Japan Best season (general guide): late Mar–May, Oct–Nov

Japan's 'golden route' links Tokyo with Kyoto and Osaka on the shinkansen bullet trains, and adding Hakone gives you a night at a traditional hot-spring inn. From Stockholm you'll usually fly to Tokyo with one connection, and fly home from the Osaka area.

How to pace it: After the connecting flights from Stockholm, plan days one to four in Tokyo: first Asakusa, then Imperial Palace gardens and Yanaka, Shibuya and other districts, and finally free day in the city. Next, plan day five in Hakone: first train to Hakone, then ryokan, hot spring and Lake Ashi. Next, plan days six to eight in Kyoto: first Shinkansen to Kyoto, then Gion in the evening, temples and moss gardens, and finally free day in Kyoto. Next, plan days nine and ten in Osaka: first short train to Osaka, then street food, and finally Osaka Castle.

Tokyo needs at least four days to sample the neighbourhoods, from the Meiji Shrine and Harajuku to the old streets of Yanaka and the fish market at Tsukiji. A short train ride takes you to Hakone, where you can follow a loop of transport across the mountains to Lake Ashi, and on a clear day see Mount Fuji. Stay at a ryokan to try onsen bathing and a multi-course dinner. The shinkansen then takes you to Kyoto, where the vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari, the temples of Higashiyama and the Arashiyama area are best visited early in the morning. Osaka is only a short train ride away, with its castle, street food and a day trip to the deer park and temples of Nara.

Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons, and Japan's tourism board notes cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves from September to November. Golden Week from late April to early May is very busy.

Rail passes are not always the cheapest option, so compare the fare for your exact route. Respect etiquette in temples and onsen, and book ryokan early for the peak seasons.

Partner links may earn LarkTours a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, availability and terms are set by each partner.