Discover Japan by Rail
Discover Japan by Rail
A chance to explore the country on the iconic bullet trains
A comprehensive 13 day, land only tour exploring the very best of Japan’s cultural, natural and UNESCO locations, whilst making use of the country’s efficient railways. Journey on the famous bullet train, marvel at Mt. Fuji, stroll around cultural Kyoto, and discover the renowned Golden Pavilion. Other highlights include the 250 year old historic gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawago, a magnificent traditional Japanese garden in Kanazawa, the friendly deer in Nara, and the “floating” Itsukushi-ma Shrine in Miyajima. All this and more, using the included 14-Day Japan Rail Pass.
Note: This tour involves a lot of walking, so a good level of fitness is required.
Locations you will be visiting
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Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional
3 Days & 2 Days
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Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan's former capital, is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites
2 Days
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Hiroshima and Miyajima, Japan
Hiroshima is a modern city, rebuilt after the Second World War. Nearby Miyajima Island home of the I...
1 Day
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Osaka, Japan
Osaka is a large port city known for its modern architecture, boisterous nightlife and hearty street...
1 Day
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Takayama, Japan
Takayama, has a riverside setting and is surrounded by nature
1 Day
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Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa is referred to as “little Kyoto” due to its ancient streets and well-preserved neighbou...
2 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Discover Japan by Rail
13 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Arrive Tokyo
On arrival at the airport in Tokyo, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 2 Tokyo Tour
Start the day with a visit to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Witness modern Japanese pop culture and fashion, on a walk through the Harajuku district, and see the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Continue to Hamarikyu Garden, the city’s beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, located at the mouth of the Sumida River, and an oasis of calm in a busy metropolis. End the day at the World Trade Centre Observatory, with breathtaking views of the Tokyo Tower and this amazing city.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3 Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Tour
Catch the bullet train to Odawara, and relax on a pleasure boat cruise across tranquil Lake Ashi, admiring the picturesque surroundings. Ride the thrilling Hakone Ropeway, an aerial lift with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and stunning Ashinoko Lake. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and return to your hotel in Tokyo. Pack a small bag for tonight, as your main luggage will be transferred overnight from Tokyo to Kyoto.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara
After breakfast, a bullet train will whisk you to Kyoto and onward to Nara. Visit the Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha), the deer in the verdant Nara Park, and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Return to Kyoto and check-in to your accommodation.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Train
DAY 5 Kyoto Day Tour
Today’s Kyoto Day Tour includes visits to Nijo Castle which was built in 1603, the beautiful zen Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), where the top two floors are
completely covered in gold, and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which has a stunning panoramic view of Kyoto. The tour ends with some free time in the fascinating Gion District, to explore the winding back streets where you may see Geisha or Maiko as they travel to their evening appointments.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima
Your main luggage will be transferred from Kyoto to Takayama. Pack a small bag for your stay in Hiroshima and Osaka. After breakfast, leave Kyoto by bullet train bound for Hiroshima. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the ferry to Miyajima. Here, the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine blends with the mountains and sea to form one of the country’s most picturesque vistas. Return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku-dome (The Atomic Bomb Dome), designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Train
DAY 7 Hiroshima to Osaka
Walk to Hiroshima Station for your bullet train to Osaka. On Arrival, you will be met and taken to Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori District, one of the most famous areas of Osaka, known for its varied restaurants, to enjoy a tasty street food lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Train
DAY 8 Osaka to Takayama
Morning departure by train for Takayama. Visit Takayama-Jinya, a former government out-post, and explore fascinating Kamisannomachi Street, filled with lanes lined with Edo period wooden merchants houses. Check-in to your accommodation.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Train
DAY 9 Takayama to Shirakawago to Kanazawa
Travel by local bus to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago, famous for the 250 year old traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a style of building unique to this area. Then continue by local bus to Kanazawa, and check-in at your accommodation.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Local bus
DAY 10 Kanazawa
This morning visit the traditional Japanese Kenrokuen Garden, and the Gold Leaf Museum in Kanazawa for an enjoyable Gold Leaf experience. The tour finishes on historic Higashi Chaya Street, filled with traditional
wooden buildings.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11 Kanazawa to Tokyo
Hop aboard the bullet train for your journey from Kanazawa to Tokyo. Remainder of the day is at leisure, for last minute souvenir shopping and sightseeing.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Train
DAY 12 Tokyo
Day at leisure, or perhaps enjoy some optional tours in Tokyo. Please let us know what you would like to do, and we can arrange it for you.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13 Onward Journey
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before making your onward journey.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Sushi Workshop Morning Tour, Tokyo
Experience hand-shaping and rolling sushi from a Tsukiji sushi chef and tour around Tsukiji Outer Fish Market to have an insight into how chef selects their fish for sushi.
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Japan: Tokyo Sumo Experience & Chanko Lunch
Be a sumo wrestler for a day! Learn from the Sumo wrestlers about the history, practice and the tournaments. Try on a Sumo costume and challenge a Sumo wrestler to a match. Enjoy the traditional and symbolic meal Chanko-nabe.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Dinner with Maiko, Kyoto
Enjoy a traditional dinner with a Maiko, or apprentice Geisha and enjoy two traditional dance performances. Opportunity to ask questions and take photos with Maiko.
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Japan: Samurai Experience, Osaka
Be a Samurai for a day! Learn about the Samurai (old Japanese soldier) in Kimono or Ninja costume!
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Departures and Prices 2020 / 21
Single supplement from £695
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
The deposit for these arrangements is £300 per person. Balance is due 10 weeks before departure.
This tour itinerary is also available as a Private Tour. Please ask for more details.
Japan: Discover Japan by Rail
from£2,595
What's included:
- Accommodation
- English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Bullet trains
- Baggage transfers for one piece
- Meals as specified
- International flights
- Airport taxes
- Local tips
- Personal spending
- Travel insurance
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
TOUR MAP
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