Japan by Rail
Escorted Tour
Fukuoka – Nagasaki – Hiroshima – Osaka – Nara – Kyoto – Kanazawa – Takayama – Matsumoto – Mount Fuji – Tokyo – Sendai – Hakodate – Sapporo
For those where time is no limit, this is the ultimate top-to-toe tour of Japan covering three islands in one trip – Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido whilst travelling on the bullet train. From rural villages to bustling cities, from coastlines to alpine and from ancient traditions to new-world charm. Reflect in Nagasaki & Hiroshima, admire Kyoto’s temples, search for Snow Monkeys in the Japanese Alps, explore bustling Tokyo, discover Sendai & Hakodate and spend time in Sapporo.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
Day 1 : Arrive Fukuoka
Arrive in the charming city of Fukuoka, the gateway to the island of Kyushu. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 2 : Nagasaki
Begin the day by travelling on the limited express train to Nagasaki. Upon arrival, enjoy a stroll through the Glover Garden, an open air museum that exhibits mansions attributed to the Scottish merchant who contributed to the modernisation of Japan. Also, visit the Oura Catholic Church and Atomic Bomb Museum before returning to Fukuoka.
Day 3 : Miyajima Island
Board the bullet train to Hiroshima, located on Japan’s largest island, Honshu. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, take the ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima. Here, visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy a momiji manju cooking experience. Later, return to Hiroshima.
Day 4 : Hiroshima
Spend the day in Hiroshima starting with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum where you will have the opportunity to pay homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Enjoy okonomiyaki for lunch before ascending Orizuru Tower to view the city from above, followed by a stroll through the historical Shukkeien Garden.
Day 5 : Himeji Castle & Osaka
Depart Hiroshima by bullet train, stopping at Himeji to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, followed by a walk through traditional Kokoen garden. Continue by limited express to Osaka.
Day 6 : Osaka and Nara
Begin the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building followed by a lunch at the famous Dontonburi district. Later, head to Nara and explore Todaiji Temple which houses the impressive Daibutsu, a 15-metre-tall bronze statue of Buddha. Enjoy an ink making and calligraphy class before returning to Osaka.
Day 7 : Kyoto
Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Upon arrival, stroll through the Arashiyama bamboo forest and admire the towering thickets. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s best-known Zen garden and the famous ‘Golden Pavilion’ Kinkakuji Temple.
Day 8 : Kyoto
The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto. Next, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy the age-old rituals of a sacred tea ceremony, Zen mediation, and try your hand at fan painting. Also explore Gion – Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Enjoy public onsen facilities.
Day 9 : Kanazawa
Take the limited express train to Kanazawa and upon arrival, meander your way through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Also visit the Nomura Samurai House and Kunani Pottery Factory.
Day 10 : Takayama
Travel by road to Takayama stopping en route at Inami for a sake wooden cup making experience and sake tasting. Next, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed village of Shirakawago to get a glimpse of rural Japan. Continue to Takayama.
Day 11 : Takayama
Discover Takayama Spend the morning at the Miyagawa market. Also visit the Takayama Floats Museum and Takayama Jinya. Enjoy the onsen facilities at your overnight hotel.
Day 12 : Snow Monkeys
Travel to Matsumoto and spend time at the Daio Wasabi Farm to see the plantations and learn about its cultivation. Continue to the town of Yudanaka and head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. Walk through a picturesque forested valley to the hot pools where you may see the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play before returning to Matsumoto.
Day 13 : Matsumoto & Suwa
Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th century Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’, due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. Also visit the former post town of Naraijuku. Continue to Suwa and enjoy the onsen facilities at your hotel.
Day 14 : Mount Fuji
Travel to Hakone and ascend 2,400 metres to the 5th Station (weather permitting). Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway. Next, continue to Tokyo by road.
Day 15 : Tokyo
Begin the day with a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. Next, take part in a sushi making class, and enjoy your own creations for lunch! Later, soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji temple, browse the stalls on Nakamise shopping street and drive-by the Imperial Palace Plaza.
Day 16 : Tokyo
Begin the day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views over the sprawling city. Next, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine and drive-by the world-famous Shibuya crossing. End the day with a relaxing cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay, and enjoy dinner onboard a yakata from where you will have the perfect vantage point to admire the supercharged lights of the city.
Day 17 : Sendai
As the tour journeys to northern Honshu, board the bullet train to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku. Transfer to Matsushima and enjoy a relaxing cruise on Matsushima Bay. Also, visit Zuiganji Temple and the famous Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai.
Day 18 : Hakodate
Say goodbye to Honshu Island as you board the bullet train to Hakodate located on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Visit the Goryokaku Tower, a star shaped fortress, followed by some time at leisure. This evening, journey on the Mt Hakodate Ropeway and enjoy the fabulous views of the city below. Enjoy the onsen facilities at your hotel.
Day 19 : Sapporo
Board the bullet train for the very last time to Sapporo. Head to the Clock Tower and Odori Park and in the evening, stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy a tasting or two, followed by a farewell dinner.
Day 20 : Depart Sapporo
This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.
