Trains & Traditions of Japan
Independent Tour
Explore the traditions of Japan on this 17 day tour. There are many fabulous sights to see from the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo, to the history and culture of Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka. Local guides will join you at each key location and take you on a guided tour of the highlights of their city and favourite places. Travelling by train, both bullet trains and local services you will enjoy the efficiency of the famously on-time schedules.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2&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
Day 1 : Tokyo
On arrival meet your driver and be transferred to the hotel by private vehicle. Check in for a 3-night stay.
Day 2&3 : Tokyo
On day 2, meet with your English-speaking private guide who will assist you in exchanging your rail voucher for your actual rail pass and assist with making any seat reservations for your various journeys. Continue your day visiting some of the main sights of Tokyo with your guide.
Day 4 : Takayama
Leave Tokyo today, board the train to Takayama for a 2-night stay. After checking in the day is free for you to explore.
Day 5 : Takayama
Today, you will visit the morning markets, known as Asaichi, there are 2 morning markets held daily in Takayama. Begin the day at the more recent one, started in the early 20th century, then on to the older one, originating in the early 1800s. Takayama's markets are a great example of traditional establishments surviving the pressure from large chains and stores. With both markets near the old town, it is a wonderful area to stroll by, sample some of the delicious food, and admire the architecture. Towards the end of the tour, you may stop by a local sake brewery and try jisake, local sake at one of the breweries of Takayama.
Day 6 : Kanazawa
Your next train brings you to Kanazawa for a 2-night stay. After checking in the day is free for you to explore.
Day 7 : Kanazawa
Meet your English-speaking local guide at your hotel for a comprehensive tour of Kanazawa. See Japan’s top three gardens, Omicho Market and Kazue Machi, one of the preserved tea house districts. Here you can try your hand at one of the traditional crafts that Kanazawa is famous for, gold leaf embellishment. Roll up your sleeves and learn how to decorate a lacquered plate with delicate and intricate gold leaf, making a unique souvenir in the process. You will also walk to the neighbouring Higashi Chaya, the largest preserved geisha district in Kanazawa. Explore Shima Teahouse, which has been converted into a museum. Admire the beautiful details of this space that has been kept in the traditional style, observing the costumes and musical instruments that geisha used to entertain patrons. After learning more about Kanazawa’s fascinating past, return to your hotel for the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 8 : Kyoto
Your next train brings you to Kyoto for a 3-night stay. After checking in the day is free for you to explore.
Day 9 : Kyoto
Explore the former imperial capital of Japan with a knowledgeable local guide, utilising Kyoto’s comprehensive bus system to visit some of the city’s famous World Heritage Sites. Start your day with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun but, at his request, became a Buddhist Temple after his death. Next, make your way to Nijo Castle, an ornamental castle famous for its architecture, decorated sliding doors and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors. Then, head to Heian Shrine, built on the occasion of the 1100th anniversary of the capital's foundation in Kyoto. Finally, make a visit to Kiyomizu Temple (Pure Water Temple) and enjoy the panoramic views of Kyoto from the 13-metre-high veranda jutting out from the Main Hall.
Day 10 : Kyoto
A free day for you to explore as you please.
Day 11 : Hiroshima
Your next train brings to you Hiroshima for a 2-night stay. After checking in the day is free for you to explore.
Day 12 : Hiroshima
This morning, meet your guide before transferring by public transit to Memorial Peace Park. Hiroshima’s tribute to its tragic past and hopes for the future. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum next, whose exhibits display artefacts and photographs of the bombing and its aftermath. After some free time for lunch take the train to the ferry to cross the shore to Miyajima Island, an ancient holy site, a sacred and beautiful national treasure of Japan. Featuring stunning Shinto shrines, Buddhist pagodas and temples, spectacular natural beauty, and charming Edo-style walkways, the island offers a slice of ancient Japanese culture. Afterwards, make some time to stop and shop at the charming souvenir shops in town, or try some local delicacies before returning to the mainland and your hotel.
Day 13 : Osaka
Your next bullet train brings you to Osaka. On arrival meet your guide and walk around the main attractions of this vibrant city.
Day 14 : Hakone
Today, you will board the train heading towards Odawara station. Continue on by train to your hotel in Hakone and check in for a 2-night stay.
Day 15 : Hakone
This morning you will be met at your accommodation in Hakone by your guide for the day to explore Hakone National Park, one of Japan’s most iconic parks in the shadow of Mount Fuji. Throughout the tour you will have a chance to take a glimpse at this awe-inspiring mountain, weather permitting. Explore Hakone using an included 3-day pass which provides local transport. Take the cable car from Gora Station to the Hakone Ropeway and soar above the active volcanic site, Descend the mountain to Togendai, where you’ll board a pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashi. A crater formed by a volcano nearly three-thousand years ago, these charming waters offer beautiful views of the enveloping mountains. Included in today's tour is entrance to the Hakone Open Air Museum, one of the must-see places in Hakone.
Day 16 : Tokyo
Use your Hakone Free Pass to make your way to Tokyo today, to catch the train for your onward journey to Tokyo.
Day 17 : Departure
Your package ends with the check out from your hotel and an included transfer to the airport. We can assist with your onwards journey either within Japan or beyond
