01 2311800Japan by Rail
20 nights / 21 days
Fully Guided
All Available Dates - Call 01 2366852 To Book Now
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An all-encompassing journey through Japan, travelling mainly by bullet train and taking in the highlights of all three main islands: Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido. Experience ancient traditions and modern Japan's unique charm.
B Breakfast Included
L Lunch Included
D Dinner Included
Day 1 - Fly overnight to Fukuoka
Fly overnight to 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 - Fly overnight to Fukuoka
Fly overnight to 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 3 - Visit Nagasaki
Begin the day by travelling on the limited express train to Nagasaki. Upon arrival.head to the Atomic Bomb Museum to pay your respects to the victims of the 1945 atrocities. Later, visit Glover Garden, the hilltop park dominated by the Glover Residence, former home of 19th century merchant nicknamed 'the Scottish samurai'. Return to Fukuoka by train.
Day 4 - Miyajima Island
Board the bullet train to Hiroshima, located on Japan's largest island, Honshu. Here, take the ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima. Here, visit the Itsukushima Shrine and see how the local treat, 'momiji manju', is made. Later, return to Hiroshima.
Day 5 - Hiroshima Highlights
Spend the day in Hiroshima. Begin 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. Ascending Orizuru Tower to view the city from above, followed by a stroll through Shukkei-en Garden.
Day 6 - Admire Himeji Castle
Depart Hiroshima by bullet train, stopping at Himeji to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, followed by a walk through Koko-en Gardens. Continue to Osaka.
Day 7 - Osaka & Nara Day Trip
Begin the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building. Later, head to Nara, known for its beautiful (and cheeky ) bowing sika deer. Admire the enormous Todai-ji Temple, which houses the 15-metre tall bronze Buddha known as the Daibutsu. Finally, enjoy an ink making and calligraphy class before returning to Osaka.
Day 8 - Kyoto's Temples
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 Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's best-known zen garden, and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' of Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Day 9 - Tea Ceremony & Fan Painting
The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto. Next, enjoy the age-old rituals of a sacred tea ceremony before witnessing a Zen meditation demonstration and even trying your hand at fan painting. Later, explore Gion – Kyoto's famous geisha district, where you may be lucky enough to enjoy a rare glimpse of a geisha.
Day 10 - Explore 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 12 - Discover Takayama
Spend the morning browsing the local handicrafts and fresh produce at Miyagawa market, the Takayama Floats Museum and Takayama Jinya. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Day 13 - Search for Snow Monkeys
Drive through the Japanese Alps, enjoying the mountain scenery en route to Matsumoto and Nagano. After lunch, head to Yudanaka and head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. Walk 30-40 minutes (conditions depending) through a picturesque forested valley to the hot spring pools, where you can search for the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) - sighting not guaranteed. Later, return to Matsumoto.
Day 14 - Matsumoto Castle
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 Narai-juku before continuing to Suwa.
Day 15 - Mount Fuji
Travel to Hakone and ascend 2,400 metres to the 5th Station (weather permitting) for magnificent views of Mt Fuji. Later, continue to Tokyo by road.
Day 16 - Tour 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 Senso-ji temple, browse the stalls on Nakamise shopping street, and drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza.
Day 17 - Even more Tokyo
Begin the day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views over the sprawling city. Next, pass by the world-famous Shibuya crossing. End the day with a relaxing dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
Day 18 - Sip Whisky in Sendai
As the tour journeys to northern Honshu, board the bullet train to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku. Upon arrival, transfer by road to Matsushima and enjoy a cruise on Matsushima Bay. Later, visit the famous Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai. (Please note: Due to a change in the factory's opening hours, if your visit falls on a weekend, an alternative visit may be arranged locally.)
Day 19 - Explore 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, from which you can look down into Hakodate's star-shaped fortress, followed by some time at leisure. This evening, ascend Mt Hakodate and enjoy the fabulous views of the city below.
Day 20 - Sapporo Sightseeing
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 21 - Depart Sapporo
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving the same or following day.
