Discover Japan by Rail
Discover Japan by Rail
A chance to explore the country usingiconic bullet trains
A comprehensive 14 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.
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
Discover Japan's dazzling capital - where ancient meets modern
4 Days
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Hakone, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Hakone with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hiroshima, rebuilt after World War II, and stunning Miyajima island, are among the most visited spot...
1 Day
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Kyoto
Explore historic sights and wander the atmospheric streets of Kyoto
2 Days
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Osaka
An exciting and bustling city with a wide range of tasty cuisine on offer
1 Day
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Takayama
Enjoy a scenic setting and well-preserved Edo-style streets
1 Day
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Kanazawa
An intriguing city with a fascinating ancient samurai district
2 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Discover Japan by Rail
14 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 Fly to Tokyo
Take a scheduled flight from your regional airport to Tokyo.
DAY 2 Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival at the Tokyo airport, a representative will be waiting for you at the arrival hall. Take the shared shuttle van and transfer to the hotel in Tokyo.
DAY 3 Tokyo Full Day Tour
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before meeting our guide in the reception area. From there, set off on an exciting Full Day Tokyo Tour using efficient public transportation, giving you an authentic experience of the city’s vibrant daily life. This guided group tour introduces you to some of Tokyo’s most iconic must-see attractions. Explore the historic district of Asakusa, home to traditional streets and the famous Senso-ji Temple. Continue to the elegant surroundings of the Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Finally, experience the energy of Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest and most famous intersections.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Hakone Full Day Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, meet with the guide at the hotel’s lobby. Enjoy a full-day excursion in the Hakone area by public transportation.
You will be visiting Hakone Ropeway and Owaku Valley. Enjoy a cruise in Lake Ashi and marvel at the beauty of Mt. Fuji. The tour ends at the hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Local Train
DAY 5 Bullet Train to Hiroshima
Meet with the guide at the hotel’s lobby after breakfast. Today, you will take a bullet train to the Hiroshima area. Upon arrival, you will meet with a local tour guide and start your half day tour in Hiroshima city by public transportation. In this area, you will be visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum. Today you will stay close to the Peace Memorial Park.
*Luggage transfer service included (TOKYO to KYOTO)
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Bullet Train
DAY 6 Miyajima and Bullet Train to Kyoto
After breakfast at the hotel, meet with our guide in the reception area. Take the ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima shrine and Big Torii Gate. Try some street food in Miyajima, for example oyster croquette etc. Back to Hiroshima and we take the bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, check in the hotel.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Bullet Train
DAY 7 Kyoto Full Day Tour
Meet the guide at the hotel’s reception and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto. Take the local train to Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to thousands of torii gates and the Buddhist Sanjusangendo Temple, filled with 1001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of mercy. Enjoy the tea ceremony at Kyoto. You will visit Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple. The tour ends at Gion area, should you prefer to continue your sightseeing by yourself.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8 Nara and Osaka Full Day Tour
This morning starts with a walking tour of Nara. We take the train to Nara, the imperial capital of Japan in the 8th century, and visit the Todaiji Temple where an enormous bronze Buddha image is exhibited in the Daibutsuden Hall. We then continue to Nara Park, where over 1,200 wild shika deer roam freely. Visitors can feed with Shika-senbei, a special snack for the deer sold in the park grounds. Travel to Osaka and visit Osaka Castle from outside and back to the hotel.
*Luggage transfer service included (Kyoto-Takayama)
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Local Train
DAY 9 Train to Takayama
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and begin your journey to Takayama. Travel in comfort by train and enjoy scenic views along the way. Upon arrival at Takayama Station, start a guided half-day tour of this charming historic city. Discover Takayama Jinya, a well-preserved former government house showcasing Edo-period history. Stroll through the beautifully preserved Old Town, with its traditional wooden houses and merchant streets. Conclude your experience with a local sake tasting, where you can sample regional brews and learn about Takayama’s rich brewing heritage.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Bullet & Express Train
DAY 10 Bus to Kanazawa via Shirakawago
Enjoy your free time this morning in Takayama after your breakfast at the hotel. Why not visit the Takayama Morning Market held in the city center? Meet with the guide at the hotel’s lobby and travel by local bus to the world heritage listed Shirakawago, famous for the traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses which are more than 250 years old. Continue the journey by local bus to Kanazawa and check-in at your accommodation.
*Luggage transfer service included (TAKAYAMA to TOKYO)
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Express Bus
DAY 11 Kanazawa Full Day Tour
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12 Bullet Train to Tokyo
After breakfast, check out of the hotel. Walk to JR Kanazawa Station. Take a bullet train to JR Tokyo Station. Take local transportation to the hotel. After checking in, the day is free for leisure.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Bullet Train
DAY 13 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 14 Fly to UK
Free until departure. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
- 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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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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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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View this packageJapan
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 2026 and 2027
Single supplement from £855
Land price from £3,999
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Japan: Discover Japan by Rail
from£4,999
What's included:
- International flights
- Accommodation
- English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Bullet trains
- Baggage transfers for one piece
- Meals as specified
- 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.
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