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First Class Holidays · Escorted Tour

Japan by Rail

20-day escorted rail journey across three Japanese islands from Fukuoka to Sapporo

Illustration of Japan by Rail

First Class Holidays operates this 20-day Japan by Rail tour, an escorted journey across three islands from Fukuoka in the south to Sapporo in the north. Travellers spend 19 nights in a rolling itinerary that blends bullet train travel with city exploration, temple visits, cultural workshops, and rural experiences. Day 2 takes a limited express train to Nagasaki; Day 3 crosses by ferry to Miyajima Island after a bullet train ride; Day 12 includes a forested walk to spot Japanese snow monkeys in hot pools; Day 15 covers sushi making and temple walks in Tokyo; and Day 17 brings a bullet train to Sendai and a bay cruise. All accommodation, meals (56 total), sightseeing, entrance fees, ground transport, and English-speaking guides are included. The maximum group size is 28, and the itinerary visits Kyoto's gardens and geisha district, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, Himeji Castle, the UNESCO village of Shirakawago, Mount Fuji, and working sake and whisky distilleries. This suits repeat rail travellers who prefer guided comfort and appreciate substantial cultural and culinary experiences woven through a structured itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights to Japan are not included; First Class Holidays can arrange these separately
  • The tour covers 14 destinations across three islands with frequent moves (most nights one or two per location), which suits an active traveller but means limited deep time in any single place

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fukuoka

    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.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Fukuoka

    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.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Hiroshima

    Miyajima Island

    Board the bullet train to Hiroshima, located on Japan's largest island, Honshu. Upon arrival, take the ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy a momiji manju cooking experience. Later, return to Hiroshima.

  4. Day 4overnight: Hiroshima

    Hiroshima

    Spend the day in Hiroshima starting with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Enjoy okonomiyaki for lunch before ascending Orizuru Tower to view the city from above, followed by a stroll through the historical Shukkeien Garden.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Osaka

    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.

  6. Day 6overnight: Osaka

    Osaka and Nara

    Begin the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building followed by 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.

  7. Day 7overnight: Kyoto

    Kyoto

    Journey by road to Kyoto. Upon arrival, stroll through the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's best-known Zen garden, and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkakuji Temple.

  8. Day 8overnight: Kyoto

    Kyoto

    The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple. Next, immerse yourself in the culture with a sacred tea ceremony, Zen meditation, and fan painting. Also explore Gion - Kyoto's famous geisha district. Enjoy public onsen facilities.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Kanazawa

    Kanazawa

    Take the limited express train to Kanazawa and meander your way through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Also visit the Nomura Samurai House and Kunani Pottery Factory.

  10. Day 10overnight: Takayama

    Takayama

    Travel by road to Takayama stopping en route at Inami for a sake wooden cup making experience and sake tasting. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed village of Shirakawago, then on to Takayama.

  11. Day 11overnight: Takayama

    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.

  12. Day 12overnight: Matsumoto

    Snow Monkeys

    Travel to Matsumoto and spend time at the Daio Wasabi Farm. Continue to the town of Yudanaka and head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, walking through a forested valley to hot pools where you may see the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) before returning to Matsumoto.

  13. Day 13overnight: Suwa

    Matsumoto & Suwa

    Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th century Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle'. 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.

  14. Day 14overnight: Tokyo

    Mount Fuji

    Travel to Hakone and ascend 2,400 metres to the 5th Station (weather permitting). Enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway. Next, continue to Tokyo by road.

  15. Day 15overnight: Tokyo

    Tokyo

    Begin the day with a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. Take part in a sushi making class and enjoy your own creations for lunch. Later, soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji temple, browse Nakamise shopping street and drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza.

  16. Day 16overnight: Tokyo

    Tokyo

    Begin the day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and ascend to the observation deck. 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 Tokyo Bay, with dinner onboard a yakata.

  17. Day 17railovernight: Sendai

    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.

  18. Day 18railovernight: Hakodate

    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. This evening, journey on the Mt Hakodate Ropeway for fabulous views of the city below. Enjoy the onsen facilities at your hotel.

  19. Day 19railovernight: Sapporo

    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 for a tasting or two, followed by a farewell dinner.

  20. Day 20

    Depart Sapporo

    This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Limited express train ride to Nagasaki, with visits to Glover Garden and the Oura Catholic Church
  • Day 3Bullet train to Hiroshima, then ferry crossing the Seto Inland Sea to Miyajima Island to visit the Itsukushima Shrine
  • Day 5Bullet train stop at Himeji to explore the magnificent Himeji Castle and its traditional Kokoen garden
  • Day 12Walk through a forested valley at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen to see Japanese macaques bathing in hot pools
  • Day 17Bullet train to Sendai, then cruise on Matsushima Bay with visits to Zuiganji Temple

Included

  • All accommodation
  • All meals - 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches & 19 dinners
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees
  • All transportation and transfers
  • English speaking National Escorts or local guides
  • Comprehensive local travel guides
  • Small group size - maximum 28 guests

Not included

  • Flights to Japan - we can arrange this, please contact us for details
  • Meals and Sightseeing not shown as included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The bullet train (Shinkansen) and limited express trains are fully included across multiple legs: Fukuoka to Nagasaki, Hiroshima to Osaka, Osaka to Kanazawa, and throughout northern Japan to Sendai, Hakodate, and Sapporo.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. First Class Holidays provides English-speaking National Escorts or local guides throughout the 20-day journey. All sightseeing, meals, accommodation, and transfers are organised.
What is included in the price?
Accommodation for 19 nights, 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners, all sightseeing and entrance fees, all rail and ground transport, English-speaking guides, and comprehensive travel guides. International flights to Japan are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Expect city walking tours in places like Kyoto and Tokyo, temple stairs, and a forested valley walk to see snow monkeys. Mount Fuji ascent reaches the 5th Station at 2,400 metres, weather permitting.
What is the group size?
Maximum 28 guests per departure.
When does this tour run?
First Class Holidays publishes no departure dates in the information provided; contact the operator directly to confirm available dates.

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