First Class Holidays
Japan by Rail (Includes Flights)
20 daysfrom $16,420
First Class Holidays · Escorted Tour
Japan by Rail
Fukuoka - Nagasaki - Hiroshima - Osaka - Nara - Kyoto - Kanazawa - Takayama - Matsumoto - Mount Fuji - Tokyo - Sendai - Hakodate - Sapporo
Day by day
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Day 20
Depart Sapporo
This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.
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
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