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First Class Holidays · Rail tour

Japan by Rail (Includes Flights)

Japan from Fukuoka to Sapporo: 20 days on bullet trains and limited express trains.

Illustration of Japan by Rail (Includes Flights)

First Class Holidays operates this comprehensive 20-day rail tour that departs from Fukuoka and ends in Sapporo, traversing three islands of Japan via the Shinkansen bullet train and limited express trains. The tour spans 14 destinations, from coastal cities like Nagasaki and Hiroshima through the temple-rich landscape of Kyoto to alpine villages, Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and the northern islands of Hokkaido. Days blend cultural immersion, such as ink-making and calligraphy classes in Kyoto and a sushi-making lesson in Tokyo, with sightseeing at castles, museums, and gardens. Most nights are spent in hotels, with typically one to three nights per location, creating a relaxed pace that allows time to explore. The tour is fully escorted with English-speaking guides, includes all meals and flights from the UK, and caps at 28 guests. This trip suits repeat rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in Japanese food and culture who prefer the comfort and logistics of a guided tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is listed: November 2026. Confirm availability before planning.
  • The from-price of GBP 12,295 is fixed for the single listed departure; no price variation is shown.
  • Day 20 is free time at leisure before an airport transfer; no scheduled activities or meals are mentioned for the final morning.

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 2Travel on the limited express train to Nagasaki and visit the Glover Garden, an open-air museum of Scottish merchant mansions.
  • Day 3Board the bullet train to Hiroshima, then take a ferry to Miyajima Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine and learn to make momiji manju.
  • Day 12Walk through a forested valley in Yudanaka to reach Jigokudani Yaen-Koen's hot pools where Japanese macaques bathe in the thermal waters.
  • Day 14Ascend to Mount Fuji's 5th Station, weather permitting, then cruise on Lake Ashi and ride the Komagatake Ropeway.
  • Day 19Board the bullet train for the final leg to Sapporo, then visit the Clock Tower and Odori Park before a farewell dinner at the Sapporo Beer Museum.

Included

  • Return flights from the UK
  • 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

  • Meals and Sightseeing not shown as included

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All transportation, including the Shinkansen bullet train and limited express trains, is included in the package price.
Is the tour guided or independent?
It is guided. First Class Holidays provides English-speaking National Escorts or local guides throughout the 20 days.
What is included in the price?
Return flights from the UK, all accommodation, 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners, all sightseeing and entrance fees, all transportation and transfers, guides, and local travel guides are included.
What is not included?
Any meals and sightseeing not listed in the included section are not covered.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking. The itinerary includes strolls through gardens and temple grounds, streets in multiple cities, a ferry crossing, and one forested walk to hot pools. Mount Fuji involves an ascent to the 5th Station.
What is the group size?
Maximum 28 guests per departure.

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