Jewels of Japan by Rail

Overnight flight to Tokyo

Your tour of Japan begins at London Heathrow where you are greeted by the Tour Manager before boarding a flight to Tokyo with our group.

Arrival in the world's biggest metropolis

Touch down in Tokyo and transfer to a four-star hotel in the popular Shinjuku district. Optional visit to the observatory deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel's restaurant on the 45th floor.

Meals: Dinner

Exploring Tokyo with an expert guide

Coach tour of Tokyo visiting Harajuku's Meiji-Jingu shrine, the famous Shibuya crossing, and Senso-Ji temple in Asakusa. Afternoon free to explore independently.

Meals: Breakfast

A spectacular journey to lakeside Hakone

Board the Shonan Express from Shinjuku to Odawara, then ride the Hakone Ropeway cable car with views of Mount Fuji. Cruise across Lake Ashi to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Iconic views of Mount Fuji, Japan's national emblem

Coach to Mount Fuji Fifth Station (weather permitting) for views of Fuji and surrounding countryside. Visit the World Heritage Centre. Afternoon at Oishi Park beside Lake Kawaguchi. Evening in the alpine town of Matsumoto.

Meals: Breakfast

Miso tasting and Matsumoto's historic 'black castle'

Guided tour of a miso factory with tasting. Visit Matsumoto Castle ('Crow Castle'), Japan's oldest castle. Journey through the scenic Kiso Valley stopping at traditional towns of Tsumago and Magome. Arrive in Nagoya.

Meals: Breakfast

Himeji Castle and the bullet train to Hiroshima

Train to Himeji to visit the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle and Koko-en garden. Free time over lunch. First Shinkansen bullet train experience to Hiroshima. Free evening to dine independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Serene Miyajima and its sacred temples

Travel by local train and boat to Miyajima (Itsukushima). Walking tour including Itsukushima Shrine and the iconic Great Torii Gate. Free time over lunch. Return to Hiroshima. Evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Discovering Hiroshima's poignant sites

Tour of the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum. Afternoon bullet train to Kyoto. Walking tour of the Gion district. Performance at Gion Corner Theatre. Japanese dinner in Ponto-cho Alley.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The charming traditions of Kyoto

Half-day tour visiting Sagano Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Zen tea ceremony. Visit Nishiki market with free time for lunch. Afternoon free to explore Kyoto independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Exploring Nara, Japan's first capital

Walking tour of Nara including Todaji Temple with the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) and the famous deer park. Stop at a traditional sake brewery on the way back to Kyoto. Evening at leisure in Kyoto.

Meals: Breakfast

A Japanese tea ceremony and Osaka's floating garden

Authentic Japanese tea ceremony before leaving Kyoto. Guided tour of Osaka including the Floating Garden Observatory at the Umeda Sky Building and the Dotonbori district. Check in to four-star hotel. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Homeward bound

Day at leisure in Osaka until mid-afternoon transfer to the airport. Optional visits to Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi shopping street or Amerika-Mura neighbourhood. Depart for London via Hong Kong.

Meals: Breakfast

Arrival in London

Arrive back in London. Bid farewell to the Tour Manager and travelling group.