Skip to main content
Proudly Australian owned & operated Speak to one of our experienced consultants 1300 414 198 · 7 days a week
Starts at 60
Get in touch
Rail journey · Wendy Wu Tours · 21 nights

Tour Japan by Bullet Train (Return Flights Included!)

  • 20 day train journey through Japan
  • See the highlights of all three main islands
  • Indulge in local cuisine and cultural experiences
  • Save up to $1,000 per person on select departures*
From
$14,840 pp twin share
$17,830 pp solo share
21 nights
Enquire
You have missed the boat

This holiday is no longer available — but we can help you find something else.

Find me something similar or call 1300 414 198
Departs 4 October 2024 Returns 10 November 2025
Duration21 nights
OperatorWendy Wu Tours
StyleRail journey
HighlightSale ends 12 June 2024
20 day train journey through Japan. See the highlights of all three main islands . Indulge in local cuisine and cultural experiences. Save up to $1,000 per person on select departures*

An all-encompassing 20-day journey through Japan, travelling mainly by bullet train and taking in the highlights of the three main islands: Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido.

  • Experience ancient traditions and modern Japan's unique charm.
  • Reflect in Nagasaki & Hiroshima
  • Admire Kyoto’s temples
  • See the snow monkeys
  • Explore bustling Tokyo
  • Discover Sendai & Hakodate
  • Spend time in Sapporo
When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
4 October 2024
Returns 10 November 2025
Returns
10 November 2025
Duration
21 nights
From pp twin share
$14,840 pp
From pp solo cabin
$17,830 pp

Book by 12 June 2024 & save up to $1,000 per person on select departures between October 2024 and October 2025*

  • 12 June 2024
  • Twin share $14,990 $14,090 pp / Sole use $17,980 $17,080 pp
  • 5 June & 19 June 2025
  • Twin share $15,490 $14,840 pp / Sole use $18,480 $17,830 pp
  • 4 October, 18 October & 25 October 2024
  • Twin share $15,890 $15,240 pp / Sole use $18,880 $18,230 pp
  • 3 April, 6 October & 20 October 2025
  • Twin share $15,990 $15,340 pp / Sole use $18,980 $18,330 pp

Various departures between November 2024 to November 2025. Below pricing based on 15 May 2025.

  • from $15,990 per person twin share
  • from $18,980 per person sole use

Call 1300 414 198 to check pricing on your preferred travel date.

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking or until sold out and may change without notice. The prices above include flights departing Brisbane, airline fuel surcharges and taxes which are subject to change.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Fly Overnight To Fukuoka

    Days 1–2

    Fly overnight to 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. 3

    Explore 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. 4

    Miyajima Island

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

  4. 5

    Hiroshima Highlights

    Spend the day in Hiroshima starting with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum where you will have the opportunity to pay homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Enjoy okonomiyaki for lunch before ascending Orizuru Tower to view the city from above, followed by a stroll through the historical Shukkeien Garden.

  5. 6

    Admire Himeji Castle

    Depart Hiroshima by bullet train, stopping at Himeji to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, followed by a walk through Kokoen. Continue by limited express to Osaka.

  6. 7

    Osaka & Nara Day Trip

    Begin the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building followed by a 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. 8

    Kyoto's Temples

    Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Upon arrival, stroll through the Arashiyama bamboo forest and admire the towering thickets. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most well-known zen garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkakuji Temple.

  8. 9

    Teas Ceremony & Fan Painting

    The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple temple in Kyoto. Next, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony, and try your hand at fan painting. Also, explore Gion – Kyoto's famous geisha district and centre of the city's traditional arts.

  9. 10

    Explore Kanazawa

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

  10. 11

    Shirakawago Village

    Travel by road to Takayama stopping en route at Inami for a sake wooden cup making experience and sake tasting. Next, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago Village to get a glimpse of rural Japan. Continue to Takayama.

  11. 12

    Discover Takayama

    Spend the morning browsing the local handicrafts and fresh produce at Miyagawa market, the Takayama Floats Museum and Takayama Jinya. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

  12. 13

    Snow Monkeys

    Travel to Matsumoto and spend time at the Daio Wasabi Farm to see the plantations and learn about its cultivation. Next, travel to Yudanaka and head to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Walk through a picturesque forested valley to the hot pools where you will see the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play before returning to Matsumoto.

  13. 14

    Miso Tasting &Zen Meditation

    Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle', due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. Experience zen meditation at Narai-juku before continuing to Suwa.

  14. 15

    Mount Fuji

    Travel to Hakone and ascend 2,400 metres to the 5th Station (weather permitting) for magnificent views of Mt Fuji. Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway. Later, continue to Tokyo by road.

  15. 16

    Tour Tokyo

    Being the day with a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. Next, take part in a sushi making class and enjoy your own creations for lunch! Later, soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji Temple, browse the stalls on Nakamise shopping street and take a drive-by of the Imperial Palace Plaza before returning to your hotel.

  16. 17

    Even More Tokyo

    Begin the day by ascending to the Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory deck and soaking up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine. After lunch, see the world's most famous road crossing at Shibuya. You will have the afternoon free at your leisure to explore this exciting city.

  17. 18

    Sip Whiskey In Sendai

    As the tour journeys to northern Honshu, board the bullet train to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku. Upon arrival, transfer by road to Matsushima and enjoy a cruise on Matsushima Bay. Also, visit Zuiganji Temple and the famous Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai.

  18. 19

    Explore 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 followed by some time at leisure. This evening, journey on the Mt Hakodate Ropeway and enjoy the fabulous views of the city below.

  19. 20

    Sapporo Sightseeing

    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 and enjoy a tasting or two, followed by a farewell dinner.

  20. 21

    Fly Sapporo To Australia

    Days 21–22

    Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected)
  • 19 nights in 3+ star accommodation
  • 9 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees
  • All transportation and transfers
  • English speaking National Escort
  • Visa fees for Australian passport holders
  • Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
  • Comprehensive travel guides

Not included

  • Travel Insurance
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu 
  • Grand Prince Hotel 
  • Rihga Royal Osaka 
  • Rihga Gran Kyoto 
  • Hotel Kanazawa 
  • Rako Hananoi Hotel 
  • Sunshine City Prince Hotel
  • Hotel Vista Sendai 
  • Hakodate Kokusai Hotel 
  • Sapporo View Hotel 

Please note these hotels are subject to change.

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

Fitness: This tour is rated as a physical level 1 tour. A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You will be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps. 

  • There will be sightseeing on foot for both short and extended periods of time, often involving steps or uneven ground. 
  • You will be required to get on and off various sizes of boats without assistance. 

Of course, our National Escort will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. 

Air: Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines. Pre-flight seat allocation is not available on international and internal flight sectors.

Ready to lock in?

Book this rail journey

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this rail journey
The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply

Additional Price Information

  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2022. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
  • Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
  • Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
  • Price listed is based on new bookings only
  • Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $14,840 pp
From (solo) $17,830 pp
Enquire