Japan by Rail
An all-encompassing journey through Japan, travelling mainly by bullet train and taking in the highlights of all three main islands: Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido. Experience ancient traditions and modern Japan's unique charm.
Momiji Manju - Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, try your hand at making Momiji manju (maple leaf bean buns), Miyajima's most famous confectionary for over a hundred years.
Sake Cup Making - Learn about the role of the masu sake cup in Japan's culture before stepping into the studio to make your very own cup with an original design, which you can then take home as a souvenir!
Learn to make Sushi - Discover the history and etiquette of making and appreciating sushi with a hands-on lesson before sitting down with your instructing chef to enjoy Japan's most famous cuisine. It's the taking part that counts!
Fukuoka (2N) – Nagasaki – Hiroshima (2N) – Himeji – Osaka (2N) – Nara – Kyoto (2N) – Kanazawa (1N) – Takayama (2N) – Yudanaka – Matsumoto (1N) – Suwa (1N) – Mt Fuji – Tokyo (3N) – Matsushima – Sendai (1N) – Hakodate (1N) – Sapporo (1N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Breakfasts: 19 /Lunches: 18 /Dinners: 19
- Domestic transportation
- 3 – 4 star accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
Your fare excludes:
- Travel insurance
Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Fukuoka
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.
Includes: Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Tea 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Matsumoto Castle
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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Even More Tokyo
Begin the day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views over the sprawling city. Next, soak up the atmosphere at the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine and see the world-famous Shibuya crossing. End the day with a relaxing dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21-22: Fly Sapporo To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 14 Mar 2025 - 03 Apr 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 17 Mar 2025 - 06 Apr 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 18 Mar 2025 - 07 Apr 2025
from$16,990$16,090 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,590 pp solo - 20 Mar 2025 - 09 Apr 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 22 Mar 2025 - 11 Apr 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 24 Mar 2025 - 13 Apr 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 26 Mar 2025 - 15 Apr 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 27 Mar 2025 - 16 Apr 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 28 Mar 2025 - 17 Apr 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 31 Mar 2025 - 20 Apr 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 03 Apr 2025 - 23 Apr 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 07 Apr 2025 - 27 Apr 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 10 Apr 2025 - 30 Apr 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 08 May 2025 - 28 May 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 15 May 2025 - 04 Jun 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 05 Jun 2025 - 25 Jun 2025
from$16,990$15,990 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,490 pp solo - 12 Jun 2025 - 02 Jul 2025
from$16,990$15,990 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,490 pp solo - 19 Jun 2025 - 09 Jul 2025
from$16,990$15,990 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,490 pp solo - 11 Sep 2025 - 01 Oct 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 18 Sep 2025 - 08 Oct 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 02 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 06 Oct 2025 - 26 Oct 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 09 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 11 Oct 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 13 Oct 2025 - 02 Nov 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 15 Oct 2025 - 04 Nov 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 16 Oct 2025 - 05 Nov 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 17 Oct 2025 - 06 Nov 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 20 Oct 2025 - 09 Nov 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 21 Oct 2025 - 10 Nov 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 23 Oct 2025 - 12 Nov 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 25 Oct 2025 - 14 Nov 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 27 Oct 2025 - 16 Nov 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 30 Oct 2025 - 19 Nov 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 03 Nov 2025 - 23 Nov 2025
from$16,990$16,390 pp twin share /$20,490/ $19,890 pp solo - 06 Nov 2025 - 26 Nov 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 10 Nov 2025 - 30 Nov 2025
from $16,990 pp twin share / $20,490 pp solo - 14 Mar 2026 - 03 Apr 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 16 Mar 2026 - 05 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 18 Mar 2026 - 07 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 20 Mar 2026 - 09 Apr 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 22 Mar 2026 - 11 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 24 Mar 2026 - 13 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 26 Mar 2026 - 15 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 28 Mar 2026 - 17 Apr 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 30 Mar 2026 - 19 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 01 Apr 2026 - 21 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 03 Apr 2026 - 23 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 05 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 07 Apr 2026 - 27 Apr 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 08 May 2026 - 28 May 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 15 May 2026 - 04 Jun 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 22 May 2026 - 11 Jun 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 05 Jun 2026 - 25 Jun 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 12 Jun 2026 - 02 Jul 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 19 Jun 2026 - 09 Jul 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 11 Sep 2026 - 01 Oct 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 18 Sep 2026 - 08 Oct 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 25 Sep 2026 - 15 Oct 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 02 Oct 2026 - 22 Oct 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 06 Oct 2026 - 26 Oct 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 09 Oct 2026 - 29 Oct 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 11 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 13 Oct 2026 - 02 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 15 Oct 2026 - 04 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 17 Oct 2026 - 06 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 19 Oct 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 21 Oct 2026 - 10 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 23 Oct 2026 - 12 Nov 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 25 Oct 2026 - 14 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 27 Oct 2026 - 16 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 29 Oct 2026 - 18 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 01 Nov 2026 - 21 Nov 2026
from$17,990$17,390 pp twin share /$21,490/ $20,890 pp solo - 03 Nov 2026 - 23 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 05 Nov 2026 - 25 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo - 07 Nov 2026 - 27 Nov 2026
from $17,990 pp twin share / $21,490 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu - Fukuoka
The 4-star Hakata Excel Tokyu is located in the heart of Fukuoka and offers classically decorated rooms, featuring beautiful wood furnishings and air conditioning. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious and offer toiletries and slippers.
Grand Prince Hotel - Hiroshima
Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.
Rihga Royal Osaka - Osaka
In the heart of Osaka, the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka provides modern guest rooms with air conditioning, a flat screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel features a fitness centre and an impressive 20 dining options, offering a variety of cuisines from French to traditional Japanese.
Rihga Gran Kyoto - Kyoto
Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
Hotel Kanazawa - Kanazawa
Close to Kanazawa Train Station, Hotel Kanazawa is conveniently located and offers guests modern accommodation with a choice of dining options. Pico restaurant serves Western dishes while Japanese cuisine can be found at Kitano Shoya restaurant.
Rako Hananoi Hotel - Suwa
Boasting beautiful views of Suwa Lake, the Rako Hananoi Hotel offers ensuite guest rooms equipped with free Wifi, a flat screen TV and a mini fridge. The hotel features relaxing spa and wellness facilities including a hot spring bath and sauna.
Sunshine City Prince Hotel - Tokyo
The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
Hotel Vista Sendai - Sendai
In the city of Sendai, the Hotel Vista Sendai boasts beautiful rooms with modern interiors and an on-site restaurant. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, an air purifier and flat screen TV.
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel - Hakodate
The lovely Hakodate Kokusai Hotel provides guests with beautiful coastal views from the West Wing, while the East Wing offers views of the city of Hakodate. Unwind in the hotel's hot spring bath facilities and enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Sapporo View Hotel - Sapporo
In the heart of Sapporo, the Sapporo View Hotel is just a short walk from Odori Park and offers guests a relaxing stay with large windows offers views across this beautiful city. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom and electric kettle.
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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. 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.