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Rail journey · Wendy Wu Tours · 19 nights

Japan by Rail

  • Domestic transportation and 3-4 star accommodation included
  • Guided tours and entrance fees to key attractions
  • Opportunity to witness traditional Japanese rituals and crafts
From
$15,090 pp twin share
19 nights
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Duration19 nights
OperatorWendy Wu Tours
StyleRail journey
HighlightAn all-encompassing journey through Japan, travelling mainly by bullet train and taking in the highlights of all three main islands
Experience ancient traditions and modern Japan's unique charm. Visit iconic sites like Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji. Explore rural villages, gardens, and cultural experiences

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.

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

    Visit 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 Shukkei-en 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 Koko-en Gardens. Continue to Osaka.

  6. 7

    Osaka & Nara Day Trip

    Begin the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building. Later, head to Nara, known for its beautiful (and cheeky ) bowing sika deer. Admire the enormous Todai-ji Temple which houses the 15-metre tall bronze Buddha known as the Daibutsu. Finally, 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 Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's most well-known zen garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkaku-ji Temple.

  8. 9

    Tea Ceremony & Fan Painting

    The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto. Next, enjoy the age-old rituals of a sacred tea ceremony before witnessing a Zen meditation demonstration and even trying your hand at fan painting. Later, explore Gion – Kyoto's famous geisha district, where you may be lucky enough to enjoy a rare glimpse of a geisha.

  9. 10

    Explore Kanazawa

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

  10. 11

    Shirakawa-go 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 Shirakawa-go 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

    Search for Snow Monkeys

    Drive through the Japanese Alps, enjoying the mountain scenery en route to Matsumoto and Nagano. After lunch, head to Yudanaka and head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. Walk 30-40 minutes (conditions depending) through a picturesque forested valley to the hot pools where you can search for the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) - sighting not guaranteed. Later, continue your journey to historic Matsumoto.

  13. 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. Also visit the former post town of Narai-juku before continuing to Suwa.

  14. 15

    Mount Fuji

    Travel to the Fuji region and enjoy the calm waters of the local lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions. Visit the 5th Station (weather permitting) before a time at Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, which offers lovely views of Mount Fuji in clear weather. Later, continue your journey by road for around 2 hours to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city.

  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 Senso-ji Temple, browse the stalls on Nakamise shopping street and drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza.

  16. 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, pass by the world-famous Shibuya crossing. End the day with a relaxing dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

  17. 18

    Travel to Matsushima

    As the tour journeys to northern Honshu, board the bullet train to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before having the opportunity to wear a kimono! Visit Zuiganji Temple whilst wearing your kimono, located in the town of Matsushima. Go on to return your kimono later in the afternoon before enjoying a cruise on lovely Matsushima Bay.

  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 express train to Shiraoi. Here, you’ll visit the fascinating Ainu Museum and explore the culture of the indigenous people of Hokkaido. Continue by coach to Sapporo, our final stop, ahead of tonight’s 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

  • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
  • Domestic transportation.
  • 3 – 4 star accommodation.
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Hotel Monte Hermana Fukuoka
  • Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
  • Osaka Excel Hotel
  • Rihga Gran Kyoto
  • Hotel Vista Kanazawa
  • Mercure Hida Takayama
  • Iroha Matsumoto
  • Rako Hananoi Hotel
  • Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
  • Hotel Metropolitan Sendai
  • Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
  • Sapporo Tokyu REI Hotel
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 22 days and 19 nights.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
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
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. 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.
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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.

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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

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