Japan by Rail

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

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.

Accommodation

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.

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