Trip Inclusions
- 11 nights in premium accommodation
- Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort
- 15 meals - 11 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Soak in the scenery as you travel by ‘shinkansen’ bullet train, Japan’s renowned high speed service
- Enjoy the Limited Express Romancecar train journey to Hakone
- Visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre
- Cruise to the World Heritage-listed Miyajima Island
- Glimpse the colourful kimonos of Kyoto’s geisha and enjoy a traditional evening meal in Kyoto
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- Itinerary operated by Great Rail Journeys
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change
- Prices include airport transfers, tipping and most porterage
- An overnight bag will need to be packed for days 6-8
- Cherry Blossom season in Japan usually lasts from late March to May, however due to changeable weather blooms cannot be guaranteed, even during spring months
- Prices are for land/rail and ferry only. Flights not included unless specified
Insider Experiences
Designed exclusively for our guests
Insider Experience
Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event
Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo. Transfer to your hotel where a Welcome Dinner gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort.
Stay: Two Nights, Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel
Daily :Tokyo
A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo Bay, to see an example of the precise art of Japanese gardening. Next, it’s on to the Asakusa Temple, this 1400-year-old Buddhist temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine and the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection, before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Daily :
Tokyo, Hakone
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Today you will journey by Limited Express Romancecar train to Hakone travelling on the picturesque narrow-gauge line.
Arrive in Hakone and then transfer to Owakudani volcanic valley and enjoy a tour of its active sulphur vents and hot springs before taking a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the Togendai station, nestled on the shores of the tranquil Lake Ashi. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the lake soaking in the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains before continuing to your hotel for the evening.
Stay: Hakone Hotel
Daily :Hakone, Matsumoto
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Driving along the foot of the famous mountain, disembark at the Mount Fuji Visitor Centre to learn more about the country’s tallest volcano. Continue to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station where, if the sun is shining, you will be able to see the iconic Japanese peak.
This morning, travel to Mount Fuji, arguably Japan’s most distinctive landmark. Later, it’s on to Matsumoto to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Stay: Matsumoto, Hotel Buena Vista
Daily :Matsumoto, Takayama
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
This morning, venture to Matsumoto Castle, an impressive five-storey fortress. This striking castle goes by another name, ‘Crow Castle,’ because of its black exterior.
First thing today, visit a miso factory to find out how this Japanese staple is made. Continue on for your Insider Experience and then journey to visit Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum depicting more than 30 rustic farm dwellings from the Edo Period, before arriving in the picturesque town of Takayama, set atop brilliant hills.
Stay: Takayama, Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Daily :Takayama, Nagoya, Hiroshima
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Travel by ‘shinkansen’ Bullet Train, and the equally impressive Limited Express service from Takayama to Hiroshima.
This morning, join a guided walking tour to see sights including Miyagawa Morning Market, with its array of stalls selling local farm products and handicrafts, Takayama Jinya and Sannomachi Street. Later, set off on a journey on the Hida Train to Nagoya, continuing onwards by bullet train to Hiroshima.
Stay: Two Nights, Hiroshima, Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
Daily :Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Today, travel by train and ferry to Miyajima Island.
Translated to ‘Shrine Island’, the wooded Miyajima Island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine and the Great Tori Gate that guards its entrance which appears to float on the island’s waters at high tide. During your time here you’ll enjoy a walking tour and see cheeky wild deer. Enjoy free time to discover more on your own before returning to Hiroshima.
Daily :Hiroshima, Kyoto
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Experience the speed and efficiency of Japan’s renowned bullet train from Hiroshima to Kyoto.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Wander the streets of the famous Gion district and keep watch for one of the many beautiful geiko and maiko, the titles given to geisha and their apprentices.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Later this evening, indulge in a traditional Japanese dinner at a local restaurant, renowned for using delicious and fresh produce.
This morning, visit Hiroshima’s World Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Museum, both reminders of the destruction levelled on the town in 1945. Afterwards, travel by bullet train to Kyoto and appreciate your Insider Experiences.
Stay: Three Nights, Kyoto, Righa Royal Hotel Kyoto
Daily :
Kyoto
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, and gain an insight into how to brew, serve and drink this distinguished drink in the traditional way.
This morning, begin with your special Insider Experience. Afterwards, take a tour of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks including Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which has an exquisite Japanese garden; Kyoto Railway Museum; and Kiyomizu Temple, an historic Buddhist temple that offers impressive views over the city. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.
Daily :Kyoto, Nara, Kyoto
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
While you’re in Nara, the birthplace of sake, it seems fitting that you visit a sake brewery and savour a tasting.
Today you’ll enjoy a day trip to Nara, a picturesque city with an abundance of impressive temples. See Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha and Nigatsu-do Shrine. Founded in 745 by Emperor Shomu, Todai-ji is a vast Buddhist temple complex that was constructed as a symbol of imperial power. Its famous Buddha towers overhead at 15 metres tall and is the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Later, it’s time for a stroll through Nara’s famous Deer Park, home to over 1,200 wild deer who freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns.
Daily :Kyoto, Osaka
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and experience the breath-taking bamboo forest up close.
After an Insider Experience, journey to Osaka and visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle. Continue on to the lively Dotonbori District. Celebrate your final evening with a Farewell Dinner.
Stay: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Daily :Depart Osaka
Transfer to Kansai International Airport after breakfast for your onward flight.
Daily :Everything was wonderful. There were great sight seeing trips and the guides were very knowledgeable.
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