Japan by Rail
Japan by Rail
$10778
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with the "Japan by Rail" tour, a captivating exploration of the country's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Begin your adventure in Fukuoka, the gateway to Kyushu, and travel by train to iconic destinations like Nagasaki, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. Reflect on history at Nagasaki's Atomic Bomb Museum, admire the serene temples of Kyoto, and witness the playful snow monkeys in Jigokudani. Experience the bustling energy of Tokyo, discover the charm of Sendai and Hakodate, and savor the flavors of Japan with sushi-making and sake-tasting experiences. With comfortable 3* plus to 4* accommodations and all meals included, this rail tour offers a seamless and enriching way to explore the Land of the Rising Sun. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Fukuoka
Location: Fukuoka
Accommodation Name: Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 3: Explore Nagasaki
Location: Nagasaki, Glover Garden, Nagasaki, Oura Catholic Church, Nagasaki, Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki, Fukuoka
Accommodation Name: Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 4: Miyajima Island
Location: Hiroshima, Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine
Accommodation Name: Grand Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 5: Hiroshima Highlights
Location: Hiroshima, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima, Orizuru Tower, Hiroshima, Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Grand Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 6: Admire Himeji Castle
Location: Himeji, Osaka
Accommodation Name: Rihga Royal Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 7: Osaka & Nara Day Trip
Location: Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, Dotonbori, Osaka, Todaiji Temple, Nara
Accommodation Name: Rihga Royal Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 8: Kyoto's Temples
Location: Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Ryoanji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple
Accommodation Name: Rihga Gran Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 best-known zen garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkakuji Temple.
Day 9: Tea Ceremony & Fan Painting
Location: Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto, Gion, Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Rihga Gran Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto. Next, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy the age-old rituals of a sacred tea ceremony, zen mediation and try your hand at fan painting. Also explore Gion – Kyoto's famous geisha district.
Day 10: Explore Kanazawa
Location: Kanazawa, Kenrokuen, Nomura Samurai House, Kunani Pottery Factory
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 11: Shirakawago Village
Location: Inami, Shirakawago, Takayama
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 12: Discover Takayama
Location: Takayama, Miyagawa Market, Takayama Floats Museum, Takayama Jinya
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 13: Search for Snow Monkeys
Location: Matsumoto, Nagano, Jigokudani Monkey Park
Accommodation Name: Rako Hananoi Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 through a picturesque forested valley to the hot pools where you can search for the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) -at Jigokudani Monkey Park - sighting not guaranteed. Later, return to Matsumoto.
Day 14: Matsumoto Castle
Location: Matsumoto, Naraijuku, Suwa
Accommodation Name: Rako Hananoi Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Naraijuku before continuing to Suwa.
Day 15: Mount Fuji
Location: Hakone, Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 16: Tour Tokyo
Location: Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo, Imperial Palace Plaza, Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin 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 drive-by the Imperial Palace Plaza.
Day 17: Even more Tokyo
Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Building, Tokyo, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Tokyo Bay, Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 drive-by the world-famous Shibuya crossing. End the day with a relaxing dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.
Day 18: Sip Whisky in Sendai
Location: Sendai, Matsushima Bay, Nikka Whisky Factory, Sendai
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vista Sendai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 the famous Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai.
Day 19: Explore Hakodate
Location: Hakodate, Goryokaku Tower, Mt Hakodate Ropeway
Accommodation Name: Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 20: Sapporo Sightseeing
Location: Sapporo, Clock Tower, Sapporo, Odori Park, Sapporo, Sapporo Beer Museum, Sapporo
Accommodation Name: Sapporo View Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 21: Fly Sapporo to UK
Location: Sapporo
Accommodation Name: Sapporo View Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3* plus – 4* accommodation is included in the tour.
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Guided Tours
Touring with guides and entrance fees are included.
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Transportation
Domestic transportation is included in the tour.
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Meals
All meals are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Fully Guided
The tour is not fully guided at all times.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included, but you may tip at your discretion for excellent service.
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Drinks with Meals
Drinks with meals are not included in the tour package.
Accommodation
Experience a range of accommodations from the 4-star Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu in Fukuoka to the Sapporo View Hotel, offering modern amenities, spacious en-suite bathrooms, and a variety of dining options. Enjoy facilities like hot spring baths, fitness centers, and convenient locations near major attractions. ...more ...less
Experiences
Momiji ManjuUnder 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 MakingLearn 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 SushiDiscover 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!
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Mode of Transport
Travel across Japan using a combination of bullet trains, limited express trains, and ferries, ensuring a seamless journey through cities like Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Sapporo. Enjoy the convenience and efficiency of Japan's renowned rail network, complemented by road transfers and scenic cruises.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Japan by Rail tour?
The tour offers 3* plus to 4* accommodation, including hotels like Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu in Fukuoka, Grand Prince Hotel in Hiroshima, and Rihga Royal Hotel in Osaka, among others. These hotels provide amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and various dining options. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the Japan by Rail tour?
Yes, all meals are included in the tour package.
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What unique experiences are included in the Japan by Rail tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as making Momiji manju, a traditional confectionary, a sake cup making experience, and a sushi making class where you can learn the history and etiquette of sushi.
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Will I have the opportunity to see snow monkeys during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can search for the famous Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys. However, sightings are not guaranteed.
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What cultural activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes cultural activities such as a sacred tea ceremony, zen meditation, fan painting, and an ink making and calligraphy class.
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Is tipping expected during the tour?
Tipping is not customary in Japan, but if you feel you have received excellent service, you are welcome to tip your guide at your discretion.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Japan by Rail
21 Days Starting in Fukuoka, Japan and ending in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Visiting: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Glover Garden, Nagasaki, Oura Catholic Church, Nagasaki, Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima, Orizuru Tower, Hiroshima, Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima, Himeji, Osaka, Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, Dotonbori, Osaka, Todaiji Temple, Nara, Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Ryoanji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto, Gion, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Kenrokuen, Nomura Samurai House, Kunani Pottery Factory, Inami, Shirakawago, Takayama, Miyagawa Market, Takayama Floats Museum, Takayama Jinya, Matsumoto, Nagano, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Naraijuku, Suwa, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, Tokyo, Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Nakamise Shopping Street, Tokyo, Imperial Palace Plaza, Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolitan Building, Tokyo, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Tokyo Bay, Tokyo, Sendai, Matsushima Bay, Nikka Whisky Factory, Sendai, Hakodate, Goryokaku Tower, Mt Hakodate Ropeway, Sapporo, Clock Tower, Sapporo, Odori Park, Sapporo, Sapporo Beer Museum Sapporo ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1986
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
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