Japan by Rail

Your travel itinerary

Day 1-2, Fly to Fukuoka
Fly 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, Visit Nagasaki
Begin the day by travelling on the limited express train to Nagasaki. Upon arrival.head to the Atomic Bomb Museum to pay your respects to the victims of the 1945 atrocities. Later, visit Glover Garden, the hilltop park dominated by the Glover Residence, former home of 19th century merchant nicknamed 'the Scottish samurai'. Return to Fukuoka by train.

Day 4, Miyajima Island
Board the bullet train to Hiroshima, located on Japan's largest island, Honshu. Here, take the ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima. Here, visit the Itsukushima Shrine and see how the local treat, 'momiji manju', is made. Later, return to Hiroshima.

Day 5, Hiroshima Highlights
Spend the day in Hiroshima. Begin 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. Ascending Orizuru Tower to view the city from above, followed by a stroll through Shukkei-en Garden.

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.

Day 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.

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.

Day 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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 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 spring pools, where you can search for the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) - sighting not guaranteed. Later, return to Matsumoto.

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. Also visit the former post town of Naraijuku before continuing to Suwa.

Day 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.

Day 16, Tour Tokyo
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
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.

Day 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.

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, from which you can look down into Hakodate's star-shaped fortress, followed by some time at leisure. This evening, ascend Mt Hakodate and enjoy the fabulous views of the city below.

Day 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.

Day 21-22, Fly Sapporo To New Zealand
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.

Inclusions

• International flights and taxes
• Domestic transportation
• 3-4 star accommodation
• 19 breakfasts, 18 lunces, 19 dinners
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Cost

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee. Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against cancellations, lost items, and delays that could lead to unexpected costs. Please ask us for a quote.

Health and Mobility

'Japan By Rail' has a Wendy Wu physical rating of Level 1. This indicates a level of fitness that allows you to comfortably remain on your feet with occasional rest. Expect to effortlessly navigate boarding and disembarking from various modes of transport, including coaches, trains, and boats. You'll be walking around remarkable sites and ascending steps to capture those aweinspiring views!

Please consider:

• Sightseeing may often involve walking for a reasonable duration, sometimes over multiple steps, or uneven surfaces.
• Boarding and alighting from various boat sizes independently is part of the experience.