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Japan by Rail
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CJR_AU
Overview
Destination:
Japan,
Duration:22 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
March 2026 - November 2027
For those where time is no limit, this is the ultimate top-to-toe tour of Japan covering three islands in one trip – Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido whilst travelling on the bullet train! Experience ancient traditions to new-world charm.
Price notes:
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. 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.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- All road transport by air-conditioned vehicles
- Accommodation
- Daily sightseeing with entrance fees
- All meals
- English speaking National Escort (based on a min of 10 passengers) or Local Guides in each city
Itinerary
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Collapse allDAYS 1-2: Fly Overnight To Fukuoka
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
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. 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
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
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.
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 Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's most well-known zen garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkaku-ji 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: 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.
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 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.
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 Narai-juku before continuing to Suwa.
DAY 15: Mount Fuji
Travel to Hakone and ascend 2,400 metres to the 5th Station (weather permitting) for magnificent views of Mt Fuji. Later, continue to Tokyo by road.
DAY 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.
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: Sip Whiskey In Sendai
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. Later, visit the famous Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai. (Please note: Due to a change in the factory's opening hours, if your visit falls on a weekend, an alternative visit may be arranged locally.)
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, 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
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 21-22: Fly Sapporo To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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21 nights
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