Japan by Rail

An all-encompassing journey through Japan, travelling mainly by bullet train and taking in the highlights of all three main islands: Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido. Experience ancient traditions and modern Japan's unique charm.

Our Japan by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

• Return flights to Japan
• All Accommodation, meals, sightseeing and entrance fees
• All transport and transfers (travel on the Shinkansen aka bullet train)
• Reflect in Nagasaki & Hiroshima
• Admire Kyoto’s temples
• See the snow monkeys
• Explore bustling Tokyo
• Discover Sendai & Hakodate
• Spend time in Sapporo
• Learn to make sushi
• Sake cup making 

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 20 October - 9 November 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities & flight upgrades available on request

Tour Itinerary:

Days 1-2: Fly Overnight to Fukuoka Meals: D

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. Please note: Early check in is not included. If your flight arrives in the morning and you wish to arrange this, please speak to your reservations consultant. You will be transferred by shared coach with other passengers who are not part of a Wendy Wu Tour. If you are on a shared bus transfer, you may have to walk for a few minutes to get to your hotel. Transfers will differ depending on group size.

Day 3: Explore Nagasaki Meals: B, L, D

Begin the day by travelling approximately 2 hours 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 Meals: B, L, D

Say goodbye to Kyushu and board the bullet train for a speedy 1 hour 40 minute journey 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 experience. Later, return to Hiroshima.

Day 5: Hiroshima Highlights Meals: B, L, D

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 Meals: B, L, D

Depart Hiroshima by bullet train, in just 1 hour you will arrive in Himeji to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive feudal era forts followed by a walk through Kokoen, an Edo-style garden just across the castle moat. Continue a further hour by Limited Express to Osaka.

Day 7: Osaka & Nara Day Trip Meals: B, L, D

Begin the day in Osaka starting with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building followed by a lunch at the famous Dontonburi district. Later, travel 1 hour by road to Nara and explore Todaiji Temple which houses the impressive Daibutsu, a 15-metre tall bronze stature of Buddha. Enjoy an ink making and calligraphy class before returning to Osaka.

Day 8: Kyoto’s Temples and Arashiyama Meals: B, L, D

Journey by road for approximately 1 and a half hours 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 famous zen garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkakuji Temple.

Day 9: Tea Ceremony & Fan Painting Meals: B, L, D

The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera, one the most visited temples in Kyoto. Next, head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse and immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at fan painting. Also explore Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district and centre of the city’s traditional arts.

Day 10: Explore Kanazawa Meals: B, L, D

This morning travel approximately 2 hours by 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. Please note your luggage will be transferred directly to Takayama so you will need to pack an overnight bag for one night in Kanazawa.

Day 11: Shirakawago Village Meals: B, L, D

Travel by road to Takayama stopping enroute at Inami for a sake wooden cup making experience and sake tasting. Next, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago Village which is famous for its farmhouses built in gasshozukuri architectural style and take time to explore the village to get a glimpse of rural Japan. Continue to Takayama

Day 12: Discover Takayama Meals: B, L, D

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 or perhaps take a stroll through Kami Sanomachi, Takayama’s old town.

Day 13: Snow Monkeys Meals: B, L, D

Travel to Matsumoto and spend time at the Daio Wasabi Farm to see the plantations and learn about its cultivation. Next, travel to Yudanaka and head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. Walk through a picturesque forested valley to the hot pools where you will see the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play before returning to Matsumoto. Please keep in mind that the snow monkeys are wild, not domestic animals and sighting them is never guaranteed, particularly during the breeding season which runs from late September through to November.

Day 14: Matsumoto Castle Meals: B, L, D

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. After lunch, travel approximately 1 hour by road to Narai-juku, one of the bestpreserved post towns for a zen mediation experience before continuing a further 1 hour by road to Suwa.

Day 15: Mount Fuji Meals: B, L, D

Travel approximately 1 and a half hours by road to Hakone. Weather permitting, ascend the road to the 5th Station to view Mt Fuji. Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the below. Later, continue your journey by road for around 2 hours to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city

Day 16: Tour Tokyo Meals: B, L, D

A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan’s capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Begin the day with a leisurely 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: Meiji Shrine Meals: B, L, D

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 Meals: B, L, D

half hour journey to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku. Upon arrival, transfer by road to Matsushima and enjoy a cruise on Matsushima Bay. Also visit Zuigani Temple and the famous Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai.

Day 19: Explore Hakodate Meals: B, L, D

Say goodbye to Honshu Island as you board the bullet train to Hakodate located on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, this journey will take approximately 3 and a half hours. On arrival, 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 Meals: B, L, D

Board the bullet train for the very last time to Sapporo, this journey will take 3 hours and 45 minutes. On arrival in Sapporo, head to the Clock Tower and Odori Park. This evening, stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy a tasting or two, followed by a farewell dinner.

Day 21-22: Depart Sapporo Meals: B

This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 29 September 2023 and can be withdrawn without notice. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.