Japan by Rail

Day 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: Visit Nagasaki

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

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 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 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 Kenroku-en, 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 30-40 minutes (conditions depending) 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 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

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: 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, 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 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 Australia

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.