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JAPAN BY TRAIN: THE GRAND TOUR

From Osaka to Tokyo, explore the Land of the Rising Sun on this in-depth Rail Trip.

Destination
Starts at

Osaka

Destination
Ends at

Tokyo

Destination
Duration

12 days

Destination
Group Size

Maximum 16

Destination
Physical Rating

moderate Information

Destination
Style

discovery Information

About your trip

From neon-lit skyscrapers to bamboo forests dotted with ancient temples, there’s nowhere quite like Japan. This 12-day trip will take you from the foodie capital of Osaka to the city lights of Tokyo, and even down to the floating Torii Gate of Miyajima Island, which sits in Hiroshima Bay. Along the way, you’ll get to see geishas in Kyoto, sample sake in Takayama and hang out with sumo wrestlers in the capital. You’ll get the chance to stay in a range of hotels and sing your heart out at karaoke alongside your fellow travellers. How can we squeeze so much into one itinerary? You have Japan’s incredible train networks to thank. Prepare to get your steps in on this one, too, since the other way to explore Japan at its best is by exploring on your own two feet.

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the comfort, efficiency and thrill of riding the bullet train
  • Uncover Hiroshima’s past at the Peace Park and Museum
  • See the floating Torii Gate and deer on Miyajima Island
  • Hike through bamboo forests and the endless gates of Fushimi Inari
  • Admire views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi
  • Explore the backstreets of Kyoto and see geishas
  • Soak in an Onsen in the Japanese Alps
  • Witness a sumo wrestling demonstration and learn how to make sushi

Your Itinerary

Osaka is a heady mix of cultural sights, foodie heaven and lively nightlife, making it the perfect introductory city to Japan. After landing at Kansai International Airport (KIX), make your way to the hotel where our Local Insider – who will accompany the group throughout the trip – will help you check in. Meet your fellow travellers at 5pm before receiving an introductory talk about the cultural dos and don’ts of the country. You’ll then head for dinner at a local restaurant to get your first taste of Japan. Make sure you get a good night’s rest – tomorrow is jam-packed with exciting explorations.

Accommodation

Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi

Activities Included
  • Welcome dinner

Today is all about exploring the best bits of the city on foot and by metro, led by our Local Insider. Marvel at the 400-year-old Osaka Castle as well as the uber-modern Umeda Sky Building. Explore the eclectic Shinsekai neighbourhood; built in 1912 and largely unchanged, it's home to souvenir shops as well as traditional eateries. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, after which you can explore the Kuromon Market and the famed Dotonbori strip (home to the first sushi train in the world). Rest your weary feet back at the hotel before dinner.

Accommodation

Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi

Activities Included
  • Full-day guided Osaka tour
  • Lunch at a local restaurant

After breakfast, it’s time to climb aboard the bullet train to Hiroshima. On arrival, we’ll head to Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the city's past and the sheer gravity of the tragedy that hit this city back in 1945. After some free time we’ll reunite at dinner to try okonomiyaki, a popular savoury pancake, topped with meat or seafood. You’ll spend the next two nights in Hiroshima.

Accommodation

EN HOTEL Hiroshima

Activities Included
  • Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
  • Okonomiyaki Dinner

This morning we’ll take a local train and ferry to Miyajima Island, where you’ll get to summit Mount Misen; the peak, at 500m (1,640ft) above sea level, offers spectacular views over Hiroshima city. To start we’ll hop on a cable car for scenic vistas of the island, before reaching the summit with a 30 minute walk. Descend to the floating Torii Gate, an ancient Shinto shrine, and snap pictures of the thousand tame deer that mingle with locals here. After sunset, you’ll hop on the ferry back to your Hiroshima hotel.

Accommodation

EN HOTEL Hiroshima

Activities Included
  • Miyajima Island tour
  • Guided Mount Misen hike (inc. cable car)

Pack your bags – it’s time to head to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Japan’s most scenic city, you’ll take a leisurely tour through the maze of backstreets in Kyoto. Visit Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and the Nishiki food market, before wrapping up the day with a tour of the famous geisha district of Gion, to see geishas walking the streets before their shows, as the sun sets on Kyoto.

Accommodation

Hearton Hotel Kyoto

Activities Included
  • Kyoto tour
  • Geisha district tour

This morning we’ll whizz east by train to the outskirts of Kyoto, ready for an afternoon tour in Arashiyama. You know those towering green bamboo forests? Get ready to stroll through them, camera at the ready. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes as you’ll then hike up to a sacred temple in the mountains, as well as through the thousands of bright orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari. Late this afternoon we’ll hop back on the train to Kyoto, where you'll spend another night.

Accommodation

Hearton Hotel Kyoto

Activities Included
  • Bamboo forest visit
  • Temple hike
  • Fushimi Inari tour

Bid sayonara to Kyoto this morning, and hop on a train to Takayama. In the mountainous Gifu prefecture, this area is known as the Japanese Alps. Today you’ll visit the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum with 30 old farmhouses that showcase the traditional architecture of the area. After a good wander, spend your afternoon sampling sake – alcohol made from fermented rice – at a local brewery.

Accommodation

Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama

Activities Included
  • Hida Folk Village visit
  • Sake tasting

Spend the morning browsing the Miyagawa market in Takayama – it is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs. After the market tour, you’ll head to the fellow alpine town of Hakone, which sits just outside Tokyo. Check in to the hotel for a traditional Japanese ryokan experience with dinner included. The town is known for onsens (natural hot springs) – luckily, the hotel has a steaming tub for you to soak in. Please note that some onsens prohibit anyone with tattoos from entering.

Accommodation

Hakone Highland Hotel

Activities Included
  • Miyagawa market tour
  • Japanese Onsen Experience

Prepare yourself for a morning cruise on Lake Ashi. Beyond the water and forested hillsides, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of Mount Fuji. Back on land, we’ll hop on a cable car that will scoot you over the Hell Valley mountain peaks to Owakudani, the Great Boiling Valley. Afterwards, it’s time to make tracks to Tokyo. For those with energy left, join the optional evening walking tour around Taito City.

Accommodation

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka

Activities Included
  • Lake Ashi cruise
  • Ropeway to Hell cable car

You’ll spend the last few days of your trip exploring Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Your first morning will be spent with a morning tour of the city, with a notable visit to the fish market - Tsukiji Outer Market. You will then visit the Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing, the busiest crosswalk in the world. In the afternoon you’ll have the chance to test your culinary abilities with a sushi-making class – and yes, you’ll be able to gobble down your delicious creations, before returning to the hotel and spending the rest of the evening at your leisure. 

Accommodation

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka

Activities Included
  • Tsukiji Outer Market tour
  • Sushi-making class
  • Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing tour

Your final full day in Japan will see a visit to the Asakusa district and the glorious Sensō-ji temple. After that you’ll get a sumo masterclass with two retired wrestlers, who’ll put on a demonstration of basic sumo techniques, and you’ll even have the chance to get to grips with them yourself! After that you’ll break bread over delicious Tonkatsu (Japanese-style Pork Cutlet) and Chanko Nabe, a hearty hotpot and a staple of the sumo diet. Having chatted away with our retired wrestlers, we’ll head off to the buzzing, neon-lit Shinjuku district, where you’ll be afforded panoramic city vistas from the TMG Building, before moving onto the nightlife area of Kabukicho for dinner. End the trip on a high note (quite literally) by singing karaoke in the Golden Gai district until the early hours.

Accommodation

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka

Activities Included
  • Asakusa tour
  • Sensō-ji temple visit
  • Sumo wrestler experience (inc. lunch)
  • Shinjuku tour
  • Farewell dinner and karaoke night

It’s time to wave goodbye to Japan. Don’t worry if you’ve got a slightly sore head this morning, as you can enjoy a lie-in before breakfast. Checkout is by midday. Say your final farewells before starting the journey home, via Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) – or extend your stay in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Accommodation

What's included

  • One night spa hotel accommodation
  • 10 nights standard hotel accommodation
  • Private and local transport
  • 11 breakfasts, two lunches, four dinners
  • Local Insider
  • Osaka tour
  • Hiroshima tour
  • Miyajima Island tour
  • Bamboo forest and temple visit
  • Fushimi Inari tour
  • Kyoto tour
  • Hida Folk Village visit
  • Sake tasting
  • Onsen experience
  • Lake Ashi cruise
  • Ropeway to Hell cable car
  • Sumo wrestler experience
  • Tsukiji Outer Market tour
  • Sushi-making class
  • Tokyo tour
  • Karaoke night

What's not included

  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Flights to and from the destination

Customer Reviews

Accommodation

Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi, Osaka

This stylish, modern city hotel places you right in the thick of a buzzing district of Osaka. Feel the pulse of the city as you hit the streets, but become enveloped in the soothing sense of calm that washes over you as soon as you enter through the doors. Opt for Japanese or Western-style breakfasts to start the day right!

EN HOTEL Hiroshima

Warm hues and clever lighting imbues a touch of sophistication to this hotel on the banks of the Kyobashi River. The luscious greenery (or cherry blossom when in season) of Hijiyama Park is just a 10-minute walk across the river, or you could head in the other direction for 20 minutes and reach Hijiyama Park.  

Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi, Kyoto

This Kyoto hotel, conveniently located near the train station, is a classic example of Japan’s love of embracing futuristic, high-tech features. There’s the specially designed mattresses and pillows, cutting edge wallpaper and carpet materials designed to create a relaxing ambience, and the fluffy duvet made of high-quality down. Everything is modern and created with care, while on the quirkier side of technological advancement lies the robot dinosaurus, ready to greet you at reception…

Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama

Enjoy a hint of traditionalism in this hotel located in the heart of Takayama’s beautiful Edo period streets. The hotel itself is a little more up-to-date, from the cosy bedrooms to the large public bath with natural hot spring water. Prepare to fall in love with the local cuisine of Takayama at the in-house restaurant, with specialities including miso soup and Hida beef croquettes.

Hotel Hakone Yumoto, Hakone

Find yourself surrounded by an abundance of verdant greenery at this Hakone hotel that could loosen up the tensest of muscles. From the comfy beds to the beautiful onsen (natural hot springs) and its truly gorgeous location in the middle of a quiet, luscious forested valley, this place is as relaxing as hotels get.

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka, Tokyo

Stay right in the beating heart of Tokyo at this modern city hotel, which boasts easy access to three stations, and is even within walking distance of several major Tokyo attractions. Head in one direction for the Imperial Palace and in another for the Tokyo Tower, and another again to discover the vibrant Shibuya district. The hotel itself is crisply designed, while breakfast options are varied and dining options are a little unusual for this part of the world, thanks to the hotel’s very own Irish-style pub!

Covid Safety

Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority, so we’ve put the following measures in place on all our TRIPS:

  • Our average group size is 10 people (max 18), which gives you all the security of being in a group whilst avoiding a crowd.
  • Where possible, we use small/ boutique accommodation – this means fewer guests and reduced exposure to other travellers.
  • We require all accommodation providers to share protocols around the extra health and hygiene measures they are taking.
  • Included activities are exclusive to our group wherever possible, to minimise contact with others.
  • Covid-19 negative test results or vaccine certificates may be required. Please check the entry requirements for the destination you are travelling to. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.
  • We recommend you confirm all guidance on official government sites and check that you are able to travel with your travel insurance issuer. Your travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against government advice. Our travel experts can assist you in finding this information.

Important Info

  • Travel to and from stations will generally be made on foot, so you should feel comfortable walking between stations, hotels and activities, with your luggage when necessary. Be sure to pack accordingly, wear comfortable footwear and be prepare for a reasonable amount of walking throughout this trip.
  • ABOUT THIS TRIP:
    This is a fast-paced and active itinerary that is packed with lots of  inclusions and uses Japan’s rail network to see the highlights of the country. You can expect on some days to walk at least 10,000 steps or 5 miles.
    In some situations, you’ll walk your luggage from the train station to a nearby hotel. We ask you to keep these points in mind and to be prepared as such when you consider the purchase of this trip and if it is right for you.
    If you are concerned or would like further information, please contact our Customer Service Representatives. Public transport is the fastest and most efficient way to experience Japan, but this does mean you should prepare for plenty of walking every day. Trust us, though, this is the best way to really see Japan!
  • We recommend packing light for this trip as, in Japan, luggage storage is often more limited than what you’re used to.
  • On Day 3, your luggage will be transferred separately from Osaka to Kyoto. Since we'll be visiting Hiroshima first, you'll need to bring a rucksack so you can keep essentials on hand for two days, before being reunited with your luggage! The same process will also happen on Day 7, when large luggage will be transferred from Kyoto directly to Tokyo, ready and waiting for when we arrive in the capital two days later.
  • Due to availability, the sushi class may have be moved to a different time in the itinerary.
  • You must be aged 25 years or over to join this trip.
  • Please be sure to check whether or not you need a visa to enter the country you're travelling to. Please refer to our Booking Terms & Conditions for further information.
  • If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or accessibility requirements, please notify our Customer Support team as soon as possible.
  • We won't charge you extra if you travel alone – you'll be allocated a twin room with another traveller of the same gender.
  • To upgrade to a private room, share a room with a friend, or book pre- and post-trip accommodation and/or airport transfers, please contact our Customer Support team.
  • Please be aware that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers.
  • Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. While unlikely, these changes can happen due to circumstances beyond our control. We will always do our best to ensure minimal impact on your experience.
  • Please be aware images on this page are for illustrative purposes and may not reflect your itinerary exactly.
  • Luggage will be transferred separately when travelling from Osaka to Kyoto and Kyoto to Tokyo via bullet train. Please bring an overnight bag with you.
  • Due to the current tourism demand in Japan, activities and hotels may be changed late for this trip. We are doing our best to follow the itinerary to the word but some days may be swapped around.
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