Uncover Japan’s unique treasures, iconic sites and diverse 
culture – a blend of exquisite temples and traditional rituals 
with gleaming skyscrapers and ultra-efficient technology.
Days 1-3. Arrival in Tokyo
Your tour begins with a flight to 
Tokyo. Arriving on Day 2, we check in 
to our hotel before a welcome drink 
and dinner this evening. Our English-
speaking guide joins us on Day 3 for a 
tour, where we stop at two enchanting 
Buddhist temples, the 7th-century 
Senso-Ji temple in Asakusa and 
Harajuku’s Meiji-Jingu shrine before 
visiting the famed Shibuya crossing.
Days 4 & 5. Spectacular Mount Fuji
Today, we travel by train to Odawara, 
where a cable car journey offers 
stunning views of Lake Ashi, Mount 
Hakone and Mount Fuji in clear 
conditions. Our trip ends with a 
cruise across sparkling Lake Ashi to 
our hotel. Day 5 brings us to popular 
sightseeing spot Mount Fuji Fifth 
Station (weather permitting), where 
we absorb incredible vistas of Japan’s 
most revered peak. Later, we visit the 
Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre 
before heading into the mountains 
to the alpine town of Matsumoto, 
where we check in to our hotel.
Jewels of Japan 
by Rail
24
“The whole trip was 
mind-blowing and I’ll 
never forget the tigers.”
Brian, 2024
YOUR ITINERARY
Days 6 & 7. Matsumoto and Himeji
After touring a miso factory, we visit 
Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century 
pagoda-style fortress known as ‘Crow 
Castle’. We continue through the 
scenic Kiso Valley, stopping in the 
traditional towns of Tsumago and 
Magome before arriving in the city 
of Nagoya, where we check in to our 
five-star hotel. On Day 7, we visit the 
UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle before 
boarding a bullet train to Hiroshima.
Days 8-10. Hiroshima and Kyoto
Travelling by local train and boat to 
Miyajima today, we enjoy a walking 
tour, stopping at Itsukushima Shrine 
and the iconic Great Torii Gate 
that guards its entrance. On Day 9, 
we embark on an emotive tour of 
Hiroshima’s most moving locations, 
including Peace Memorial Park, the 
Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace 
Memorial Museum. Later, we board 
a bullet train to Kyoto, where we tour 
the traditional Gion neighbourhood 
and enjoy a performance at the Gion 
Corner Theatre. On Day 10, we take a 
tour of Kyoto, visiting the enchanting 
Sagano Bamboo Forest and the famous 
Kinkakuji Temple before taking part in 
a zen tea ceremony. After stopping at 
the Nishiki market, there’s free time to 
explore independently.
Days 11 & 12. Nara and Osaka
Today, we discover the historic city 
of Nara on a guided walking tour, 
stopping at Todaji Temple to see 
the Great Buddha statue and visiting 
Nara’s serene deer park. On our way 
back to Kyoto, we stop at a traditional 
sake brewery. On Day 12, we learn 
about the traditions and symbolism 
of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony 
before continuing by coach to Osaka, 
where we take a tour of this relaxed 
port city. At the Floating Garden 
Observatory later, we enjoy panoramic 
views of Osaka before delving into 
the neon-lit Dotonbori district.
Day 13. Homeward bound
There’s a free day to explore Osaka 
before we transfer to the airport in the 
afternoon for our flight back home. 
JEWELS OF JAPAN BY RAIL
Japan
South Korea
MATSUMOTO
HAKONE
NATIONAL PARK
TOKYO
OSAKA
KYOTO
HIROSHIMA
Miyajima
Mt. Fuji
NAGOYA
2
1
1
1
1
3
2
by Rail
Nights in Hotel
by Coach
1
by Ship
Classic
Witnessing the colourful 
spring cherry blossom season
Experiencing the serenity of 
Miyajima and its Great Torii Gate
Visiting the former capital, Nara, 
and viewing the characterful deer

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