Discovering Japan

Welcome to Tokyo. Transfer to your hotel where a Welcome Dinner gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel

• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo Bay, to see an example of the precise art of Japanese gardening. Next, it’s on to the Asakusa Temple, this 1400-year-old Buddhist temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine and the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection, before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

• Breakfast

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Arrive in Hakone and then transfer to Owakudani volcanic valley and enjoy a tour of its active sulphur vents and hot springs before taking a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the Togendai station, nestled on the shores of the tranquil Lake Ashi. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the lake soaking in the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains before continuing to your hotel for the evening.

Accommodation
Hakone Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Hakone , Japan

This morning, travel to Mount Fuji, arguably Japan’s most distinctive landmark. Later, it’s on to Matsumoto to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation
Matsumoto, Hotel Buena Vista

• Breakfast

Location
Matsumoto , Japan

First thing today, visit a miso factory to find out how this Japanese staple is made. Continue on for your Insider Experience and then journey to visit Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum depicting more than 30 rustic farm dwellings from the Edo Period, before arriving in the picturesque town of Takayama, set atop brilliant hills.

Accommodation
Takayama, Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

• Breakfast

Location
Takayama , Japan

This morning, join a guided walking tour to see sights including Miyagawa Morning Market, with its array of stalls selling local farm products and handicrafts, Takayama Jinya and Sannomachi Street. Later, set off on a journey on the Hida Train to Nagoya, continuing onwards by bullet train to Hiroshima.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Hiroshima, Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

• Breakfast

Location
Hiroshima , Japan

Translated to ‘Shrine Island’, the wooded Miyajima Island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine and the Great Tori Gate that guards its entrance which appears to float on the island’s waters at high tide. During your time here you’ll enjoy a walking tour and see cheeky wild deer. Enjoy free time to discover more on your own before returning to Hiroshima.

• Breakfast

Location
Hiroshima , Japan

This morning, visit Hiroshima’s World Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Museum, both reminders of the destruction levelled on the town in 1945. Afterwards, travel by bullet train to Kyoto and appreciate your Insider Experiences.

Accommodation
Three Nights, Kyoto, Righa Royal Hotel Kyoto

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Kyoto , Japan

This morning, begin with your special Insider Experience. Afterwards, take a tour of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks including Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which has an exquisite Japanese garden; Kyoto Railway Museum; and Kiyomizu Temple, an historic Buddhist temple that offers impressive views over the city. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

• Breakfast

Location
Kyoto , Japan

Today you’ll enjoy a day trip to Nara, a picturesque city with an abundance of impressive temples. See Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha and Nigatsu-do Shrine. Founded in 745 by Emperor Shomu, Todai-ji is a vast Buddhist temple complex that was constructed as a symbol of imperial power. Its famous Buddha towers overhead at 15 metres tall and is the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Later, it’s time for a stroll through Nara’s famous Deer Park, home to over 1,200 wild deer who freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns.

• Breakfast

Location
Osaka , Japan

After an Insider Experience, journey to Osaka and visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle. Continue on to the lively Dotonbori District. Celebrate your final evening with a Farewell Dinner.

Accommodation
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Osaka , Japan

Transfer to Kansai International Airport after breakfast for your onward flight.

• Breakfast

Location
Osaka , Japan