Classic Japan tour by train

14 days
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Private Guided
Japan’s distinct culture, futuristic cities and striking natural landscapes make it one of our most rewarding destinations. While the lifestyle may seem intimidatingly different, our specialists have spent time living, and often working, in the country and can help you navigate the cultural idiosyncrasies. With their expert guidance and help in planning your ...
From$5,781
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    Japan’s distinct culture, futuristic cities and striking natural landscapes make it one of our most rewarding destinations. While the lifestyle may seem intimidatingly different, our specialists have spent time living, and often working, in the country and can help you navigate the cultural idiosyncrasies. With their expert guidance and help in planning your tailor-made itinerary, experiencing a culture far removed from your own is part of the country’s charm. In one sleek bullet train journey, you can travel from the dense, neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the fresh, clean air of the Japanese Alps. Buddhist temples dot the country, and in rural areas you can stay in traditional ryokan inns for a taste of Japanese life from a bygone era. Our specialists can advise on everything from the best local festivals to attend, to which local delicacies to try during your holiday to Japan.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityTokyo
End CityTokyo

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Train & Rail Journeys

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Trains & Rail

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Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.

Day 2 : Tokyo

After passing through customs and luggage collection, you're met by an Audley representative who will give you your documents, exchange your voucher for the rail pass, and direct you to the shared shuttle service which takes you to your hotel. After checking in, spend...

Day 3 : Tokyo

Spend the full day seeing the many sights of this wonderful metropolis. Use our folders to guide you to the modern areas such as upmarket Ginza and Shibuya, home of the famous Hachiko pedestrian crossing. But also make time to visit the traditional and historic Asakusa district in the northeast of the city, where you can see the huge red lantern of Senso-ji Temple.

Day 4 : Tokyo

A day at leisure. We suggest getting out of the city and catching the train (the journey lasts an hour and a quarter one way) to the seaside town of Kamakura, southwest of Tokyo. In this 800-year-old town you can see the Great Buddha of Kotokuin, and a number of scenic temples and shrines. Upon returning to Tokyo, head to one of our recommended restaurants for an evening meal.

Day 5 : Tsumago

Travel by bullet train and local trains to Tsumago, a quiet post town in the Kiso Valley. This afternoon, walk along the scenic Nakasendo Highway, which once connected Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in the 1800s. It was an important route used by samurai and traders. Temples l...

Day 6 : Hiroshima

Take the train to Hiroshima. This is quite a long journey of five hours and involves changing at Nagoya, then whizzing the rest of the way by bullet train. After checking into your hotel, head to the Peace Park. Despite it being a quite sobering experience, the Japanese have made it an extremely interesting place. Walk along the city's tree-lined avenues and visit the Memorial Museum.

Day 7 : Hiroshima

A day at leisure to explore Hiroshima and its surroundings at your own pace. We suggest taking the 20 minute ferry crossing to nearby Miyajima Island to see its 'floating' red torii gate. It stands out in the bay and is completely surrounded by water at high tide, giv...

Day 8 : Kyoto

Take the bullet train east to Kyoto, a journey of around two hours. In the afternoon, we can arrange for you to take part in a shared cultural activity at Kyoto's Women's Association. With the help of experienced English-speaking practitioners, you could learn Japanese arts such as calligraphy, the tea ceremony, origami, koto instrument-playing and sushi-making. Classes last around an hour.

Day 9 : Kyoto

A day at leisure in Kyoto. Navigate your way around the city seeing the many gardens, shrines and shops of this unique city. Highlights include the Golden Pavilion, the food markets selling tasty Japanese delicacies, and the traditional entertainment district of Gion. If you walk its streets at dusk, you may glimpse one of the city's enigmatic geisha on her way to work.

Day 10 : Kyoto

Take a local train to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, a quick five minute train journey from Kyoto. The shrine is home to hundreds of red torii gates that spill out over the hillside. It's also worth taking a walk through the forest there.Continue your journey on t...

Day 11 : Hakone

Take the bullet train to Hakone, a journey of around three and a half hours. Check in to your accommodation and either head to a hot spring to relax for the rest of the day, or use our folders to navigate your way around the National Park. You can use your Hakone free pass to reach several great viewing areas over the park's mountains and lakes.

Day 12 : Hakone

A day at leisure to further explore Hakone National Park under your own steam. Your included Hakone Free Pass allows you to use the buses, trains and cable cars. Cross Lake Ashinoko on a replica pirate ship or head to a viewing spot for a glimpse of Mount Fuji. We also recommend visiting the excellent open air sculpture museum in Chokokunomori.

Day 13 : Tokyo

After a leisurely morning return to Tokyo (a one and a quarter hour train journey) for a final night in the capital. We suggest using your last few hours in the city to explore a new corner of it. Visit the Imperial Palace Gardens, the man-made island of Odaib, trendy Shinjuku or the peaceful landscaped Hamarikyu Gardens.

Day 14 : International return flight

Take the airport shuttle transfer from your hotel lobby to the airport to catch your return flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,781
Price per day$413
Last Updated: 1/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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