Classic Japan tour by train
Overview
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Itinerary
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to 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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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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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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We want to help you navigate the uncertainty that remains around travel by giving you the flexibility to book a trip to any of our destinations in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean this year in complete confidence. With our 14-day cancellation policy, you can cancel your trip up to two weeks before you’re due to depart for any reason and receive a full refund, when you book your trip on or before October 31, 2020 for travel before December 14, 2021**.
Valid on new bookings within the US, Canada or Caribbean made on or before October 31, 2020 for travel by December 14, 2021. Certain policy variations may apply dependent on property selection and dates. Specific details will be provided by your specialist. Any portion of a new booking paid with an existing travel credit will be refunded in the form of a travel credit. Excludes flights and select properties.
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