Higashiyama District skyline in Kyoto at sunset
Higashiyama District skyline in Kyoto at sunset
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Japan by Rail

Mixed Board Basis 19 nights from £9,449 per person Including Flights

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan, a country where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with the cutting-edge innovations of the modern world. This all-encompassing 20 day adventure takes you across all three of Japan's main islands—Kyushu, Honshu, and Hokkaido—providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the diverse beauty, culture, and history of this fascinating nation. (WW)

Highlights

  • Contemplate the history of Nagasaki and Hiroshima  
  • Marvel at the temples of Kyoto  
  • Seek out Snow Monkeys in the Japanese Alps  
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Tokyo  
  • Uncover the charm of Sendai and Hakodate  
  • Enjoy the unique atmosphere of Sapporo

Fukuoka (2N) – Nagasaki - Hiroshima (2N) – Miyajima – Himeji – Osaka (2N) – Kyoto (2N) – Kanazawa (1N) – Takayama (2N) – Yudanaka – Matsumoto (1N) - Suwa (1N) – Tokyo (3N) – Matsushima – Sendai (1N) – Hakodate (1N) – Sapporo (1N)
 

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Transfers
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Tropical Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Fukuoka arrival

Fly overnight to Fukuoka, the gateway to the island of Kyushu. After arriving, the remainder of the day is yours to begin immersing yourself in the local culture.

Overnight: Hotel Monterey Fukuoka (or similar)
Meals included: Dinner

Day 2

Explore Nagasaki

Start the day with a journey on the limited express train to Nagasaki. Take a leisurely walk through the Glover Garden upon arrival, an open-air museum featuring mansions associated with the Scottish merchant who played a key role in Japan's modernisation. You’ll also visit the Oura Catholic Church and the Atomic Bomb Museum before your return to Fukuoka.

Overnight: Hotel Monterey Fukuoka (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3

Miyajima Island

Board the bullet train to Hiroshima, situated on Japan’s largest island, Honshu. Next, take the ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the sacred island of Miyajima where you will visit the Itsukushima Shrine and take part in a cooking experience to make momiji manju. Later, return to Hiroshima.

Overnight: RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4

Hiroshima

Visit Hiroshima, beginning with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where you can pay tribute to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Then, enjoy a delicious okonomiyaki lunch before heading up to Orizuru Tower for panoramic views of the city. Finish the day with a leisurely walk through the historic Shukkeien Garden.

Overnight: RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5

Admire Himeji Castle

Depart Hiroshima by bullet train, with a stop at Himeji to visit the impressive Himeji Castle, followed by a stroll through the beautiful Kokoen Garden. After, continue  to Osaka by limited express.

Overnight: Hankyu RESPIRE Osaka (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6

Osaka & Nara Day Trip

The day begins with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, followed by lunch in the Dotonbori district. Later, head to Nara to explore Todaiji Temple, home to the impressive Daibutsu, a 15-metre tall bronze statue of Buddha. Next, participate in an ink-making and calligraphy class before your return to Osaka.

Overnight: Hankyu RESPIRE Osaka (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7

Kyoto's Temples

Travel to Kyoto, the capital for 1,000 years, and a city that epitomises traditional Japan. Take a leisurely stroll through the Arashiyama bamboo forest and admire the towering thickets. You will also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most renowned Zen garden, and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'.

Overnight: RIHGA Gran Kyoto (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8

Tea Ceremony & Fan Painting

First, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. Then immerse yourself in the culture with an age-old ritual of a sacred tea ceremony, practising Zen meditation, and trying your hand at fan painting. You will also have the chance to explore Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district.

Overnight: RIHGA Gran Kyoto (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9

Explore Kanazawa

Travel by limited express train to Kanazawa, and upon arrival, wander through Kenrokuen, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. You will also visit the Nomura Samurai House and the Kutani Pottery Factory.

Overnight: Hotel Visa Kanazawa (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10

Shirakawago Village

Travel to Takayama, making a stop at Inami for a wooden sake cup-making experience and sake tasting. Next, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago Village for a glimpse of rural Japan before continuing to Takayama.

Overnight: Mercure Hida Takayama (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11

Discover Takayama

Spend the morning exploring local handicrafts and fresh produce at Miyagawa Market, the Takayama Floats Museum, and Takayama Jinya. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure.

Overnight: Mercure Hida Takayama (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12

Search for Snow Monkeys

Travel to Matsumoto via the Japanese Alps. After lunch, continue to Yudanaka and head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, where you will walk through a scenic forested valley to the hot pools and you may even spot the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park. After, return to Matsumoto.

Overnight: Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Ekimae (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13

Matsumoto Castle

The day starts with a visit to the impressive 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, known as 'Crow Castle' for its striking black exterior. Next, visit a miso house to discover the process behind this iconic Japanese seasoning, and explore the former post town of Naraijuku before continuing to Suwa.

Overnight: Rako Hananoi Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14

Mount Fuji

Journey to Hakone, where you will ascend 2,400 metres to the 5th Station (weather dependent) for breathtaking views of the iconic Mt Fuji. Next, a tranquil cruise on Lake Ashi before you soar above on the Komagatake Ropeway. Later, continue your travels to Tokyo by road.

Overnight: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15

Tour Tokyo

In the morning, enjoy a leisurely walk through Hamarikyu Gardens. Then, join a sushi-making class to create your own lunch. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the atmosphere at Sensoji Temple, explore the stalls on Nakamise shopping street and enjoy a drive past the Imperial Palace Plaza.

Overnight: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16

Tokyo

The day begins at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, where you will head up to the observation deck for stunning views of Tokyo. Then, soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Meiji Jingu Shrine before driving past the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Finish the day with a relaxing dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

Overnight: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17

Sendai

Board the bullet train to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku as the tour makes its' way to northern Honshu. Then, transfer to Matsushima and take a scenic cruise on Matsushima Bay. You'll also visit the renowned Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai.

Overnight: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18

Explore Hakodate

Bid farewell to Honshu Island and take the bullet train to Hakodate, located on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Marvel at the Goryokaku Tower, a star-shaped fortress, then enjoy some free time. In the evening, take a ride on the Mt Hakodate Ropeway and take in stunning views of the city.

Overnight: Hakodate Kokusai Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19

Sapporo Sightseeing

Your final bullet train journey is to Sapporo. Visit the Clock Tower and Odori Park, then in the evening, stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum for a tasting before a farewell dinner with the group.

Overnight: Hotel Monterey Edelhof Sapporo (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20

Depart

This morning is at your leisure, before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast.

 

What’s Included

  • International Flights
  • All transportation and transfers as per itinerary
  • 19 nights accommodation
  • 19 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches & 19 Dinners
  • Internal travel in an air-conditioned coach
  • Guides and entrance fees


What’s not Included

  • Personal expenditures
  • Tipping
  • Early or late check-out


 

Transfers are by shared coach with other passengers not on a Wendy Wu Tour, so you may need to walk a short distance to your hotel, depending on the group size.

Bullet trains: a separate luggage transfer service will be arranged for all suitcases (1 case per person). You will need to pack a separate overnight bag to carry on the train as your suitcase will not arrive until the following day after a bullet train journey. Your guide will indicate when you will need to prepare for this throughout your tour.

Group size consists of a maximum of 28 people.

Public Holidays: If you are travelling during the following public holidays in Japan, please be aware that celebrations can last for several days, and some businesses may be closed. Coach, air, and train services could also be affected. Showa Day, marking the beginning of Golden Week, falls on 29th April each year and runs through to 5th May. Constitution Memorial Day is on 3rd May, and Emperor’s Birthday is on 23rd February each year.

Luggage: Each traveller is permitted two pieces of luggage: one suitcase weighing no more than 20kg and one item of hand luggage weighing up to 5kg. Please ensure that your luggage is lockable.

Fitness level: This tour requires you to comfortably stay on your feet with occasional breaks. You should be able to easily board and disembark from various modes of transport, such as coaches, trains, and boats. Expect to walk around notable sites and climb steps to enjoy stunning views. Sightseeing may involve walking for extended periods, occasionally on steps or uneven surfaces.


 

Donna Jones
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