Japan Discovery
Overview
Known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun', Japan is a world apart - a cultural assortment of sumo wrestling, geishas, sake, karaoke bars, curious capsule hotels, sushi galore and pachinko parlours. The juxtaposition of neon-drenched modernity with austere shrines, ancient gardens and psiritual mountains makes for a jarring, yes mesmerising contrast.
Inclusions
Trip Inclusions
- 11 nights in premium accommodation
- Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort
- 15 meals - 11 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Ride the Limited Express Romancecar train journey to Hakone
- Visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre and marvel at breathtaking views of iconic Mount Fuji
- Glimpse the colourful kimonos of Kyoto’s geisha and enjoy a traditional evening meal
- Soak in the scenery as you travel by Shinkansen bullet train, Japan’s renowned high-speed service
- Uncover moving stories and learn about the destruction unleashed at Hiroshima
Insider Experiences
Designed exclusively for Travelmarvel guests. Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event
*Advertised price based on 7 September 2025 departure
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo, the energetic and cosmopolitan capital of Japan. Marrying ancient traditions with modern innovations, Tokyo offers a sensory overload of neon lights, vibrant street fashion and exquisite cuisine. Transfer to your hotel where a Welcome Dinner gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort.
Stay: Two Nights, Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel
Daily: Dinner
DAY 2 - Tokyo
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.
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 3 - Tokyo, Hakone
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Today you will journey by Limited Express Romancecar train to Hakone travelling on the picturesque narrow-gauge line.
Set off on foot to Shinjuku Station for your Insider Experience and your first journey on Japan railway. Arrive in Odawara 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. Take a relaxing cruise around the lake soaking in the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains before continuing to your hotel for the evening.
Stay: Hakone Hotel
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 - Hakone, Matsumoto
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Driving along the foot of the famous mountain, disembark at the Mount Fuji Visitor Centre to learn more about the country’s tallest volcano. Continue to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station where, if the sun is shining, you will be able to see the iconic Japanese peak.
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.
Stay: Matsumoto, Hotel Buena Vista
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 5 - Matsumoto, Takayama
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a guided tour of a miso factory to find out how this Japanese staple is made. Discover why this paste – a mixture of fermented soya beans with salt and other umami-based ingredients – is so important in Japanese cooking, before tasting the distinctive flavours for yourself.
After your Insider Experience, continue to Matsumoto Castle. This stunning and well-preserved castle dates back to the 16th century and is famous for its black exterior and elegant architectural design. Continue to Takayama and soak in the spectacular mountain scenery on your way to visit Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum depicting more than 30 rustic farm dwellings from the Edo Period. Enjoy a night of leisure and time to explore the narrow streets of Takayama.
Stay: Takayama, Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 6 - Takayama, Nagoya, Hiroshima
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Travel by ‘shinkansen’ Bullet Train, and the equally impressive Limited Express service from Takayama to Hiroshima.
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. Step inside the beautifully preserved Takayama Jinya, a historic government house and stroll Sannomachi Street, lined with traditional merchant houses and shops. Later, set off on your Insider Experiences to Hiroshima, renowned for the destruction during World War II.
Stay: Two Nights, Hiroshima, Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 7 - Hiroshima, Miyajima Island
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
ravel by local train and ferry to Miyajima Island and spend time admiring the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine and the iconic Tori Gate that guards its entrance which appears to float on the island’s waters at high tide.
Enjoy your Insider Experience before spending time at leisure on the Island to uncover more shrines and museums. Keep an eye out for the sacred deer before returning to Hiroshima for a night at leisure. Maybe head to a lively izakaya for snacks and beer or seek out the famous okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake.
DAY 8 - Hiroshima, Kyoto
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Experience the speed and efficiency of Japan’s renowned bullet train from Hiroshima to Kyoto.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Wander the streets of the famous Gion district and keep watch for one of the many beautiful geiko and maiko, the titles given to geisha and their apprentices.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Later this evening, indulge in a traditional Japanese dinner at a local restaurant, renowned for using delicious and fresh produce.
This morning, visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Museum, both reminders of the destruction levelled on the town in 1945. Afterwards, travel to Kyoto and appreciate your Insider Experiences.
Stay: Three Nights, Kyoto, Righa Royal Hotel Kyoto
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 - Kyoto
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, and gain an insight into how to brew, serve and drink this distinguished drink in the traditional way.
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.
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 10 - Kyoto, Nara,
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Take part in a fascinating tea tasting where you will try 3 kinds of Japanese tea which are different in types and cultivars.
Today, 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 that freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns. En route to Kyoto enjoy your Insider Experience.
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 11 - Kyoto, Osaka
Leaving delightful Kyoto after breakfast this morning, we savour time in the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Stroll through the towering bamboo grove and marvel at one of the most breathtaking and iconic sites in all of Japan. Transfer by coach to Osaka and visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle from the open-air deck. Afterwards, visit the lively Dotonbori District filled with neon lights, extravagant billboards and bustling restaurants and bars. Celebrate your final evening with a Farewell Dinner in your hotel.
Stay: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12 - Depart Osaka
Transfer to Kansai International Airport after breakfast for your onward flight.
Daily: Breakfast
