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From high-speed bullet trains reaching over 300 kilometres per hour to steam trains meandering through forested ravines, this holiday will show you Japan’s natural and modern marvels by rail.
In Tokyo, you’ll enjoy a fully guided tour of the city, taking in captivating sights including the holy Meiji Jingu shrine and bustling Ginza. Next, discover the serene lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji, its mythical form rising in the distance, and step aboard the Southern Alps steam train for a journey along the Oi River.
From the past to the present, the high-speed bullet train will whisk you in futuristic comfort to Nagoya, where you’ll visit the Edo-era Takayama Jin’ya and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawa Village. In Kyoto, walk amidst the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ahead of hotel stays in Hiroshima and Osaka – the perfect finale to this adventure across Japan.
*Advertised price based on 3 September 2025 departures.
Inclusions
Your Imagine Holiday Includes
Hotel Stays
2 night four-star hotel stay in Tokyo at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
2 night four-star stay in Shizuoka at the Hotel Associa Shizuoka
1 night four-star hotel stay in Takayama at the Mercure Hida Takayama
1 night four-star stay in Kanazawa at the Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
3 night five-star stay in Kyoto at the THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
2 night four-star stay in Hiroshima at the RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima
2 night four-star stay in Osaka at the Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
All hotel stays include breakfast
Rail Journeys*
Southern Alps Abt Scenic Steam Train
Bullet Train from Shizouka to Nagoya
Sagano Scenic Railway
Kanazawa to Kyoto Thunderbird Train
Bullet Train from Kyoto to Hiroshima
Bullet Train from Hiroshima to Osaka
Fully Escorted Tours
Tokyo city tour
Mount Fuji 5th Station, Lake Yamanaka and Lake Kawaguchi
Southern Japan Alps tour
Shirakawa Village
Fushimi Inari Shrine and Tea Ceremony
Gion evening walking tour
Kyoto full-day tour including Nijo Castle and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Miyajima Island half-day tour
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Overnight flights
The departure date is subject to change based on flight times specified during the booking process.
Named hotels are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Alternative hotels will always be of equal or higher star rating.
*Luggage transfer provided when travelling on Bullet Train to hotel. Main image is intended for illustrative purposes only.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Fly to Tokyo
Your holiday begins as you fly overnight from Australia to Tokyo.
Day 2 – Tokyo: Hotel Stay
Enjoy two nights in Tokyo, time to sample authentic sushi and sip tea in one of its tearooms. Uncover its most famous sights at your own pace, alongside a full day tour to experience the city highlights.
Day 3 – Tokyo: Tour & Hotel Stay
Today, you’ll delve into some of Tokyo’s most fascinating sights during a fully escorted coach tour. Highlights include the city’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, Ginza, holy Meiji Jingu, and a Sumida River cruise.
Day 4 – Tokyo: Tour & Shizuoka Hotel Stay
Enjoy the views of the Fuji Five Lakes from Mount Fuji’s 5th Station and visit Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi and Ichiku Kubota Museum, before finishing the day in Shizouka where you’ll check into your hotel.
Day 5 – Shizuoka: Tour & Hotel Stay
Step on board a characterful steam train which weaves through the gorges along the Oi River which flows from the Southern Alps to Suruga Bay and has been an important water source since ancient times.
Day 6 – Takayama: Tour & Hotel Stay
Today, you’ll take the bullet train to Nagoya ahead of a rail journey to Takayama. Here you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a walking tour, featuring highlights such as Takayama Jinya and the historic Old Town.
Day 7 – Takayama: Tour & Kanazawa Hotel Stay
Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the morning Takayama Market and then join your coach taking you to Kanazawa for an overnight stay. En route, you’ll stop at picturesque Shirakawa-go village, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 8 – Kyoto: Tour & Hotel Stay
Taking the Thunderbird train to Kyoto, where on arrival you’ll enjoy a guided city tour. Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine and partake in a traditional tea ceremony, before discovering the magical Gion district in the evening.
Day 9 – Kyoto: Tour & Hotel Stay
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Kyoto during this fully escorted tour. You’ll visit captivating sights such as Ryoanji, a Zen Buddhist temple, and relish a journey on board the Sagano Romantic train.
Day 10 – Kyoto: Hotel Stay
Kyoto is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. Gorgeous temples and parks are scattered around the urban city centre, and you can stroll through striking imperial palaces and villas.
Day 11 – Hiroshima: Tour & Hotel Stay
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima where you’ll learn about the tragic events which took place in 1945. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a serene space that serves to honour those who lost their lives.
Day 12 – Miyajima: Tour & Hiroshima Hotel Stay
Today, you’ll enjoy a half-day tour discovering beautiful Miyajima Island. You’ll reach this sacred island by ferry as you marvel at the delightful views of the red-gated Itsukushima Shrine.
Day 13 – Osaka: Tour & Hotel Stay
Travelling to Osaka by bullet train, you’ll then have an afternoon tour to Osaka Castle. This five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country, with a history that dates back almost 450 years.
Day 14 – Osaka: Hotel Stay
Japan’s second largest city, Osaka is a commercial hub of modern architecture and ancient shrines and famed for its amazing street food. You could visit fascinating highlights such as Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
Days 15-16 – Osaka: Fly Home
Your holiday is complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
