From the ultramodern, neon-lit skyscrapers of Tokyo to the tranquil temples, cherry blossoms (March to May) and historic geisha district in Kyoto to Hiroshima’s historic sights and thriving food scene, these train vacations to Japan have great stories behind them.
These trips not only give travelers the opportunity to explore in and around these major cities but in many of the outlying regions as well. They can sample excellent seafood and centuries-old artisan traditions in Kanazawa, experience the lush, forested landscapes of the Japan Alps and learn how to make soba noodles by hand in Matsumoto, discover ancient shrines in Takayama, see the Great Buddha in Nara, and marvel at breathtaking views of majestic Mt. Fuji in Hakone. Japan is one of the world’s fastest growing destinations for travelers. This year, it will also be hosting the Rugby World Cup, and hot on its heels is the summer Olympics in 2020.
It’s no wonder the Land of the Rising Sun is on nearly every “hot destinations” list for 2019-2020. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), more than 30 million overseas travellers visited Japan in 2018, an all-time record, with an 8.7 percent increase over 2017. Annual visitors from Australia topped 552,400, up 11.6 percent. The country’s star attractions can be visited year-round, and the train journeys onboard the famous Shinkansen bullet train, Limited Express “Wide View Hida” (most scenic route offering panoramic views of the countryside), and the Romancecar are just as memorable as the destinations themselves. These new itineraries from Railbookers offer the true essence of a destination, with immersive experiences that are truly memorable. With the ability to customize each itinerary, travelers can make their train vacation uniquely their own. The best time to visit depends entirely on what travelers want to experience when they arrive. There really isn’t ever a bad time to visit the Land of the Rising Sun.
New Japan Itineraries
The Golden Route itinerary is the perfect introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun. The country’s famed high-speed bullet trains, its unique hidden wonders, and the crowd-pleasing attractions in Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto (with a day trip to both Nara and Fushimi) will give you an introduction to all that Japan has to offer.
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Scenic Japan 11 days from $3,619 Tokyo > Matsumoto > Takayama > Kyoto > Hakone > Tokyo
From the heart of bustling Tokyo, to Matsumoto (the gateway of the Japan Alps) where you’ll learn how to make soba noodles by hand, exploring ancient shrines in Takayama, visiting Kinkakuji Temple and Nishiki Market in Kyoto, and marveling at breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji in Hakone, this is the train vacation of a lifetime. Other highlights include experiencing what it’s like to catch the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train and travel onboard the crowd-pleasing Romancecar.
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Best of Japan 14 days from $5,219 Tokyo > Hakone > Hiroshima > Kyoto > Kanazawa > Takayama
Discover some of the most historically and culturally significant sights in Japan on this immersive two-week rail journey through the picturesque country. Start in the iconic capital of Tokyo, taking in the city’s intoxicating blend of extreme modernity and ancient heritage. From Tokyo, take the train to Hakone, famous for its hot springs and gateway to the Mt. Fuji region. Take two days to relax and explore the beautiful town before boarding the world-famous Shinkansen bullet train for the journey to hilly Takayama. Change onto the Limited Express Hida Wideview, one of the most scenic trains in Japan, for the last part of the ride, winding through stunning mountains and gorges. From there, spend time discovering important sights and historical landmarks in Kanazawa, Hiroshima, and finally Kyoto.
Learn more about this train vacation here . . .
