Japan by Rail

Beyond Japan’s major sights.

Designed for travellers who want variety and a deeper feel for the country.Expect full, rewarding days with plenty to see and do, from neighbourhood exploring and scenic train rides to hands-on experiences, regional flavours, and the kind of details that make Japan so unforgettable.

At a Glance

Duration
15 days across Japan, travelling by rail

Transport
Japan’s excellent rail network, including bullet trains, regional trains, local transport, and carefully planned transfers between key journey points.

Accommodation
Comfortable hotels, regional stays, and a traditional ryokan-style experience, with locations chosen for access, atmosphere, and ease of movement.

Activity Level
Moderate. This journey includes walking, stairs, luggage movement, and some full sightseeing days balanced with slower cultural moments.

Best For
Travellers who enjoy varied days,  exploring old neighbourhoods & lively cities, trying hands-on cultural and food experiences.

Draft Itinerary

This journey is currently being shaped through our own on-the-ground research. We’ll be in Japan this October to refine the route, accommodation, local experiences, and pacing before finalising the October 2027 departure. The core journey is planned as 15 days, with an optional add-on for travellers who would like to continue exploring Japan for longer.

The route below outlines the overall rhythm of the journey, linking Japan’s major cultural centres with mountain scenery, historic neighbourhoods, regional food, craft traditions, and time to experience the country at a more considered pace.

  • Begin in Tokyo, a city of layered contrasts where historic streets, design culture, food halls, quiet shrines, and contemporary city life sit side by side. Explore both Tokyo neighbourhoods, local markets, craft districts, hidden food spots, and the everyday rhythm of one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

  • Travel by rail towards Hakone, known for mountain scenery, hot springs, traditional inns, and views across Lake Ashi when conditions are clear. Settle into a slower pace with a ryokan-style stay, time to experience onsen culture, and the quiet atmosphere of Japan’s mountain landscapes.

  • Continue by rail to Kanazawa, one of Japan’s most rewarding regional cities. Explore beautiful gardens, samurai-era streets, old teahouse districts, seafood markets, regional cuisine, and the craft traditions that give Kanazawa its distinctive cultural identity.

  • Travel onwards to Hiroshima for time at Peace Memorial Park and the city’s moving modern history. Explore Hiroshima’s food culture before visiting nearby Miyajima, known for island scenery, shrine heritage, coastal views, and one of Japan’s most memorable cultural landscapes.

  • Spend several days in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. Experience temple gardens, traditional craft, a tea ceremony, Gion’s heritage streets, lantern-lit lanes, and quieter corners beyond the busiest sights. This is a chance to slow down and experience Kyoto with more depth.

  • Visit Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, known for grand temples, old merchant streets, Nara Park, and the sacred deer that wander through the city’s historic precincts. This day adds another layer of history and atmosphere before the journey continues towards Osaka

  • Finish in Osaka, a city known for local food culture, market streets, lively neighbourhoods, and a more relaxed urban energy. Explore the flavours and street life of the city before gathering for a final evening together and the end of the 15-day Japan by Rail journey.

  • Accommodation
    Comfortable accommodation throughout the 15-day Japan journey, including city & regional hotels,  & a traditional ryokan-style experience.

    Transport
    All scheduled transport within Japan, including trains, regional rail journeys, local transfers, and luggage/transport arrangements included as part of the itinerary.

    Guiding
    Personally guided throughout by a New Zealand Grassroots Adventures guide, with local  specialist guides where required.

    Activities & Sightseeing
    Included activities and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary, including site entry fees, cultural visits, food experiences, a tea ceremony, and selected local experiences.

    Meals
    Some meals are included, including selected group meals and food experiences as outlined in the final itinerary.

    Trip Development
    This journey is being shaped through our own on-the-ground research, with final details refined after our Japan recce.

  • International Flights
    International flights to and from Japan are not included.

    Travel Insurance
    Comprehensive travel insurance is required and is not included.

    Meals Not Specified
    Meals not listed as included in the final itinerary are at travellers’ own expense.

    Personal Expenses
    Laundry, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, optional extras, room upgrades, and personal purchases are not included.

    Optional Add-On
    Any post-tour add-on after the 15-day journey will be priced and confirmed separately.

Departure Dates & Pricing

Japan by Rail is currently in final development, with strong early interest already building.

October 2027 — 15 Days — Pricing to be confirmed.
Optional post-tour add-on — Details to be confirmed after our October research trip.

Enquire

Japan, beyond the obvious.

Be among the first to hear about our October 2027 Japan by Rail journey, shaped by trains, food, culture, neighbourhoods, and local detail.

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