Explore Japan by rail on the legendary Bullet Train

We depart on the overnight flight from London and arrive  in Tokyo on Day 2 to be met by our Japanese guide, who accompanies us throughout the tour. We transfer to our hotel, the Keio Plaza Hotel for our first night in Japan.

Our morning tour of Tokyo includes a visit to the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple and fascinating Ameyoko Market. In the afternoon we board one of the legendary Bullet Trains, which reach speeds of up to 186mph (300kph), and race west over the line to Hiroshima, for an overnight stay in the Rihga Royal Hotel.

During our morning in Hiroshima we visit the World Peace Memorial Park and the A-bomb Dome Museum, both poignant reminders of the devastation of 1945. This afternoon we travel by train and boat to Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most beautiful spots. We leave modern life behind in the tranquility of the wooded island where deer wander freely. The 'floating' shrine is one of several on the island that we visit before strolling to the Bentennoyado Itsukushima Ryokan Hotel for a very special traditional dinner and overnight stay. A Ryokan epitomises Japanese traditions and we take dinner in traditional Japanese style, at a low table, sitting on the floor. Our rooms feature tatami floors and a futon. This is an amazing cultural experience which provides insight into Japanese traditions.

Your morning is free to relax and explore Miyajima Island or to enjoy the Onsen - the hot spring baths at the Ryokan Hotel. Later today we leave Miyajima and travel by ferry and Bullet Train to Kyoto, where we spend three nights at the Rihga Royal Hotel, close to the railway station.

Kyoto was the Japanese capital for more than a thousand years and is a living museum of the country's artistic heritage as well as a thriving modern city. A morning sightseeing tour helps us to get our bearings and in the afternoon we enjoy a glimpse into the traditional tea ceremony in a thatched farmhouse set amongst formal gardens.

We visit Nara today, another former capital and a short train ride (Standard Class) away from Kyoto. Nara is an attractive, compact city of narrow streets set against a backdrop of wooded hills. Here we enjoy a walking tour, taking in the beautiful Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha, as well as the Kasuga Shrine and the Deer Park.

We enjoy another swift journey on the Bullet Train to Nagoya, where we join the Wide View Hida train (Standard Class) for a scenic journey that climbs into the mountainous 'Japan Alps' past forests and tea plantations. We stay in Takayama for two nights at the Hida Plaza Hotel.

Set deep in the mountains, Takayama is a fascinating town of narrow streets and wooden houses which is almost untouched by time. The well-preserved streets of the old central town still exist as a timeless, living museum. After a morning walking tour, you have free time to explore the many ancient temples, shrines and traditional inns. There is a lively open-air market and many shops selling excellent laquerware and woodcrafts. Another attraction is the Higashiyama walking route, east of the stations, which passes many temples and shrines. This evening, take time to wander the intricate streets, where you will find a good choice of restaurants - from open-air sushi bars to noodle houses - within easy walking distance of our hotel.

We return to Nagoya to join the Bullet Train to Mishima, and then travel by coach to the Hakone National Park. Lying in the foothills of Mount Fuji, Hakone is an area of lakes, forests and hot springs. This afternoon we enjoy a short cruise on tranquil Lake Ashi, a former crater lake. We continue by coach to our hotel for the night, the Hakone Hotel Kowakien, set in a peaceful forest location.

Today we tour Hakone National Park by funicular, cable car and mountain railway, enjoying unforgettable views and a visit to the sulphurous hot springs at Owakudani. We continue to Tokyo by train, travelling in a 'Romance Car' (observation car) on the narrow-gauge line. Our base for two nights is the Keio Plaza Hotel, located close to Shinjuku station.

Today you are free to explore Tokyo at your own pace. The city offers a world-class selection of museums and art galleries, from the National Science Museum to transportation museums. Perhaps browse for gifts in the fascinating Ginza district, with its stylish department stores and chic galleries, or visit the Imperial Palace gardens for a leisurely stroll.

We depart this morning for Tokyo airport for the flight to London, arriving late-afternoon the same day.

All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.

Can there be a more civilised way to travel than by rail?

Viewing an ever-changing landscape from the comfort of your seat is surely the finest way to travel. When travelling by train, your journey is an integral and delightful part of your holiday experience. What you see from your seat is as much part of the holiday as arriving at the destination.

Shinkansen refers to the dedicated high-speed Japanese rail network that provides a link to most major cities on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. The name 'Shinkansen' is also used to refer to the trains that run on the network - which are perhaps better known as 'bullet trains'. Renowned for their punctuality, comfort and safety, the trains are frequent and fast, regularly running at speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h). The trains offer comfortable reclining seats and large windows and there are usually refreshment trolleys selling snacks and beverages. In Green Cars (First Class), passengers often enjoy a complimentary drink and a hot towel.

Our hotels have been chosen based on their location, the facilities and value for money. Where possible we select hotels with individual style and character, preferably run by local families as we find this gives our hotels a friendlier, more personal feel. We have worked with many of our hotels for over a decade.

The Hakone Hotel Kowakien is a modern, western-style hotel situated in the resort of Hakone. The hotel stands in beautiful Japanese gardens and has a selection of restaurants offering Japanese and international cuisine, a sushi bar, coffee shop, lounge and bar. The Hakone Hotel Kowakien also has a sauna and large indoor and outdoor bathing areas where guests can enjoy Onsen, or Japanese Hot Springs. The well appointed rooms include television, hairdryer, minibar, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities.

The modern, western-style Rihga Royal Hotel in Hiroshima enjoys a central location, just a short walk from the World Peace Memorial Park. The hotel offers a number of restaurants serving a range of cuisine including Japanese, Chinese and French, as well as a coffee shop, lounge and bar. There is a swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre (all subject to a usage fee) as well as a hair salon and beauty parlour (payable locally). Room facilities include air conditioning, television, tea/coffee making facilities, minibar and a hairdryer

The Rihga Royal Hotel in Kyoto is conveniently located a short distance from Kyoto's main railway station. A modern, western-style hotel, the Rihga Royal offers a selection of restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisine, a coffee shop, lounge and bar. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool and a jacuzzi (usage fee payable) as well as a hair salon and beauty parlour (also payable locally). The well-appointed rooms are air conditioned and feature a television, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar and a hairdryer.

The Ryokan Hotel is a uniquely Japanese experience. A Ryokan is styled on the traditional inns of the 17th and 18th centuries. This includes tatami mats on the floor, sliding shoji (paper) doors and a traditional futon to sleep on. Instead of a towelling robe, a yakuta (cotton kimono) is provided. The only Western concessions are the bathroom facilities and standard breakfast, rather than the raw egg and dried fish of the traditional morning meal! The hotel features indoor hot spring baths whilst rooms include a television, safe and air conditioning.

The Hotel Plaza in Takayama is ideally located a short distance from the railway station and a number of the city's markets, museums and temples. The hotel has a selection of restaurants serving Japanese, Chinese or French cuisine, a coffee shop and two bars. Leisure facilities include a jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor Japanese baths and an indoor swimming pool (usage fee payable). The hotel has both Japanese and western style bedrooms, equipped with air conditioning, television, safe, tea and coffee making facilities and a hairdryer.

The Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo is located close to Shinjuku railway station and is ideally placed for exploring the city. The hotel has a wide range of restaurants serving Japanese, Chinese, Korean and European cuisine, as well as a coffee shop, cocktail and tea lounge, and two bars including the Sky Bar, which offers magnificent views over Tokyo from the 45th floor. There is a drugstore, boutiques, beauty salon (payable locally) and guests have complimentary use of the hotel's outdoor pool (seasonal) and gym. The contemporary western-style rooms are equipped with air conditioning, television, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, hairdryer and a safe and most offer excellent views over the city.

British Citizens do not require a visa to enter Japan.

• Scheduled flights London to Tokyo and return in Economy Class
• Rail, coach and ferry travel as described
• 11 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast each day
• 1 dinner in the Ryokan in Miyajima
• All excursions described in the itinerary
• Services of your Tour Manager throughout
• Transfers in Japan
• Luggage handling in Japan
• Flight taxes and charges
• Single room prices include the supplement for single accommodation throughout: £645

• Cancellation, medical & travel insurance: from £86

Make even more of your holiday with some of these upgrades designed to make your holiday even easier. 

Extend your holiday by making alternative flight arrangements. Please call us to discuss your ideas and requirements.

Flight upgrades are available. Please see the information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use in the Add-ons section of 'Things you should know' or call us for details.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to London to join your holiday. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes. Detailed below are our specially negotiated Standard Class off-peak return prices to London, based on your county of departure. Prices to non-London joining point (ie Edinburgh, Torquay and Holyhead) and prices for First Class travel are also available - please ask us for a quotation.

Prices are per person and are subject to change without notice.

We are able to book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport for the night before your holiday. The hotels listed below are some of the more popular hotels our customers book, others available on request.

Prices are based on 2 sharing a twin room in May 2009, subject to availability. Prices may change without prior notice. Booking conditions apply.

This page was printed from www.greatrail.com/tours/discovering-japan-2010.aspx on 6 September 2010.
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