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Japan Rail Holidays

Ask many people about the one country that they would like to visit most in the world and a great number of them may say Japan. Its tantalising appeal lies in the fact that it's a place that seems both well known to us in the west, but one which holds many mysteries too. We also imagine a society that is hyper-modern while also being steeped in ancient traditions and practices. And this is indeed what visitors find when they visit the legendary "Land of the Rising Sun".

One of the best ways to explore this intriguing country is by train. Indeed, it's somewhere that is famous for its rail network including the iconic bullet train, so-called for its 200 mph speeds. Also legendary is the efficiency and reliability of the network where trains are considered late if they're more than 30 seconds overdue.

We offer two main rail tours of Japan. Each of them gives you plenty of time to explore this fascinating country and experience its many contrasts and differences. The 13-day Discover Japan takes in all of the main cities on the island of Hoshu including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka as well as many other places of interest including Mount Fuji and Hiroshima. Then there's the 16-day Grand Tour of Japan that also includes visits to Sapporo and Hakodate on the country's northern-most island of Hokkaido before heading south to the main island of Honshu.

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2 results matching: Japan

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Discovering Japan
Save up to £300pp
4.5 stars(35 reviews)
2024MarAprMayAugSepOct
14 days from
£4,395 pp £4,195 pp
View Details
Save up to £300pp
14 days from
£4,395
£4,195
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationJapan
  • Starts / EndsLondon Heathrow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportFlight, Rail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Grand Tour of Japan
Save up to £300pp
2024MarAprOct
16 days from
£5,295 pp £5,095 pp
View Details
Save up to £300pp
16 days from
£5,295
£5,095
per person
View Details
tour map
  • DestinationJapan
  • Starts / EndsLondon Heathrow
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportFlight, Rail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Our customers love our Japan tours
Discover Japan
25/Jul
Gary
5 stars
“Overall the holiday was great and an experience not to be missed. The tour was full on with some time to explore on your own it could do with a slightly longer stay a few days into the tour to allow travellers to catch their breath and make readt for the rest. As there are many sights to consider and we experienced a lot. Some items that I thought should be included and that were not are: Fushimi Inari Temple and Toji gates, Osaka Castle and a Sake tasting. However I was able to visit these during 'free time' and of course managed to sample the Sake! Another key experience was the 'Traditional Arts Performance' at Gion Corner in Osaka which a few of the group did independently. Whilst this tour does cater for rail enthusiasts it is not focused on the railways. I was the only rail enthusiast on the tour (a bit dissapointing). I was able to travel on 3 key railways and visit the railway museum at Kyoto, although I had to leave the tour to fully appreciate it. This was not an issue as the museum was the last stop and the hotel was only a 10 min walk along the mainline. As a taster to experience Japan its an excellent tour. It is full on. The Japanese people are friendly and polite, the culture and history is incredible and the food is excellent.
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Rail travel in Japan

Bullet Trains

Traveller's Guide to Japan

About Japan

Journey to a land where the past and present dance in a mesmerizing duet! With its staggering population of 125 million, Japan is a tantalizing fusion of timelessness and avant-garde. Imagine a nation where an emblematic Emperor reigns, yet a dynamic Prime Minister steers the ship, reminiscent of the UK's regal charm.

Dive into the vibrant world of manga, get lost in addictive video games, and marvel at Japan's jaw-dropping technological feats. But wait - the soul of ancient Japan beats powerfully within. Witness the poetic beauty of the Japanese tea ceremony, a ritual unchanged for centuries, echoing the nation's profound reverence for tradition.

Did you know Japan boasts a staggering 6,800 islands? From the snowy terrains of Hokkaido to the tropical vibes of Okinawa, adventure awaits at every turn. Honshu, the majestic jewel in Japan's crown, stretches a captivating 800 miles, sheltering iconic cities: the electric Tokyo, the dynamic Osaka, and the timeless Kyoto.

Tokyo! Oh, what an exhilarating rush! Your first steps in this neon wonderland will leave you breathless. Think gigantic neon displays, skyscrapers reaching for the heavens, and an electrifying zest for life reminiscent of cinematic masterpieces like "Lost In Translation." Yet, Tokyo cradles pockets of serenity. Meander through the ancient corridors of the Asakusa Temple or let the tranquil whispers of the Hamarikyu Gardens soothe your soul.

Osaka beckons with its futuristic allure, a gastronome's paradise lined with tantalizing street food vendors. Illuminate your evenings in the heart-throbbing Dotonbori district, where canals glisten under the neon lights of buzzing bars and restaurants.

Then, step back in time in Kyoto, the once imperial heart of Japan. Rich in tales untold, Kyoto, untouched by World War II's scars, dazzles with 2,000 temples and shrines and a staggering 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And oh! The Gion District is where magic unfolds - where elegant Geishas glide gracefully in resplendent kimonos, painting the town in hues of tradition.

Pack your bags, dear traveler, for Japan awaits - where tales of yore and tomorrow's innovations beckon in harmonious symphony!

Climate

Japan's climate is generally mild and temperate with four seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter - which more or less equate with Europe's. Spring is warm and largely dry whilst summer can be hot and humid following a four-week period of rain which usually begins in June. Autumn is breezy and cool, whilst winter is mild and dry with temperatures rarely falling below zero, although Japan's central and northern regions may experience snow.

Currency and money

The currency used in Japan is the yen and the exchange is generally around 160 yen to the pound. Notes come in 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 denominations and coins range from 1 yen up to 500 yen, or about £3.

Japan has a reputation for being a cash-based society but this is gradually changing over time with an increasing acceptance of credit and debit cards. The only exception is in rural areas where cash is still very much the preferred method of payment or where you are paying for relatively cheap items.

Because most ATMs will only work with Japanese cards, getting hold of currency is generally a question of going to a bank or another exchange such as in a post office or even in some of the larger hotels.

When eating out, it's good to know that it is not the custom to tip. In fact, you're more likely to create confusion if you do.

Food and eating out

Dive fork-first into Japan, a nation where culinary mastery meets pure, unbridled passion. Think you know sushi? Think again! Here, every morsel is an art form, every sip of tea an experience, and every bowl of ramen a warm embrace. As the sun rises over serene pagodas, street stalls wake up to the sizzle of delectable bites, inviting you to embark on an unforgettable foodie journey. Whether it's the bustling streets of Tokyo or the serene countryside, your tastebuds are in for a treat. So, put on your eating pants, dear traveler, because Japan is ready to dazzle your palate!

1. Sushi and Sashimi: Beyond the California roll, real sushi and sashimi are a symphony of fresh, ocean-kissed flavors. The delicate balance of vinegared rice paired with the freshest catches? Simply divine!

2. Ramen: Slurp alert! Dive into a bowl of soul-soothing noodles swimming in rich broth. Whether it's the creamy Tonkotsu or the miso-infused variant, it's comfort in a bowl.

3. Tempura: Crunchy, golden, and oh-so-delicious! Whether it's shrimp, veggies, or exotic finds, tempura is the crispy king of Japanese bites.

4. Takoyaki: Octopus-filled dough balls? Count us in! With a crispy outside and gooey center, it's street food royalty in Osaka.

5. Okonomiyaki: Who needs regular pancakes when you can have savory Japanese ones, bursting with fillings ranging from pork to seafood?

6. Kaiseki: An elegant dance of flavors and aesthetics, Kaiseki is Japan's answer to haute cuisine. Multiple courses that tantalize and tease - pure culinary theater!

7. Matcha: This isn't just green tea; it's a rich, frothy, antioxidant-packed elixir that finds its way into everything from cakes to ice creams.

8. Sake: Ah, Japan's liquid gold! Smooth, fragrant, and the perfect companion to many a Japanese dish.

Bon Appétit, or as the Japanese say, "Itadakimasu!" Ready to nibble, sip, and savor your way through Japan? The land of culinary wonders awaits!

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