'Takayama' means 'Tall Mountain', and the name refers to the town's setting high in the Japanese Alps. The town is known to have been inhabited when Nara was the capital of Japan (between 710 and 784 AD), but it was only when Takayama Castle was built in the late 16th century that it really began to take shape. The town was always governed along with the rest of Japan but, being high in the mountains and therefore harder to access, it enjoyed a level of relative independence and developed its own culture.
Whilst it is a modern, 21st century city, Takayama has retained its traditional charm. Known historically for its carpentry craft, there are still numerous surviving examples of this today. Along with larger public buildings such as temples and shrines, there are also whole districts of immaculately preserved houses and buildings from a couple of centuries ago.
Ancient ceremonies meet 21st century technology in this astonishing country of contrasts. This fascinating tour goes a long way to interpret the mystery of Japan as we cross the country on high-speed bullet trains.
… see more13 days from £3,775 pp
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Absorb ancient history and timeless tradition as we travel through the 'Land of the Rising Sun' by futuristic bullet train. Sample Japanese whiskey, soak up the spectacular sight of Mount Fuji, experience an authentic tea ceremony and explore the bustling cities of Tokyo and Hiroshima on an all-encompassing route through Japan's highlights.
… see more16 days from £5,695 pp
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An amazing experience of a culture so totally different from our own. Superb accommodation and visits to outstanding sights and sites. Horoshima was deeply, deeply moving. Another visit at some stage is a must.
By Katie Shaw
27 March 2019
From its futuristic bullet trains to spiritual Kyoto and neon-lit Toyko, join Tony Robinson as he discovers the quirks of Japan, on part five of his adventures around the world by train.
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By Katie Shaw
6 December 2018
While it’s well known that here at Great Rail Journeys we are passionate about rail travel, it just so happens that we believe aviation is something to be celebrated, too!
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By Sukie Chapman
18 January 2018
You love rail travel but also want to explore further afield than Europe; this is a conundrum many of our customers call us about.
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By Lorna Heatley
11 December 2017
Japan is famous for many things. Some of which are man made - the incredible megacities, filled with life and skyscrapers, the incredibly efficient bullet trains, and a hotel that has been in the same family for over 1,300 years.
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The travel and hotel arrangements were excellent. One gripe for the elderly is having to constantly move cases at each hotel (with one exception, Thank you Granvia, Kyoto). The Tokyo tour had perhaps one too many historic visits (I personally would have passed on the Edo museum for a daytime look at Shibuya crossing).One day in Tokyo is simply not enough. Similarly, too much Kyoto in 1 day where a 'rest' day would have been priceless. In retrospect, I now query the value of the Hokkaido sector in the tour. Perhaps the time spent here would have served us better elsewhere as it is more of a specialist winter destination, just not enough content for 3+ days.