from £ 1,069 p/person
This 12-day trip will introduce you to all the highlights from Tokyo to Hiroshima. Use the Japan Rail Pass, and experience Japan’s famous Bullet train. Stay in Japan’s major cities but also the smaller towns of Matsumoto and Tsumago on the Nakasendo trail.

  • Stay in Tokyo, with a full day to explore this modern city
  • Matsumoto, with its historic samurai-era castle
  • The small town of Tsumago, on the ancient “Nakasendo” trader’s route
  • Kyoto, Japan’s former capital and the cultural and historic centre of the country.
  • Visit Hiroshima and nearby Miyajima and the Itsukushima Shrine with its picturesque “torii” gate standing in the water.

Day 1 : Arrive Tokyo

Arrive Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, exchange your voucher for the 14-day Rail Pass, and use the Rail Pass to travel into central Tokyo.

Stay 2 nights.

Day 2 : Tokyo

Explore Tokyo on your own.

Day 3 : Tokyo - Matsumoto

Use the Japan Rail Pass to travel to Matsumoto: from Tokyo main station take the Bullet train to Nagano, and change to a JR express train to Matsumoto.

Stay 1 night.

Day 4 : Matsumoto - Tsumago

Use the Japan Rail Pass to travel to Nagiso: from Matsumoto take the train to Nagiso, then a local bus to Tsumago.

Stay 2 nights.

Day 5 : Tsumago

Walk part of the Nakasendo trail.

Day 6 : Tsumago - Kyoto

Use the Japan Rail Pass to travel to Kyoto. From Tsumago take the local bus to Nagiso, then the JR train to Nagoya. Change to the Bullet train to Kyoto.

Stay 3 nights.

Day 7 : Kyoto

Full day free to explore the historic city of Kyoto.

Day 8 : Kyoto

Full day free to explore the historic city of Kyoto.

Day 9 : Kyoto - Hiroshima

Use your Japan Rail Pass to travel to Hiroshima by Bullet train, direct or via Shin-Kobe (approx 2.5 hrs).

Stay 2 nights.

Day 10 : Hiroshima

Full day free to explore Hiroshima with its Peace Park and Peace Museum, and the nearby island of Miyajima with the Itsukushima Shrine.

Day 11 : Hiroshima - Osaka

After spending most of the day in Hiroshima, take the train to Osaka using the Japan Rail Pass. Stay overnight at a hotel near Osaka (KIX) Airport.

Day 12 : Depart Osaka (KIX)

After breakfast, transfer to airport for departure.

from £ 1,069

per person sharing twin room.

Included

  • 9 nights accommodation including breakfast
  • 2 nights at a ryokan (Japanese inn) including dinner and breakfast
  • 14-day Japan Rail Pass
  • travel details and extra information

Not included

  • flights
  • tours and excursions
  • travel insurance
  • any other meals and personal expenses