Japan High Quality Train Tour
- Duration : 13 days
- Locations : Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Okayama, Matsue, Tottori, Kyoto, Tokyo
Embark on a meticulously curated, two-week odyssey through the heart of Japan.
Immerse yourself in Tokyo's electrifying energy, a captivating fusion of ancient and modern. Then, sojourn in Hakone's serene beauty, where majestic Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits. Delve into Kyoto's rich cultural tapestry – peaceful temples, captivating geisha districts, and exquisite gardens.
Before departing for an unparalleled travel experience aboard the renowned Twilight Express Mizukaze. This is not merely a tour, but a transformative journey to unveil the essence of Japan in all its splendour.
Please note that the departure date for this tour from Europe is February 23rd. This is the only date currently on offer.
13-day itinerary
- Departure city/Airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
- Tokyo (4 nights, including 1 day trip to Kamakura)
- Hakone - Mount Fuji (1 night)
- Kyoto (4 nights, including 1 day trip to Nara)
- 3 days, 2 nights on the Twilight Mizukaze high quality train Kyoto-Kyoto, on a tour of the San'in & San'yo region
- Kyoto (1 night)
- Return city/Airport : Kyoto (Kansai International Airport : KIX)
Please find below the itinerary details.
Tour length : 12 nights / 13 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)
PLEASE NOTE: The departure and end dates shown on this page only apply to your stay in Japan. You must therefore leave Europe the day before the first day of your tour. The date of your return flight and that of your return to Europe are identical due to the time difference.
Example :
- Departure from Europe : February 23rd
- Arrival in Tokyo (= the date to be selected in the calendar when booking) : February 24th → only one date available
- Return flight from KIX airport / Return to Europe : March 8th
Please note that this tour requires a minimum of two travellers, and that flights are not included in the price.
This tour information was last updated on July 2, 2024.
Why book this trip to Japan?
- Greeted at the airport by our team and private transfer to your hotel
- 10 nights in 5* hotels selected by us, and 2 nights on board a high quality train
- All breakfasts included, as well as one traditional dinner in a ryokan and two Michelin-starred dinners on the train
- Different private guides provided for you every day to reveal the secrets of Japan
- 3 activities included : Tokyo Sky Tree visit, private Tea Ceremony in kimono, and a Shiatsu massage
- Discover Tokyo, the unmissable cosmopolitan capital of Japan
- Take a minibus tour of Kamakura before heading to Hakone - Mount Fuji
- Enjoy an incredible stay in Kyoto, and take the opportunity to discover Nara
- Take advantage of transport passes: Japan Rail Pass Green (First class), Hakone Free Pass, and more
- Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to a portable pocket wifi
- If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
- Numerous guided days and other optional activities available
- Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, the leading European travel agency in Japan
Please be aware that the cancellation policy for this tour is different from our other tours :
- To confirm your reservation for this tour, a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total price is required. The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than one and a half months prior to the departure date. Please be advised that any payments made after this deadline are also non-refundable.
Program
Day 1 : Welcome to Tokyo 東京
Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).
Welcome to Japan! 日本へようこそ!After passing through customs, you'll be welcomed by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
Private transfer from the airport to central Tokyo (see details).
Check in at the Conrad Tokyo or equivalent 5* hotel.
Day 2 : First steps in the capital
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Your guide will pick you up at 9am at your hotel for a guided tour of the capital (below are examples of sites to visit, the exact itinerary will be decided jointly with your guide on the day) :
- Harajuku, the center of youth fashion and cosplay culture
- Meiji Jingu, the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dori, a must-see street full of trendy stores and crepe stands
- Omotesando, a tree-lined avenue known as Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
- Shibuya and its impressive giant crossroadsDaily travel is by public transport and on foot.
Day 3 : The heart of the Japanese soul
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Continue your Tokyo adventure with a flexible guided day tour (below are examples of sites to visit, the itinerary is to be decided jointly with your guide on the day) :
- Ginza, Tokyo's high-end shopping district
- Tsukiji, the famous outdoor seafood market
- Hama-rikyu, a beautiful Japanese garden amid Tokyo's tall buildings
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river
- Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capitalAscend to the top of the Tokyo Sky Tree for an unforgettable view of the capital! Floating at a height of 634 metres, the Tokyo Sky Tree is the world's tallest unsupported telecommunications tower and the second-tallest structure in the world after the Burj Khalifa.
Travel is by public transport and on foot.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 4 : Free day
Free day : This day is yours to dedicate to exploring Tokyo's diverse neighbourhoods, historical monuments, and cultural treasures at your own pace. You will not have a guide on this day.
Here are some of our recommendations :
- Yanaka, a district where the ambience reminiscent of Tokyo from decades past still survives
- Ueno and its park full of cherry trees
- Akihabara, the electronic and manga district
- Odaiba, the futuristic entertainment island in Tokyo BayDon't hesitate to get in touch with us if you wish to book other activities for this day.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 5 : Excursion to Kamakura and departure for Hakone-Mount Fuji
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Luggage transfer to Kyoto organised by Japan Experience (1 piece of luggage per person).
Pack a small bag for the night in Hakone - Mount Fuji (details in your travel pack).Depart from your hotel by minivan with your guide to discover Kamakura. Often referred to as the "City of the Samurai", Kamakura is the former political capital of Japan.
Some of the oldest Zen temples in the country can be found in this city :
- The five mountain temples: Kencho-ji, Engaku-ji, Jufuku-ji, Tokei-ji and Zuisen-ji
- Tokei-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple known as the "Temple of Divorce"
- Zuisen-ji, famous for its daffodils and Zen dry garden
- Hokoku-ji, known as the "Bamboo temple"
- The Great Bronze BuddhaDaily travel is by minivan and on foot.
At the end of the afternoon, the minibus will drop you off with the guide at your ryokan in Hakone.
Check in to the Hakone Gora Karaku or another ryokan of the same calibre.
Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner, and spend the night in Hakone.
Day 6 : En route to the former capital
Enjoy a traditional breakfast at the ryokan.
Explore Hakone with your guide. You'll be charmed by the magnificent scenery of this spa town, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (on a clear day). Not forgetting the Owakudani volcanic site, accessible by cable car.
Head to Odawara to catch a Shinkansen to Kyoto! (included in your Green Japan Rail Pass)
Once you arrive in Kyoto, our assistant will collect you from the station and accompany you to your hotel.
Check in to the Four Seasons Kyoto or equivalent standard hotel, located in the heart of Japan's historic capital.
Travel is by public transport and on foot.
Day 7 : Japanese culture and well-being
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Meet your guide and head out for a day tour of Kyoto (below are examples of sites to visit, the itinerary is to be decided jointly with your guide on the day) :
- The Zen garden of Ryoan-ji
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The enchanting Philosopher's Path
- The historic district of GionTravel is by public transport and on foot.
On this day you will have two activities :
- Experience a traditional private tea ceremony, complete with kimono rental, in one of Kyoto's most authentic districts. Witness the meticulous preparation and presentation of matcha, a vibrant green tea, served in exquisite handcrafted pottery. Savor the delicate flavours of wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, alongside the frothy tea in one of the city's best tea houses.
- Indulge in a truly unique experience in the afternoon with a complimentary shiatsu massage in a traditional Kyoto house. Shiatsu, a cornerstone of traditional Japanese medicine, focuses on applying pressure to improve energy flow and promote relaxation. The perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring Kyoto!
Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 8 : Free day
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Free day : This day is yours to dedicate to exploring Kyoto's diverse neighbourhoods, historical monuments, and cultural treasures at your own pace. You will not have a guide on this day.
- Nijo Castle, former residence of the shogun
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple
- Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii gates
- Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountainDon't hesitate to contact us if you wish to book other activities.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 9 : Between temples and deer
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day trip to the former capital of Nara. Your guide will collect you from the hotel in the morning to take you to Kyoto Station to catch the train bound for Nara (included in your Japan Rail Green Pass).
Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century :
- Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns
- Todai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate
- Kofuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda
- The picturesque Naramachi district.Travel is by public transport and on foot.
Return to Kyoto in the late afternoon, and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 10 : Twilight Express Mizukaze Day 1
Step aboard the premium Twilight Express Mizukaze train for a journey through the San'in and San'yo regions.
From Kyoto, start by basking in the gorgeous landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea and its dozens of islands stretching on the horizon from the coast.
During a stop in Okayama, explore the city's famous Korakuen Garden, before boarding the Mizukaze again for your first dinner, with a menu crafted by talented top-class Japanese chefs, cooked with locally-sourced ingredients.
Enjoy your 3-star Michelin gourmet meal.
Day 11 : Twilight Express Mizukaze Day 2
Exquisite breakfast on board the train.
The following day, after a restful night in your comfortable and elegant private room, stop in Unnan and Matsue for the day, two cities around Lake Shinji, blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes and interesting sights, such as Matsue Castle.
Another night of exquisite dining awaits: savor your 3-star Michelin gourmet meal.
Day 12 : Twilight Express Mizukaze Day 3
Exquisite breakfast on board the train.
On your last day on board this magical train, the Mizukaze will stop in Tottori and Higashihama, two jewels of Japan's western coast.
Marvel at the unique sand dune formations in Tottori, a UNESCO-recognized wonder, and explore this natural landscape.
Arrive in Kyoto in the late afternoon.
Spend one last night in the ancient capital of Japan.
Day 13 : Sayonara, and here's to your next trip!
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Take a private transfer to Kansai International Airport KIX (see details).
Return flight to Europe.
Alternatively, feel free to extend your trip by one or more days, in Kyoto or elsewhere... We would be happy to advise you.
Accomodations
- 4 nights in a 5* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport
- 1 night in a 5* ryokan in Hakone - Mount Fuji
- 5 nights in two 5* hotels in the heart of Kyoto, close to public transport
- 2 nights on the Twilight Express Mizukaze, a renown high quality sleeper train
The basic rate includes a twin room for two people. All breakfasts are included.
Transports
- Private airport transfer from Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT)
- Return private airport transfer from Kyoto > Kansai International Airport KIX
- Japan Rail Green Pass 7 days (First Class)
- Hakone Free Pass
- All minivan journeys mentioned (see tour details)
- Prepaid public transport card
Services
- Private airport pick-up
- Guide every day, except on certain free days
- All breakfasts
- Traditional Japanese dinner included at the ryokan in Hakone
- Dinners and breakfasts included on board the Twilight Express Mizukaze
- Private tea ceremony with kimono hire in Kyoto
- Shiatsu massage in Kyoto
Included in your tour
Supplementary benefits
- Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi
- A complete digital travel guide sent before your departure
- Luggage transfer between your hotels in Tokyo > Kyoto
- Telephone assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese bilingual. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. This phone number is valid for telephone calls and also for WhatsApp.
- Pre-departure cancellation insurance subject to conditions, and On-site assistance subject to conditions.
Not included in the price of your trip
- Flights Europe <> Japan
- Personal expenses (including meals and free days)
- Any public transport not covered by the cards/passes we provide (see details below)
- Anything not included in the "Included in your tour" section
When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection :
- Japan Experience Flex :
Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.
- Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions.
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