From Tokyo’s dazzling neon streets to the peaceful mountain villages of the Japanese Alps, Japan is a country of extraordinary contrasts — and there’s no better way to experience them than by rail.
Designed exclusively for a small group of solo travellers, this carefully curated 13-day adventure follows Japan’s world-renowned rail network the length of Honshu, travelling aboard the legendary shinkansen and scenic regional trains that connect the country’s most captivating destinations.
There’s a unique rhythm to travelling through Japan by train. Watch the scenery transform from futuristic cities to tranquil coastlines and forested mountains, arrive refreshed instead of road-weary, and let your luggage do the hard work.
Your suitcase is transferred ahead between key destinations, leaving you free to travel comfortably with just a light overnight bag. It’s the way the Japanese travel their own country — and the perfect way to discover it yourself.
Discover the serenity of Hakone beneath the gaze of Mount Fuji, wander the beautifully preserved Edo-period streets of Takayama, and step into the fairy-tale village of Shirakawa-go. Reflect on Hiroshima’s powerful history at the Peace Memorial Park before visiting Miyajima’s iconic floating torii gate, then immerse yourself in Kyoto’s timeless temples, samurai castles and atmospheric geisha districts.
Along the way, learn the art of sushi-making with a fourth-generation Tokyo sushi family, soak in a traditional mountain onsen, and savour regional specialities as diverse as the landscapes themselves.
Travelling with a small group of like-minded companions, you’ll enjoy your own private room throughout, seamless rail journeys, included luggage transfers and thoughtfully curated cultural experiences at every stop.
With every detail taken care of, all that’s left to do is settle into your seat, watch Japan unfold beyond the window, and arrive ready for the next unforgettable experience.
This is Japan beyond the highlights — authentic, immersive and effortlessly travelled. A journey filled with meaningful encounters, remarkable food and unforgettable moments, shared with fellow solo travellers who love to explore.
Itinerary Highlights
- Travel across Japan by shinkansen (bullet train), journeying from Tokyo through the Japanese Alps to Hiroshima, Kyoto and back
- Learn the art of sushi-making with a fourth-generation Tokyo sushi family
- Cruise Lake Ashinoko, ride the Hakone Ropeway and soak in a traditional onsen beneath the gaze of Mount Fuji
- Explore the beautifully preserved Edo-period town of Takayama and the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go in the Japanese Alps
- Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, then ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine
- Step inside Himeji Castle, Japan’s finest surviving samurai castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Discover Kyoto’s timeless treasures, including the Gion geisha district, Fushimi Inari Shrine and the famous vermillion torii gates
- Experience Japan’s extraordinary food culture, from Hida beef and Hiroshima okonomiyaki to Kyoto sake and fresh sushi
Will you join us?
Day 1 – Friday 1st Oct
TOKYO (D)
Konnichiwa – welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins in Tokyo, the world’s largest and most electric city. If you land early, spend the day exploring at your own pace – world-class shopping, fascinating museums, and backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. Tonight, meet your fellow solo travellers, Tour Host and local leader over a welcome dinner, sampling regional specialties like handmade soba noodles, crispy tempura and charcoal-grilled yakitori. Tokyo’s food scene is one of the best on Earth, and this is only the beginning!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
For your flexibility, a shared shuttle airport transfer is included from both airports; Haneda and Narita. We recommend that you book your flight into Haneda, as this airport is much closer to central Tokyo, allowing for a more relaxing start to the tour.
Your own room at Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Day 2 – Saturday 2nd Oct
TOKYO (B)
Dive into Tokyo’s most iconic districts with your local leader by your side. Start in Asakusa, the city’s atmospheric temple district, where Senso-ji — Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded almost 1,400 years ago — rises above the bustling shopping street of Nakamise-dori. From there, wander the stalls of Tsukiji Outer Market, sampling fresh seafood and local snacks that showcase Tokyo’s legendary food culture. Spend your afternoon exploring at your own pace — perhaps the elegant boutiques of Ginza, or the extraordinary food halls (depachika) hidden in department store basements.
Included Activity
- Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- 48-hour subway ticket
Your own room at Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Day 3 – Sunday 3rd Oct
TOKYO (B,L)
This morning, find calm at Meiji Shrine, a forested sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji, just steps from the energy of Harajuku and Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing. Later, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on sushi-making class with a fourth-generation Tokyo sushi family – learn the art of nigiri and hand-rolled sushi, then sit down to enjoy your own creations for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore Tokyo’s observation decks, museums, or hidden neighbourhoods.
Included Activity
- Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Shibuya walk
- Sushi-making class
Your own room at Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
LUGGAGE TRANSFER INFORMATION
To make your rail journey as comfortable as possible, your main suitcase will be transferred directly to Takayama tomorrow morning. This evening, please pack a small overnight bag with everything you’ll need for your one-night stay in Hakone, as your suitcase won’t be available until you arrive in Takayama on Tuesday 5th October. Your Tour Host and local leader will be on hand to assist with your luggage before it’s sent ahead. One suitcase per person is included in the transfer, with additional bags available for approximately JPY 3,000 each, payable locally.
Day 4 – Monday 4th Oct
TOKYO – HAKONE (B,D)
Say sayonara to Tokyo and board the train for Hakone, a mountain hot-spring town where tranquillity replaces the capital’s energy. Ride a cable car up to the sulphur vents of Owakudani, then cruise across serene Lake Ashinoko – keep your camera ready for a glimpse of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Return to Hakone and check in to the hotel for the evening. There are larger public indoor and outdoor onsens that overlook the surrounding city of Odawara, to make use of. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner, and afterwards you can soak away the day’s travels in a traditional onsen – the perfect introduction to one of Japan’s most treasured rituals.
Included Activity
- Cable car / ropeway
- Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Your own room at Tensein Odawara Station Hotel or similar
Day 5 – Tuesday 5th Oct
HAKONE – TAKAYAMA (B)
Today, travel deep into the Japanese Alps to Takayama via shinkansen (bullet train). Takayama is a beautifully preserved Edo-period town famous for its sake breweries, traditional inns and timeworn streets. On arrival, take a relaxed walking tour through the historic district with your leader, learning the stories behind its centuries-old architecture. Tonight is free to explore — don’t miss the chance to sample Hida beef, a prized local delicacy raised in the surrounding Gifu Prefecture.
Included Activity
- Leader-led walking tour
- Takayama Jinya
Your own room at Takayama Ouan or similar
Day 6 – Wednesday 6th Oct
TAKAYAMA (B)
Start the day at Takayama’s storied morning market, where local farmers have sold high-altitude produce for over 600 years — browse pickles, soybean candy and the region’s famous marshmallow treat, owara tamaten. Then journey to Shirakawa-go, a fairytale village of thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses set against the dramatic backdrop of the Japanese Alps. Return to Takayama for a free afternoon — perhaps visiting the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, home to the town’s ornate parade floats.
Included Activity
- Morning market visit
- Shirakawa-go Folk Village
- Wada House
LUGGAGE TRANSFER INFORMATION
To make your rail journey as comfortable as possible, your main suitcase will be transferred directly to Kyoto tomorrow morning. Tonight, please pack a small overnight bag with everything you’ll need for your two-night stay in Hiroshima, as you won’t have access to your suitcase until you arrive in Kyoto on Saturday 9th October. Your Tour Host and local leader will ensure all luggage is securely labelled before departure. One suitcase per person is included in the luggage transfer. Additional bags can be sent for approximately JPY 3,000 per bag, payable locally.
Your own room at Takayama Ouan or similar
Day 7 – Thursday 7th Oct
TAKAYAMA – HIROSHIMA (B,D)
Travel by train to Hiroshima, a vibrant, resilient city with a story the world must never forget. Visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome — still standing just metres from the 1945 blast’s hypocentre — and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to remembering the past and advocating for a peaceful future. This evening, taste Hiroshima’s most famous dish, okonomiyaki, a savoury layered pancake of egg, cabbage, noodles and either meat or seafood.
Included Activity
- Peace Park & A-Bomb Dome
- Peace Memorial Museum
- Okonomiyaki dinner
Your own room at ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima or similar
Day 8 – Friday 8th Oct
HIROSHIMA (B)
Today you will take the ferry to Miyajima Island, home to the Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic vermillion torii gate, which appears to float on the sea at high tide. Spend the morning exploring one of Japan’s most spiritually significant sights, then wander the island’s quiet lanes, browsing local shops and cafés at your own pace. Return to Hiroshima in the afternoon for a free evening.
Included Activity
- Miyajima Island Day trip
- Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
Your own room at ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima or similar
Day 9 – Saturday 9th Oct
HIROSHIMA – KYOTO (B)
Speed north to Kyoto aboard the shinkansen, stopping en route at Himeji Castle — Japan’s most magnificent surviving samurai stronghold, once home to over 10,000 samurai families. Arriving into Kyoto by mid-afternoon, join your leader for a walk through Gion, the city’s legendary geisha district, where wooden teahouses line the lanes and, if you’re lucky, you might spot a geiko or maiko on their way to an evening engagement.
Included Activity
- Himeji Castle
- Gion district walk
Your own room at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or similar
Day 10 – Sunday 10th Oct
KYOTO (B)
Journey to Fushimi Inari Shrine, the ‘Path of the Red Gates,’ where thousands of vermillion torii wind up the mountainside — walk as far as you like, with sweeping city views waiting at the halfway point. This afternoon, visit a renowned sake brewery for an in-depth look at the centuries-old craft, followed by a tasting of Kyoto’s finest brews. The rest of the day is yours to explore Kyoto at your own pace. In the evening Kyoti really springs to life. You might spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up on their way out to events.
Included Activity
- Fushimi Inari
- Sake brewery & tasting
- One-day metro & bus pass
Your own room at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or similar
Day 11 – Monday 11th Oct
KYOTO (B)
Explore more of Kyoto’s most treasured sights, beginning with the dazzling gold-leafed Kinkakuji Temple – the Golden Pavilion, instantly recognisable the world over. Then step into Nijo Castle, one of the finest surviving examples of feudal-era palace architecture, complete with ornate chambers and its famous ‘nightingale floors,’ designed to sing out and alert against intruders. The rest of the day is free to explore Kyoto on your own terms.
Included Activity
- Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- Nijo Castle
- One-day metro & bus pass
LUGGAGE TRANSFER INFORMATION
To make your rail journey as comfortable as possible, your main suitcase will be transferred directly to Tokyo tomorrow morning. Tonight, please pack a small day pack with your essential belongings, including any medications, as you won’t have access to your suitcase until you arrive in Tokyo later tomorrow. Your Tour Host and local leader will ensure all luggage is securely labelled before departure. One suitcase per person is included in the luggage transfer. Additional bags can be sent for approximately JPY 1,800–2,500 per bag, payable locally.
Your own room at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or similar
Day 12 – Tuesday 12th Oct
KYOTO – TOKYO (B,D)
This morning, board the bullet train back to Tokyo, with a free afternoon to revisit favourite spots or discover something entirely new. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers – now firm friends after two weeks on the road together – for a farewell dinner marking the end of an extraordinary rail journey through Japan.
Day 13 – Wednesday 13th Oct
TOKYO (B)
After one final Japanese breakfast, your adventure through Japan comes to a close.
With no activities planned and a relaxed checkout, take your time to soak in your last moments in Tokyo before heading onward — no rushing, just happy memories to carry home. A shared shuttle transfer has been included for your convenience to both Haneda and Narita airports.
TOUR PRICING: A$11,995
TOUR DATES: 1st – 13th October 2027
Japan
Weather in October
October is one of the best times to visit Japan, with warm days, cool evenings and the first hints of autumn colour beginning to appear in the mountains.
- Average daytime temperature: 19°C – 24°C
- Evening temperatures: 12°C – 17°C
- Rainfall: Generally settled, though occasional showers are possible.
- What to pack: Layers are essential — light clothing for warm city days, a jacket or fleece for cooler mountain evenings in Hakone and Takayama, and comfortable, well-worn-in walking shoes
Currency
The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, department stores and larger restaurants
- Cash is still preferred at many smaller restaurants, markets and rural areas, including Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- 7-Eleven ATMs are the most reliable for international cards and are widely available
- It’s a good idea to carry cash for local markets, temples and smaller eateries
Electricity
Japan uses 100 volts with a frequency of 50Hz (eastern Japan, including Tokyo) or 60Hz (western Japan, including Kyoto and Hiroshima).
- Power outlets are Type A (two flat parallel pins), the same plug shape used in Australia without an adaptor, though voltage differs
- Australian travellers will need a plug adaptor for the flat pins, and appliances that are not dual voltage may require a voltage converter
Language
The official language is Japanese. English signage is common in major cities, train stations and tourist areas, though it is less widely spoken in smaller towns like Takayama.
Time Zone
Japan operates on Japan Standard Time (UTC +9) and does not observe daylight saving time.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can occasionally cause confusion if offered. Excellent service is simply the standard, not something requiring an extra reward.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Japan has outstanding internet infrastructure, with free Wi-Fi available in many hotels, cafés and train stations. International roaming is available, or travellers can purchase an affordable local SIM card or eSIM on arrival.
Food & Drinking Water
Japan’s cuisine is world-renowned, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble ramen counters. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan, so a refillable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated (and reduce plastic waste) throughout the trip.
From Tokyo’s dazzling neon streets to the peaceful mountain villages of the Japanese Alps, Japan is a country of extraordinary contrasts — and there’s no better way to experience them than by rail.
Designed exclusively for a small group of solo travellers, this carefully curated 13-day adventure follows Japan’s world-renowned rail network the length of Honshu, travelling aboard the legendary shinkansen and scenic regional trains that connect the country’s most captivating destinations.
There’s a unique rhythm to travelling through Japan by train. Watch the scenery transform from futuristic cities to tranquil coastlines and forested mountains, arrive refreshed instead of road-weary, and let your luggage do the hard work.
Your suitcase is transferred ahead between key destinations, leaving you free to travel comfortably with just a light overnight bag. It’s the way the Japanese travel their own country — and the perfect way to discover it yourself.
Discover the serenity of Hakone beneath the gaze of Mount Fuji, wander the beautifully preserved Edo-period streets of Takayama, and step into the fairy-tale village of Shirakawa-go. Reflect on Hiroshima’s powerful history at the Peace Memorial Park before visiting Miyajima’s iconic floating torii gate, then immerse yourself in Kyoto’s timeless temples, samurai castles and atmospheric geisha districts.
Along the way, learn the art of sushi-making with a fourth-generation Tokyo sushi family, soak in a traditional mountain onsen, and savour regional specialities as diverse as the landscapes themselves.
Travelling with a small group of like-minded companions, you’ll enjoy your own private room throughout, seamless rail journeys, included luggage transfers and thoughtfully curated cultural experiences at every stop.
With every detail taken care of, all that’s left to do is settle into your seat, watch Japan unfold beyond the window, and arrive ready for the next unforgettable experience.
This is Japan beyond the highlights — authentic, immersive and effortlessly travelled. A journey filled with meaningful encounters, remarkable food and unforgettable moments, shared with fellow solo travellers who love to explore.
Itinerary Highlights
- Travel across Japan by shinkansen (bullet train), journeying from Tokyo through the Japanese Alps to Hiroshima, Kyoto and back
- Learn the art of sushi-making with a fourth-generation Tokyo sushi family
- Cruise Lake Ashinoko, ride the Hakone Ropeway and soak in a traditional onsen beneath the gaze of Mount Fuji
- Explore the beautifully preserved Edo-period town of Takayama and the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go in the Japanese Alps
- Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, then ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine
- Step inside Himeji Castle, Japan’s finest surviving samurai castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Discover Kyoto’s timeless treasures, including the Gion geisha district, Fushimi Inari Shrine and the famous vermillion torii gates
- Experience Japan’s extraordinary food culture, from Hida beef and Hiroshima okonomiyaki to Kyoto sake and fresh sushi
Will you join us?
Day 1 – Friday 1st Oct
TOKYO (D)
Konnichiwa – welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins in Tokyo, the world’s largest and most electric city. If you land early, spend the day exploring at your own pace – world-class shopping, fascinating museums, and backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. Tonight, meet your fellow solo travellers, Tour Host and local leader over a welcome dinner, sampling regional specialties like handmade soba noodles, crispy tempura and charcoal-grilled yakitori. Tokyo’s food scene is one of the best on Earth, and this is only the beginning!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOUR ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
For your flexibility, a shared shuttle airport transfer is included from both airports; Haneda and Narita. We recommend that you book your flight into Haneda, as this airport is much closer to central Tokyo, allowing for a more relaxing start to the tour.
Your own room at Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Day 2 – Saturday 2nd Oct
TOKYO (B)
Dive into Tokyo’s most iconic districts with your local leader by your side. Start in Asakusa, the city’s atmospheric temple district, where Senso-ji — Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded almost 1,400 years ago — rises above the bustling shopping street of Nakamise-dori. From there, wander the stalls of Tsukiji Outer Market, sampling fresh seafood and local snacks that showcase Tokyo’s legendary food culture. Spend your afternoon exploring at your own pace — perhaps the elegant boutiques of Ginza, or the extraordinary food halls (depachika) hidden in department store basements.
Included Activity
- Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- 48-hour subway ticket
Your own room at Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
Day 3 – Sunday 3rd Oct
TOKYO (B,L)
This morning, find calm at Meiji Shrine, a forested sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji, just steps from the energy of Harajuku and Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing. Later, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on sushi-making class with a fourth-generation Tokyo sushi family – learn the art of nigiri and hand-rolled sushi, then sit down to enjoy your own creations for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore Tokyo’s observation decks, museums, or hidden neighbourhoods.
Included Activity
- Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Shibuya walk
- Sushi-making class
Your own room at Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar
LUGGAGE TRANSFER INFORMATION
To make your rail journey as comfortable as possible, your main suitcase will be transferred directly to Takayama tomorrow morning. This evening, please pack a small overnight bag with everything you’ll need for your one-night stay in Hakone, as your suitcase won’t be available until you arrive in Takayama on Tuesday 5th October. Your Tour Host and local leader will be on hand to assist with your luggage before it’s sent ahead. One suitcase per person is included in the transfer, with additional bags available for approximately JPY 3,000 each, payable locally.
Day 4 – Monday 4th Oct
TOKYO – HAKONE (B,D)
Say sayonara to Tokyo and board the train for Hakone, a mountain hot-spring town where tranquillity replaces the capital’s energy. Ride a cable car up to the sulphur vents of Owakudani, then cruise across serene Lake Ashinoko – keep your camera ready for a glimpse of Mt Fuji on a clear day. Return to Hakone and check in to the hotel for the evening. There are larger public indoor and outdoor onsens that overlook the surrounding city of Odawara, to make use of. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner, and afterwards you can soak away the day’s travels in a traditional onsen – the perfect introduction to one of Japan’s most treasured rituals.
Included Activity
- Cable car / ropeway
- Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Your own room at Tensein Odawara Station Hotel or similar
Day 5 – Tuesday 5th Oct
HAKONE – TAKAYAMA (B)
Today, travel deep into the Japanese Alps to Takayama via shinkansen (bullet train). Takayama is a beautifully preserved Edo-period town famous for its sake breweries, traditional inns and timeworn streets. On arrival, take a relaxed walking tour through the historic district with your leader, learning the stories behind its centuries-old architecture. Tonight is free to explore — don’t miss the chance to sample Hida beef, a prized local delicacy raised in the surrounding Gifu Prefecture.
Included Activity
- Leader-led walking tour
- Takayama Jinya
Your own room at Takayama Ouan or similar
Day 6 – Wednesday 6th Oct
TAKAYAMA (B)
Start the day at Takayama’s storied morning market, where local farmers have sold high-altitude produce for over 600 years — browse pickles, soybean candy and the region’s famous marshmallow treat, owara tamaten. Then journey to Shirakawa-go, a fairytale village of thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses set against the dramatic backdrop of the Japanese Alps. Return to Takayama for a free afternoon — perhaps visiting the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, home to the town’s ornate parade floats.
Included Activity
- Morning market visit
- Shirakawa-go Folk Village
- Wada House
LUGGAGE TRANSFER INFORMATION
To make your rail journey as comfortable as possible, your main suitcase will be transferred directly to Kyoto tomorrow morning. Tonight, please pack a small overnight bag with everything you’ll need for your two-night stay in Hiroshima, as you won’t have access to your suitcase until you arrive in Kyoto on Saturday 9th October. Your Tour Host and local leader will ensure all luggage is securely labelled before departure. One suitcase per person is included in the luggage transfer. Additional bags can be sent for approximately JPY 3,000 per bag, payable locally.
Your own room at Takayama Ouan or similar
Day 7 – Thursday 7th Oct
TAKAYAMA – HIROSHIMA (B,D)
Travel by train to Hiroshima, a vibrant, resilient city with a story the world must never forget. Visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome — still standing just metres from the 1945 blast’s hypocentre — and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to remembering the past and advocating for a peaceful future. This evening, taste Hiroshima’s most famous dish, okonomiyaki, a savoury layered pancake of egg, cabbage, noodles and either meat or seafood.
Included Activity
- Peace Park & A-Bomb Dome
- Peace Memorial Museum
- Okonomiyaki dinner
Your own room at ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima or similar
Day 8 – Friday 8th Oct
HIROSHIMA (B)
Today you will take the ferry to Miyajima Island, home to the Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic vermillion torii gate, which appears to float on the sea at high tide. Spend the morning exploring one of Japan’s most spiritually significant sights, then wander the island’s quiet lanes, browsing local shops and cafés at your own pace. Return to Hiroshima in the afternoon for a free evening.
Included Activity
- Miyajima Island Day trip
- Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
Your own room at ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima or similar
Day 9 – Saturday 9th Oct
HIROSHIMA – KYOTO (B)
Speed north to Kyoto aboard the shinkansen, stopping en route at Himeji Castle — Japan’s most magnificent surviving samurai stronghold, once home to over 10,000 samurai families. Arriving into Kyoto by mid-afternoon, join your leader for a walk through Gion, the city’s legendary geisha district, where wooden teahouses line the lanes and, if you’re lucky, you might spot a geiko or maiko on their way to an evening engagement.
Included Activity
- Himeji Castle
- Gion district walk
Your own room at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or similar
Day 10 – Sunday 10th Oct
KYOTO (B)
Journey to Fushimi Inari Shrine, the ‘Path of the Red Gates,’ where thousands of vermillion torii wind up the mountainside — walk as far as you like, with sweeping city views waiting at the halfway point. This afternoon, visit a renowned sake brewery for an in-depth look at the centuries-old craft, followed by a tasting of Kyoto’s finest brews. The rest of the day is yours to explore Kyoto at your own pace. In the evening Kyoti really springs to life. You might spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up on their way out to events.
Included Activity
- Fushimi Inari
- Sake brewery & tasting
- One-day metro & bus pass
Your own room at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or similar
Day 11 – Monday 11th Oct
KYOTO (B)
Explore more of Kyoto’s most treasured sights, beginning with the dazzling gold-leafed Kinkakuji Temple – the Golden Pavilion, instantly recognisable the world over. Then step into Nijo Castle, one of the finest surviving examples of feudal-era palace architecture, complete with ornate chambers and its famous ‘nightingale floors,’ designed to sing out and alert against intruders. The rest of the day is free to explore Kyoto on your own terms.
Included Activity
- Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- Nijo Castle
- One-day metro & bus pass
LUGGAGE TRANSFER INFORMATION
To make your rail journey as comfortable as possible, your main suitcase will be transferred directly to Tokyo tomorrow morning. Tonight, please pack a small day pack with your essential belongings, including any medications, as you won’t have access to your suitcase until you arrive in Tokyo later tomorrow. Your Tour Host and local leader will ensure all luggage is securely labelled before departure. One suitcase per person is included in the luggage transfer. Additional bags can be sent for approximately JPY 1,800–2,500 per bag, payable locally.
Your own room at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or similar
Day 12 – Tuesday 12th Oct
KYOTO – TOKYO (B,D)
This morning, board the bullet train back to Tokyo, with a free afternoon to revisit favourite spots or discover something entirely new. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers – now firm friends after two weeks on the road together – for a farewell dinner marking the end of an extraordinary rail journey through Japan.
Day 13 – Wednesday 13th Oct
TOKYO (B)
After one final Japanese breakfast, your adventure through Japan comes to a close.
With no activities planned and a relaxed checkout, take your time to soak in your last moments in Tokyo before heading onward — no rushing, just happy memories to carry home. A shared shuttle transfer has been included for your convenience to both Haneda and Narita airports.
TOUR PRICING: A$11,995
TOUR DATES: 1st – 13th October 2027
Japan
Weather in October
October is one of the best times to visit Japan, with warm days, cool evenings and the first hints of autumn colour beginning to appear in the mountains.
- Average daytime temperature: 19°C – 24°C
- Evening temperatures: 12°C – 17°C
- Rainfall: Generally settled, though occasional showers are possible.
- What to pack: Layers are essential — light clothing for warm city days, a jacket or fleece for cooler mountain evenings in Hakone and Takayama, and comfortable, well-worn-in walking shoes
Currency
The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, department stores and larger restaurants
- Cash is still preferred at many smaller restaurants, markets and rural areas, including Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- 7-Eleven ATMs are the most reliable for international cards and are widely available
- It’s a good idea to carry cash for local markets, temples and smaller eateries
Electricity
Japan uses 100 volts with a frequency of 50Hz (eastern Japan, including Tokyo) or 60Hz (western Japan, including Kyoto and Hiroshima).
- Power outlets are Type A (two flat parallel pins), the same plug shape used in Australia without an adaptor, though voltage differs
- Australian travellers will need a plug adaptor for the flat pins, and appliances that are not dual voltage may require a voltage converter
Language
The official language is Japanese. English signage is common in major cities, train stations and tourist areas, though it is less widely spoken in smaller towns like Takayama.
Time Zone
Japan operates on Japan Standard Time (UTC +9) and does not observe daylight saving time.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can occasionally cause confusion if offered. Excellent service is simply the standard, not something requiring an extra reward.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Japan has outstanding internet infrastructure, with free Wi-Fi available in many hotels, cafés and train stations. International roaming is available, or travellers can purchase an affordable local SIM card or eSIM on arrival.
Food & Drinking Water
Japan’s cuisine is world-renowned, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble ramen counters. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan, so a refillable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated (and reduce plastic waste) throughout the trip.
