Japan Rail Journeys
Sit back and enjoy being whisked from neon-lit cityscapes to the tranquil shrine-dotted countryside of Japan by bullet train. Watch breathtaking landscapes zip by your window, from the mist shrouded peak of Mt. Fuji to forests dusted in seasonal hues and framed by traditional torii gates on one of 71 rail journeys through Japan.
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Explore has been taking small groups on adventure holidays all over the world for almost 40 years. The expert team, at home and overseas, works together...more to create itineraries that leave you feeling that you’ve really explored a destination rather than just visited. You’ll see the highlights, the must-sees, of course. But you’ll also get away from the beaten track, and get a different perspective on your destination. You’ll get closer to a place, its people and cultures. Our small groups are typically 12 people – small enough to get right into the heart of your destination, but big enough to find like-minded people to share your experiences with. And the glue that holds these groups together is our local tour leaders, who are uniquely placed to add individual and spontaneous moments to each trips – moments that stay with you long after you return home. All sorts of people travel with Explore – our groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends. What unites them is their adventurous spirit and thirst for real travel experiences. We provide authentic small-group travel, designed by experts and led by experts, with sustainability at its heart and a common desire for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re on a cultural tour of Lebanon, cycling in Vietnam, walking in Italy or exploring Costa Rica with your family, when you’re travelling with Explore you know that you’re in good hands.
APT is an Australian family-owned company whose essence began in Melbourne in the 1920s. More than 90 years on, APT offers life-enriching trips to every...more continent, and through the company’s vast industry experience, meticulous planning and unquestionable passion it's earned a place among the world’s most well-regarded travel companies. From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests. Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
We believe that when you travel, you should never settle for ordinary. You deserve to travel in good company, with someone who cares. We believe that good...more value sells itself – you should get what you pay for, and then some, in one upfront price with virtually everything included. Leave your worries at home; we take on all the planning, all the logistics. To you, it’s peace of mind travel, to us, it’s 90+ years of integrity. Wherever we travel, we’re all about taking you to explore the world’s treasures….discover people and cultures you may not have known existed…and experience extraordinary, life-changing moments. Since 1925, we’ve built our company on the personal referrals and recommendations of our guests. We can think of no higher testament to our journeys and commitment to customer satisfaction – and no better way to tell you what we do than through their words.
Rail Journeys through Japan Iconic Cities and Experiences
Tokyo
Tokyo has an intricate and precise rail network which carries over 8 million passengers daily! In minutes, you'll arrive in iconic locations like Shibuya crossing, Harajuku and Meiji Shrine and Asakusa's Sensō-ji temple to name a few.
Kyoto
Travel by high-speed bullet train to arrive in Japan's ancient capital. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Listed Sites, you will step back in time as you visit the vast array of temples, gardens and traditional tea houses.
Osaka
The railway network is key in exploring Osaka. A short ride and you'll arrive at Osaka Castle, Universal Studios or the neon shopping area of Dotonbori. Local street foods are always a hit too - Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki - delicious!
Hiroshima
The Shinkansen connects you to Hiroshima, where you can visit the floating Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, or explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum - the Genbaku Dome still standing since the atomic bombing of WWII.
Takayama
Sit back in comfort as your train winds through serene landscapes to the traditional town of Takayama. Stroll through the charming streets, savour local cuisine, and admire the historic wooden architecture of this mountain-side oasis.
Latest Reviews What our clients are saying about their journeys through Japan
Booking through Global Journeys has always been a hassle free and easy process. The Cosmos tour was wonderful with the highlights being Mt Fuji, visiting Bizen and Himeji Castle and the delicious food. There is so much to see and do. We had a full day of free time in Tokyo and Kyoto and it was not enough. Japan is just a fantastic place to visit. I ...read more would like to go back again.
Bunnik's 'Colours of Northern Japan' was an enjoyable experience. We travelled from Tokyo to Sapporo by coach and Shinkansen (bullet train) with 18 other travellers plus Mitchi, our Japanese tour guide who was one of the best. Hotels in all cities were centrally located and comfortable, most near convenience stores and cafes. Breakfasts were always ...read more something to look forward to as were lunches and dinners, mostly Japanese cuisine. ,A dinner cruise around Tokyo Bay and the scenic cruise along Geibikei Gorge were part of the itinerary.
We visited temples, castles, attended a tie- dyeing workshop and painted traditional Kokeshi dolls both of which were a lot of fun.
Most of the hotels in the north had hot springs which were relaxing after a long, busy day travelling. Autumn leaves started appearing as we travelled further north and on the island of Hokkaido they were at their best. A visit to the Sapporo brewery was interesting as was the Sake brewing experience. We travelled with a very cohesive group which always makes it more enjoyable.
We both thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would certainly recommend an Autumn visit to this part of Japan.
We visited temples, castles, attended a tie- dyeing workshop and painted traditional Kokeshi dolls both of which were a lot of fun.
Most of the hotels in the north had hot springs which were relaxing after a long, busy day travelling. Autumn leaves started appearing as we travelled further north and on the island of Hokkaido they were at their best. A visit to the Sapporo brewery was interesting as was the Sake brewing experience. We travelled with a very cohesive group which always makes it more enjoyable.
We both thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would certainly recommend an Autumn visit to this part of Japan.
We are a family of three, with a 14yr old daughter. We completed a 9 night tour in Japan with G Adventures , booked through Gobal Journeys. Our agent has been very responsive to my email queries. There was a issue with the sleeping arrangement, but with a great response the issue was resolved to my satisfaction. The tour had a friendly, enthusiastic ...read more and very helpful Japanese guide
Out group of 15 for on well, we were varied ages, my daughter was also well engaged with the group. Accommodation was comfortable and varied with size of rooms and comfort of the bed, all expected after researching Japanese Accommodation.
I would definitely recommend this tour for those interested in seeing Japan, but without the stress of being from A to B.
Out group of 15 for on well, we were varied ages, my daughter was also well engaged with the group. Accommodation was comfortable and varied with size of rooms and comfort of the bed, all expected after researching Japanese Accommodation.
I would definitely recommend this tour for those interested in seeing Japan, but without the stress of being from A to B.
Amazing Classic Japan: Land of the rising Sun tour with Cosmos Pene and Peter, QLD, Australia, Jul 2024
I can truly say that this tour was amazing and a perfect length of time. We booked from Cairns Australia to Haneda, Tokyo.
The tour was extremely well organised and ran like clock work. We had a small group of only 12 people and we all got along really well. Our tour guide Naoko-san said this was the smallest group she had ever had. We felt really ...read more lucky as she said some groups can have around 30 people. Every day ran exactly to the itinerary, the Hotel rooms were small but not an issue as we were delighted to return to the room every evening for a clean bed and hot shower. The included meals were of a very high quality and morning breakfast buffets were really fantastic and great value. The cooking of Okonomiyaki, Japanese savoury pancake in Hiroshima was also a definite highlight!
Rachael from Global Journeys booked our tour and she was also really fantastic and replied to emails and phone calls without delay. All of the destinations included in this tour were certainly all of the must see locations to get a comprehensive feel of Japan. From country areas, to large cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto to the more mountainous regions of Fuji san and the lovely canals of Kurashiki. The Tea Ceremony was very serene and traditional and we really enjoyed the experience.
Our tour guide Naoko-san was also very lovely and kind and she tried her very best every day to make sure everyone was happy and enjoying the tour. If you are thinking of booking this tour, from our experience, I would recommend to anyone who would like to experience the most interesting and beautiful landmarks in Japan :)
The tour was extremely well organised and ran like clock work. We had a small group of only 12 people and we all got along really well. Our tour guide Naoko-san said this was the smallest group she had ever had. We felt really ...read more lucky as she said some groups can have around 30 people. Every day ran exactly to the itinerary, the Hotel rooms were small but not an issue as we were delighted to return to the room every evening for a clean bed and hot shower. The included meals were of a very high quality and morning breakfast buffets were really fantastic and great value. The cooking of Okonomiyaki, Japanese savoury pancake in Hiroshima was also a definite highlight!
Rachael from Global Journeys booked our tour and she was also really fantastic and replied to emails and phone calls without delay. All of the destinations included in this tour were certainly all of the must see locations to get a comprehensive feel of Japan. From country areas, to large cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto to the more mountainous regions of Fuji san and the lovely canals of Kurashiki. The Tea Ceremony was very serene and traditional and we really enjoyed the experience.
Our tour guide Naoko-san was also very lovely and kind and she tried her very best every day to make sure everyone was happy and enjoying the tour. If you are thinking of booking this tour, from our experience, I would recommend to anyone who would like to experience the most interesting and beautiful landmarks in Japan :)
