Amanda PhillipsIf there’s a country you should travel from north to south, then do it with Japan railways. From its Siberian north to its bustling cities in the south (and not forgetting the 6,800 islands) it is a stunning destination.
Luckily, travelling through the country is simple with their high-speed rail tours. If your inner travel bug has begun persuading you to choose Japan as your next far-flung exotic trip, and you cannot decide on just one place, we have some advice for planning your own Japanese rail adventure.
The Itineraries
There are two rail itineraries to discover Japan with: Discovering Japan and the Grand Tour of Japan. Both of them are equally as breath-taking as the other, but have unique routes. The two itineraries also include return flights from the UK and hotel accommodation along the way.
Discovering Japan
The first of these tours takes you through the highlights of Japan, from the skyscrapers of Tokyo to the Ancient Temples of Kyoto. Starting in the capital of Tokyo, enjoy a two-night stay along with a friendly welcome dinner and a full-day guided tour of the city. This full-day tour includes the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple and the fascinating Ameyoko Market, as well as taking in the Imperial Palace Plaza, Hamarikyu Garden and the Edo Tokyo Museum.
Away from the towering city, you’ll also discover the quieter side of Japan. Walk through the Hakone National Park at the foot of Mount Fuji, relax in the sulphurous hot springs at Owakudani, explore picturesque villages in Takayama Valley and take a boat to Miyajima Island.
But when you return to the contrast of the bustling city, it won’t always be Tokyo. Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima all feature on this packed-itinerary.
Grand Tour of Japan
The second itinerary however goes deeper into Japan’s history starting in Sapporo right in the north and ending in Fukuoka in the south. Between the start and end passengers will soak up the sights of Mount Fiji, experience an authentic tea ceremony and explore the bustling cities of Tokyo and Hiroshima.
The addition of Sapporo as the starting point is a beautiful one. Here passengers can wander picturesque streets with 19th century architecture and large outdoor spaces. Whiskey fans can visit the Yoichi Distillery where award-winning Nikka whiskey is produced (using Scottish techniques – it’s something to behold).
However, this itinerary leaves the best until last. The tour stops at Hakata, and takes in important ancient religious monuments. Awe at the Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine, which is dedicated to the Shinto god of literature. Or the Komyozenji Temple: constructed in 1273, and celebrated for its karesansui garden, the only example in Kyushu. Finish off learning more about Japan’s history at the near-by Kyushu National Museum, with their impressive collection of artefacts.
Travelling Japan via train
Japan has a modern and punctual train line system – you’ll find the country boasting that the longest delay they’ve ever had was 30 minutes. If you’re looking to travel across the country by train, it is the bullet train you should be looking at.
Known as Shinkansen, it is a dedicated high-speed Japanese rail network that connects the largest cities to wider the country, including the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Known for being punctual and frequent, the trains run at speeds of 86mph. Inside they have comfortable reclining seats and large windows for passengers to admire the striking scenery of Japan.
Where to stay in Japan
Both of the above itineraries have overnight hotel stays included (as comfortable as the trains are, you’ll want an actual bed). Hotels include the 4-star Hotel Buena Vista in Matsumoto which boasts Japanese, Chinese and French cuisine, plus a cafe, bar and a bakery.
Also on the list is the stunning Hakone Hotel, which enjoys a breath-taking location. Situated on the shores of Lake Ashi it offers fantastic views of Mount Fuji from its lakeview lounge and gardens on the lake shore. Other amenities include a Teppenyaki restaurant, a French cuisine restaurant, hot spring bath and souvenir shop.
