Tour Highlights

Our Japan by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine. We pack all of tours to Japan with incredible things to do - here are just a few of the highlights

Nagasaki

Stroll through Glover Garden, home to the city's foreign residents during the end of the era of seclusion in the late 19th Century.

Momiji Manju

Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, try your hand at making Momiji manju (maple leaf bean buns)

Shirakawago

Explore Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unusual architectural style.

Matsushima Bay

Cruise one of Japan's Three Great Sights, Matsushima Bay.

Momiji Manju

Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, try your hand at making Momiji manju (maple leaf bean buns), Miyajima's most famous confectionary for over a hundred years.

Sake Cup Making

Learn about the role of the masu sake cup in Japan's culture before stepping into the studio to make your very own cup with an original design, which you can then take home as a souvenir!

Learn to make Sushi

Discover the history and etiquette of making and appreciating sushi with a hands-on lesson before sitting down with your instructing chef to enjoy Japan's most famous cuisine. It's the taking part that counts!

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Nights 2
Daulatgarh Resort & Spa

Darpan Dwar,, Shilpgram, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313011, India

A 5-star property that perfectly blends Rajasthani heritage with modern luxury whilst surrounded by serene landscaped gardens, the Daulatargh Resort & Spa is the ideal base for any stay in Udaipur. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, tea lounge and on-site restaurant that offer both local and international flavours.
Nights 2
Rihga Gran Kyoto

Kyoto

Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
Night 1
Hotel Vista Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Situated in Kanazawa, the Hotel Vista Kanazawa is perfectly located just a short distance from many of the cities main attractions including Kenroku-en. The interior of the hotel is decorated with traditional local crafts and contemporary art.
Night 1
Rako Hananoi Hotel

Suwa

Boasting beautiful views of Suwa Lake, the Rako Hananoi Hotel offers ensuite guest rooms equipped with free Wifi, a flat screen TV and a mini fridge. The hotel features relaxing spa and wellness facilities including a hot spring bath and sauna.
Night 1
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel

Hakodate

The lovely Hakodate Kokusai Hotel provides guests with beautiful coastal views from the West Wing, while the East Wing offers views of the city of Hakodate. Unwind in the hotel's hot spring bath facilities and enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

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When to go

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life and autumn (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
-6
1

-3
77

Himeji
-1
9

4
39

Hiroshima
2
10

6
45

Kanazawa
1
7

4
270

Kyoto
1
9

5
50

Nagasaki
4
10

7
64

Osaka
3
10

6
45

Sapporo
-7
-1

-4
114

Sendai
-2
5

2
33

Takayama
4
9

7
8

Tokyo
1
10

5
65

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
-6
2

-2
59

Himeji
0
9

4
51

Hiroshima
2
11

6
67

Kanazawa
1
7

4
172

Kyoto
1
10

6
68

Nagasaki
4
12

8
86

Osaka
3
10

7
62

Sapporo
-7
0

-3
94

Sendai
-2
6

2
48

Takayama
5
10

7
15

Tokyo
2
10

6
58

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
-3
5

1
59

Himeji
2
12

7
87

Hiroshima
5
14

9
124

Kanazawa
3
11

7
159

Kyoto
4
13

9
113

Nagasaki
7
15

11
132

Osaka
6
14

10
104

Sapporo
-3
4

1
78

Sendai
0
9

5
73

Takayama
7
13

10
41

Tokyo
4
14

9
77

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
3
12

7
70

Himeji
8
18

13
131

Hiroshima
10
20

15
142

Kanazawa
8
17

13
137

Kyoto
9
20

14
116

Nagasaki
12
20

16
151

Osaka
11
20

15
104

Sapporo
3
12

7
57

Sendai
6
15

10
98

Takayama
13
18

15
31

Tokyo
9
19

14
118

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
8
16

12
84

Himeji
12
23

17
140

Hiroshima
15
24

19
178

Kanazawa
13
22

17
155

Kyoto
14
25

19
161

Nagasaki
16
24

20
179

Osaka
16
24

20
146

Sapporo
8
17

13
53

Sendai
11
20

15
108

Takayama
17
22

20
43

Tokyo
14
23

18
145

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
12
20

16
73

Himeji
18
26

22
209

Hiroshima
19
27

23
247

Kanazawa
18
25

22
185

Kyoto
19
28

23
214

Nagasaki
20
26

23
315

Osaka
20
28

24
184

Sapporo
13
22

17
47

Sendai
15
22

19
138

Takayama
21
25

23
58

Tokyo
18
26

22
135

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
17
23

20
130

Himeji
22
30

26
162

Hiroshima
24
31

27
259

Kanazawa
22
29

26
232

Kyoto
23
32

27
220

Nagasaki
24
30

27
314

Osaka
24
32

28
157

Sapporo
17
25

21
81

Sendai
19
26

22
160

Takayama
24
28

26
36

Tokyo
22
29

26
81

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
19
26

22
154

Himeji
23
32

27
101

Hiroshima
25
32

29
111

Kanazawa
24
31

27
139

Kyoto
24
33

29
132

Nagasaki
25
32

28
195

Osaka
25
33

29
91

Sapporo
19
26

23
124

Sendai
21
28

25
174

Takayama
26
30

28
16

Tokyo
23
31

27
113

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
14
23

18
152

Himeji
19
27

23
200

Hiroshima
21
29

25
170

Kanazawa
20
27

23
226

Kyoto
20
29

25
176

Nagasaki
22
29

25
189

Osaka
22
29

26
161

Sapporo
14
22

18
135

Sendai
17
24

21
218

Takayama
23
27

25
57

Tokyo
20
27

23
131

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
7
17

12
100

Himeji
12
22

17
104

Hiroshima
14
23

19
88

Kanazawa
13
21

17
177

Kyoto
14
23

18
121

Nagasaki
16
24

20
86

Osaka
16
23

19
112

Sapporo
8
16

12
109

Sendai
11
19

15
99

Takayama
17
21

19
38

Tokyo
14
22

18
132

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
1
10

6
108

Himeji
6
17

11
61

Hiroshima
8
17

13
68

Kanazawa
8
16

12
265

Kyoto
8
17

12
71

Nagasaki
11
18

15
86

Osaka
10
18

14
69

Sapporo
1
8

5
104

Sendai
5
13

9
67

Takayama
12
16

14
16

Tokyo
8
16

12
128

City

Min

Average Temperate(°C)

Max

Monthly Rainfall(mm)

Hakodate
-4
3

0
85

Himeji
1
11

6
32

Hiroshima
4
12

8
41

Kanazawa
3
10

7
282

Kyoto
3
12

7
48

Nagasaki
6
13

10
61

Osaka
5
12

9
44

Sapporo
-4
2

-1
112

Sendai
1
8

4
26

Takayama
7
12

9
6

Tokyo
4
12

8
109

Pricing & Availability

2026

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Departure: All

Departure: All

1 Room, 2 Guests

1 Room, 2 Guests
1 Room, 1 Guest

We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and a single room throughout your tour.

Arrival Date

Return Date

Price

Availability

Additional Price Information

Land only: This tour price is based on land itinerary only. No international flights are included.
Visa: A visa may be required and is not included in the tour price. Please check entry requirements with your nearest Consulate.
Flight upgrades available on request
Transfers: Airport transfers are included when arriving on the first day and departing on that last day of the tour, or when booking the group tour additional nights’ accommodation through Wendy Wu Tours.
Early check-in and late check-out are not included but can be arranged at an additional price.
Price listed is based on new bookings only

Group Tour includes

3* plus – 4* accommodation
Touring with guides and entrance fees
Domestic transportation
All meals

Important Information For Your Tour

Before Booking

Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
and more

Before you go

Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

Extensions and Stopovers

Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

What our Customers Say

Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 6831 reviews

Booking Experience for Japan by Rail

Joe was very helpful and easy to deal with. Made the whole process of booking reasonably easy.

Jul 30, 2026

Review for Japan by Rail

The tour was everything I had hoped for.
Superbly organised and very well documented.
Kumiko's guiding was second to none, her sunny disposition and attention to all details always made for the smoothest arrangements as we traveled.
Everyone in our group was only too pleased to generously thank Kumi for her commitment and professionalism.
I send her love and my best wishes.

Jul 15, 2026

Review for Japan by Rail

Jun 10, 2026

Review for Japan by Rail

Very efficient as normal
Answered all questions quickly

Jun 02, 2026

Review for Japan by Rail

A full on 21 day tour of castles, shrines, temples, gardens, sights and experiences from the comfort of the trains and coaches.
Our guide Mami San was fantastic throughout keeping a close eye on the itinerary and the group whilst imparting insights and information about the wonderful culture and history of Japan.
The tour takes in not just the major cities but historical towns and places within the 3 main islands that make up Japan. The food was amazing with many different types of food with breakfast, lunch and dinner all catered for and the hotels were really nice. All in all a fantastic way to explore the wonderful islands of Japan.

May 02, 2026

Booking Experience for Japan by Rail

Julia was very helpful, knowledgeable and patient with all aspects of our booking process.

Apr 28, 2026

Review for Japan by Rail

We enjoyed every aspect of this tour. It was expensive, but the hotels and meals were excellent. We experienced so many things we would never have done on our own. The guide was knowledgeable and nice. She shared stories of everyday life in Japan. It was great. We recommend this tour very much.

Apr 26, 2026

Review for Japan by Rail

Such an amazing tour of Japan with a fantastic guide.

Bullet trains, castles, cherry blossom 🌸 , shrines, temples, cities, coast and countryside. We really did see it all! Great experiences from fan painting to sushi making, carving sake cups and Japanese calligraphy.

What a wonderful adventure with a super group of fellow travellers.

Apr 22, 2026

View more Reviews

Our Award-Winning Guides

Meet Yoko

I always treat my tour groups like a family, making sure that everyone is happy throughout the tour. I am very passionate about Japanese history. If anyone is interested in learning about Samurai or the Meiji Restoration, you'll have to come to Japan and ask me!

A special thank you to Yoko our National Escort, whose friendly, professional and organised approach to the holiday made sure everything ran smoothly and made the trip to Japan so memorable.

Mr Degville

Meet Takako

It is great being able to explore my own country with different people who can offer a different perspective. I ensure my groups experience our culture as much as possible, because travel isn't just about the things that you see, it's also about the things you do.

Our National Escort Takako Kaneko made the holiday. She was excellent, informative, hardworking and had obviously researched information for us.

Mr Mcintosh

Meet Michiyo O

I love sharing the culture of my country with visitors, that's why I become a tour guide! From noodles and sake to classical gardens and temples, learning about our culture is surely the best way to understand more about Japan as a whole.

Our National Escort Michiyo 'made' this holiday with her charm, knowledge, lots of interesting details and her send of humour.

Mrs Brownridge

Meet Michiyo H

It's such a pleasure to introduce Japan to people from all over the world and explore its culture, history and traditions, as well as its unique cuisine. Along with this, I enjoy taking care of each and every member of the tour group, which is why I love being a tour guide.

Michiyo was fantastic and went out of her way to make it a memorable experience. We would absolutely use Wendy Wu Tours again.

Japan by Rail

Japan by Rail

Tour Highlights

Nagasaki

Momiji Manju

Shirakawago

Matsushima Bay

Momiji Manju

Sake Cup Making

Learn to make Sushi

Accommodation

Daulatgarh Resort & Spa

Rihga Gran Kyoto

Hotel Vista Kanazawa

Rako Hananoi Hotel

Hakodate Kokusai Hotel

Book With Confidence

When to go

Pricing & Availability

Additional Price Information

Group Tour includes

Important Information For Your Tour

Extensions and Stopovers

What our Customers Say

Our Award-Winning Guides

Tour Video

Japan Travel Blog

Gems of Japan & Shikoku

Race Across the World…In Wendy Wu Style

Making Tracks: the Joys of Travelling by Train