Railtrail 2026 Main Brochure

DAY 14 Today, we explore Sendai , the city of trees, and the gateway to one of Japan’s little-known gems – the magnificent Matsushima Bay – and there is no better way to discover it than from the water. We will cruise around the bay, visit the incredible Zuiganji Buddhist Temple, and take lunch together before returning to Sendai with the rest of the day at leisure. (B,L) DAY 15 This morning, we ride the express train to the port city of Aomori for our lunch together at a traditional Japanese restaurant before continuing to Hirosaki where we begin our tour including the Tsugaru Nebuta Village and the majestic Hirosaki Castle. We return to Aomori later in the day for our two-night stay at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel spending the evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 16 Today, we ride the bullet train through the world’s longest undersea tunnel to Hakodate , best known for its spectacular views, deliciously fresh seafood, and magnificent public gardens. We enjoy some seafood delights before visiting the huge, star shaped Fort Goryokaku with over 1,000 cherry blossoms planted along its moats. Our day continues with a thrilling ropeway journey up to Mount Hakodate before we retrace our steps to Aomori for an evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 17 After breakfast this morning, we board the Resort Shirakami Train , the “Joyful Train”, for a picturesque journey south following the rocky coastline, passing beautiful fields of wildflowers, and enjoying a traditional bento box lunch on board. At our destination of Akita , we transfer to the ANA Crowne Plaza to check in for our overnight stay enjoying our evening meal at a local Japanese restaurant. (B,L,D) DAY 18 This morning, we board the bullet train south to Tokyo returning to the Station Hotel for our overnight stay. We enjoy the afternoon at leisure before we meet again for a special farewell evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 19 – Ground Only Ends Here After our fantastic Japanese adventure, we make our way to Haneda Airport for our afternoon British Airways flight to London Heathrow.Those on our Ground Only package will make their way independently to the airport for their chosen flights home. (B) *Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

DEPARTS Monday 23 March 2026 (Flight Inclusive) Tuesday 24 March 2026 (Ground Only) OR 18 Days ex Tokyo ground only from £9175 HIGHLIGHTS ★ Experience Green Car (First Class) travel on Japan’s iconic bullet train ★ Ride behind steam on the famous heritage railways of Oigawa and Banetsu ★ Journey on the romantic Sagano Railway ★ Explore historic temples, castles, and cultural sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka ★ Take a moving journey through the history of Hiroshima ★ Stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Groves at Arashiyama ★ Cruise the magnificent Matsushima Bay, beautiful Lake Ashinoko, and sacred Miyajima ★ Witness the next generation of bullet trains at the Maglev Test Track ★ Visit the majestic Fort Goryokaku with over 1,000 cherry blossoms ★ Take a bullet train through the world’s longest undersea tunnel to Hakodate ★ Explore the grand castles of Himeji and Hirosaki ★ Indulge in the unique food culture of Japan Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 17 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 8 evening meals and 8 lunches ★ Services of experienced Tour Leader ACTIVITY LEVEL 19 Days ex London by air from £TBC

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designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty, and we will stroll through the breathtaking Bamboo Groves to the Okochi Sanso Garden before embarking on a spectacular train journey aboard the Sagano Romantic Train along the scenic Hozu River Valley surrounded by cherry blossoms. On our return to Kyoto, we enjoy our evening meal together at a local Italian restaurant. (B,D) DAY 9 Today, we journey to Nara , Japan’s first capital, where we visit the Todaiji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze statue. We have some time to explore and take lunch together before continuing by train to Osaka for an afternoon in this lively, vibrant city amidst iconic billboards and flashy signage. Later, we return to Kyoto by bullet train for an evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 10 After breakfast this morning, we take the bullet train to Kanaya for a ride behind steam over the Oigawa Railway along the picturesque banks of the Oi River before continuing to Hakone and to the Hotel Indigo Gora, our hotel for the next two nights, where we have time to relax and make use of the private onsen in every room ahead of our evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 11 This morning, we travel to the famous Great Boiling Valley of Owakudani continuing by Hakone Ropeway to Togendai where we board an ornate replica pirate ship to cruise the beautiful Lake Ashinoko ahead of our lunch together. This afternoon, we visit the Hakone Open Air Museum to explore the priceless art collection before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 12 Today, we travel to Oshino Hakkai Village for a nostalgic stroll over bridges and pathways with amazing views of Mount Fuji continuing to the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine with its 300 cherry blossom trees. Our next stop is a visit to Japan’s best-kept railway secret, the Maglev Exhibition Centre in Yamanashi where we can witness the next generation of bullet trains, operating at twice the speed of the current fleet! We continue to Niigata and make our way to the Hotel Nikko for our overnight stay where we check in and enjoy our evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 13 After breakfast this morning, we journey behind steam on the Banetsu Monogatari Railway aboard the “Noble Lady”, one of the largest steam locomotives in Japan, and we enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and fantastic views. After disembarking, we continue to Sendai and make our way to The Westin, our hotel for the next two nights, where we check in and enjoy our evening meal together. (B,D)

FARES

From London Heathrow Airport: Standard Economy seats on Upgraded flight seat on British Airways Ex Tokyo (Ground Only Fare) Single Traveller Supplement British Airways

Price on Request Price on Request £9175 £2245

Deposit

£920

For further information and to book your place... Visit: www.railtrail.co.uk Call: 01538 382323 Email: enquiry@railtrail.co.uk Hotel Nikko, Niigata The Westin, Sendai Daiwa Roynet Hotel,Aomori ANA Crowne Plaza,Akita HOTELS Tokyo Station Hotel,Tokyo Hotel Granvia, Hiroshima DoubleTree by Hilton, Kyoto Hotel Indigo Gora, Hakone

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

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