15 Oct 2026
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,780
Escorted tour
Japan by Rail with Flights: Kyushu to Hokkaido – 21 Days
The length of Japan by bullet train, from Nagasaki to Sapporo, with UK flights, nearly all meals and a tour director.
21 days
From £9,590 incl. flights
Tour overview
This 21-day escorted journey travels the length of Japan by bullet train and express rail, from the southern island of Kyushu to Hokkaido in the far north. The price includes return flights from the UK, and nearly all meals are included, from breakfast to dinner on most days, so you can enjoy Japanese cuisine without worrying about menus. A tour director looks after you throughout. You stay in comfortable three-star-plus and four-star hotels with private bathrooms, including the Grand Prince in Hiroshima with its hot springs and Rihga hotels in Osaka and Kyoto. Groups have between 12 and 28 travellers aged 12 and over.
Your journey begins in Fukuoka, gateway to Kyushu, with a limited express train to Nagasaki and its Atomic Bomb Museum. A bullet train takes you to Hiroshima and the ferry to Miyajima Island, with its famous floating torii gate, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park. On the way to Osaka you stop at Himeji Castle, the finest surviving feudal castle in Japan, and from Osaka visit Nara and its friendly deer.
Read more
In Kyoto, capital for 1,000 years, you visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and try fan painting. Kanazawa's Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three great gardens, leads to the thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, with a sake cup-making experience and tasting, and the old merchant town of Takayama and its morning market. Crossing the Japanese Alps, you look for snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, visit Matsumoto's 16th-century Crow Castle and travel to the lakes below Mount Fuji.
In Tokyo you stroll Hamarikyu Gardens, join a sushi-making class and take in the city from the Metropolitan Government Building. Heading north, you sip whisky near Sendai, ride the bullet train under the sea to Hakodate on Hokkaido, and finish in Sapporo with a visit to the Ainu Museum.
The physical rating is medium, with plenty of walking and train travel. This journey suits travellers who want to see the whole of Japan in comfort, with flights, rail and meals arranged. Every region has its own character, so the journey feels varied from start to finish.
Trip highlights
-
Nagasaki and Hiroshima (Days 3–5)
-
Miyajima's floating torii gate (Day 4)
-
Himeji Castle and Nara (Days 6–7)
-
A tea ceremony in Kyoto (Day 9)
-
Shirakawa-go and the snow monkeys (Days 11–13)
-
Tokyo, Hakodate and Sapporo (Days 16–20)
Your route
22 stops from Fukuoka to Sapporo
- Fukuoka Days 1–3
- Nagasaki Day 3
- Miyajima Day 4
- Hiroshima Days 4–5
- Himeji Castle Day 6
- Osaka Days 6–7
- Nara Day 7
- Kyoto Days 8–9
- Kanazawa Day 10
- Shirakawa-go Day 11
- Takayama Days 11–12
- Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Day 13
- Matsumoto Day 13
- Narai-juku Day 14
- Suwa Day 14
- Lake Kawaguchiko Day 15
- Tokyo Days 15–17
- Matsushima Day 18
- Sendai Day 18
- Hakodate Day 19
- Shiraoi Day 20
- Sapporo Days 20–21
Why choose this tour
All four main islands of Japan, end to end by rail. UK flights and almost all meals included.
Best suited to
- Rail enthusiasts
- Travellers who want a thorough first visit
- Food lovers who want meals arranged
- Families with children aged 12 and over
Day-by-day itinerary
21 days from Fukuoka, Japan to Sapporo, Japan
-
Day 1 · Fukuoka Fly to Japan
Fly overnight to Fukuoka.
- Hotel
- Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
- Meals
- Dinner
-
Day 2 · Fukuoka Arrive in Fukuoka
Arrive and settle in.
- Hotel
- Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
- Meals
- Dinner
-
Day 3 · Nagasaki Nagasaki
Visit Nagasaki and the Atomic Bomb Museum.
- Hotel
- Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 4 · Miyajima, Hiroshima Miyajima
Bullet train to Hiroshima and ferry to Miyajima.
- Hotel
- Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 5 · Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
- Hotel
- Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 6 · Himeji Castle, Osaka Himeji Castle
Visit Himeji Castle on the way to Osaka.
- Hotel
- Rihga Royal Osaka or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 7 · Umeda Sky Building, Nara Osaka and Nara
See Osaka, then visit Nara.
- Hotel
- Rihga Royal Osaka or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 8 · Kyoto Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto's temples.
- Hotel
- Rihga Gran Kyoto or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 9 · Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto Tea ceremony
Visit Kiyomizu-dera, a tea ceremony and fan painting.
- Hotel
- Rihga Gran Kyoto or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 10 · Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Kanazawa
Express train to Kanazawa and its garden.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 11 · Shirakawa-go, Takayama Shirakawa-go
Sake cup-making, tasting and the thatched village.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 12 · Takayama Takayama
The morning market and old town.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 13 · Japanese Alps, Nagano Snow monkeys
Cross the Alps to see the snow monkeys.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 14 · Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle
Visit the 16th-century Crow Castle.
- Hotel
- Rako Hananoi Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 15 · Fuji Five Lakes, Tokyo Mount Fuji
The lakes below Mount Fuji, then Tokyo.
- Hotel
- Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 16 · Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo Tokyo
Gardens and a sushi-making class.
- Hotel
- Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 17 · Tokyo Metropolitan Building More Tokyo
City views and more sightseeing.
- Hotel
- Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 18 · Sendai Sendai
Bullet train north and a whisky tasting.
- Hotel
- Hotel Vista Sendai or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 19 · Hakodate Hakodate
Travel under the sea to Hokkaido.
- Hotel
- Hakodate Kokusai Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 20 · Shiraoi, Sapporo Sapporo
Visit the Ainu Museum and Sapporo.
- Hotel
- Sapporo View Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 21 · Sapporo Depart Sapporo
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Fukuoka (2 nights) Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
- Hiroshima (2 nights) Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or similar
- Osaka (2 nights) Rihga Royal Osaka or similar
- Kyoto (2 nights) Rihga Gran Kyoto or similar
- Kanazawa (1 night) Hotel
- Takayama (2 nights) Hotel
- Nagano (1 night) Hotel
- Matsumoto area (1 night) Rako Hananoi Hotel or similar
- Tokyo (3 nights) Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar
- Sendai (1 night) Hotel Vista Sendai or similar
- Hakodate (1 night) Hakodate Kokusai Hotel or similar
- Sapporo (2 nights) Sapporo View Hotel or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Return flights from the UK
- Accommodation 20 nights in three-star-plus and four-star hotels
- Meals 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 20 dinners
- Bullet train and express rail travel
- Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji Castle and Nara
- Kyoto tea ceremony and fan painting
- Shirakawa-go, Takayama, the snow monkeys and Matsumoto Castle
- Sushi-making class, whisky tasting and the Ainu Museum, with a tour director throughout
Not included
- Meals not included 1 breakfast and 1 lunch
- Drinks with meals
- Optional activities
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want a small group — groups can reach 28
- You want to explore alone — most meals and days are guided
- You want a relaxed pace — you move most days
- You want to arrange your own flights — flights are part of the price
Good to know
Meals by day
Breakfast: Days 3–21 · Lunch: Days 3–20 · Dinner: Days 1–20
FCDO advice
UK FCDO travel advice for Japan
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £9,590 per person, including flights. 76 upcoming departures. Single travellers from £11,580 (single supplement from £1,990).
Flights from UK airports.
19 Oct 2026
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,780
25 Oct 2026
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£9,590pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £11,580
27 Oct 2026
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,780
07 Nov 2026
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,780
12 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
15 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
19 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
21 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£11,090pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £13,180
23 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
25 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£11,090pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £13,180
27 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
29 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
31 Mar 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
02 Apr 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£11,090pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £13,180
04 Apr 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
06 Apr 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
08 Apr 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,390pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,480
10 Apr 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£11,090pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £13,180
07 May 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
14 May 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
21 May 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
04 Jun 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
10 Sept 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
17 Sept 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
24 Sept 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
01 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,990pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £13,080
05 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,990pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £13,080
08 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
12 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
16 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
20 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
22 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
24 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
26 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
28 Oct 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
02 Nov 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
06 Nov 2027
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,290pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,380
05 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
07 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
11 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
13 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
14 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
17 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
19 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
21 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
24 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
26 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
28 Mar 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
02 Apr 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
04 Apr 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
07 Apr 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
09 Apr 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
11 Apr 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,790pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,980
06 May 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
13 May 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
20 May 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
21 May 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
04 Jun 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
18 Jun 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
23 Jul 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
10 Sept 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
17 Sept 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
24 Sept 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
03 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
06 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
08 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
10 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
14 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
16 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
20 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
22 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
24 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
28 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
31 Oct 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
04 Nov 2028
Twin share
Incl. flights
Not sold tour only on this date
£10,690pp
Flights from UK airports
Single from £12,880
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Are flights included?
Yes, return flights from the UK are included.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner on most days.
Do I need to carry my luggage on trains?
Luggage is often sent ahead separately on rail days, so pack an overnight bag. Your tour director will advise.
Do I need a visa?
UK visitors do not need a visa for Japan for a short holiday stay.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 12.
How many people travel together?
Between 12 and 28 travellers, with a tour director.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary