Train & Rail Tours in Japan
4.6 stars on(9,268 reviews)- Choose from 36 Japan tours
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10 best train Japan tour packages
Compiled by

SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
- Japan Essentials 9 Day - One Life Adventures
- Essential Japan (5 destinations)
- Classic Japan
- Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food
- Trail By Rail
- Timeless Japan - 13 days
- Japan Bucketlist: Between Fuji, Onsen & Tokyo Tower
- Best of Japan 2026
- Highlights of Japan (land program only)
- Get to know Japan (land program only)
Japan Essentials 9 Day - One Life Adventures
330 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Itenary was balanced, and I felt it was a great tour. I'll highly recommend it in my circles.”
Joydeep, traveled in September
Bullet trains and Romance Car connect Japan's highlights, from Tokyo's urban pulse to Osaka's foodie scene. The rail journey cuts through Hakone's mountain landscapes with Mt. Fuji views before reaching Kyoto's cultural treasures.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator One Life Adventures From
- NZ$2,852
Essential Japan (5 destinations)
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole process of booking and the lead up to the trip was really straightforward and reassuring.”
Aoife, traveled in March
The famous Shinkansen bullet trains connect Japan's cultural capitals. The route from Tokyo to Osaka includes stops at Kanazawa's samurai districts and Kyoto's temples. Modern trains efficiently cover 5 major cities in 10 days.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$2,770
Classic Japan
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was one of my most enjoyable experiences as well as good value.”
James, traveled in March
The high-speed shinkansen and scenic local trains whisk passengers across Japan at speeds of 270 km/h. The route leads from Kyoto through Mount Koya-san's mountain railways, to Hiroshima and the Japanese Alps, before reaching Tokyo. The rail network connects 6 distinct cities over 11 days.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kyoto, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Tsumago, Matsumoto, Tokyo Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $8,730
10% Off- NZ$7,857You save $873
Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was awesome. Our CEO was the best one I've ever could expect, she went to the top and 500 extra miles.”
Thomas, traveled in March
Japan's efficient rail network spans 580km across 6 cities. Bullet trains connect Tokyo to Takayama (4 hours), Kyoto (3.5 hours), Hiroshima (2.75 hours), and Osaka. Scenic views accompany comfortable travel with Japan Rail Pass inclusion.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $3,499
25% Off- NZ$2,624You save $875
The comprehensive 7-Day Japan Rail Pass opens up the country's renowned rail system. Bullet trains connect Tokyo and Kyoto, while the Hakone Romance Car cuts through Fuji National Park, with optional rail excursions to Himeji Castle or Miyajima Island.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Himeji Age Range Ages 14+ Operator Oomi Travel From
25% Off- NZ$8,465
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Narita, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Fushimi, Arashiyama, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Beppu, TakachihoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From $17,145
5% Off- NZ$16,288You save $857
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Fujikawaguchiko, Kyoto, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Journaway From $6,580
31% Off- NZ$4,527You save $2,053
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, Odawara, Fuji, Kyoto, Fushimi, Arashiyama, Miyajima Island, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-59 Operator Travel Talk From $8,142
45% Off- NZ$4,478You save $3,664
Duration 9 days Destinations Kyoto, Arashiyama, Hiroshima, Fushimi, Nara, Osaka, Takayama, Himeji, Fuji, HakoneSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
45% Off- NZ$5,541
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Nikko, Kamakura, Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, Hiroshima, Kyoto Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
45% Off- NZ$6,548
What people love about Train & Rail Tours in Japan
- Japan Essentials 9 Day - One Life Adventures
Fantastic Tour! Covers everything you need to see Japan! Would recommend doing as many as the optional extras as possible. If you get Dale as a tour guide you definitely getting a Great Guide!! If you get Sarah and Dale you’ll definitely be looked after. Pro tip definitely listen and ask for their suggestions ?
- 13-Day Japan Tour: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Beyond
This tour was fantastic, absolutely loved the itinerary, I felt like we did so much. The customer service beforehand was excellent, my questions were always answered promptly and helpfully. Our guide was brilliant, really knowledgeable and helpful, I never felt like I had to do something. Wouldn't hesitate to book with them again.
- Essential Japan (5 destinations)
I really enjoy the places that we are brought to but I wish we had a bit more time. For example when we were in Kyoto and was dropped off at the bamboo forest, shrine and monkey mountain. There was only enough time to do 1 thing. Other than that no complaints. Yuka was great at helping us with navigation too!
What our customers ask about Train & Rail Tours in Japan
How long are typical train journeys between major Japanese cities?
The Shinkansen bullet train network connects Japan's major cities with impressive speed. The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes while Kyoto to Hiroshima runs 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Hiroshima to Osaka route spans roughly 3 hours. "The bullet trains were amazing - we could have breakfast in Tokyo and lunch in Kyoto!" notes one TourRadar traveler. Many tour packages include stays at station-adjacent properties like Hotel Granvia Hiroshima making train connections simple and practical.
What are the most scenic train routes in Japan?
Japan's rail network offers several routes with excellent views. The Tokyo to Hakone line provides clear views of Mt. Fuji while the Arashiyama route passes through dense bamboo forests. The coastal journey from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island lets passengers see Japan's inland sea. One TourRadar traveler shares: "Got to see lots of Japan. Was really pleased to see some of the smaller cities (Takayama Nikko and Hakone) as these would be places you may not go to if not on a guided tour." The high-speed routes between major cities reach speeds of 300 km/h while showing the rural Japanese landscape.
What kind of accommodation options are available on train tours in Japan?
Train tour accommodations range from modern to traditional settings. Options include contemporary hotels like the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo near major stations traditional Japanese ryokans with natural hot springs in Hakone and space-saving capsule hotels in city centers. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The accommodations were a great mix of different styles of hostels and were close to most areas in the city with a few exceptions." Most properties provide quick access to nearby train stations.
What are the must-see stops along popular train routes in Japan?
Japan's rail system connects to key cultural sites across the country. Popular stops include Tokyo's historic Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple Kyoto's Arashiyama bamboo groves and Gion geisha quarter the iconic floating torii gate near Hiroshima and Takayama's preserved old town in the Japanese Alps. One TourRadar traveler reports: "From the neon-lit skyscrapers to bamboo forests dotted with ancient temples the train routes took us to all the highlights while staying at convenient hotels like the EN Hotel Hiroshima."
How accessible are train stations in Japan for travelers with luggage?
Most major Japanese stations provide elevators and escalators though smaller stops might only offer stairs. Tour packages often include luggage forwarding between cities. One TourRadar traveler advises: "Be prepared to pack light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and to hotels which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas." Properties like the Spa Alpina Hotel in Takayama typically offer luggage storage for early arrivals.
How does rail travel in Japan compare to other transportation options?
Japan's trains stand out as the most reliable and comfortable way to see the country. The comprehensive rail system links all major destinations with precise timing and spotless conditions. Hotels like the Hearton Hotel Kyoto located near stations make train travel even more convenient. According to a TourRadar traveler "Japanese trains are a quintessential experience and one of the best insights into culture (and efficiency!) of the country." The Shinkansen system particularly excels in speed comfort and dependability compared to road travel options.
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