7-Day Cultural Immersion Rail Trip in Japan

Day 1: Discovering Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Tsukiji Fish Market

Start your day early with a visit to the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can enjoy fresh sushi for breakfast.
Take the metro to Tsukiji Station.
£15, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Sensoji Temple in Asakusa

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Sensoji Temple, with its iconic Thunder Gate and bustling Nakamise Shopping Street.
Take a short metro ride to Asakusa Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Ramen Restaurant

Indulge in a steaming bowl of ramen for lunch at one of Asakusa's authentic ramen restaurants.
Walk around Asakusa area to find a local ramen spot.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Experience a tranquil escape at Meiji Shrine, surrounded by lush forest in the heart of Tokyo.
Take the Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

End the day with a lively dinner at an izakaya, enjoying a variety of Japanese bar food and drinks.
Take the train to a popular izakaya district like Shinjuku.
£20, 2 hours
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Day 2: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of torii gates creating a magical tunnel.
Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto Station and then a local train to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore the vibrant Nishiki Market and enjoy a variety of local street food for lunch.
Short walk from central Kyoto.
£15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning architecture of the Golden Pavilion set against a serene garden backdrop.
Accessible by bus from central Kyoto.
£5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Gion District

Stroll through the traditional streets of Gion, known for its tea houses and geisha culture.
Walk from Kinkaku-ji or take a bus to Gion.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Kaiseki Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional multi-course Kaiseki dinner for a taste of Kyoto's haute cuisine.
Take a short taxi ride to a recommended Kaiseki restaurant.
£50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, commemorating the victims of the atomic bombing.
Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station and then a short tram ride to the park.
£10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a multi-storey building dedicated to this savoury pancake dish.
Short walk from the Peace Park.
£15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island

Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
From Hiroshima, take a train to Miyajimaguchi Station and then a ferry to the island.
£5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Hike Mount Misen

Embark on a scenic hike up Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea at sunset.
Start the hike from near the ropeway station on Miyajima Island.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner at a traditional restaurant on Miyajima Island.
Choose a restaurant near the ferry terminal for convenient access.
£30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Vibrant Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the impressive Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Take the train to Osakajokoen Station.
£10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Feast on a variety of local street food at Kuromon Ichiba Market for a true taste of Osaka cuisine.
Short walk from Namba Station.
£15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Dotonbori District

Stroll along the vibrant Dotonbori canal, known for its neon lights, street food stalls, and entertainment.
Walk from Kuromon Ichiba Market to Dotonbori.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Head to Umeda Sky Building to enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the observation deck.
Take a train to Umeda Station.
£10, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Takoyaki Restaurant

Try Osaka's famous takoyaki (octopus balls) at a local street food stall or restaurant.
Find a recommended takoyaki spot in Dotonbori.
£10, 1 hour
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Day 5: Historic Nara

Nara, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Todaiji Temple

Explore the impressive Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue and surrounded by friendly roaming deer.
Take a short train ride to Nara Station and walk to the temple.
£5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Naramachi

Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal in the historic streets of Naramachi, filled with old merchant houses.
Stroll to Naramachi from Todaiji Temple.
£20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Nara Park

Walk through Nara Park, where you can feed the deer, visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Easily accessible from Naramachi, wander through the park on foot.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Horyuji Temple

Take a trip to Horyuji Temple, one of Japan's oldest wooden structures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a short train ride from Nara Station to Horyuji Station.
£8, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Japanese Inn

Experience a kaiseki dinner and a night's stay at a ryokan for an authentic Japanese hospitality experience.
Travel to a recommended ryokan for a relaxing evening.
£150, Ongoing
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Day 6: Historic Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Start your day with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens.
Take the Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station and then a short bus ride to the garden.
£5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Explore the bustling stalls of Omicho Market and enjoy seafood delicacies for lunch.
Walk from Kenrokuen Garden to the market.
£20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Higashi Chaya District

Stroll through the historic streets of Higashi Chaya District, filled with traditional teahouses and geisha culture.
Walk from Omicho Market to Higashi Chaya District.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Kanazawa Castle

Discover the history of Kanazawa at Kanazawa Castle and its well-preserved gardens.
Take a short bus ride from Higashi Chaya District to the castle.
£5, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Teppanyaki Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious teppanyaki dinner, where chefs cook premium ingredients in front of you.
Take a short taxi ride to a recommended teppanyaki restaurant in Kanazawa.
£40, 2 hours
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Day 7: Scenic Hakone

Hakone, Japan

9:00AM

Take a Cruise on Lake Ashi

Embark on a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Take a train to Hakone and walk to the lake cruise departure point.
£20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a ryokan overlooking Lake Ashi.
Opt for a ryokan with a restaurant for picturesque views.
£30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the impressive outdoor sculpture park and indoor exhibits at the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Take a short bus ride or walk to the museum from the lake area.
£15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax in a Hot Spring Onsen

Unwind in a traditional Japanese hot spring onsen to rejuvenate body and mind.
Head to a nearby onsen resort for a relaxing soak.
£25, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Kaiseki Ryokan

Experience a gourmet kaiseki dinner at a traditional ryokan, with meticulously prepared seasonal dishes.
Indulge in a gastronomic delight at the ryokan's restaurant.
£100, Ongoing
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