Discovering Honshu - Central Japan by Train

Duration
17 days
Price from
£11,395 pp.
Location
Japan, Asia
Commuter train in Fukushima Japan

Trip Highlights

  • Visit iconic Mount Fuji views
  • Explore iconic cities
  • Visit Matsumoto Castle

What's Included

  • 16 nights accommodation
  • Internal transport and transfers
  • Excursions, guides and activities

Private tour of central Japan by train and car

This luxury tour of Japan offers a perfect blend of modern cities and traditional countryside.

We have designed this trip for those who want a more in-depth trip to Japan’s cultural side, which is more than just the Golden Route. We think this is perfect for first-time visitors who are eager to explore traditional Japan, or for returning visitors wishing to rediscover the timeless charm of Central Japan.

Nia, our Japan specialist says:

"This trip is ideal for travellers seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection with Japan beyond the classic Golden Route. It’s designed to take you off the beaten track and into the heart of Japan’s cultural heritage - through castle towns, traditional ryokans, and peaceful gardens. From the majestic peaks of the Japanese Alps to the old-world charm of Kanazawa and Takayama, each stop reveals a different layer of the country’s history. The trip is centred around Japan’s incredibly efficient train system, which makes travelling between destinations smooth and hassle-free. "

This journey starts with a visit to the charming city of Osaka, followed by a trip to nearby Himeji to see the iconic Himeji Castle and enjoy a scenic ropeway ride up Mount Shosha. From there, you'll wander through the natural beauty and timeless charm of Kyoto, where you’ll find yourself wandering through ancient temples and gardens.

Next, travel to Tokyo, Japan’s capital, where centuries-old traditions coexist with modern city life. The adventure continues by train to the Japanese Alps, where you’ll explore the striking Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most stunning original keeps. In Takayama, stroll through the beautifully preserved old town and delve deeper into the history of the Edo period.

The cultural experience continues in Kanazawa, where you'll explore the historic samurai district and take part in an authentic tea ceremony. Finally, your trip concludes in Hakone, surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains and valleys - a peaceful finale steeped in natural beauty.

The pace of this trip is leisurely and relaxed, allowing you to fully savour each destination. Thanks to Japan's high-speed trains, you'll travel effortlessly between cities, maximising your time to explore.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Japan

Japnese Lanterns unsplashed

Arrive at Kansai International Airport, where you will be met by your private driver and transferred to the Hotel Zentis, your accommodation for the next two nights. Spend the evening at your leisure, recovering from your long journey.

Day 2 Travelling Osaka by train and ropeway

Himeji Castle Shin Osaka Japan

After breakfast, meet your English-speaking guide and take the bullet train to Himeji to visit the imposing Himeji Castle and wander through Kokoen Garden's nine separate gardens representing different eras and styles. Ride the ropeway up Mount Shosha to visit Engyoji Temple before returning to Osaka by bullet train in the afternoon. In the evening, embark on a food tour through Dotonbori and Osaka's secret alleys to sample kushikatsu, takoyaki, and other local delicacies paired with Japanese beers and sake.

Day 3 Bullet train to Kyoto

Day 4 Temples and Bamboo Groves

Day 5 Free day in Kyoto

Day 6 Time for Tokyo

Day 7 Tradition meets modernity in Tokyo

Day 8 Parks and Palaces of Tokyo

Day 9 To the Japanese Alps

Day 10 Exploring Matsumoto

Day 11 Heading to Takayama

Day 12 Takayama Day tour

Day 13 Traditional country Japan

Day 14 Samurais and tea ceremonies

Day 15 Off to Hakone

Day 16 Exploring Hakone

Day 17 Departure day

Trips in Japan

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Nia pictures

Nia

Japan Expert

When to go to Japan

A month-by-month guide of when to visit Japan

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is ideal for winter sports in Hokkaido and northern regions, with plenty of snow. Tokyo and Kyoto remain chilly but offer clear skies for sightseeing. Explore Sapporo's Snow Festival and soak in an onsen for the ultimate winter experience.

February

February is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in Nagano and Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major attraction, featuring stunning ice sculptures. Other areas are generally cold and dry and good for sightseeing.

March

March marks the beginning of spring, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in southern regions like Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy hanami picnics under the pink blossoms. It's a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures.

April

April is the peak of cherry blossom season. Witness Tokyo's Ueno Park and Kyoto's Maruyama Park come alive with vibrant sakura. Golden Week, late April to early May, offers festive parades and events.

May

May offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and hiking. Explore Tokyo's International Food Festival and enjoy the comfortable climate for sightseeing in Kyoto.

June

June is the start of the rainy season, known as tsuyu, lasting until mid-July. Although it's wet, explore Kyoto's temples and gardens amid light crowds. Festivals like the Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo showcase Japanese traditions.

July

July continues the rainy season, but the Tanabata Star Festival brightens the skies. Hokkaido hosts the Lavender Festival with fields of purple blooms. Kyoto's Gion Matsuri features grand floats.

August

August offers festivals and fireworks. The Obon Festival celebrates ancestors with lanterns and dances. Enjoy the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. Hokkaido's summer flower festivals are perfect for nature enthusiasts.

September

September brings comfortable weather and the iconic Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki. Explore the Sapporo Autumn Festival in Hokkaido. It's a great time for sightseeing with fewer tourists.

October

October features stunning autumn foliage in Kyoto and Nikko. Visit Tokyo's Meiji Shrine during the Meiji Jingu Festival and enjoy Oktoberfest celebrations. Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.

November

November showcases autumn foliage, with Kyoto's temples and parks ablaze in red and orange. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo hosts the International Food Festival, and Kyushu's hot spring resorts offer relaxation.

December

December marks the onset of winter, with holiday illuminations in cities and festive lights. Explore Hokkaido's Sapporo Snow Festival with breathtaking ice sculptures. Ski resorts open for winter sports enthusiasts.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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