Japan in by Train | Plus Ski | 2027-2028

Kon'nichiwa friends, and welcome to the land of the rising sun. Famed for its beauty, culture, cuisine and just a touch of crazy, this is one trip you won't be forgetting any time soon. Get settled into your hotel before joining forces with your Trip Manager & travel crew & head out to explore the local area.

Osaka is all yours today! Head to Osaka Castle or Sumiyoshi-taisa for a dose of history, or make your way to Nara to meet some seriously adorable deer. This evening, join the crew for an optional dinner at a local kushi-katsu spot, where skewers, drinks and a lively neighbourhood atmosphere are all on the menu. Still got energy to spare? We sense some traditional Japanese PATI (that's Japanese for partying) and karaoke may be on the cards...

Tuck in to your tasty breakfast this morning before we hop onto the coach, you're going to need the food fuel for a full day in Kyoto.Arriving into Kyoto, we'll kick things off with a guided tour of this beautiful, traditional city. Take in some of Kyoto's most iconic sights, including Kiyomizu Temple, the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), colourful shrines, peaceful gardens and an included entry into the famous Sanjusangendo Temple. You'll also get a glimpse into the world of Kyoto's legendary geishas. This evening is free for you to get to know Kyoto your way, most likely trying out local cuisine in the Shirakawa-dori area and getting to grips with the buzzy Kyoto nightlife.

Didn't feel like you had enough time yesterday to really get under the skin of this utterly unique city? We've got good news for you - today is completely free for Kyoto adventuring. Ask your Trip Manager for the essentials on what to eat and where to go, then our best advice? Go get yourself a little lost, it's undeniably the best way to get to know a new city.

Ready for a totally new experience? This morning it's all aboard the bullet train, travelling at a cool 320km/hr as we make our way to Hiroshima. Hello Hiroshima. We're kicking things off today with an optional but highly recommended Okonomiyaki lunch. Then, we'll learn about both the past and present on a sightseeing tour of this city that's remembered as the world's first atomic bomb target. The rest of the day will then be free to get to know Hiroshima however suits you best - food, shopping, history, it's all here at your fingertips.

We'll start the day with a train and ferry ride over to Miyajima Island where beautiful scenery and deer await us. If you're impressed by the traditional Japanese gates at the entrance, just wait until you've seen the main event - the stunning Itsukushima Shrine. Culture goals ticked, we'll make our way back to Hiroshima to dig a little deeper into the city's noble history.

Tokyo you're firmly in our sights but on route, we'll make a stop in the peaceful mountain town of Hakone. Breathtaking views of some of Japan's most famous sights are courtesy of the Hakone Ropeway. If the weather plays nice...you might spot the magnificent Mount Fuji. Welcome to the bright lights & big city vibes of Tokyo, our home for the next 3 nights. You'll have the night to use as you wish. How about heading to Shinjuku, the epicentre of Tokyo's gritty but super fun night scene.

We'll dive right into this 24 hour city with a sightseeing tour of the best bits. We'll take a walk down Nakamise Street (one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan that dates back to the 1500's) to pick up treasures for family and friends back home, brave the busiest street crossing in the world (Shibuya), then round things off at the epicentre of youth culture & fashion, Harajuku. This part of town buzzes with cool vibes & crazy fashion, and we reckon you'll instantly fall in lust.

Today's our last day in Tokyo so let's make it one to remember. With a free day to explore Japan your way, we have a sneaking suspicion Harajuku may be calling you back - it kind of has that affect on people. How about a chance to visit a unique remote-operated robot restaurant. You gotta see it to believe it!

Ski time! Get ready for a full-day train journey north, swapping Tokyo streets for wide-open views along the way. Stock up on snacks, queue up a podcast, and let the scenery do its thing.By late afternoon, we’ll roll into Sapporo and check into our base for the next part of the adventure. Your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation to get your bearings, then it’s goodbye for now (the next few days will be unescorted and totally yours to do your way). Tonight, stretch your legs, hunt down a warming dinner, and ease into Hokkaido life.

From wide-open parks to buzzing city sights, Sapporo’s yours to explore today. Wander through Odori Park, snap views from the TV Tower or duck into temples for a slower pace. Keen to keep things moving? There’s always somewhere new to stumble across — from local food spots to iconic city landmarks. Or, if you’re craving something more active, you can swap the streets for snow and hit the slopes just outside the city.

Using Sapporo as your base, today’s all about getting out into Hokkaido’s winter playground. You can hit the slopes at nearby resorts like Sapporo Kokusai or Niseko, or switch things up with snow tubing, rafting or snowmobiling. It’s your call — go full powder mode or mix it up with something more playful. Whatever you choose, expect a full day of fresh air, snowy scenes and winter adventures just outside the city.

How about slowing things down and leaning into local flavour today? Warm up with Sapporo favourites like ramen, gyozas, or king crab if you’re feeling fancy. Or take a day trip out to Jozankei and soak it all in at a traditional onsen — cold air outside, steaming water inside. Heck yeah.

Sorry folks, ski time’s up. Say goodbye to your crew and the snowy days you’ve shared together.