Best of Honshu Express

Once you have arrived in Tokyo, you will be met and transferred by shared shuttle to your accommodation in Tokyo. During the journey, you can relax and enjoy your first glimpses of Japan’s vibrant capital city.

The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your own pace. You may wish to wander through the busy streets, sample local cuisine, or simply unwind after your travels.

Tonight, settle into your accommodation and enjoy a restful evening before the adventures ahead.

Tokyo - Odawara - Hakone. Today, you depart from Tokyo using your Japan Rail Pass, heading to Odakyu Shinjuku Station to board the Odakyu Odawara Line Express. The journey to Odawara Station takes around 30-35 minutes, where you transfer to the local Hakone Tozan Railway to reach Hakone-Yumoto Station - the main gateway to the valley., using your Japan Rail Pass for a fast and comfortable journey.

On arrival, you will use your 2-day Hakone Freepass E-ticket to explore some of the area’s best-known attractions. You may wish to ride the Hakone Ropeway, cruise across Lake Ashi, visit local art museums and shrines, or relax in one of Hakone’s famous onsen hot springs.

After a day of sightseeing, you can unwind in a traditional hot spring bath before settling into your Hakone accommodation for the evening.

Tonight, you will enjoy a local dinner and peaceful mountain surroundings as you experience the slower pace of Hakone.

Hakone - Kyoto. After breakfast, you will depart from Hakone aboard the famous Shinkansen, travelling through the Japanese countryside towards Kyoto using your Japan Rail Pass. Along the way, you may catch views of Mount Fuji, rice paddies, and traditional villages as the scenery changes between regions.

On arrival in Kyoto, you will check into your accommodation before having the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace. You may wish to wander through the historic streets of Gion, visit Kyoto’s famous temples and shrines, or relax in one of the city’s peaceful gardens.

This evening, you can settle into your hotel and enjoy Kyoto’s elegant atmosphere. You may also wish to sample traditional kaiseki cuisine or take a stroll along the Kamogawa River.

You will have the choice of starting your Gion walking tour at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, or 8:45 PM.

During your two-hour tour, you will explore the cobbled streets of Kyoto’s historic Gion district while learning about the traditions of Geiko and Maiko, as your guide shares insight into Kyoto’s geisha culture, past and present.

As you wander through the district, you will discover beautifully preserved machiya townhouses, traditional tea houses, and charming boutique shops tucked away from the busier streets, offering a glimpse into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

You will also stop at the famous Hokan-ji Pagoda, one of Kyoto’s most recognisable landmarks and a symbol of Kyoto’s historic past.

Your tour includes a visit to Kennin-ji, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, where you will have approximately 30 minutes to experience its peaceful gardens and tranquil surroundings. You will also discover Chion-in Temple, known for its impressive grounds and home to three important national treasures.

If you choose one of the later departures, you will experience Gion as the lantern-lit streets begin to glow in the evening, creating one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric settings for a walk through the district.

At the end of your tour, your guide will provide personalised recommendations for local restaurants, bars, and activities to help you make the most of your time in Kyoto.

Kyoto - Hiroshima. This morning, you will depart from Kyoto on the Japan Rail bullet train heading for the dynamic city of Hiroshima, watching the scenery change as you travel through the Japanese countryside.

On arrival, the rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your own pace. You may wish to visit Peace Memorial Park, sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, explore the city’s shopping streets, or relax in one of Hiroshima’s peaceful gardens.

After checking into your accommodation, you may also wish to take an evening stroll along the Motoyasu River and enjoy the city’s reflective atmosphere before your overnight stay.

You will have the choice of meeting your local guide at either 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM for your Hiroshima e-bike tour.

Shortly after meeting your guide, you will begin exploring Hiroshima’s important historical sites, including the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome and surrounding memorials, while learning about the events surrounding the atomic bombing more than 70 years ago.

At 12:00 PM or 4:00 PM, you will cycle beyond the main tourist areas to discover lesser-known heritage sites and the famous A-bombed streetcars that survived the bombing. Along the way, your guide will share stories of Hiroshima’s history, recovery, and modern-day culture as you ride through the city’s tree-lined streets.

Throughout the tour, you will experience Hiroshima’s remarkable transformation and resilient spirit while enjoying an easy and accessible way to explore the city by e-bike.

Your tour concludes back at the original meeting point at either 1:00 PM or 5:00 PM.

Hiroshima - Osaka. Today, you will depart from Hiroshima aboard the bullet train, travelling towards the vibrant city of Osaka while enjoying views of the changing Japanese countryside along the way.

On arrival in Osaka, the rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore at your own pace. You may wish to visit the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori, sample Osaka’s famous street food, or spend time exploring the city’s parks and shopping districts.

This evening, you can choose how to spend your time in the city. You may wish to enjoy dinner at a traditional izakaya or take in the city views from the Umeda Sky Building before returning to your accommodation for the night.

After your final breakfast, you may wish to enjoy one last stroll or relaxed morning in Japan before departing for the airport.

Later, you will board your train to Osaka Airport, making the most of your Japan Rail Pass for the final time as you travel through Japan’s changing scenery in comfort.

On arrival at Osaka Airport, you may wish to browse for last-minute souvenirs or enjoy a final Japanese snack before your onward flight.