Japan Rail Journeys
Sit back and enjoy being whisked from neon-lit cityscapes to the tranquil shrine-dotted countryside of Japan by bullet train. Watch breathtaking landscapes zip by your window, from the mist shrouded peak of Mt. Fuji to forests dusted in seasonal hues and framed by traditional torii gates on one of 71 rail journeys through Japan.
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Popular Rail Journeys
9 Days Osaka to Tokyo
Operator: G Adventures
From
3,527pp
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1,555pp
12 Days Tokyo to Kyoto
Operator: Cosmos
From
5,001pp
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822pp
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Explore has been taking small groups on adventure holidays all over the world for almost 40 years. The expert team, at home and overseas, works together more to create itineraries that leave you feeling that you’ve really explored a destination rather than just visited. You’ll see the highlights, the must-sees, of course. But you’ll also get away from the beaten track, and get a different perspective on your destination. You’ll get closer to a place, its people and cultures.
Our small groups are typically 12 people – small enough to get right into the heart of your destination, but big enough to find like-minded people to share your experiences with. And the glue that holds these groups together is our local tour leaders, who are uniquely placed to add individual and spontaneous moments to each trips – moments that stay with you long after you return home. All sorts of people travel with Explore – our groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends. What unites them is their adventurous spirit and thirst for real travel experiences.
We provide authentic small-group travel, designed by experts and led by experts, with sustainability at its heart and a common desire for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re on a cultural tour of Lebanon, cycling in Vietnam, walking in Italy or exploring Costa Rica with your family, when you’re travelling with Explore you know that you’re in good hands.
Our small groups are typically 12 people – small enough to get right into the heart of your destination, but big enough to find like-minded people to share your experiences with. And the glue that holds these groups together is our local tour leaders, who are uniquely placed to add individual and spontaneous moments to each trips – moments that stay with you long after you return home. All sorts of people travel with Explore – our groups are usually a mix of solos, couples and friends. What unites them is their adventurous spirit and thirst for real travel experiences.
We provide authentic small-group travel, designed by experts and led by experts, with sustainability at its heart and a common desire for unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re on a cultural tour of Lebanon, cycling in Vietnam, walking in Italy or exploring Costa Rica with your family, when you’re travelling with Explore you know that you’re in good hands.
APT is an Australian family-owned company whose essence began in Melbourne in the 1920s. More than 90 years on, APT offers life-enriching trips to every more continent, and through the company’s vast industry experience, meticulous planning and unquestionable passion it's earned a place among the world’s most well-regarded travel companies.
From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.
Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.
Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the more communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Rail Journeys through Japan
Iconic Cities and Experiences
Tokyo 
Kyoto 
Osaka 
Hiroshima 
Takayama Latest Reviews
What our clients are saying about their journeys through Japan
Japan Highlights
Best of Japan
Bettina, NSW, Australia, Apr 2026
My first time in Japan and traveling with a group. Our guide Toshi was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. It is a good tour to get some first impressions of Japan. Despite being advertised as a tour requiring a certain fitness level, we didn’t explore some of the sights that required climbing stairs and took public transport where we could have walked.
Global Journeys was great! Luxury Gold Tour could be improved
Majestic Japan
George T, NSW, Australia, Mar 2026
The communication and attention to detail from Tracey at Golobal Journeys was excellent. If you are expecting the usual European Luxury Gold standard from this tour you will be disappointed. Some hotels were good, but the others were average. While a double bed was clearly requested, most hotels provided 2 single beds. Many people were looking forward read more to the Bullet Train Rides, but this was a huge disappintment, as we were booked in Economy Class with 3 across seating.
We had to draw lots to see who got the worst seats. While First Class was available for a small extra charge, Luxury Gold thaught this Economy Class Cabin was the way to "Travel in Style". Our guide stated that she had previously requested that First Class seats be provided, but this request has been ignored. We have previously travelled with Luxury Gold in fast trains in Europe and it was always in the highest available class cabin.
Don't expect the usual 40 seat coach with extra leg room. These coaches were poor quality with cramped seats with very little leg room. They even had jump seats in each row (Not used).
There are 3 nights in Sendai where your normal bags are not available. You are expected to carry an overnight bag on the Train. They could very easily send the bags seperately as done previously, but this is another place where they cut corners. The type of people who book Luxury Gold Tours are not Backpackers. They need the comfort of having all their luggage when it is a 3 night stay.
This tour is a Black Mark for Luxury Gold, and is a great disappointment compared to the wonderful tours we have previously done with Luxury Gold.
We had to draw lots to see who got the worst seats. While First Class was available for a small extra charge, Luxury Gold thaught this Economy Class Cabin was the way to "Travel in Style". Our guide stated that she had previously requested that First Class seats be provided, but this request has been ignored. We have previously travelled with Luxury Gold in fast trains in Europe and it was always in the highest available class cabin.
Don't expect the usual 40 seat coach with extra leg room. These coaches were poor quality with cramped seats with very little leg room. They even had jump seats in each row (Not used).
There are 3 nights in Sendai where your normal bags are not available. You are expected to carry an overnight bag on the Train. They could very easily send the bags seperately as done previously, but this is another place where they cut corners. The type of people who book Luxury Gold Tours are not Backpackers. They need the comfort of having all their luggage when it is a 3 night stay.
This tour is a Black Mark for Luxury Gold, and is a great disappointment compared to the wonderful tours we have previously done with Luxury Gold.
Japan trip was great
Highlights of Japan
Anna and Dan, ME, United States, Mar 2026
The highlights of Japan trip was a great one led by our fantastic tour guide, Donni. We got to walk around Tokyo, Nagano, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and Kyoto. Got > 5000 steps in each day. Cherry blossoms were blooming and we were welcomed kindly by everyone we met. Thank you.
The Bunnik Japan Discovery tour is a great tour especially if it is your first time to Japan. We visited a lot of interesting cities by both bus and bullet train . The cherry blossoms were in full bloom ( end of March beginning of April.). The tour included a lot of cultural experience which gave us a better understanding and insight into Japanese history read more and way of life. The small group number made it easier to get around the tourist sights and maximise our time sightseeing. I can recommend this tour for those who are prepared to do some walking . It is however a tour that is well paced so as not to be too difficult .
Hassle free holiday, great booking experience as well as a wonderful tour
Japan Discovery
Joanne, Frank, Christine and Gregory, WA, Australia, Mar 2026
What an amazing holiday we had, seamlessly arranged by Hannah from Global Journeys, she is always a pleasure to deal with, prompt and professional. We loved our Japan Discovery tour with Bunnik, it was our first time travelling with them and we were very impressed. Everything was well planned, accomodation was great and we were so lucky with the weather.
Great read more views of Mt Fuji and the cherry blossoms were a highlight, we also loved the mix of planned activities and free time. We loved the small group of 15 and our tour director Takee was amazing, great communication, very knowledgeable and thoughtful. We would definitely use both Global Journeys and Bunnik Tours again.
Great read more views of Mt Fuji and the cherry blossoms were a highlight, we also loved the mix of planned activities and free time. We loved the small group of 15 and our tour director Takee was amazing, great communication, very knowledgeable and thoughtful. We would definitely use both Global Journeys and Bunnik Tours again.
I loved every moment.
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
Emily and Mary, NSW, Australia, Nov 2025
Wonderful tour. Japanese 'CEO' was so kind and well organized. She made sure we had a great variety of experiences in and outside of the cities. I loved every moment of my tour.
