Japan Train Travel

There's a lot to love about visiting Japan, but one of the greatest pleasures is train travel in Japan. The unbelievably fast (we're talking up-to-185-miles-per-hour-fast) and efficient (we're talking delays-are-measured-in-seconds-efficient) Shinkansen - or Bullet Trains - connect Japan's major cities in the blink of an eye, while equally well-organised local and regional trains connect the major hubs to some of the lesser-known, untouched towns and islands where time has stood still. This makes getting around this long, linear country a complete breeze. In fact, there should be little or no need to ever sit in a car on the entire trip, so your time in Japan will also be extremely sustainable.
Enquire now

Japan Train Travel Ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country Japan – Tokyo – Aizuwakamatsu – Sendai – Lake Towada – Kakunodate – Ginsen Onsen – Tsuruoka

    Off-the-Beaten-Track in Japan - Majestic Mountains, Traditional Temples and Samurai Splendour

    Unveil a more serene side of Japan on this 16-day sojourn in the lesser-known Tohoku region

    16 days, from £3900 to £5800

  • One Country Japan – Tokyo – Kanazawa – Hida Furukawa – Kyoto

    Highlights of Japan - Tokyo, the Alps and Kyoto

    Discover the best Japan has to offer on this two-week highlights tour

    15 days, from £4300 to £5500

  • One Country Japan – Tokyo – Hida Furukawa – Kanazawa – Kyoto

    Winter in Japan - Tokyo and Kyoto without the Crowds

    Embark on an 11-day winter escape through Japan, from buzzing cities to snowy countryside

    12 days, from £4600 to £5950

  • One Country Japan – Tokyo – Shuzenji – Kyoto

    Essential Japan - From Tokyo to Kyoto by Train

    Head to the Far East for 12 days of quintessentially Japanese culture between Tokyo and Kyoto

    12 days, from £5150 to £6650

  • One Country Japan – Tokyo – Japanese Alps – Kyoto – Osaka

    Japan through the Eyes of a Child - Mangamania and Samurai

    Explore Japan as a family from the bustling streets of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka to the wild landscapes of the Japanese Alps

    14 days, from £5200 to £6750

  • One Country Japan – Osaka – Mount Koya – Kyoto – Amanohashidate – Kinosaki Onsen – Kobe – Onomichi

    Highlights of Western Honshu - Urban Buzz, Hilltop Temples and Coastal Cool

    Head to western Honshu for 17 days of city sightseeing, spiritual splendour, coastal calm and fantastic food

    16 days, from £6350 to £8250

  • One Country South Korea – Japan – Seoul – Gyeongju – Busan – Osaka – Kyoto – Shuzenji – Tokyo

    From Seoul to Tokyo - A Rail Adventure through South Korea and Japan

    Watch South Korea and Japan roll past your window on this 20-day rail adventure from dazzling Seoul to high-energy Tokyo

    20 days, from £6450 to £8350

  • One Country Japan – Honshu – Tokyo – Toyama – Kanazawa – Takayama – Kyoto

    An Artistic Adventure Through Japan - Traditional Crafts & Creative Discoveries

    Tap into Japan’s artistic side on a 16-day adventure packed with culture, creativity and hands-on-fun

    16 days, from £7200 to £9350

  • One Country Japan – Tokyo – Hida Furukawa – Tsumago – Kyoto – Kumano – Katsuura – Osaka – Onomichi

    Active Adventures in Japan - Hike and Bike Honshu’s Highlights

    Hike, bike and bullet-train your way around Honshu on this action-packed 19-day adventure

    19 days, from £7650 to £9900

Our Japan holiday collections

Discover different ways to explore Japan

Luxury Holidays

Luxury Holidays

Couples Holidays

Couples Holidays

Summer Holidays

Summer Holidays

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Family Holidays

Family Holidays

Christmas Holidays

Christmas Holidays

Japan Train Travel Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Practical guide

Best time to visit Japan

Japan Travel Advice & Information

Japan Travel Advice & Information

Blog

Our Eight Best Hikes in Japan

Blog

Our Guide to Bullet Trains in Japan

Blog

Best Temples in Japan

Japan testimonials

31 reviews
4.8 / 5
"Our time in Japan, and particularly our experience at Ochiairo, was truly outstanding - everything was simply perfect. Before and during our trip, we received excellent support from Joyce, who explained everything very clearly and ensured the process went very smoothly. As if that wasn't enough, having Pierre to take care of us when we arrived was fantastic: the immersion support was invaluable."
M - UK
Published on 21st November 2025
"It was a really fabulous trip. Our teenagers, who are 16 and 17, were at the perfect age to appreciate the food, history and shopping, and all the hotels and activities were fantastic. We wish we'd had another week!"
C - UK
Published on 7th November 2025
"From the moment we arrived, it was clear that every detail had been carefully considered. The itinerary was well planned, and the guides were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely helpful. We felt truly looked after, whether navigating the bustle of Tokyo or soaking in the serenity of Kyoto. Japan has left a lasting impression on us, and your team played a huge part in that. It was the perfect place to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and thank you for our lovely surprise when we arrived in Osaka."
V - UK
Published on 25th September 2025
See all Japan reviews

This efficient and extensive network of trains means that train travel in Japan is a great option for an eco getaway. Whether you want to take day trips out of bustling Tokyo; have a multi-stop holiday that takes in the highlights of Japan's main island Honshu; embrace undertourism and head to the smaller islands on Hokkaido in the north-east and Kyushu in the south-west, or go totally off the beaten track into rural towns and villages on the southern island of Shikoku, train is the way to go, and our team of experts can help you create a tailor-made Japan itinerary to suit you.

Although the Japan train systems are reasonably easy to navigate, it always helps to have someone on the ground to help you out, which is where our unbeatable Concierge service comes into its own. Our local Concierges know their destinations inside and out, are always on hand to help with last minute changes and recommendations, and speak the local language (infinitely useful in Japan, in particular) so if you're um-ing and ah-ing about exactly where to go for a last-minute excursion or are having issues with figuring out the timetable and which tickets to buy, they have the insider tips to get you on track.

Related Ideas

Tokyo Train Travel Asia Kyoto Osaka Takayama Ryokan Kanazawa Japanese Alps Mount Koya Kumano Kodo Hiroshima & Miyajima Family Asia
Contact one of our Japan specialists