📍 Japan

JAPAN BY RAIL: TEMPLE INCENSE TO NEON GLOW, ONE TRACK

Shinkansen streaking past Fuji, temple bells ringing through bamboo groves, neon towers piercing humid night. Japan by rail.

≈ 12
Days
1148
Km
8
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Move from Tokyo and its energy to Hakone where steam rises from the valleys, then find Kyoto and its shadow-bathed pavilions. In Nara, follow the deer through the lanes, taste the gourmet effervescence of Osaka, then reflect in Hiroshima before reaching Miyajima and its torii standing on the water. Japan connects emotions, memory and beauty.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Tokyo

neon canyons hum with endless possibility

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7 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the historic Asakusa district and Senso-ji temple dating from the 7th century
2
Exploration of the electronic district of Akihabara, famous for its video game and manga shops
3
Stroll in the luxurious Ginza district and its high-end boutiques
🎯

Activities

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Experience of a themed café, like a cat café or an Alice in Wonderland restaurant
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Mario Kart-inspired go-kart session in the streets of Tokyo
2
Day

Tokyo

neon canyons hum with endless possibility

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7 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Walk in Harajuku and Yoyogi Park, epicenter of Tokyo youth culture
2
Discovery of the legendary Shibuya crossing and Shimokitazawa district
🎯

Activities

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Sushi preparation class with a local chef
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Typically Japanese karaoke evening
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100.7 km
Travel time: 1h41
3
Day

Hakone

volcanic steam rises near sacred Fuji

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9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to Hakone: cruise on Lake Ashi with view of Mount Fuji
2
Walk in the hills and hot springs of Hakone
🎯

Activities

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Discovery of a traditional Japanese Onsen
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 1h30
4
Day

Kyoto

golden pavilions float on still ponds

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9 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Walk at Nishiki market to discover local specialties
2
Visit to the Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji
3
Discovery of Kiyomizu-dera temple and Heian Jingu shrine
🎯

Activities

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Guided night tour through the alleys of Gion, the geisha district
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 450 km
Travel time: 3h20
5
Day

Kyoto

golden pavilions float on still ponds

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9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Walk in the bamboo forest of Arashiyama
2
Visit to Nijo Castle and its gardens
3
Discovery of Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and its thousands of torii
🎯

Activities

→
Maiko (apprentice geisha) transformation experience with photo session
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 47.4 km
Travel time: 1h35
6
Day

Nara

sacred deer roam among temple lanterns

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9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Todai-ji temple and its great Buddha
2
Stroll in Nara park among the free-roaming deer
3
Visit to Kasuga Taisha shrine and climb up Mount Wakakusa
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 1h20
7
Day

Osaka

street food sizzles beneath glowing signs

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10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Walk in the lively district of Dotonbori and Namba
2
Visit to Osaka Castle and its gardens
3
Hiking in Minoh Park to the waterfall
🎯

Activities

→
Food tour discovering Osaka specialties like takoyaki
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Day at Universal Studios Japan park
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 1h
8
Day

Himeji

white heron castle crowns the hilltop

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10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Himeji Castle, UNESCO World Heritage site
2
Stroll through Koko-en gardens
3
Ascent of Mount Shosha and visit to Engyo-ji temple
🎯

Activities

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Guided tour of the castle and discovery of Japan's feudal history
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 1h30
9
Day

Hiroshima

peace cranes fold beside flowing rivers

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7 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
2
Visit to the Genbaku Dome and Memorial Park
🎯

Activities

→
Guided bike tour in Hiroshima city
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Food tour to discover the local cuisine of Hiroshima
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 250 km
Travel time: 5h
10
Day

Miyajima

vermillion torii rises from tidal waters

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6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Ferry crossing to Miyajima and visit to Itsukushima-jinja shrine
2
Climb Mount Misen via the Momijidani trail or by cable car
3
Walk on Itsukushima beach in late afternoon
🎯

Activities

→
Bath in an onsen with view of the bay
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 1h

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🛡️ Travel advice - Japan

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season, perfect weather, mild temperatures, iconic sakura viewing, peak tourist season, advance booking essential, magical atmosphere.

Fall (September-November): Autumn colors, comfortable weather, clear skies, beautiful foliage, excellent touring, fewer crowds, ideal photography, pleasant conditions.

Summer (June-August): Hot humid weather, rainy season, festival season, vibrant atmosphere, mountain hiking, beach activities, air conditioning essential.

Winter (December-February): Cold weather, snow sports, illuminations, onsen season, fewer crowds, winter festivals, cozy atmosphere, skiing opportunities.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Japan?

Unique culture with ancient traditions, modern innovation, and incredible attention to detail. Experience temples, technology, and authentic Japanese lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Japan provides transformative cultural experiences with historical depth and modern sophistication.