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GREAT JAPANESE LOOP

Tokyo • Aomori • Sendai • Nagano • Kanazawa • Kyoto • Fukuoka • Hiroshima • Osaka

Discover Japan from north to south on an unforgettable 19-day independent rail journey. From Tokyo’s dazzling energy to Aomori’s fascinating traditions, Kanazawa’s preserved heritage and Fukuoka’s vibrant food scene, this itinerary reveals both Japan’s celebrated highlights and some of its lesser-known treasures.

Travel across the country using Japan’s renowned rail network, with your accommodations and rail passes arranged in advance. Each stop gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, whether you choose to wander through historic neighbourhoods, visit ancient temples, experience regional cuisine or add memorable day trips along the way.

Journey Highlights

  • Experience the energy and contrasts of Tokyo
  • Discover Aomori and the traditions of the famous Nebuta Festival
  • Explore Sendai and the beautiful Tohoku region
  • Visit Nagano, gateway to historic temples and the Japanese Alps
  • Wander through Kanazawa’s preserved samurai and teahouse districts
  • Experience Kyoto’s temples, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods
  • Discover Fukuoka’s lively atmosphere and famous street-food stalls
  • Explore Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima
  • End your journey among the bright lights and flavours of Osaka
  • Enjoy the freedom to add day trips to Mount Fuji, Yamadera, Shirakawago, Nara and other destinations

 

Your Package Includes

  • 18 nights of accommodation in 3-star hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Arrival transfer from Tokyo airport to the city centre by limousine bus
  • Departure transfer from Osaka city centre to Kansai Airport by limousine bus
  • 7-day Japan Rail National Pass
  • 7-day JR West All Area Pass
  • Unlimited pocket Wi-Fi, with one device per reservation

 

19 Days / 18 Nights

Land only from CA$4039 per person
Based on double occupancy.

This is a self-guided journey. Travellers explore independently, with accommodations and major rail transportation arranged in advance.

Call 1.866.WOW.DEAL (969.3325) to speak with one of our travel experts.

  • DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN TOKYO

    Arrival at Tokyo Airport. Transfer to central Tokyo by limousine bus. Pick-up your Pocket Wi-Fi at the hotel reception to enjoy internet access throughout your trip. Overnight in Tokyo.

    Meals : No meals included

    Accommodation : Tokyo for 3 nights

    DAY 2 TOKYO

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Tokyo.
    Recommended: Explore the traditional neighborhoods of Asakusa and Ueno, home to the beautiful Senso-ji Temple and Sumida Park. Continue with a walk through Yanaka, also known as “old Tokyo.” Overnight in Tokyo.

    Meals : Breakfast

    DAY 3 TOKYO

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Tokyo.
    Recommended: Want to see the iconic Mount Fuji? Take a train ($) from Shinjuku Station to Lake Kawaguchiko for stunning views. With an early start, the round trip by train or bus can easily be done in one day. Overnight in Tokyo.

    Meals : Breakfast

    DAY 4 TOKYO – AOMORI

    Breakfast at the hotel. Activate your 7-day Japan Rail (JR) National Pass. Head to Tokyo Station and take the train to Shin-Aomori using your pass. Free time and overnight in Aomori.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : Aomori for 2 nights

    DAY 5 AOMORI

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Aomori.
    Recommended: The Nebuta WA-RASSE Museum is a must-see. Discover the floats from the Nebuta Matsuri, one of Japan’s most iconic festivals. Overnight in Aomori.

    Meals : Breakfast

    DAY 6 AOMORI – SENDAI

    Breakfast at the hotel. Head to Shin-Aomori Station and take the train to Sendai using your pass.
    Recommended: Visit Sendai Castle dedicated to Lord Date Masamune, with views of the giant Sendai Daikannon statue, or explore Matsushima Bay. Free time and overnight in Sendai.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : Sendai for 2 nights

    DAY 7 SENDAI

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Sendai.
    Recommended: Take a day trip to Yamadera. Climb the stairs to this mountaintop temple surrounded by a forest and enjoy spectacular valley views. Overnight in Sendai.

    Meals : Breakfast

    DAY 8 SENDAI – NAGANO

    Breakfast at the hotel. Take the train from Sendai to Nagano using your pass.
    Recommended: Zenko-ji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, home to a sacred statue and known for its spiritual atmosphere, especially at dawn. Free time and overnight in Nagano.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : Nagano for 1 night

    DAY 9 NAGANO – KANAZAWA

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free time.
    Recommended: Choose between visiting the samurai village of Matsushiro, with its historic residences and feudal charm, or the Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous for snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. Take the train from Nagano to Kanazawa using your pass. Free time and overnight in Kanazawa.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : Kanazawa for 2 nights

    DAY 10 KANAZAWA

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Kanazawa.
    Recommended: Want to visit the picturesque village of Shirakawago? Take a bus ($) from Kanazawa Station for a scenic day trip. Overnight in Kanazawa.

    Meals : Breakfast

    DAY 11 KANAZAWA – KYOTO

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free time. Activate your 7-day JR West All Area Pass.
    Recommended: Explore the Higashi Chaya district in Kanazawa. Wander among century-old teahouses, stone-paved alleys, and wooden façades for a journey back in time. Take the train to Kyoto using your pass. Free time and overnight in Kyoto.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : Kyoto for 2 nights

    DAY 12 KYOTO

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Kyoto.
    Recommended: Discover the Gion district. Stroll through its historic alleys in search of maiko-san, between traditional wooden houses and lantern-lit streets. In the evening, enjoy a magical walk-through Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of illuminated torii gates. Overnight in Kyoto.

    Meals : Breakfast

    DAY 13 KYOTO – FUKUOKA

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free time.
    Recommended: Don’t miss the Arashiyama district in Kyoto. Walk through the famous bamboo grove, visit peaceful temples, and admire the scenic Hozu river. Take the train from Kyoto to Hakata using your pass. Free time and overnight in Fukuoka.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : Fukuoka for 2 nights

    DAY 14 FUKUOKA

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Fukuoka.
    Recommended: Fukuoka is a must-see in southern Japan. Discover the famous yatai (open-air street food stalls), stroll through the vibrant Nakasu district, and soak in the city’s warm and lively atmosphere. Overnight in Fukuoka.

    Meals : Breakfast

    DAY 15 FUKUOKA – HIROSHIMA

    Breakfast at the hotel. Take the train from Hakata to Hiroshima using your pass.
    Recommended: Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum for a moving and educational experience. Free time and overnight in Hiroshima.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : Hiroshima for 2 nights

    DAY 16 HIROSHIMA

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Hiroshima.
    Recommended: Explore the sacred island of Miyajima. See wild deer, serene temples, forest paths, and the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s most famous views. Overnight in Hiroshima.

    Meals : Breakfast

    DAY 17 HIROSHIMA– OSAKA

    Breakfast at the hotel. Take the train from Hiroshima to Osaka using your pass.
    Recommended: Visit Osaka Castle, then dive into the energy of Dotonbori, with its neon lights, street food, and lively nightlife. Free time and overnight in Osaka.

    Meals : Breakfast

    Accommodation : Osaka for 2 nights

    DAY 18 OSAKA

    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Osaka.
    Recommended: Take a day trip to Nara. Discover the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, stroll through Nara Park with its free-roaming deer, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this former imperial capital. Round trip by train from Tennoji Station in Osaka is easy to do in a day. Overnight in Osaka.

    Meals : Breakfast

    DAY 19 OSAKA

    Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by limousine bus from Osaka city center to Kansai Airport (KIX) for your return flight.

    Meals : Breakfast

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