£1560pp—Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka rail holiday

This 9-night holiday lets you explore Japan independently on the bullet train network. Wander the retro-futuristic streets of Tokyo, explore the lantern-lit alleys of Kyoto, and try top-class street food in Osaka. If the weather is good, you'll be able to spot Mount Fuji from the train window.

The offer is £1549 per person. Tourist tax applies in Japan. You'll pay ¥200 per night in Tokyo; ¥400 per night in Kyoto; and  ¥200 per night in Osaka. That's around ¥2200 overall (£10.43), bringing the total price to £1559.43 per person.

What's included

• Return flights, with 22kg checked baggage
• Bullet train travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
• Three nights at the 4-star Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro, in a Standard Room
• Three nights at the 4-star RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto, in a Standard Room
• Two nights at the 4-star Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji, in a Standard Room
• Daily breakfast

When
Fly from London Heathrow on 11 January; 11 February; 11 June, 2027.

For more information, see our partner's website.

Itinerary
Begin with three nights at a high-rise hotel in central Tokyo. It is less than a minute from the major train and subway station of Ikebukuro. Visit all the classic spots, like the Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Shrine. There's time to fit in more off-the-tourist-trail experiences, too. We recommend exploring the tiny bars of the Golden Gai, digging through vintage vinyl shops in Shimokitazawa, or catching a late-night jazz set at a hidden kissaten in Koenji.

Next, catch the bullet train to Kyoto. On this stretch, you can see Mount Fuji from the train window (as long as the weather is fine). It's on the right-hand side, so aim for a seat on the right of the train. Views are best between Shizuoka and Mishima. Once you arrive in Kyoto, wander lantern-lit lanes, look out for geiko, and visit hillside temples like Kiyomizu-dera.

Finally, continue on to Osaka—the city is fairly close to Kyoto, and the journey takes under 30 minutes. Osaka is famous for its food. It's widely considered some of the best in the country, earning it the nickname "kuidaore", meaning "eat until you drop". Try traditional deep-fried comfort food at the sprawling market. Don't forget to grab a photo by the huge mechanical crab on Dotonbori Street. 

Transfers & baggage
Train transfers between cities are included. You'll need to make your own way from the stations to the hotels. 22kg checked baggage is included.