Train & Rail Tours in Japan

What our customers ask about Train & Rail Tours in Japan

• How long are typical train journeys between major Japanese cities?

  The Shinkansen bullet train network connects Japan's major cities with impressive speed. The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes while Kyoto to Hiroshima runs 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Hiroshima to Osaka route spans roughly 3 hours. "The bullet trains were amazing - we could have breakfast in Tokyo and lunch in Kyoto!" notes one TourRadar traveler. Many tour packages include stays at station-adjacent properties like Hotel Granvia Hiroshima making train connections simple and practical.

• What are the most scenic train routes in Japan?

  Japan's rail network offers several routes with excellent views. The Tokyo to Hakone line provides clear views of Mt. Fuji while the Arashiyama route passes through dense bamboo forests. The coastal journey from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island lets passengers see Japan's inland sea. One TourRadar traveler shares: "Got to see lots of Japan. Was really pleased to see some of the smaller cities (Takayama Nikko and Hakone) as these would be places you may not go to if not on a guided tour." The high-speed routes between major cities reach speeds of 300 km/h while showing the rural Japanese landscape.

• What kind of accommodation options are available on train tours in Japan?

  Train tour accommodations range from modern to traditional settings. Options include contemporary hotels like the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo near major stations traditional Japanese ryokans with natural hot springs in Hakone and space-saving capsule hotels in city centers. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The accommodations were a great mix of different styles of hostels and were close to most areas in the city with a few exceptions." Most properties provide quick access to nearby train stations.

• What are the must-see stops along popular train routes in Japan?

  Japan's rail system connects to key cultural sites across the country. Popular stops include Tokyo's historic Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple Kyoto's Arashiyama bamboo groves and Gion geisha quarter the iconic floating torii gate near Hiroshima and Takayama's preserved old town in the Japanese Alps. One TourRadar traveler reports: "From the neon-lit skyscrapers to bamboo forests dotted with ancient temples the train routes took us to all the highlights while staying at convenient hotels like the EN Hotel Hiroshima."

• How accessible are train stations in Japan for travelers with luggage?

  Most major Japanese stations provide elevators and escalators though smaller stops might only offer stairs. Tour packages often include luggage forwarding between cities. One TourRadar traveler advises: "Be prepared to pack light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and to hotels which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas." Properties like the Spa Alpina Hotel in Takayama typically offer luggage storage for early arrivals.

• How does rail travel in Japan compare to other transportation options?

  Japan's trains stand out as the most reliable and comfortable way to see the country. The comprehensive rail system links all major destinations with precise timing and spotless conditions. Hotels like the Hearton Hotel Kyoto located near stations make train travel even more convenient. According to a TourRadar traveler "Japanese trains are a quintessential experience and one of the best insights into culture (and efficiency!) of the country." The Shinkansen system particularly excels in speed comfort and dependability compared to road travel options.