The 15 Best Rail Journeys in Japan

1.Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26,383 reviews · from $163Our pick

Review of a full-day Mt Fuji and Hakone tour from Tokyo, with 5th Station, buffet lunch, ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, and bullet train return.

“First the guide was great, he faced a lot of changes ,which I think if he had administration back up could have been avoided . The weather was extreme , and temperature minus 15 with wind 97 km/hour Giving wind chill of -23 C !! Dangerous weather to be exposed to . I assume that weather is known up to 24 hours in advance . The trip should have been cancelled , of at least offered a refund . The Fuji past was two hour to coffee to , because it was unable to be outside . The next two parts of trip were closed , the boat ride and…”

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2.Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bullet Train 1 Day from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7,413 reviews · from $149

See Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi and Hakone by coach, cruise and ropeway, then race back to Tokyo on a Shinkansen in one packed day.

“Every stop was rushed to much to seein one day. The best stop was Mount Fuji of course but 30 mins at base 5 hardly time to take photos”

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3.Tokyo Mt Fuji 5th St & Hakone Cruise Bus Tour w/Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5,024 reviews · 10 hours · from $154

See Mt Fuji’s 5th Station, ride Hakone’s ropeway, cruise Lake Ashi, and return to Tokyo by Shinkansen on a full-day tour.

“excellent guide called lisa who was brilliant in her knowledge and organising. very professional in her job and not forgetting the driver who was brilliant.”

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4.Mt. Fuji & Hakone Tour w/ Return by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,278 reviews · 11 hours · from $117

Review of a full-day Tokyo tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone, with the 5th Station, ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, lunch, and bullet train return.

“Absolutely fabulous day from start to finish Our guide Harry was such a well informed guide with lots of knowledge he shared with us Harry showed care & compassion making sure we all had everything we required & that we got the best from the tour The length & content of the tour was perfect & we would highly recommend this to anyone”

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5.From Tokyo 1-Day Kyoto English-guided Tour by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 376 reviews · from $452

Ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto for Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera, lunch, and English guidance in one long day.

“My favorite tour in Japan so far! I spent most of my time in Tokyo so this tour was perfect - Kyoto is a beautiful, serene, cultural city. If you’re in Tokyo and debating on whether or not to take the trip to Kyoto, I’d say do it! Tour guides were very helpful and knowledgeable. The buffet lunch was also delicious!”

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6.Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip From Tokyo with Bullet Train Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 368 reviews · from $97

See Mt. Fuji, Owakudani, Hakone Ropeway, and Lake Ashi in one long Tokyo day, with optional lunch and a bullet train return.

“Gives you a little bit of everything Happy San our guide was funny and keep us informed. Very organized and efficient.”

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7.Sagano Train Ride and Kyoto Guided Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 180 reviews · from $66

Review of LIMON Tours’ Kyoto day trip from Osaka, with Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera, Arashiyama, bamboo forest, and Sagano Train.

“Everyone was treated VIP. .the tour guide was very informative and helpful. the bus was cozy and comfortable. 101 limon bus”

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8.Takachiho Gorge & Scenic Railway One Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 178 reviews · from $44

Explore Takachiho Gorge, ride a nostalgic railway, and visit Amano Yasugawara on a full-day Kyushu tour from Fukuoka.

“Daisy made the day, an insightful and very memorable experience! The trip was well planned and executed! It was a great way to see nature and explore places you wouldn’t find on your own. Daisy also gave great recommendations for the city that sadly, I wasn’t able to use because I was leaving.”

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9.Full Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour by Bullet Train from Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 120 reviews · from $399

Review of Kyoto’s full-day Hiroshima and Miyajima tour by bullet train, with Itsukushima Shrine, Peace Museum, guides, timing, and value.

“The tour to Miyajima Island and Hiroshima from Kyoto was a great experience. The bullet train ride was smooth and easy as we were taken to the platform by someone and met in Hiroshima by our tour guide Miki. We were bused to the ferry tRead more”

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10.Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Trip by Bullet Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 83 reviews · 8 hours - 690 minutes · from $104

See Hiroshima and Miyajima from Osaka by Shinkansen, with the Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine, ferry rides, deer, and local food.

“Miss Angeles was amazing Tour guide, we learned a lot of History Hiroshima. For sure comming back again !. We have also amazing bus driver, was smooth and good.”

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11.Kamakura & Enoshima Day Tour with Pickup & Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 61 reviews · 10 hours · from $13

Review of a budget Tokyo day tour to Kamakura and Enoshima, with the Enoden train, Great Buddha, shrines, coastal views, and small-group transport.

“It was very good, I highly recommended this trip for anyone who visiting Tokyo”

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12.Private Samurai Experience – Train with Sword Master

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 3 hours - 270 minutes · from $158

Train with sword master Tatsuya Watanabe at a private Osaka temple, learn samurai techniques, and see a rare sword performance.

“Benoit was very helpful and Watanabe san's demonstration truly inspiring. Highly recommended!!”

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13.Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 24 reviews · 10 hours · from $83

Ride Wakayama’s cat train, watch tuna sliced at ToreTore Market, visit Shirahama’s cliffs, and add an optional hot spring soak from Osaka.

“we had a great Time with our guide "tiger". He's a really nice guy and always aware of where everyonenis and where to go next. He had precise explanations to every stop and what you can do there, at the end of our trip he even had some restaurant tipps for the night. 100% recommend”

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14.Kyoto Railway Museum Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 23 reviews · 1 day · from $9Best value

Explore 53 Japanese trains, ride a steam locomotive, watch the roundhouse turntable, and enjoy hands-on railway exhibits in Kyoto.

“nice to see the history of the train in Japan and of course see the bullet train”

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15.Arashiyama Tour with optional Sagano Romantic Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 18 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $105

Explore Arashiyama by train and on foot, with bamboo, Tenryu Temple, Kyoto snacks, expert guides, and Togetsukyo Bridge views.

“We had the most amazing day in Kyoto with our guide, Leo! 🌸 He was incredibly friendly and passionate about sharing the history and culture of his country. Thanks to him, we discovered hidden gems we would have never found on our own. The entire day was perfectly organized, yet felt relaxed and enjoyable. It truly was an unforgettable experience that made our trip to Kyoto so special. We can’t recommend Leo enough – if you’re visiting Kyoto, make sure to book a tour with him!”

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