Trains to Tokyo

Highlights

• Arrive at Haneda Airport (HND), the most convenient airport for Tokyo. Narita International Airport (NRT) is an alternative, located 50-60 kilometers from the city center.
• Travel to Tokyo Station, a major rail hub, via Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Railways.
• Experience the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing and soak in the urban energy.

Highlights

• Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, a historic Buddhist temple famed for its Kaminarimon Gate.
• Explore the traditional shops and atmosphere around Senso-ji.
• Find a calm spiritual retreat at Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine set in a large forested park.

Highlights

• Depart from Tokyo Station by JR Central train to Kyoto Station. Tickets start from €76.
• The train journey covers 230 miles (371 km) in approximately 3h 24m.
• Wander through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, best visited in the evening for its historic character.

Highlights

• Marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the iconic Zen temple with its gold-leaf pavilion reflected over a pond.
• Visit Kiyomizu-dera, a historic hillside temple known for its wooden stage and city views.
• Walk through the thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Highlights

• Travel from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station by JR West or JR Central train. Tickets start from €8.
• The train journey covers 26 miles (43 km) in approximately 23m.
• Experience Dotonbori, Osaka’s famous canal-side entertainment area, known for its vibrant nightlife and iconic imagery.

Highlights

• For planning, the earliest outbound departure is 06:54 and the latest return departure is 03:11.
• Depart from Shin-Osaka Station by JR West train to Himeji Station. Earliest departure is 06:54, with tickets from €18.
• Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most beautiful original castles.

Highlights

• Visit Osaka Castle, an iconic reconstructed castle with significant historical importance.
• Travel to Kansai International Airport (KIX), the primary international airport for the Greater Osaka Area.
• Itami Airport (ITM) is an alternative for domestic flights, located about 15 kilometers north of central Osaka.

Highlights

• Arrive at Haneda Airport (HND), Tokyo's closest international gateway.
• Transfer to Tokyo Station, a major intercity terminal, via efficient public transport.
• Experience the vibrant nightlife and towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku.

Highlights

• Wander through the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple.
• Discover the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine, nestled within a vast forested park.
• Explore the extensive collections of Japanese art and history at the Tokyo National Museum.

Highlights

• Witness the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, a symbol of modern Tokyo's energy.
• Indulge in luxury shopping and elegant streets in the upscale Ginza district.
• Ascend Tokyo Tower for classic skyline views and a glimpse of the city's vastness.

Highlights

• Board a JR Central Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station for a scenic journey, with tickets starting from €76.
• Arrive in Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan, in just over 3 hours.
• Stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, best experienced in the evening.

Highlights

• Visit Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion, reflected beautifully over its pond.
• Explore Kiyomizu-dera, a historic hillside temple with a famous wooden stage and city views.
• Walk the atmospheric Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka lanes, lined with traditional townhouses.

Highlights

• Wander through the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a tranquil experience.
• Hike through the thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha.
• Savour Shojin Ryori, traditional Buddhist temple cuisine, for a unique culinary experience.

Highlights

• Take a quick train journey with JR West or JR Central from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station, with tickets from €8.
• Experience the vibrant energy and iconic neon signs of Osaka's Dotonbori district.
• Sample local street food like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki in this bustling area.

Highlights

• Travel by JR West train from Shin-Osaka Station to Himeji Station, with tickets from €18. The earliest outbound train is at 06:54, and the latest return is at 03:11.
• Explore the majestic Himeji Castle, Japan's finest surviving feudal castle.
• Stroll through the castle's serene surrounding gardens.

Highlights

• Visit Osaka Castle, a reconstructed landmark offering insights into the city's past.
• Explore the lively Namba district, a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Discover the unique deep-fried skewers of Kushikatsu, a local Osaka specialty.

Highlights

• Spend your morning exploring any remaining Osaka sights or enjoying a final Japanese meal.
• Depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX), the main international gateway for the region.
• Alternatively, consider departing from Shin-Osaka Station, a major Shinkansen hub, for onward travel.

Highlights

• Transfer from Haneda Airport (HND) to central Tokyo via the Tokyo Monorail, a journey of approximately 19 minutes to Tokyo Station.
• Consider exploring the neon-lit streets of Shibuya or the entertainment hub of Shinjuku for a taste of modern Tokyo.
• Alternatively, Narita International Airport (NRT) offers direct Narita Express (N'EX) train services to Tokyo Station in about 53 minutes.

Highlights

• Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple, known for its iconic Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street.
• Explore the tranquil Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine nestled within a vast forested park, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.
• Delve into Japanese art and history at the Tokyo National Museum, showcasing samurai armour, ceramics, and archaeological finds.

Highlights

• Travel from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by JR Central Shinkansen train, a direct journey taking around 3 hours 24 minutes.
• Tickets for this high-speed train journey start from €76, offering a comfortable and efficient way to travel.
• Upon arrival in Kyoto, begin to soak in the city's unique blend of historic charm and serene beauty.

Highlights

• Marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple with its top two floors covered in gold leaf, reflected beautifully in the pond below.
• Walk through the thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, leading up Mount Inari.
• Visit Kiyomizu-dera, a historic hillside temple famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

Highlights

• Take a direct train from Kyoto Station to Himeji Station, with services starting as early as 06:00 and tickets from €26.
• Discover Himeji Castle, known as the 'White Heron Castle' for its elegant, white appearance, and explore its intricate grounds.
• Stroll through Koko-en Garden, a traditional Japanese garden complex adjacent to Himeji Castle, featuring nine distinct garden styles. Return trains from Himeji to Kyoto run until 23:05.

Highlights

• Take a short train journey from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station, with direct services taking as little as 13 minutes and tickets starting from €8.
• Experience the electric atmosphere of Dotonbori, famous for its dazzling neon signs, entertainment, and vibrant nightlife.
• Indulge in Osaka's renowned street food, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes).

Highlights

• Visit Osaka Castle, a significant landmark offering insights into Japan's history and impressive city views.
• Explore the retro-futuristic Shinsekai district, home to the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower and a nostalgic atmosphere.
• Depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX), easily accessible from Shin-Osaka Station via the JR Limited Express Haruka in approximately 55 minutes.