Viator
Viator sponsors one- to three-day railway tours that explore Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Hakone. The tours of Mt. Fuji feature a cruise around Lake Ashi, a ride on the Mt. Komagatake aerial cable-way with views of Hakone National Park, and a trip to the Fuji visitor center. Exploration around Kyoto focuses on cultural sites such as the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace. The tour of Nara visits the Todaji Temple, the Kasuga Shrine and Deer Park.
www.viator.com/search/Japan%20train
Adventure Center
Adventure Center hosts train tours around the world, including Japan. The Shogun Trail tour allows visitors to explore Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Hirado Island over a period of thirteen days. Featured sites include the Tokkaido trail, the Peace Park Museum, the temples of Kyoto and the geisha district. Adventure Center also hosts two one-month tours that explore Japan and Russia.
www.adventurecenter.com/activity/Rail_Journey
Ffestiniog Travel
Another international agency, Ffestiniog Travel hosts tours that allow visitors to ride on trains both old and new, as well as provides opportunities for sightseeing in some of the major cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Participants are also conducted to scenic spots such as Kamikochi.
www.festtravel.co.uk/2010/tour_japan_2011.htm
Trains and Travel
For railway enthusiasts interested in the history of trains in Japan, Trains and Travel offers the Japanese Railway Explorer tour. The tour is conducted by Japanese and American rail experts, and features a variety of trains, including steam and diesel locomotives, bullet trains, trams and streetcars. The tour also includes a ride on the Super Hakucho through the world's longest undersea tunnel and a ride on the Marineliner across as suspension bridge to the island of Shikoku.
www.traintrips.biz/japanese-railway-explorer.html
Jaltour
Jaltour is a Japanese tourism agency based in the United Kingdom that offers semi-escorted and independent tours. These tours allow visitors more flexibility but also provide a detailed itinerary and information packet to assist in the journey. Jaltour offers a variety of tours that explore the history and culture of Japan.
www.jaltour.co.uk/tours
The Shinkansen Tour
The Shinkansen Tour is a collaborative effort by the JTB travel agency and the Central Japan Railway Co. It is a travel package that includes accommodations and transportation to a wide variety of locations, most centered around popular locations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, Osaka, Hiroshima and Takayama. Some tours feature guides, while others are independent.
www.japanican.com/special/shinkansen/index.aspx?aff=EXJ
Hokkaido Railway Co.
Visitors interested in traveling through Hokkaido can find detailed information on the Hokkaido Railway Company's website. Several recommendations are provided for exploring Hokkaido by train, including seasonal tours that highlight the beauty of the landscape. The tours are not accompanied by guides, but the website provides an abundance of information regarding train routes and scheduling.
www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/travel/index.html
