Indian Railways Launches Premium Japan Tour Featuring Bullet Train and Heritage Sites

Indian Railways, through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, has launched a limited-edition premium Japan tour package departing from Delhi on September 6, 2026. The 10-day comprehensive itinerary covers Tokyo, Hakone, Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, blending ancient heritage with high-speed rail innovation.

Curated Journey: IRCTC Connects Delhi to Japan's Historic Capitals

The demand for all-inclusive international travel packages among Indian tourists is rising, with travelers seeking experiences that combine comfort with deep cultural immersion. In response, IRCTC has introduced its premium Japan holiday package. The 10-day journey is scheduled to run from September 6 to September 15, 2026, starting with a flight from Delhi to Tokyo's Haneda Airport and returning from Tokyo at the end of the tour.

The itinerary connects some of Japan’s most famous cities, providing travelers with a comprehensive view of the country’s history, technology, and natural beauty. By organizing flights, four-star hotel accommodations, tourist visas, meals, and local sightseeing in a single package, IRCTC aims to simplify international travel for Indian families, couples, and solo travelers.

This curated journey allows visitors to experience Japan’s unique balance of ancient traditions and modern lifestyle. From the historic shrines of Kyoto to the high-tech streets of Tokyo, the program showcases the diverse attractions that have made Japan a leading global travel destination.

High-Speed Innovation: Riding the Shinkansen and SCMAGLEV Museum

A key highlight of the package is the exploration of Japan’s world-famous railway technology. High-speed rail is central to the country's transportation infrastructure, and the tour includes a ride on the Shinkansen bullet train from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station. This journey allows travelers to experience the speed, punctuality, and comfort of one of the world's most advanced rail networks.

To provide deeper insights into the development of high-speed transit, the itinerary includes a visit to the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park in Nagoya. The museum showcases the history of railway technology in Japan, featuring historic steam locomotives, bullet trains, and the latest magnetic levitation prototypes.

Additionally, travelers will visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Nagoya, learning about the evolution of the country’s engineering and automobile sectors. These visits showcase the engineering achievements that have shaped Japan's economic profile, making the tour highly appealing to technology and rail enthusiasts.

Natural Wonders: Mount Fuji, Hakone Ropeway, and Lake Ashi

Beyond modern cities, the itinerary introduces travelers to the volcanic scenery of Hakone, a mountain resort area located near Mount Fuji. Visitors will travel to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station, situated at an altitude of 2,305 meters, which offers panoramic views of the peak. If weather conditions restrict access, the tour shifts to Oshino Hakkai, a traditional village known for its clear spring ponds fed by melting snow from the mountain.

The Hakone excursion also features the Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic zone famous for hot springs and scenic steam vents. Guests will travel between Togendai and Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway, enjoying aerial views of the valleys.

The experience concludes with a sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi aboard the Hakone Pirate Ship. This scenic boat trip provides views of the surrounding forests and the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine reflecting on the water, offering a memorable look at Japan’s natural heritage.

Cultural Heritage: Ancient Temples and Bamboo Forests

The cultural segment of the tour focuses on Japan’s historic capitals, Kyoto and Nara, which contain some of the country’s most celebrated Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. In Kyoto, travelers will visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, walking along pathways surrounded by towering stalks of green bamboo.

The itinerary also features Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, renowned for its gold-leaf-covered exterior reflecting on a mirror-like pond. Guests will also visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of red torii gates form winding paths up the mountain. In Nara, the tour visits Todai-ji Temple, which houses a massive bronze Buddha statue, and the surrounding Nara Deer Park, where hundreds of protected deer roam freely.

In Tokyo, the cultural exploration begins at Asakusa Temple (Senso-ji), the city's oldest Buddhist site. Travelers can walk through the Nakamise Dori shopping street, sampling traditional snacks and browsing local craft stalls. The tour also includes Ueno Park, the waterfront district of Odaiba, and the interactive digital art installations at TeamLab Planets, which use light and technology to create an immersive sensory experience.

Environmental Focus: Sustainable Transit and Wildlife Respect

Sustainable tourism is a central priority for both the Japan National Tourism Organization and regional conservation bodies. Traveling via the Shinkansen bullet train represents a highly eco-friendly transit method, producing approximately 90% fewer carbon emissions per passenger-kilometer than a comparable commercial flight, helping to minimize the environmental footprint of the 10-day tour.

In destinations like Nara Deer Park, visitors are required to follow strict conservation guidelines. The resident sika deer are protected as natural monuments, and travelers must only feed them designated sika senbei (deer crackers) sold by local vendors, avoiding human foods that can harm the animals.

Additionally, the tour supports local communities by employing regional English-speaking guides and dining at independent restaurants that source ingredients from local farms. Sourcing crafts from traditional markets like Nakamise Dori helps preserve regional craftsmanship, ensuring that tourism directly supports the local economy.

Local Insider Guide: Transit Customs and Kyoto Dining Specialties

To help you navigate your journey through Japan comfortably and respect local traditions, travel specialists recommend the following practical tips:

Understand the Tipping Culture: Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can be considered confusing or rude. Exceptional service is built into the pricing, so do not leave extra cash for hotel staff, drivers, or restaurant servers.
Remove Shoes When Required: When entering traditional temples, ryokans, or home-style restaurants, look for the genkan (entryway) and remove your outdoor shoes, switching to the indoor slippers provided.
Kyoto and Osaka Dining Specialties: Sample regional culinary creations. In Kyoto, enjoy a traditional Kaiseki multi-course meal or try Yuba (tofu skin). In Osaka, sample Okonomiyaki, a savory cabbage pancake cooked on a flat grill and topped with seaweed and savory sauce.
Visa and Document Preparation: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your return date. Submit your PAN card, employment letters, and financial statements to IRCTC early to ensure smooth visa processing.

Tourism Outlook: The Rise of Comprehensive Tour Packages for Indian Travelers

The introduction of premium international rail and heritage packages by IRCTC indicates a positive outlook for outbound tourism from India. By offering structured, high-value itineraries, organizations like the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan can attract a growing number of Indian travelers who value convenience and comfort.

The package pricing starts at Rs 3,45,999 per person for triple-sharing accommodation, Rs 3,49,999 for twin-sharing, and Rs 4,73,999 for single occupancy. Children's rates are priced at Rs 2,92,499 with a bed and Rs 2,63,999 without a bed, making the tour accessible to different family groups.

By combining sustainable rail travel with heritage sightseeing, the premium package sets a benchmark for future international offerings. This balanced approach helps preserve natural habitats and cultural monuments, ensuring that the expansion of tourism supports both global connectivity and environmental conservation.