An All-Inclusive Japanese Adventure
For many Indian travellers, Japan is a bucket-list destination that can feel complex to plan independently. IRCTC has designed a tour package, often called "Japan – The Golden Route with Hiroshima," to simplify this experience. These packages, typically
lasting 8 nights and 9 days or 9 nights and 10 days, bundle flights, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing into one booking. The tours are escorted, meaning an IRCTC tour manager and local guides are present, making it particularly suitable for first-time international travellers or those who prefer a structured itinerary. Departures are available from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi, with specific dates announced for different packages.
Tokyo: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
The journey typically begins in Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital. The itinerary is designed to offer a taste of both its modern marvels and ancient roots. Sightseeing often includes a visit to the historic Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji), one of Tokyo's oldest temples, and the vibrant Nakamise shopping street leading up to it. To showcase the city's futuristic side, tours frequently feature trips to the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views, the trendy Shibuya Crossing, and immersive digital art museums like teamLab Planets. A visit to the area around the Imperial Palace and parks like Ueno Park are also common highlights.
Mount Fuji and the Bullet Train Experience
No trip to Japan is complete without witnessing the majestic Mount Fuji. The IRCTC package includes an excursion to this iconic volcano, often taking travellers up to the 5th Station, weather permitting. This leg of the journey also explores the surrounding scenic Hakone region. Experiences here can include a ride on the Hakone Ropeway for stunning aerial views of the volcanic valley of Owakudani and a cruise across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship. A major highlight for many is the inclusion of a ride on the Shinkansen, Japan's world-famous bullet train, which connects travellers swiftly to the next leg of their journey towards cities like Hiroshima.
Kyoto, Nara and Osaka: A Cultural Deep Dive
The tour dedicates significant time to Japan's cultural heartland. In Kyoto, the former imperial capital, visitors explore serene and beautiful sites. Common stops include the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. A visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of iconic red torii gates, is another frequent inclusion. The itinerary also covers Nara, a city famous for Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant bronze Buddha statue, and Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. The journey continues to Osaka, known for its vibrant food scene and the impressive Osaka Castle.
Hiroshima: A Journey of Peace and Reflection
A deeply significant part of the tour is the visit to Hiroshima. This part of the itinerary offers a poignant look into world history. Travellers visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, the preserved ruins of a building that survived the 1945 atomic blast. These sites serve as a powerful reminder of the past and a monument to peace. The tour often includes a short ferry ride to the nearby Miyajima Island, famous for the Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic "floating" torii gate that appears to float on water at high tide.
Package Inclusions and Costs
IRCTC's packages are designed to be largely all-inclusive. The price typically covers return economy airfare, visa fees, and accommodation in three or four-star hotels. Most meals (daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, often Indian style) are included, as are all transfers in air-conditioned coaches and entrance fees for sightseeing. Travel insurance and the services of an English-speaking guide are also part of the deal. Prices vary based on the departure city and accommodation choice (single, twin, or triple sharing). For instance, a recent 9-day package from Mumbai started at around ₹3,36,200 per person, while a 10-day tour from Delhi started at ₹3,45,999. An additional Tax Collected at Source (TCS) may also apply.
