Japan (March 2020)

Young Rail Tours first intercontinental tour was ten months in the making and saw 21 professionals (chosen through a very competitive lottery process) from the UK take part in an unforgettable 12 night exploration of the Japanese Rail Industry alongside an incredible array of unique cultural experiences.

Nothing could have prepared the YRT organisers for the complexity of delivering a tour amongst the disruption and uncertainty of the emerging Covid-19 pandemic but, despite this, organisers and delegates enjoyed an incredible tour across five cities including the metropolitan sprawl of Tokyo, the historic beauty of Kyoto and the bustling nightlife of Osaka.

The trip included;

• A historic tour of Tokyo including; Tsujki Outer Fish Market, Hamirikyu Gardens, Asakusa and Senso-Ji Temple, Tokyo Samurai Museum and a welcome meal at the Little TVG railway themed restaurant.
  
• A guided tour across the Oji and Kita Ward’s of Tokyo taking in the shortest monorail in Tokyo, riding the last remaining tram network and visiting historic trains in Asukayama Park.
  
• A visit to the newly built JR East Takanawa Gateway Station on the Yamanote Line, contrasted with the historic beauty of Tokyo Station.
  
• Visits to Miyajima Shrine, Hiroshima Peace Park and Himeji Castle.
  
• A ride on Sagano Romantic Train, a historic line outside Kyoto which travels through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
  
• A trip to Kinosaki Onsen, a traditional Japanese Spa and Ryokan Town.
  
• A weekend in Osaka which included optional visits to Nara (The first Imperial Capital of Japan) and Kyoto’s most famous temples.
  
• A visit to the Usui Pass Historic Railway Village.