JAPAN BY RAIL A CHERRY BLOSSOM SPECTACULAR 9 - 24 APRIL 2019 WITH SCOTT MCGREGOR - RAILWAY ADVENTURES
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Japan by Rail
A CHERRY BLOSSOM SPECTACULAR
9 - 24 APRIL 2019
with Scott McGregor
• TOKYO • HIROSHIMA • KYOTO • HAKONE *
• NIIGATA • SENDAI • AOMORI •
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
It’s not hard to argue the merits of train travel. However,
to discover just how far rail technology has come in the • Extensive rail travel using your JR Green Class (first class) Rail
last two centuries, there’s nothing like Japan. The country’s Pass, including several journeys on the iconic bullet trains
excellent railway system is one of the world’s most
• Travel by steam train on the famous heritage railways of
extensive and advanced, and travelling by train is definitely
the best way to explore this fascinating place. Fast, efficient, Yamaguchi, Oigawa, and the Banetsu lines
comfortable and convenient, and with a fantastic choice of • Ride the Sagano Forest Railway, Tozan Mountain Railway, regional
spectacular destinations, travelling by train in Japan is truly expresses, subways and a vintage tram charter in Hiroshima
special. And in Springtime, when the landscape is alive • Cruise around the Matsushima Islands, Hiroshima Bay to
with blossoms, it’s an absolute joy – with the train network Miyajima, and on a white water cruise on the Nagatoro River
taking us deep into the countryside to explore and soak up • Pay homage to survivors at Hiroshima, Sendai and Yokohama
the wonders of the season. • Explore historic temples, castles and cultural sites in Tokyo,
Join Scott McGregor and discover the highlights of Japan’s Kyoto and Himeji
main island, Honshu, on this dynamic journey. Beginning
• Visit the unsurpassed modern railway museums in Tokyo and Kyoto
in the modern, neon-lit capital of Tokyo, the famous bullet
train takes us south to the prosperous city of Hiroshima, • Enjoy a sumo wrestling demonstration in Tokyo and wacky
with a moving history and legacy like no other. We then fashions in Harajuku
continue on to the iconic city of Kyoto – richly endowed • Immerse yourself in Japan’s unique food culture at fine
with exquisite gardens, extraordinary temples and restaurants, including a traditional full-course Japanese
enthralling cultural treasures. We also explore the region Ryokan dinner, and a night with The Singing Chef in Sendai
around Mount Fuji, rich with natural beauty, volcanic drama • Multiple nights in handpicked, centrally-located hotels –
and an extraordinary open-air art museum, accessed by mostly 5-star and most with TripAdvisor™ Certificates of
the historic Tozan mountain railway. Excellence and ‘travellers choice’ or top ratings
• English speaking local guides and the services of your
From the city of Sendai, we go on to explore the Matsushima
Islands – first by boat, then on a special steam-train trip to experienced Australian host throughout
Niigata on the other side of the island, travelling through • Connections on major legs by luxury coach, with separate
beautiful mountains, valleys and forests. luggage transport
This immersive journey is designed to showcase the huge • Optional post-tour trip to the Yokohama Commonwealth War
variety of trains, tracks and railway technology in Japan. Graves Cemetery for a special Anzac Memorial Service
Along the way, we’ll visit several fine museums preserving
Japan’s rich railway history and to research centres where
the next generations of bullet trains are being developed.
And, of course, there’ll be many opportunities to see the exquisite and iconic cherry blossoms.
Combining legendary food, fine hotels, spectacular scenery, unusual events and the beauty of springtime, it’s a rare chance to experience the
very best of Japan as we coast around the country in trains, great and small.
Scott McGregor
MEET YOUR
TOUR LEADER
Scott McGregor has been in the media for over 30
years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer.
Graduating from NIDA in 1979, he appeared in a wide
range wof stage, film and TV roles, including the lead
in the ABC’s epic mini-series 1915. He has presented
and hosted numerous prime-time television series,
including many years as the handyman on Better
Homes and Gardens and Room for Improvement.
Scott more recently extended his many interests
into the world of travel; he presented two series
of his own Railway Adventures for Channels 10
and 7, and a number of programs for The History
Channel. After more than a decade leading tours, he
decided to establish Railway Adventures in 2012.
He also owns and operates Ruwenzori — an Orient
Express-inspired tourist retreat near Mudgee, NSW,
on a peak of the Great Dividing Range.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US
The joy of travelling is no longer confined to the destination—the mode of travel
is a large part of the experience. Railway Adventures offers a truly unique
perspective on some of the world’s most spectacular holiday destinations, with
the assurance that the journey is just as magical and unforgettable as what is
discovered at the end of the line.
With us, you can confidently expect:
• Small group sizes — a small number of passengers per trip guarantees an
intimate experience, with less time spent queuing, more time with your guide, TOUR MAP
and better access to sightseeing destinations.
• Unique itineraries — every itinerary has been meticulously developed by a
team of expert travellers with many years’ experience, an intimate knowledge
of the destination, and with great cultural awareness. You are guaranteed to
experience the best that each destination has to offer.
• Authentic local experiences — whether it’s a little-known yet impressive
steam railway, a small boutique hotel or an authentic restaurant, know that
you will experience something special on our tours.
• Expert local guides and operators — we employ local guides to share their
passion and knowledge of the place they call home, while our partners on the
ground provide the best possible support and backup all the way.
• Customer satisfaction — our testimonials speak for themselves. Thousands
have travelled with us over the years and many come back year after year,
often bringing friends along. On our customer satisfaction ratings, over 97%
would recommend us to others and/or travel with us again.
• Fully escorted — our team of tour leaders is experienced and capable, 1 Aomori
entertaining and considerate, and together with our local guides, has your
needs well covered. They will help with everything along the way, providing
peace of mind, and allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey. And you’ll
find them jolly good company to boot!
Niigata
3
1
Sendai
Train 3
Tokyo
Heritage, Steam Or Tourist Railways 2
3
Coach
2 Hakone
Boat
Kyoto
Hiroshima
HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL
Being rail enthusiasts we know that the journey itself is often more important than the destination. Wherever possible we have sourced
interesting and nostalgic rail journeys and other noteworthy modes of transport. Here is an example of what you will experience:
Shinkansen Banetsu Monogatari steam train Yamagutchi steam train
Day 1: Tuesday 9th April 2019: ARRIVE TOKYO
Most flights arrive early in the morning. As we can’t formally check-in to our hotel until early afternoon, we’ve instead arranged the option of breakfast at
the hotel and a morning tour of a few of Tokyo’s iconic sites.
The hotel is only three minutes walk from Shinagawa Station with a direct connection to the airport, so it’s an easy introduction to getting around Tokyo.
Drop your bags, freshen up and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel’s signature restaurant before we head out.
Our morning tour kicks off with a visit to Tokyo’s most significant Shinto monument – the Meiji Shrine. This monument dedicated to the memory of
Emperor Meiji who ruled Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, oozes the dignified grandeur of history.
Adjacent to the Meiji Shrine is one of the fascinating microcosms of modern Tokyo – the Harajuku neighbourhood – Tokyo’s fashion crucible and the
home of some of the world’s wackiest fashion trends. Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani are among those who find fashion inspiration here. In addition to the
back-street boutiques, venture onto the wide avenue where many of the world’s most famous brands are represented. Afterwards, enjoy a lovely tempura
lunch, before checking in to the hotel and an afternoon of relaxation.
We’ll re-group in the evening to take a short subway ride to the setting of our celebratory welcome dinner.
Overnight: The Strings Intercontinental Hotel, Shinagawa (B, L, D)
DAY 2: Wednesday 10th April: TOKYO
Our exploration today will contrast the old and new city of Tokyo. To see it all, we’ll of course use the city’s incomparable rail network. We’ll start
by visiting the 634 m tall Tokyo Sky Tree, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest tower. Taking the high-speed elevator to the
observation platform, we’ll enjoy a panorama that shows the sheer scale of Tokyo.
We’ll then get straight to the city’s roots by visiting Asakusa, the original village of Edo from which modern-day Tokyo has grown over the past 400-plus
years. Next up is a visit to Sensoji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, followed by a stroll along Nakamise Arcade, the market street connecting the temple
to its famed Kaminari Gate.
After a sumo wrestler-style lunch, we continue our introduction to Japan’s unique culture with an afternoon visit to the Edo Museum.
In the evening, you may wish to join Scott and other fellow travellers for an informal social dinner close by in the heart of Shinagawa.
Overnight: The Strings Intercontinental Hotel, Shinagawa (B, L)
DAY 3: Thursday 11th April: TOKYO
Today you have the option of exploring more of the city on your own or joining your guide on a visit to Japan’s national railway museum in the city of
Saitama. This extensive museum presents the history of Japan’s railways with an impressive collection of locomotives, from the steam, diesel and, of
course, the bullet train eras. With live talks and interactive displays, you’ll learn about the concepts and science of current and future railway systems.
The Museum is also home to a number of train-driving simulators. While at the Rooftop Garden & Café, you can enjoy your refreshments while watching
bullet trains speed by below.
In the evening, you’re free to enjoy the many delights of the city, easily accessible from the hotel’s handy location.
Overnight: The Strings Intercontinental Hotel, Shinagawa (B)
DAY 4: Friday 12th April: TOKYO - HIROSHIMA
After breakfast this morning, we depart Tokyo and travel
by bullet train south to Hiroshima, where we’ll have time
to stop by our hotel and freshen up.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a special vintage tram charter
along some of Hiroshima’s extensive tram network. Along
the way, we’ll learn more about this important city and its
unique place in global history as the first city in the world
to experience an atomic explosion. The city and its name
will forever be synonymous with that momentous event.
Following this tram tour, we’ll continue on foot through
the Peace Park to see other monuments, including the
Peace Bell, the Children’s Peace Monument, and the
A-Bomb Memorial Mound. Each is individually moving.
In totality, they represent one of the most poignant and
emotionally challenging testimonials one can experience
in an advanced country.
Dinner this evening has a particular local theme: the
regional delicacy of Okonomiyaki.
Overnight: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Saturday 13th April: HIROSHIMA
Following breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take the train to
the city of Iwakuni. We’ll then take a private coach to
visit the city’s most famous landmark (and another of
Japan’s glorious little-known highlights), the Kintaikyo
Bridge, a unique five-span edifice across the Nishiki
River — a truly amazing piece of timber architecture.
We’ll follow this with a local lunch of giant grilled chicken
and humungous rice-balls at another uniquely Japanese
exemplar, Irori Sanzoku Restaurant. After lunch, we’ll
drive to the charming town of Tsuwano, another of
Japan`s ‘off-the-beaten-track’ gems. Famous for its
historical architecture, the white walls and red-tiled
roofs add splashes of vibrant colour to the peaceful
and unspoiled townscape. Keep an eye out for the carp
swimming in the aqueducts flowing alongside the main
street. At Tsuwano Station, we board SL Yamaguchi, a
C–571 model steam engine that originally entered service
in 1937. It has been lovingly restored to operate on the
two-hour journey between Tsuwano and the coastal city
of Yamaguchi, passing through some of Japan’s most
breathtaking country vistas en route.
We return to our hotel in Hiroshima later in the afternoon
Bomb Dome, Hiroshima and enjoy a free evening.
Overnight: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel (B, L)
DAY 6: Sunday 14th April: HIROSHIMA - KYOTO We check out of our hotel after breakfast this morning and begin our day by taking a local train and ferry to the island of Miyajima. Here another of the country’s iconic images will greet us: the ‘shrine in the sea’. The main shrine includes a picturesque pagoda, and the island’s main street is a charming mishmash of bustling shops and restaurants. Back at Hiroshima, we board the bullet train for a one-hour ride to Himeji, a small city west of Kobe famous as the home of Japan’s finest castle. At Himeji Station, we board a coach for the spectacular Himeji Castle, affectionately known as ‘White Heron Castle’ for its elegance and particularly dazzling whiteness. Both a national treasure and World Heritage Site, it’s a rarity among Japanese castles in remaining in its original form. It has not been rebuilt since it was first erected in the Middle Ages, taking 200 years to complete. Recent restoration work has made it even more spectacular. From here, we’ll move out into the Japanese countryside where we’ll witness a demonstration of ultimate craftsmanship, as a swordsmith demonstrates how a traditional Japanese sword is made in a foundry. These swords are universally agreed to be the ultimate combination of sharpness and strength. Later in the afternoon, we’ll continue by Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto to check in to our centrally located hotel for the next three nights, and then enjoy dinner close by. Overnight: Hotel Granvia, Kyoto (B, D) DAY 7: Monday 15th April: KYOTO We start our stay in Kyoto with the must-sees, visiting Rokuonji Zen Buddhist temple in the north of the city to see the famed Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), beautifully embodying many of the principles of traditional Japanese architecture. From here we switch focus back to railways, to visit the newly opened Kyoto Railway Museum, opened in April 2016 on the site of the city’s famous Umekoji Railway Park. The Museum’s core theme is ‘railways revitalizing local communities’ and it has been created to balance historical rail exhibits with a variety of interactive areas aimed not only to demonstrate, but educate visitors on advances in technology and safety. The final visit of the day will be to Kiyomizu Temple, standing proudly above the historical city’s Gion & Higashiyama districts. Kiyomizu offers the most striking example of the stunning craftsmanship at the heart of Kyoto’s temples and shrines. In the late afternoon, enjoy some free time strolling the charming streets of Ninenzaka below Kiyomizu. Overnight: Hotel Granvia, Kyoto (B, L) DAY 8: Tuesday 16th April: KYOTO This morning we venture out to the west of Kyoto, to see the part of the city most beloved by Kyotoites themselves, Arashiyama. The visit will start with a local train ride, followed by a scenic train journey on the Sagano Forest Railway along the Hozu River Valley. Walking up from the station, after a brief stop at a shrine dedicated to hairdressers, we’ll drop into the Okochi Sanso Villa, the one-time home of one of Japan’s most famous film stars of the early 20th Century, Denjirō Ōkōchi, a veritable Japanese Charlie Chaplin. Here, we’ll enjoy green tea and Japanese cake in the tea house of the superb gardens. Then, we’ll continue our stroll through the region’s star attraction, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – the scale of which is genuinely breathtaking. Later on we return to our hotel by train and have the rest of the afternoon free to relax. Overnight: Hotel Granvia, Kyoto (B)
DAY 9: Wednesday 17th April: KYOTO - HAKONE We’ll take a morning bullet train from Kyoto to the town of Kanaya, where we’ll travel by local train to the departure point of the Oikawa steam train. We’ll pass by vast green tea fields along the Oigawa River as it flows from the Southern Alps, while we listen to the soothing click clack of the wheels of the carriage, and catch glimpses of mighty Mount Fuji in the distance. Later in the afternoon we’ll continue to the town of Hakone where we check in to our traditional ryokan-style hotel. Relax in the superb outdoor baths before a full-course Japanese dinner in the blissful peace of the Fuji-Hakone National Park. Overnight: Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, Hakone (B, D) DAY 10: Thursday 18th April: HAKONE This morning we take taxis to the famous Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley) area, where volcanic geysers fill the air 1,000m above sea level. After a walk along the mountainside, we take the Hakone Ropeway even higher over the very peak of Mount Kamiyama – part of the large Hakone Volcano, the eruption of which created the dramatic beauty of the place. From here we jump straight onto the Hakone cable car and then the Tozan Mountain Railway, as we make our way to the Hakone Open Air Museum. With the area’s breathtaking natural beauty as a backdrop, the museum houses an expansive and impressive collection of sculpture and art, highlighted by the remarkable Picasso Pavilion, with more than 100 pieces by the 20th century’s most iconic artist. After returning to our hotel for a break, we’ll re-group for dinner later in the evening. Overnight: Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, Hakone (B, D) DAY 11: Friday 19th April: HAKONE - NIIGATA After breakfast this morning, we’ll travel by coach through the countryside of the Chichibu area towards Mount Fuji for a visit to Japan’s best-kept railway secret, the Maglev Linear Motor Car Centre. Here we’ll see the next generation of bullet trains, operating at twice the speed of the current generation, and due to come into operation in 2027. We can also see one of the daily test-runs of the current prototype at the Centre Following this we’ll travel by coach to the Nagatoro River for a scenic white-water boat ride, following the Chichibu railway that runs along the riverbank. The trip down the river boasts ever-changing scenery, as well as a spectacular railway bridge. After our boat ride, we’ll then join up with the quaint and scenic little Chichibu railway for the last 45 minutes of its journey, connecting with our bullet train in Kumagaya. We’ll arrive in the city of Niigata later in the evening, freshen up at the hotel, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant together. Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza, Niigata (B, D) DAY 12: Saturday 20th April- NIIGATA- SENDAI First up today we board the C-57 Engine no. 180 steam locomotive, named Banetsu Monogatari (Tales of the Banetsu Line), and known affectionately as Kifujin (the Noble Lady). The journey crosses a wide plain and then follows a river valley, slicing through mountains to the rice and sake-producing stronghold of Niigata Prefecture. We then cross the mountainous island of Honshu, journeying south on the Shinkansen line and then west on a local express, finally reaching the historic Samurai city of Aizu-Wakamatsu. From here we continue our exploration of Japan’s rural trains on the Aizu Railway. First we head almost directly south along the Kinu River valley to the seemingly innocuous station of Yunokami Onsen – now the only remaining operational gassho-zukuri (thatched roof) station in Japan. We have time to enjoy the station’s ashi-yu (hot footbath) on the platform – a very Japanese approach to relaxing overworked feet. After this we board our luxury coach for a short ride to the beautifully preserved medieval trading post of Ouchi-juku, where we have free time for lunch. Northern Japan is one of the lesser visited areas of the country, but that’s not to say there isn’t an abundance of natural beauty or cultural heritage. We venture north to the city of Sendai, the major hub most directly affected by the tsunami of 2011, yet still a vibrant commercial hub surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found anywhere in Japan. On arrival we check in to our centrally located hotel and enjoy the evening free to relax or explore. Overnight: The Westin, Sendai (B) DAY 13: Sunday 21st April: SENDAI - AOMORI We’ll depart Sendai by bullet train this morning, travelling to the northern city of Aomori. We’ll stop by our hotel to drop off our bags before visiting the famous Cherry Blossom Festival in the gardens surrounding Hirosaki Castle, which dates back to 1611. This magnificent castle is unusual for a Japanese castle in two senses, one being its size, which is comparatively large, and the other being that most of its 17th century donjon remains intact to this day. We’ll enjoy more of the incredible colours of the Cherry Blossom Festival before returning to our hotel for dinner. Overnight: Hotel JAL City, Aomori (B, D) DAY 14: Monday 22nd April: AOMORI - SENDAI This morning we board the ‘Shirakami Express’ train, travelling on the iconic Gono Line from Aomori to the city of Akita. Enjoy sweeping views of the World Heritage-listed Shirakami Mountains, as well as the sparkling Sea of Japan, as you relax in your carriage. On arrival in Akita we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before paying a visit to Takashimizu, a sake brewery, where we’ll take a guided tour, enjoy a tasting and learn of the history and significance of sake to this country. Later in the evening we board a bullet train for the return trip to Sendai, where we’ll have some time to relax at the hotel. Overnight: The Westin, Sendai (B, L) DAY 15: Tuesday 23rd April: SENDAI While Sendai is very much a commercial hub connecting northern and central Japan, it is also the gateway to another of Japan’s little-known jewels – the magnificent Matsushima Bay. And, like all bays, there is no better way to discover it than from the water. So this morning, after a short train journey, we’ll cruise among the more than 200 small, pine tree-covered islands dotting the bay and enjoy views that have been celebrated for centuries as some of Japan’s most scenic. Later in the evening we’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner at Palinka with our friend, Yoseki San, ‘The Singing Chef’, and celebrate the end of our adventure. Overnight: The Westin, Sendai (B, D) DAY 16: Wednesday 24th April: SENDAI - TOKYO - DEPART (B) This morning we’ll check out of our hotel and return to Tokyo by bullet train, where our tour comes to an end. For the travellers departing today, we’ll continue to the airport for flights home or onwards for other journeys. For the travellers who have opted to stay an extra night and attend the special Anzac Memorial Service, we’ll return to The Strings Intercontinental Hotel in Shinagawa and enjoy a relaxed afternoon and evening.
OPTIONAL
POST TOUR
Overnight: The Strings Intercontinental Hotel,
Shinagawa (B, L, D)
Thursday 25th April:
TOKYO - ANZAC CEREMONY- DEPART (B)
Our post tour excursion begins first thing
this morning as we board our coach for the
hour-long journey south to the Yokohama
Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. The
official Australian & New Zealand Embassy
Memorial Service will begin at approximately
9am and finish at approximately 10am, after
which we’ll return to our hotel in Tokyo and
enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. In the
evening we will re-group for a group transfer
to the airport to catch your flight home or
onwards for other journeys. If you like, talk to
us about other options for extending your stay
in the wonderful Land of the Rising Sun.
Himeji Castle
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• 15 nights’ accommodation in comfortable, centrally-
located hotels, all 5-star or the best on offer, including
a traditional ryokan hotel and onsen
• Breakfast every day, 6 luscious lunches, 8 delicious
dinners
• Drinks with welcome and farewell dinners
• Luxury chartered coaches, with luggage transport on
all major legs
• Sightseeing with expert local guides providing
comprehensive commentary
• 14-day, Green Class (first), JR Rail Pass
• All excursions and entrance fees to attractions as
listed in the itinerary
• Airport assistance if travelling on suggested group flight
WHAT WE DON’T INCLUDE
• International flights
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Meals and services not mentioned in the itinerary
• Personal expenses, such as drinks not mentioned
in the itinerary, phone calls, laundry services and
camera fees where applicable
• Excursions listed in the brochure as optional or extra
Kiyomizu Temple jnto Harajuku
SUGGESTED FLIGHTS
We have suggested flights for this itinerary depending on your departure point from Australia, any preferred stopovers en-route, and/or your planned pre- and
post-tour activities. We can also investigate your preferred airline and offer you a solution based on connection times and prices. Contact 1300 733 323 to
discuss your options.
HOW TO BOOK
Download a booking form from our website and follow a few easy steps to get on board. Alternatively, contact Platinum Travel & Tours on 1300 733 323 or at
enquiries@platinumtravelcorp.com if you’d prefer a booking form be sent to you. Complete the form and submit it, along with your AUD1,000 per person deposit,
to secure your place on the tour.
DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
We endeavour to have all the details of our tours correct at the time of printing. However, sometimes factors beyond our control may affect final inclusions and
prices. These factors may include, but not be limited to: significant fluctuations in currency exchange rates; individual hotel/restaurant decisions that may affect
bookings; weather events forcing a change of itinerary; unexpected track work on rail lines; unexpected closure of site attractions; and so forth. Therefore, items
mentioned in the brochure, such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. If a change is imposed on us, we will endeavour to ensure the
substitute is of the same quality that you’ve paid for.
TOUR PACE / LEVEL OF FITNESS:
Our itineraries are designed to make the most of each destination, so a reasonable amount of activity is built into most days – which is why we call them
adventures. Our philosophy is to offer you the best experience possible while leaving you, our guest, the flexibility to pace yourself and choose how much or
how little you want to do. Each Railway Adventures tour incorporates periods of free time for your own exploration and relaxation.
While you don’t need to be a ‘gym junkie’, a reasonable level of fitness is required for most of our tours. The ability to manage your own luggage, get on and off
all manner of trains and coaches, walk for extended periods, stand comfortably, and climb steps and stairs will ensure you get maximum pleasure from your
adventure.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
In addition to assisting with flight suggestions and bookings, we can also give you some ideas of what you could do before and after your Railway Adventure.
We can also organise your all-important travel insurance for you. Call our office on 1300 733 323 if you would like to discuss options.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
For more information on factors such as travel insurance requirements, fitness levels, fees and charges, tour cancellations, payment schedules and so on,
please refer to our Terms and Conditions that accompany the booking form. They can also be found on our website.
Per person twin share................................ $12,395 Deposit (per person)....................$1000 at time of booking
PRICE Single supplement........................................ $3,085 Final payment due by...............................9 February 2019
Per person twin share....................................................$689
OPTIONAL EXTENSION FOR ANZAC DAY Single supplement..........................................................$287
WHERE YOU WILL STAY
The properties we have selected have been hand-picked based on their location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Here’s some
of what you can expect on this tour:
Hotel Granvia, Kyoto Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, Hakone
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel The Strings by InterContinental, Tokyo
Tokyo Syline At Dusk
THE RAILWAY ADVENTURES STORY
A passion for train travel can manifest itself in many ways. Founder and director of Railway
Adventures, Scott McGregor, has made much of his obsession over the years. “Travelling to boarding
This tour is operated by
school on the Mudgee Mail gave me a sense of how an active social life and long-distance trains can
Platinum Travel Corp in
be a good combination.”
association with Scott
Building a rural retreat out of a collection of vintage railway carriages in the early 1980s gave Scott
McGregor’s Railway
a new perspective on rail heritage. During this time, he also operated his first tour—The Antipodean
Adventures. ATAS
Renaissance Express—an experience he has never forgotten. Trading in vintage memorabilia and
Accreditation
furniture sourced largely from the railways was also a source of great inspiration. Scott travelled far and
No: A10597
wide trading and collecting for his Sydney shop, Off The Rails.
Hosting a couple of TV documentary series about great train journeys paved the way for leading his
own train journeys. Once just an enjoyable part-time hobby, “getting paid to do what I love” has,
naturally enough, led to a more substantial commitment and ultimately the launch of Scott’s own
dedicated train travel and touring company.You can also read
