Honshu vacation by rail, Japan

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This itinerary removes the need for internal flights entirely, using Japan’s high-speed shinkansen and express trains for all long-distance travel. Rail travel significantly reduces per-person emissions compared with domestic aviation.

Several touring days are designed around walking, including Takayama, Hakone’s Old Tokaido Trail, and parts of Kyoto and Tokyo, reducing reliance on vehicles.

Many included meals, such as kaiseki dinners, soba lunches and market tastings, focus on seasonal, locally sourced produce, which carries a lower transport footprint.

Hotels on this itinerary publish energy-saving measures. The Thousand Kyoto highlights resource-efficient building design. Takayama Green Hotel reports CO2 reductions through LED lighting and energy-saving equipment. Myojinkan reduces energy use through underground water systems and heat-exchange technology. Hyatt properties follow group-wide sustainability goals aimed at reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa reduces plastic waste through refillable amenities, water dispensers on guest floors and the removal of single-use bottles. The hotel also partners with local craftspeople to upcycle aluminium into tableware and buffet stands.

Hyatt Regency Hakone follows the brand’s wider environmental commitments, including waste reduction, water conservation and responsible sourcing, important in a region known for forests, hot springs and volcanic landscapes.

Myojinkan emphasises coexistence with its natural surroundings, using underground spring water for its baths, reducing energy through heat-exchange systems, and encouraging guests to support resource-saving practices during their stay.

Takayama Green Hotel promotes waste reduction, energy-saving equipment and local food sourcing, helping to support regional agriculture and reduce the environmental impact of long-distance transport.

The Thousand Kyoto and Capitol Hotel Tokyu publish SDGs and environmental action pages outlining energy efficiency, water-saving measures and waste-reduction initiatives. Guests also receive guidance on respectful behaviour at temples, gardens and rural villages, helping to minimise disturbance to cultural sites and natural environments.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Guiding throughout Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa and Hakone is delivered by locally based, English-speaking guides, ensuring income stays within each region and supporting skilled employment across Japan.

Visits to markets such as Omicho Market in Kanazawa and the morning markets in Takayama direct spending to small producers, farmers and independent vendors. Food tours in Osaka and Tokyo support family-run eateries, bars and street-food specialists.

Hotels such as Takayama Green Hotel and Myojinkan highlight the use of regional, seasonal ingredients, supporting local agriculture and reducing reliance on imported goods.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Our Japanese partners employ local guides and drivers, supporting long-term jobs in tourism across multiple prefectures.

Hotel groups on this itinerary publish commitments to fair employment, safe working conditions and inclusive workplaces. Hyatt’s global framework includes diversity, equity and inclusion goals, while Tokyu Hotels outline social responsibility policies that support equal opportunities and respectful working environments.

The selected hotels welcome a broad range of guests and offer accessible facilities, and the itinerary itself is LGBTQ+ friendly and suitable for most travelers with moderate mobility.