Explore Worldwide is celebrating a surge in appetite for rail-led adventures. Demand has been particularly strong in Asia – up 3% YoY – with Japan increasing an impressive 24% for the same period.
*All details correct at time of publish (08 May 2026)
The study found demand for international rail travel from the UK could triple over the next 15 years, rising from 11 million to 35 million passengers annually.
Against this backdrop, and with National Train Day on Saturday 9 May, small-group adventure operator Explore Worldwide is celebrating a surging appetite for rail-led adventures.
New figures from the company reveal strong growth in demand for journeys across Asia, with railway tours up 13% year-on-year. Interest in Japan is accelerating even faster, with passenger numbers increasing by 24% over the same period.
To meet this demand, Explore Worldwide is spotlighting its brand-new Highlights of Japan – Kyushu Island trip, a nine-day journey across Kyushu Island, Japan’s third-largest island, including travel on the country’s world-famous bullet train.
The itinerary ventures beyond the country’s best-known sights, taking travellers through dramatic volcanic landscapes, bubbling hot springs, vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage.
Michael Edwards, Managing Director of Explore Worldwide, said: “Train travel is enjoying a true renaissance with even more travellers choosing epic rail journeys. Increasingly, the journey itself is becoming part of the adventure rather than simply a means of getting from A to B.
“As we head into summer, interest in railway journeys shows no signs of slowing down. Japan continues to capture the imagination of UK travellers, and these figures show demand is growing.
“Our team is always looking for ways to incorporate overland alternatives to domestic flights wherever possible. We’ve recently adapted our Spirit of Laos and Cambodia tour, removing two internal flights in favour of the new high-speed Laos–China railway network — something we’re particularly excited about.”
The new Kyushu adventure can also be combined with Explore Worldwide’s 14-day Simply Japan trip, giving travellers the opportunity to extend their stay and explore the highlights of Honshu Island.
To make booking easier amid rising travel costs, Explore is currently running a limited-time £1 deposit promotion across hundreds of tours.
Available on bookings made until 14 May 2026, the offer applies to eligible departures up to 15 March 2027, allowing customers to secure their place with just £1 upfront. Terms and conditions apply.
To find out more, visit: www.explore.co.uk/offers/low-deposits.
