Delve into Japan’s ancient traditions and explore its modern cities

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Depart for Tokyo

   Tokyo, Japan

   Today you'll depart for Tokyo, flying overnight and arriving the following morning.

2. Day

   2

   Arrive in Tokyo

   Tokyo, Japan

   On arrival in Japan's lively capital, you'll transfer to your hotel, the excellent four-star superior New Otani, where you'll be staying for the next three nights.

   Perfectly located in the heart of Tokyo, close to the Japanese parliament, the nearest metro stop is just a couple of minutes' walk allowing you to explore at ease. Spend some time settling in, getting to know your surroundings, and relaxing after your journey.

3. Day

   3

   Tokyo

   Tokyo, Japan

   This morning you'll begin exploring Japan's capital and largest city.

   Your first stop is the famous Shinto Meiji shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Set in outstandingly lush parkland, this is a working religious site where you may be lucky enough to see a typical Japanese marriage underway.

   You'll then move on to some of Tokyo's most famous districts, including Omotesando Street, Tokyo's 'Rodeo Drive', full of luxury brand shops.

   Then there's the Harajuku area where teenagers seek out the latest outrageous fashions and the Akihabara electronic town, home to one of the first stores devoted to personal robots. You'll savour some delicious Japanese cuisine at lunchtime as you explore the city.

4. Day

   4

   Tokyo

   Tokyo, Japan

   This morning, following breakfast at the hotel, you'll visit Tokyo's Asakusa district. Full of traditional small houses and shops, it's a unique insight into the Tokyo of a hundred years ago. You'll then transfer by boat down the Sumida River to Ginza, widely recognised as one of the world's most luxurious shopping destinations. It's brimming with ultra-modern department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses.

   Your afternoon is free to shop, explore, or perhaps indulge in some people-watching. Another option is to head to the Tokyo National Museum, just a few stops on the metro. Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, with pottery, paintings and prints, textiles, fashion and antiquities.

5. Day

   5

   Mount Fuji and Hakone

   Mount Fuji, Japan

   Leaving Tokyo this morning, you'll drive towards Mount Fuji, probably Japan's most instantly recognisable sight. Fringed by thick forests and a crescent-shaped ring of shimmering lakes, it's easy to see why this iconic mountain is considered one of the world's most spectacular views.

   You'll visit two of these beautiful lakes today, enjoying the stunning panorama from two different angles - and some amazing photo opportunities. Your first stop is at Lake Kawaguchi, well known to locals but as yet undiscovered by most visitors.

   Next, you'll head south to explore the peaceful mountain resort of Hakone. Descending to the smooth dark blue waters of Lake Ashi, you'll sail on a Japanese version of an early 19th-century pirate ship. From here, especially on a clear day, the views of Mount Fuji are jaw-dropping.

   Later, it's time to check in at the four-star Hakone Hotel, where you'll stay for one night with breakfast and dinner. The entire area here is geo-thermally active and provides the perfect opportunity to try one of Japan's unmissable experiences - bathing in an 'onsen', a hot spring at the hotel.

6. Day

   6

   Bullet Train to Hiroshima

   Hiroshima, Japan

   This morning you'll travel to Hiroshima on Japan's iconic gleaming white bullet train. With reclining seats, plenty of legroom, air-conditioned comfort and speeds up to 189 mph, this is an incomparable way to travel. Arriving at lunchtime, you'll first get to appreciate one of the country's most distinctive views on the nearby small island of Miyajima. A huge red 'Torii' gate sits just offshore and at high tide it appears to float between the sea and sky.

   This popular little island is easy to explore by foot. It has a relaxed holiday atmosphere, lots of interesting shops and a covered market. Returning to Hiroshima, you'll check in at your new hotel, the four-star RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima, where you'll stay for two nights.

7. Day

   7

   Hiroshima

   Hiroshima, Japan

   Today you'll have a sobering reminder of the horrors of war as you visit Hiroshima's Peace Park and Museum, which displays the remains of the only building to survive the atomic bomb blast of August 1945.

   The city has been completely rebuilt and there are no signs left of the devastation of that fateful day. Yet you may notice a small digital counter indicating the number of days since the last atomic test - it's surprisingly recent.

   You'll have the afternoon free to explore this charming city, which is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Genbaku, and Itsukushima Shrine.

8. Day

   8

   Kyoto

   Kyoto, Japan

   Leaving Hiroshima this morning by coach, you'll head towards the old imperial capital of Kyoto. En route there's time to visit the superb Korakuen garden at Okayama - built in 1700 and renowned as one of Japan's most exquisite gardens, with lawns, lakes, wooden bridges, shrines and teahouses.

   On arrival in Kyoto, you'll check in at the wonderful Century Hotel, where you'll be staying for the next four nights, giving you plenty of time to get to know this gem of a city.

9. Day

   9

   Kyoto and tea ceremony

   Kyoto, Japan

   This morning is one of the real highlights of the tour, a guided visit to the imperial capital, Kyoto.

   First is the spectacular and beautiful Golden Pavilion, dating from the classical Muromachi age of Japanese temple design, overlooking its lake and garden, with upper floors covered in gold leaf. Nearby is the Ryoan-ji temple, or the Temple of the Dragon at Peace, home to Japan's most famous Zen garden, with its white gravel carefully raked by monks daily.

   You'll then move on to the amazing Arashiyama bamboo forest and enjoy the peaceful sight of daylight streaming through the tall green columns of bamboo, which are up to 30 feet high. The fascinating Nijo Castle is your next stop, famous for its wooden floors remarkably designed to creak like a nightingale's song, warning its occupants of any intruders.

   Finally, you'll enjoy a walking tour through Kyoto's Gion district. Here is the classic image of Japan; streets of wooden houses, bright, silk-clad geishas, cherry trees and a host of traditional restaurants. While here, you'll also enjoy a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony'.

10. Day

    10

    Nara

    Nara, Japan

    Japan's original capital city, Nara is a joy to explore. Just a few miles south of Kyoto, you'll travel to this beautiful city today and visit one of the country's most iconic shrines, made from thousands of red Torii gates forming two extraordinary vermilion-coloured wooden tunnels up a hillside.

    Arriving at Nara you'll be greeted by the dozens of tame deer considered for centuries to be messengers of the Shinto gods.

    The main sight though is the amazing Todai-ji temple, one of the world's largest wooden structures. Housing a huge bronze Buddha, this is a truly inspiring monument and just one of Nara's several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You'll also get an insight into the traditional Japanese Sake drink, visiting a museum and enjoying a tasting.

11. Day

    11

    Kyoto

    Kyoto, Japan

    You'll have an entire day free today to discover more of the delights and attractions of Kyoto. There are still more enchanting temples to see, like the 15th century Silver Pavilion and the even older Eikando temple. These marvels of architectural and garden design are within an easy walk of each other along the charming Philosopher's Path.

    Tonight, you also have the option of staying in a ryokan, a typical Japanese inn. You'll sleep on a rolled-out futon with tatami matting on the floor. You'll also enjoy a traditional 'kaiseki' multi-course dinner. Beautifully prepared and served, it's just as stunning to look at as it is to eat.**

12. Day

    12

    Bullet Train to Tokyo

    Tokyo, Japan

    After a last free morning at leisure in Kyoto, you'll take the bullet train to Tokyo, where you'll stay overnight at the four-star Excel Tokyu near the airport.

13. Day

    13

    Depart for the UK

    Tokyo, Japan

    It's time to say goodbye to Tokyo and start your journey home, as your Japanese adventure comes to an end.