Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, you will meet an English speaking assistant at the arrival lobby. A join-in transfer takes you to your hotel. Your welcome briefing will be on the morning of Day two. Stay the next three nights at Shinjuku Washington Hotel (or similar).

Spend the morning discovering Tokyo on a walking tour. Visit the city’s most famous Shinto shrine – Meiji Jingu. Walk to nearby Harajuku which showcases the Cosplay (costume play) subculture. Take the train to Shibuya and see the iconic pedestrian crossing in front of Shibuya train station. Sample some delicious food as you wander through the Tokyu Food Hall. Enjoy free time to explore. (B)

Discover the oldest and most revered temple in Tokyo, Asakusa Temple. Stroll along Kappabashi Dori to see the endless array of specialised stores. Visit Yanaka Cemetery, one of Tokyo’s most famous graveyards which feels more like a park than a cemetery. Wander through Yanaka Old Town where the older buildings are re-purposed. (B)

Take the train to Hakone. Enjoy a short boat cruise on peaceful Lake Ashi and ride the ropeway for majestic views of Mt Fuji. This evening, enjoy a delicious meal and some free time to soak in the onsen at your traditional Japanese hotel. Overnight at Susukinohara Ichinoyu – Japanese style room with beds (or similar). (B,D)

Travel by train to Takayama. Visit a historic, former government building, Takayama Jinya. Discover the beautifully preserved wooden houses as you wander along Kami Sannomachi Street. Stay the next two nights at Takayama Ouan (or similar). (B,L)

Today is a free day without a guide. It’s a great opportunity to relax and take it easy. However, for those who wish to explore, we suggest visiting Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, home to colourful floats which come out bi-annually during two of Japan’s most famous festivals. Later, enjoy a leisurely afternoon or visit the serine area of Hidano- Sato. Please feel free to ask your guide about how to get there and what to see. (B)

From Takayama, travel by train to vibrant Osaka. Drop your bags at the hotel, take a walking tour of the Dotonbori area known for it’s bright neon, street food and shopping. Stay two nights at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (or similar). (B)

Head to Umeda Sky Garden with views of Osaka before walking through Kuromon Ichiba Market, also known as “Osaka’s Kitchen.” In the after-noon, explore the city at your own pace. (B)

Travel by train to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Museum, dedicated to the events of 1945 before seeing the sobering cenotaph of the Hiroshima bomb at Peace Memorial Park. Stay two nights at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (or similar). (B)

Venture by ferry to peaceful Miyajima Island, home to Itsukushima Shrine. Hike or travel by ropeway to the summit of Mt Misen for spectacular views. Enjoy a traditional okonomiyaki pancake before returning by ferry to the mainland. Spend the evening at leisure. (B)

Travel by train to Himeji famous for it’s imposing hilltop castle before continuing to Kyoto. Take an evening walking tour along Ponto-cho and Hanami-koji Lane in the Gion district where you may see a Geisha walking between appointments. Stay three nights at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (or similar) (B)

Discover Kyoto’s highlights on a walking tour. Begin at Kiyomizudera Temple, in the hills of east Kyoto. Wander along the shophouses of Ninenzaka Street before visiting Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, Kenninji Temple. Learn the philosophy and art of serving tea at a traditional tea ceremony and finish the day with the golden pavillion at Kinkakuji, Kyoto’s most famous building. (B)

Start the day with a visit to the one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, Fushimi Inari, with it’s tunnels of vermillion torii gates. You have free time to further explore Kyoto or take an optional afternoon excursion to the bamboo forest at Arahiyama. End your tour with a farewell dinner where you will be entertained by a genuine Maiko or apprentice Geisha. (B,D)

It’s time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. Walk to Kyoto Train Station where your railpass can still be used for travel on the JR Rail Network. (B)