Day 1London
Flight direct from London to Tokyo
You are met on arrival and assisted with your onward transfer to Tokyo. Your guide will help you to exchange your rail pass today, making any reservations necessary for your trip. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Explore Tokyo at your own pace today, using the sightseeing suggestions provided.
Leave Tokyo by train this morning and head north to the intricate shrines and lakeside scenery of Nikko.
Explore the temples, Lake Chuzenji or go walking in the hills around the town.
Continue by train today to Matsushima, one of Japan's top three most scenic spots. Take a boat trip out to the bay this afternoon.
Take the train north to Hachinohe, where you pick up your hire car for the journey to Lake Towada. This is a very scenic drive, taking you through the Oirase Gorge.
Day 8Towada-ko
Explore the lake area on foot or by car.
Drive south to Nyuto Onsen, one the best known hot springs in northern Japan. Spend the evening relaxing in one of the outdoor baths, some of which are mixed sex- modesty goes out the window here!
After a leisurely morning continue your drive through the scenic backbone of Japan to Kakunodate, a town known for its samurai history. Some samurai houses have been restored to their feudal era glory and you even spend the night in a converted samurai residence.
Explore the town at your leisure today. You may like to drive out to Lake Tazawa too, which although a little touristy, has some lovely views and you can stroll along the sandy shore to take them in.
Leave Kakunodate early this morning for the longish drive to the secluded, holy mountain trio known collectively as Dewa Sanzan. You overnight in basic but charming temple lodgings.
Day 13Dewasan-zan
This morning climb the stone steps to the summit of the smallest peak, Mt Haguro. Walk or take the bus back to Haguro.
Day 14Dewasan-zan
Drive to the midway point of Mt Gassan and then climb to the top to visit the shrine and take in the views, an ascent of around 2 hours. Treat your aching limbs to a dip in the temple's communal bath this evening.
Day 15Dewasan-zan - Tokyo
Drop off your car in Tsuruoka and then take local and bullet line trains to Tokyo.
Return to the airport by limousine bus and fly back to the UK, arriving the same day.