Fly overnight from the UK to Tokyo.
You arrive in Tokyo, and will be met by our representative and shown to the correct limousine bus to take you to your city centre hotel. They will also help you exchange your rail pass and make any train reservations necessary.
Have a day in Tokyo to explore at your leisure.
Make your way to Nikko to see the Toshogu Shrine complex.
A second full day in Tokyo allows you the chance to first visit Tsukji fish market, bright and early around 5am. Later you can take in some of the quieter neighbourhoods or do some serious shopping!
Travelling by express train, you head to the quiet postal village of Tsumago.
Today walk part of the scenic Nakasendo Highway between Tsumago and Magome, along the road that once connected Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto.
Later, travel further into the Alps to Takayama, a quaint town with an interesting merchant district and sake breweries.
Explore Takayama at your own pace
Travel to Kanazawa, home to one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen.
Visit the garden, Geisha district and Samurai quarters today, along with the artisan gold leaf making workshops.
Take the express train to Osaka and then board the bullet train on to Hiroshima. You have the afternoon at leisure after this long day of travel.
Have a full day to explore Hiroshima, including the evocative Peace Park and Memorial Museum, dedicated to the memory of the tragic events of August 6th 1945.
Today cross over to the scenic Miyajima island, with its "floating" torii gate, which is said to be one of the most beautiful spots in all Japan. On the way back to Hiroshima, visit the small town of Iwakuni.
Travel on to Kyoto, the ancient capital and cultural heart of Japan. Enjoy the afternoon taking part in a traditional Japanese crafts or cultural activity of your choice, such as tea ceremony or calligraphy.
Explore Kyoto at your own pace today, taking in some of the temples, shrines and traditional shopping streets.
Have a full day to visit the quiet gardens of Kyoto, such as Ryoanji at your leisure. In the evening you will be escorted by a knowledgeable private guide on a walk around the Gion district.
Visit nearby Fushimi-Inari shrine this morning to see the iconic tunnel of red "torii" gates. Later, continue by train to Nara to see the Todaiji Buddha and tame deer park.
Using the travel pass provided take the train and funicular rail to Koyasan, the sacred Buddhist town on Mount Koya. You overnight in simple temple lodgings, where vegan food is served and early morning prayer observation is a must.
Explore the town today, including the cemetery and Garan temple. Take the train back down the mountain to Osaka, and then continue by train to the Hakone National Park. This is a long day of travelling but with some great scenery en route.
Using the travel pass provided take in the Open Air Sculpture Museum, Owakudani valley and the cable car that provides views of Fuji on a clear day.
Return to Tokyo for your final afternoon in Japan.
Take the limousine bus to the airport for the return flight home.