Honshu's culture & hot springs

You'll spend the morning with one of our guides for an orientation. They will run through your trip and offer any local advice to you so you can enjoy the country with confidence. You can then spend the afternoon exploring the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. The Hamarikyu Gardens and Asakusa old town are excellent places to start. In the evening, head out with a guide to sample some of the local Tokyo cuisine in the vibrant district of Ebisu.

Leave Tokyo and, using your Japan Rail Pass, make the two and a half to three-hour journey to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart. After checking into your hotel, you have the afternoon at leisure. We recommend that you set out to visit some of the sights in the northwest of the city, including the Golden Pavilion or 'Kinkakuji' as well as 'Ryoanji', famed for its beautiful zen gardens.

This morning with the Women's Association of Kyoto, take part in a cultural workshop giving an introduction to Japanese culture. Dress into a kimono, the usual dress for both men and women at important or formal events such as a green tea ceremony in which you will partake. Watch and learn as the master brews and services tea using slow, deliberate movements steeped in spirituality and ritual. Enjoy a cup of the bitter tea along with traditional sweet treats. Try your hand at origami — the Japanese art of folding paper — with a local artist.

A day at leisure. Our recommendation is to take the train to nearby Nara, Japan's ancient capital, celebrated for the Giant Buddha and Todaiji Temple. The journey takes just under an hour. Return to Kyoto via Fushimi Inari Shrine for its stunning 'tunnels' of red torii gates that dot the hillside. Try to visit this shrine in the evening — it's quieter and more atmospheric.

Take the train over to the northern Hyogo Prefecture coast to the quaint hot spring town of Kinosaki Onsen. Known throughout Japan as one of the best places to unwind and experience the uniquely Japanese pastime of hot spring bathing, the town is home to seven celebrated public bathhouses. Visitors to the area usually stay at old-style Japanese inns also known as ryokan where they enjoy a regionally flavoured kaiseki cuisine and spend the days strolling around the picturesque town centre in light, cotton kimono known as Yukata.

A day at leisure to enjoy the rural setting of Kinosaki Onsen where there are a range of activities to be enjoyed. A ropeway on the opposite end of town from the station allows access to the summit of Mount Taishi where one can enjoy views of the town and coastline. Outside of town, there are a number of sites worth visiting. If you continue down the Sanin main line, you will arrive at Takeno which is home to a pleasant beach. During the summer months, snorkelling and kayaking are available.

After checking out of your ryokan, catch the bullet train to Tokyo (which takes around two and a half hours) for your final night in Japan.

Take the shared airport bus service to the airport in time to catch your flight home.