Discover Japan

Welcome to Tokyo. Transfer to your hotel where a Welcome Dinner gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort. Stay Two Nights: Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel (D)

A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo Bay, to see an example of the precise art of Japanese gardening. Next, it's on to the Asakusa Temple, this 1400-year-old Buddhist temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

Afterwards, pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine and the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection, before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)

Arrive in Hakone and then transfer to Owakudani volcanic valley and enjoy a tour of its active sulphur vents and hot springs before taking a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the Togendai station, nestled on the shores of the tranquil Lake Ashi. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the lake soaking in the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains before continuing to your hotel for the evening. Stay: Hakone Hotel (B/D)

Insider Experience: Today you will journey by Limited Express Romancecar train to Hakone travelling on the picturesque narrow-gauge line.

This morning, travel to Mount Fuji, arguably Japan's most distinctive landmark. Later, it's on to Matsumoto to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay: Matsumoto, Hotel Buena Vista (B)

Insider Experience: Driving along the foot of the famous mountain, disembark at the Mount Fuji Visitor Centre to learn more about the country's tallest volcano. Continue to Mount Fuji's Fifth Station where, if the sun is shining, you will be able to see the iconic Japanese peak.

First thing today, visit a miso factory to find out how this Japanese staple is made. Continue on for your Insider Experience and then journey to visit Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum depicting more than 30 rustic farm dwellings from the Edo Period, before arriving in the picturesque town of Takayama, set atop brilliant hills. Stay: Takayama, Hotel Associa Takayama Resort (B)

Insider Experience: This morning, venture to Matsumoto Castle, an impressive five-storey fortress. This striking castle goes by another name, ‘Crow Castle,' because of its black exterior.

This morning, join a guided walking tour to see sights including Miyagawa Morning Market, with its array of stalls selling local farm products and handicrafts, Takayama Jinya and Sannomachi Street. Later, set off on a journey on the Hida Train to Nagoya, continuing onwards by bullet train to Hiroshima. Stay Two Nights: Hiroshima, Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (B)

Insider Experience: Travel by ‘shinkansen' Bullet Train, and the equally impressive Limited Express service from Takayama to Hiroshima.

Translated to ‘Shrine Island', the wooded Miyajima Island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine and the Great Tori Gate that guards its entrance which appears to float on the island's waters at high tide. During your time here you'll enjoy a walking tour and see cheeky wild deer. Enjoy free time to discover more on your own before returning to Hiroshima. (B)

Insider Experience: Today, travel by train and ferry to Miyajima Island.

This morning, visit Hiroshima's World Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Museum, both reminders of the destruction levelled on the town in 1945. Afterwards, travel by bullet train to Kyoto and appreciate your Insider Experiences. Stay Three Nights: Kyoto, Righa Royal Hotel Kyoto (B/D)

Insider Experience: Experience the speed and efficiency of Japan's renowned bullet train from Hiroshima to Kyoto. Wander the streets of the famous Gion district and keep watch for one of the many beautiful geiko and maiko, the titles given to geisha and their apprentices. Later this evening, indulge in a traditional Japanese dinner at a local restaurant, renowned for using delicious and fresh produce.

This morning, begin with your special Insider Experience. Afterwards, take a tour of Kyoto's most famous landmarks including Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which has an exquisite Japanese garden; Kyoto Railway Museum; and Kiyomizu Temple, an historic Buddhist temple that offers impressive views over the city. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. (B)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, and gain an insight into how to brew, serve and drink this distinguished drink in the traditional way.

Today you'll enjoy a day trip to Nara, a picturesque city with an abundance of impressive temples. See Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha and Nigatsu-do Shrine. Founded in 745 by Emperor Shomu, Todai-ji is a vast Buddhist temple complex that was constructed as a symbol of imperial power. Its famous Buddha towers overhead at 15 metres tall and is the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Later, it's time for a stroll through Nara's famous Deer Park, home to over 1,200 wild deer who freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns. (B)

Insider Experience: While you're in Nara, the birthplace of sake, it seems fitting that you visit a sake brewery and savour a tasting.

After an Insider Experience, journey to Osaka and visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Here, you'll enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle. Continue on to the lively Dotonbori District. Celebrate your final evening with a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (B/D)

Insider Experience: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and experience the breath-taking bamboo forest up close.

Transfer to Kansai International Airport after breakfast for your onward flight. (B)