Japan Land of Wonders

Welcome to Tokyo. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner at a local Japanese restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo (D)

This morning explore the beautiful Imperial Palace East Gardens, which are beautifully landscaped and lie on the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defence. Next up is Tokyo's old town of Asakusa, which is home to the city's oldest temple, Sensoji. Visit the iconic Buddhist temple and stroll through the Namikase shopping street indulging in snacks and souvenir shopping. Embark on your chosen activity this afternoon. (B)

Freedom of Choice:

• Today you might like to delve into the history of Japan at the vast Tokyo National Museum before setting off on a walk through the historic old town Yanaka district. Alternatively, you can explore the picturesque Hama Rikyu Garden before admiring the panoramic views of the Japanese capital from the main deck of Tokyo Tower.

Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a Signature Experience before being transferred to Tokyo Station where you'll board a bullet train to Karuizawa, enjoying a bento box lunch on board. Karuizawa is one of Japan's oldest and most famous resort towns, offering stunning mountain views, serene nature and a fascinating history. Set within tranquil alpine forests, the town was a regular summer retreat for John Lennon and Yoko Ono. On arrival, set off for another Signature Experience, then be transferred to your hotel where dinner awaits this evening. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Indigo Karuizawa (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Take part in a Japanese calligraphy lesson, learning all about the nation's three alphabets – kanji, hiragana and katakana – and trying your hand at writing your own characters under the guidance of an expert instructor.
• Savour an in-depth visit to Kitsukara Brewery, which, at more than 300 years old, is one of Japan's oldest sake breweries. Learn about the traditional brewing process and the way the brewery sources its fine ingredients and taste the carefully handcrafted sake right from the source.

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing today. After breakfast, board a private coach to Shiraito no Taki, which translates to “The Waterfall of White Threads”. Just three metres tall but 70 metres wide, the serene waterfall acts as a natural curtain as the groundwater flows gracefully into a pond amid lush forest.

Stop off next at the picturesque Kumoba Pond for a leisurely stroll, then return to Karuizawa to visit Karuizawa Ginza, a lively shopping street in the heart of the town. See the Shaw Memorial Church before visiting Musee Ando a Karuizawa, a private art museum dedicated to the work of Japanese-French painter Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita. (B)

This morning you'll enjoy a visit to Manns Wines Komoro Winery, where Japanese wine has been produced for more than 50 years. Soak in the scenery at the winery, which boasts a chateau surrounded by Japanese garden and vineyard of Japanese grapes. Be transferred to Matsumoto City and following a Signature Experience, visit the spectacular Matsumoto Castle. One of Japan's most complete original castles, the structure dates back to the 16th century, and you'll have the chance to tour the castle and its pristine grounds.

Your next stop is the Matsumoto City Museum of Art to admire fantastic works from artists born in the city or inspired by its surroundings, including iconic contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. Later, be transferred to your hotel and enjoy dinner there this evening. Stay Two Nights: Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Delight in a visit to Ishii Miso brewery, which was founded in 1868. See behind the curtain to see how the soybean paste continues to be produced by a unique traditional method, and enjoy a taste of the delicious produce with lunch at the brewery.

Today is set aside for two fantastic Signature Experiences in this beautiful alpine region, first in the Jigokudani Valley before heading to a wasabi farm in Azumino. Following the experiences, return to Matsumoto. (B/L)

Signature Experiences:

• Come face-to-face with playful Japanese Macaques – commonly known as snow monkeys – at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in the heart of the geothermal Jigokudani Valley. Admire the social monkeys and get up close as they gather in the natural hot springs which dot the landscape here.
• Enjoy a visit to the Daio Wasabi Farm, one of Japan's largest wasabi farms. Stroll along the walking paths between the wasabi fields and savour an inspired restaurant lunch at the pristine farm, which has perfected the difficult production of the iconic plant.

After breakfast, travel to the Japan Ukiyoe Museum, which houses more than 100,000 woodblock prints, making it the world's largest private collection of the traditional artworks. Following the museum visit, be transferred to Takayama. Explore the Takayama Jinya, an historic government building built in the 17th century which is now open to the public as a museum. Next stroll through the Sanmachi Suji district in the heart of Takayama's old town, exploring the beautifully preserved homes and businesses.

Later, be transferred to your hotel before enjoying the region's mouthwatering Hida beef at a local restaurant for dinner. Stay Two Nights: Associa Takayama Resort (B/D)

Start off the day with a visit to the Miyagawa morning market, one of the largest in Japan. All the market's traders are independent farmers and craftspeople from the region, so it's the perfect opportunity to try some of the area's best produce. Following your Signature Experience, wander along the stunning streets of the city's old town on the way to the Festival Floats Museum, where you'll admire the ornamental floats of the Takayama Festival. Enjoy time at your leisure before returning to your hotel this afternoon. (B)

Signature Experiences:

• Enjoy a Sarubobo-making workshop. An amulet particularly common in Takayama and the nearby Hida region, Sarubobo are red dolls with no facial features. Learn how to make the dolls and discover why these amulets are believed to bring good luck.

Embark on a Signature Experience today from Magome to Tsumago. Later, travel to Nagiso Station to board an express train, then change to a bullet train from Nagoya to Kyoto, where you'll be transferred to your luxury hotel. Stay Two Nights: Dusit Thani Kyoto (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Explore the beautiful post town of Magome, wandering along restored stone walkways among its traditional wooden buildings. You'll then set out on a scenic walk along the historic Nakasendo trail though the Kiso Valley to Tsumago, which is also regarded as one of Japan's best-preserved post towns.

An exciting day of sightseeing lies ahead. Set out for Arashiyama this morning, climbing aboard a rickshaw for a ride past the Nonomiya Shrine and through the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Following your rickshaw experience, head to the famous Kinkakuji temple, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion for its gold-leaf-covered upper floors. Return to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure this afternoon before your Signature Experience this evening. (B/D)

Signature Experiences:

• A special night of private entertainment with a maiko or geisha awaits. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and drinks and have the chance to learn more about geisha and their daily lives, all accompanied by music played on a shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument.

Following breakfast, travel to the nearby town of Uji for a Signature Experience. After, visit the World Heritage-listed Byodo-In Temple with its pristine gardens and impressive architecture including the Phoenix Hall, which features on the 10-yen coin.

Later, be transferred to the lively city of Osaka and embark on a walking tour of Dotonbori, the city's most popular shopping and entertainment district. Admire the neon-lit streets and see famous signs including the iconic Glico running man and the Kani Doraku crab sign, and experience Osaka's famous street food as you sample some takoyaki (octopus dumplings). Tonight dine on Osaka-style okonomiyaki, a delicious savoury pancake and a local delicacy. Stay Two Nights: Zentis Osaka (B/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Take part in a special tea experience where you'll try your hand at grinding matcha from whole leaves to a powder and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of the beloved green tea.

Board a bullet train to Hiroshima and take part in a Signature Experience this morning, then dine at a local restaurant for lunch. Take a short ferry ride to the picturesque Miyajima Island. A sacred island and holy place of Shintoism, Miyajima is home to the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, which is famous for its partially submerged “floating” torii gate. After strolling around the island, be transferred back to Hiroshima Station and return to Osaka aboard a bullet train. (B/L)

Signature Experiences:

• Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which lies at ground zero of the devastating atomic bomb dropped on the city on August 6, 1945. See the park's many memorials and monuments before visiting the moving Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

Set off by private coach for the nearby town of Nara, once the Japanese capital for 74 years in the eighth century. Visit the incredible Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden structures and home to the country's largest statue of Buddha. Stroll through the fascinating temple before pausing for lunch at a local restaurant.

You'll then visit Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which was established in AD768. Next is a wander through the surrounding Nara Park, which is freely roamed by a large population of friendly deer who will generally bow their heads for a treat. Be transferred to your hotel before savouring the dinner of your choice. Stay Two Nights: Nara Hotel (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

• For dinner, choose between traditional Japanese food at Hanagiku or French cuisine at Mikasa.

Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy your choice of touring. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Freedom of Choice:

• Today you might like to visit the beautiful Hasedera temple for a fascinating morning service. Alternatively, you can visit the World Heritage-listed Horyuji Temple, which features the world's oldest surviving wooden structures and is one of the country's oldest temples. Or perhaps you'd prefer to set out on a guided walk through the ancient town of Asuka, once the political and cultural capital of Japan in the fifth and sixth centuries.

Be transferred to Kyoto Station and board a bullet train to Odawara, enjoying lunch at your seat. Enjoy an in-depth visit at the Okada Museum of Art. Opened in 2013, the modern museum holds a vast collection of Chinese and Japanese ceramics and sculptures, as well as a diverse range of Japanese art.

After your visit, be transferred to your hotel where dinner awaits tonight. Stay Two Nights: Hakone Kowakien Ten-u (B/L/D)

After breakfast, be transferred to Mount Fuji's fifth station where, when the weather is clear, you'll be able to admire panoramic views of the country's greatest icon. You'll continue to marvel at Japan's tallest mountain throughout the day should the weather be on your side. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum to view artist Kubota Itchiku's exquisite works of dyed silk. Later, return to your hotel and enjoy a night at leisure. (B/L)

Begin your day with a short journey to the shores of Lake Ashi. Board a boat for a cruise on the picturesque lake and arrive at Togendai before taking in the scenery on the way to the volcanic valley of Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway. Follow the walking trails around the bubbling pools and steam vents and perhaps try one of the famous black eggs boiled in the area's natural hot springs. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before travelling to Tokyo. This evening, share stories of your unforgettable holiday at a farewell Japanese dinner. Stay: Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo (B/L/D)

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning with a transfer to Haneda Airport. (B)