Japan Traditions

Fly overnight to Japan's cutting-edge capital city, Tokyo. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel by private car. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover or to begin soaking up the local culture.

Meet your English-speaking private guide and head into the city, making use of Tokyo’s excellent public transport. With an allocation of 4000 JPY per person for entrance fees, today's itinerary is up to you but do ask your guide for recommendations. Consider visiting Meiji, a tranquil Shinto shrine, view the Imperial Palace from the lovely Kokyo Gaien plaza gardens, wander the Asakusa district pausing to visit the 7th-century Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, or ascend to the heady heights of the Tokyo Skytree.

Today is yours to spend as you wish. You might like to keep exploring Tokyo – Hamarikyu Gardens, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, Tsukiji Fish Market and Ueno Park are all great options, or you could make use of Japan's fantastic rail network and take a day trip to Nikko to see the spectacular national park, or to Kamakura, a city on the coast.

Make your way to Tokyo Station and catch the shinkansen (bullet train) to Takayama. On arrival, make your own way to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, soaking up the glorious alpine scenery and rustic charm.

Spend the morning exploring Takayama's two morning markets, the Asaichi. Browse stalls full of local crafts, vegetables and farm products, taste some delicious food, and stroll through Takayama's lovely old town. Pause at Takayama Jinya, the old provincial magistrate's office, and a sake brewery to try local jisake.

Meet your driver at your hotel for your transfer to Kanazawa, dropping you straight at your next hotel. En route, you'll stop to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawago for a two-hour guided tour, on which you'll be able to admire the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The remainder of your day, in Kanazawa, is at leisure.

Your local guide will collect you from your hotel this morning and help you explore the timeless charms of this fascinating town. You’ll start in the Higashi Chaya district, an enclave of the Edo Period architecture, visiting a converted tea house and a gold leaf shop. Then, stroll the paths of Kenrokuen, considered one of Japan’s top three gardens, enjoying its traditional features, like bridges, waterfalls and pagodas. Continue to Nagamachi Samurai District and stop at the Nomura Samurai House to see its exquisite rooms and ornamental garden. Final, join the bustle of vibrant Omicho Market, its stall brimming with seafood, fresh produce, flowers, food and more.

Make your way to Kanazawa Station and board the shinkansen and then a Limited Express train to Kyoto. On arrival, make your own way to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto is a treasure trove of history and timeless traditions. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more temples and shrines than you could count as well as gardens and palaces, there is plenty here to explore.

Head out into the city with a knowledgeable local guide, using the excellent local bus network. Begin at Kinkaku-ji, admiring its golden pavilion and landscaped gardens, then the ornamental Nijo Castle, where you can test its nightingale floors. Learn the fascinating history behind Heian Shrine then visit the Buddhist Kiyomizu-dera from where there are panoramic views of Kyoto.

The day is yours to spend as you wish. There is plenty more to explore in Kyoto – you could explore the Imperial Palace complex, walk through the hundreds of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, contemplate the zen garden at Ryoan-ji, or listen to the swish of bamboo in Arashiyama Forest. Alternatively, take a day trip out of the city to rural Kurama to try its onsen or to Himeji to visit its magnificent castle.

Make your way to Kyoto Station and board a shinkansen to Hiroshima. On arrival, make your own way to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. Hiroshima is a city that needs little introduction after the events of 6 August 1945, when the world’s first atomic bomb was dropped here; the city of today is sunny, forward-thinking and peaceful – a delight to explore.

With a knowledgeable guide and public transport, explore the city. Visit the moving Peace Memorial Museum which, as well as giving information on what happened, serves as a reminder not to take peace for granted. After some free time for lunch, take the train to the port and board a ferry for the holy island of Miyajima. Featuring tame sika deer, Shinto shrines and Buddhist pagodas and temples in a beautiful natural setting, the island's best-known sight is its 'floating' red torii gate. You'll have time to explore, and to visit the charming shopping street.

Make your way to Hiroshima station and board the shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. On arrival, make your way to your hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to explore Osaka until this evening, when you get to discover why the city is so famous for its food. The Osaka night food tour will take you on an unforgettable eating excursion through the backstreets of Dotounburi.

Make your way to Shin-Osaka station, boarding a shinkansen to Odawara. On arrival, make your way to Hakone using a Hakone Free Pass, and to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the sights of this spectacular area.

With a knowledgeable guide, explore Hakone National Park, in the shadow of the mighty Mount Fuji, which you'll glimpse if it is a clear day. You'll ride the cable car and Hakone Ropeway for scenic panoramas of lakes, forests and active volcanic sights. Ascend the ropeway to Togendai then board a pirate ship to cruise across Lake Ashi for more magical views. You'll also visit the Hakone Open Air Museum, with its diverse collection of art and sculptures, including works by Picasso and Henry Moore.

Make your way to Hakone-Yumoto Station to board a Limited Express train to Tokyo. On arrival, make your own way to your hotel, where the rest of the day, your last in Japan, is yours to spend as you wish.

Take a private transfer to Tokyo airport and fly home to the UK.