Grand Tour of Japan

Arriving late afternoon (Tokyo time, of course), we'll transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city and check in.

This evening is your first opportunity to sample some authentic Japanese cuisine. The city is a favourite with foodies thanks to its innovative and experimental culinary scene - so what will it be? Sushi? Ramen? Gyoza? Our mouths are watering just thinking of all the options.

We'll start our Japanese adventure in earnest this morning by exploring more of Tokyo, Japan's capital and largest city. 

At first glance, Tokyo might seem similar to other great Asian cities - Singapore or Shanghai - with its gleaming glass skyscrapers and busy, fashionable shops. But you’ll soon notice some fascinating differences – like the spotlessly clean and surprisingly quiet streets (there’s no beeping of horns here; that would be far too impolite).

Our first stop is the famous Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. As you enter the outstandingly lush parkland under a massive Torii gate (the first of many we'll see on our tour), the sights and sounds of the busy city are replaced by a tranquil forest. The serene atmosphere is great for a relaxing stroll and quiet reflection - it is also still a working religious site so you might be lucky enough to stumble upon a typical Japanese wedding ceremony. Then we move on to some of the city's most renowned quarters, including Omotesando Street - Tokyo’s answer to Rodeo Drive - full of luxury brand shops.

Then we move on to some of the city's most renowned quarters, including Omotesando Street - Tokyo’s answer to Rodeo Drive - full of luxury brand shops.

And then Akihabara, or Electric Town – it's a sensory treat for lovers of all things electronic. It has everything from the latest technology, cameras and computers - even one of the first stores devoted to personal robots. You won't know where to look first as the shops vie for your attention with bright neon signs.

Today we'll savour some Japanese cuisine during an included lunch.

Today we'll start in Askusa - an area centred around Sensoji Temple, Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and Nakamise shopping street. You can stroll streets lined with traditional small houses and browse stalls filled with authentic souvenirs and quintessential Japanese goods. It’s a unique insight into the Tokyo of a hundred years ago.

Then we'll hop on a boat down the Sumida River to Ginza, widely recognised as one of the world’s most luxurious shopping destinations. It’s brimming with ultra-modern department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses. 

Your afternoon is free to shop, explore, or perhaps indulge in some fascinating people-watching with a traditional cup of green tea. Another option is to head to the Tokyo National Museum, just a few stops away on the metro. It houses Japan’s largest collection of art, with pottery, paintings and prints, textiles, fashion and oriental antiquities from Japan and other Asian countries - China, Korea, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, India and Egypt. The museum has over six buildings (each big enough to be a museum in its own right), and it's easy to spend an afternoon getting lost among the art and history on display here.

After three days of exploring the capital, we'll escape the hustle and bustle as we drive towards Mount Fuji. Arguably Japan's most instantly recognisable sight, the volcano is fringed by thick forest and a crescent-shaped ring of glass-like lakes. It's one of the world's greatest views and, unquestionably, a highlight of our adventure through Japan. To make the most of these views, we'll visit two of the lakes to appreciate the panorama from different perspectives. Even an amateur photographer is sure to get some spectacular photos here so make sure a camera is on your packing list! 

We'll then visit the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, an exceptional museum dedicated to the Kimono artist Itchiku Kubota. Inspired by a fragment of Tsujigahana textile exhibited in the Tokyo National Museum, that he devoted his life to reviving the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing. The vibrant colours and patterns are synonymous with Japanese culture, with creations depicting, nature, the seasons and the cosmos. You may even decide to treat yourself to a keepsake to take home.  

The first stop is a well-kept Japanese secret, Lake Kawaguchi. It's relatively unknown to tourists but offers fantastic views that are particularly breathtaking during the cherry blossom season (around mid-April) and the autumn colours (around the first half of November). 

Next, we head south to the mountain resort of Hakone and descend to the smooth dark blue waters of Lake Ashi for an unusual sightseeing cruise aboard the Japanese version of a 19th-century pirate ship. From here it's easy to appreciate the natural beauty of the lakes, on a clear day, the views of Mount Fuji are one of the world’s greatest panoramas. Plus look out for the partially submerged Gate of Peace on the edge of the lake's shore. 

The entire area around our hotel this evening is geo-thermally active, it's the perfect opportunity to try one of Japan’s unmissable experiences – bathing in an ‘onsen’, or hot spring, at our very own hotel.

Our day will start with a ride on Japan's iconic bullet train. With reclining seats, plenty of legroom, and air-conditioned comfort, the Shinkansen - also known as the Bullet Train - can reach speeds of up to 189 mph as it passes colourful flower fields, untouched nature tea crops, small towns and great cityscapes. There's no experience to rival a journey on these lightning-fast trains in the Western world; it really is an incomparable way to travel.

Arriving at lunchtime, we'll visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Museum, displaying the remains of the only building to survive the atomic bomb blast of August 1945. The city has been completely rebuilt. There are (almost) no signs left of the devastation of that fateful day except the 120,000 square meter Peace Memorial Park. The personal details displayed in the museum can be quite upsetting and serve to remind us that we should not take peace for granted. Yet you may notice the 'Peace Clock’ - a small digital counter indicating the number of days since the last atomic test – it’s surprisingly recent.

Later, we'll check into our hotel, where we stay for two nights.

This morning, we'll be on our way to one of the country's most distinctive views on the small island of Itsukushima in Hiroshima Bay, known to the locals as Miyajima, or 'Shrine Island'. It's famous for the giant Torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water, and the Itsukushima Shrine, which - like the Torri gate - is built over the water. This popular little island is easy to explore by foot. It has a relaxed holiday atmosphere where wild deer wander the same streets as the visitors, with lots of interesting shops and a covered market.

The afternoon will be yours to spend at leisure. You could take a visit to Genbaku Dome, the only structure left standing in the wake of the first atomic bomb, now a UNESCO-protected memorial and a powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind. Or visit Hiroshima Castle - reconstructed after the bomb along with a shrine, some ruins and a few buildings of the Ninomau (second circle of defence) - and climb to the top floor for lovely panoramic views of the surrounding city. Perhaps you’ll just head downtown to the bustling Hondori Street and try Hiroshima's famous speciality: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. It's a popular pan-fried dish that consists of batter and cabbage - "okonomiyaki" may sometimes be translated as "as-you-like-it pancake” but we think it's more like Japan's answer to pizza.

Leaving Hiroshima by coach, we'll head towards the old imperial capital of Kyoto. On the way, we'll stop at Okayama, the setting for the Japanese fairytale of Momotaro (or the Peach Boy). So the story goes a child - who came to an elderly couple by way of a large peach – grows up and protects his village from the oni monsters with the help of a dog, a monkey and a bird. You may notice references to him throughout the city as we make our way to Korakuen Garden. Built in 1700, Korakuen is renowned as one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, with lawns, lakes, wooden bridges shrines and teahouses. We'll have plenty of time to explore this traditional Japanese landscape garden, so you can wander on the winding paths to uncover groves of plum, cherry and maple trees, tea and rice fields, an archery range and a crane aviary before carrying on to Kyoto for our four-night stay.

Visiting Kyoto feels like stepping back in time, showcasing its impressively preserved culture that spans centuries. There’s an almost otherworldly quality to the city. Here, Geisha still tiptoe through the cobbled alleyways of Gion, and Zen monks tend to manicured gardens in ancient temples. World heritage shrines, age-old traditions and modern life have found an easy balance - it's effortlessly charming and infinitely interesting. 

First, we'll visit the beautiful Golden Pavilion, which dates back to the classical Muromachi period of Japanese temple design. Perfectly overlooking its lake and garden. It offers a breathtaking view of its surrounding lake and garden. The upper floors are entirely covered in gold leaf, glowing intensely in the morning light.

Our next stop is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest a captivating maze of walkways lined with towering green bamboo columns. Sunlight filters through this natural fortress, creating an enchanting green hue.

Then we'll visit Nijo Castle, an iconic monument in the heart of Kyoto. Built in the 17th century, it’s famous for its unique wooden floors designed to creak like a nightingale’s song, thus warning its occupants of any impending stealthy attack.

Finally, we take a walking tour through Kyoto’s Gion district. It's the classic image of Japan; streets of wooden houses, the unmistakable sound of wooden sandals reverberating on the pavements, bright, silk-clad geishas, cherry trees and a host of traditional restaurants. 

We also experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony that is steeped (pun intended) in history. This ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea, typically in a traditional tearoom with a tatami floor, allows guests to enjoy the hospitality of their host in an atmosphere distinctly away from the fast pace of everyday life - it's a fitting end to a busy day exploring Kyoto.

Japan's oldest permanent capital, Nara, is close by to Kyoto and our destination for today. 

On our way, we'll stop at the Fushimi Inari Shrine in southern Kyoto, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, Inari. Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, which cage a network of trails to form two wooden tunnels up a hillside into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. 

Established in 710 AD, the city is full of cultural treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the dozens of tame deer considered for centuries to be messengers of the gods.

The gentle deer may be fascinating, but the real draw is the Todai-ji temple, which we'll see on our tour of Nara following a local Japanese guide around the city. Until recently, Todai-ji's main hall held the record as the world's largest wooden building (even though the present reconstruction from 1692 is only two-thirds the original size). Inside is a 15-metre-tall seated Buddha, one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. The temple is just one of many of Nara's UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Nara is also famous as the birthplace of sake, a drink that has been offered to the gods since ancient times as an essential part of celebrations. With pure water and premium rice, Nara creates some of the best sake in the entire country. To say they’re “experienced brewers” is an understatement - some of the local breweries have been run by the same family for over 350 years. We can't really leave the ancient former capital without visiting the Sake Museum to learn more about this traditional drink and, of course, taste it for ourselves.

You’ll be free today to explore and discover the many delights and attractions of Kyoto. There are still more enchanting temples to see - like the 15th-century Silver Pavilion and the even older Eikando temple, marvels of architectural and garden design within an easy walk of each other along the charming Philosopher’s Path.

After a morning at leisure in Kyoto, we'll pack up and take the bullet train to Toyama for a three-night stay. The rest of the day will be free time for you to spend as you wish.

Carpeted by a beautiful forest the Kurobe ravine is one of the deepest gorges in Japan. Today, we'll pass the steep cliffs and untouched forest of this mountainous area on a scenic ride on the Kurobe Gorge Railway. Originally built to help construction of the Kurobe Dam, you can sit back and marvel at the views as the train winds along a 20km stretch of the gorge. We’ll stop along the way at a few little stations where we'll get off to admire some of Japan’s great Alpine scenery.

Back in Toyama this afternoon, you're free to explore as you wish. Toyama means rich with mountains - and they're not lying about that! The city offers views of a series of 3,000-meter peaks in the Northern Japan Alps as well as the Sea of Japan. Historically a powerful castle town, today the city is a thriving fusion of high-tech modern amenities and traditional 19th-century wooden buildings.  

Within an easy walk of our hotel is Toyama Castle Park, home to the reconstructed castle, and an art museum. In early-mid April, it’s also a fantastic place to see the city’s famous cherry blossom – but the park’s Japanese gardens are still beautiful year-round. If you're looking for an experience that's unique to the city, check out its glass products. The city is home to the largest collection of glass artists in the entire country and you can learn more about them at the Toyama Glass Art Museum, which is just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. If you can’t decide where to go, our Tour Manager or local guide will be on hand to offer suggestions. 

This morning, we'll head west to Kanazawa, a city that produces 99% of Japan's gold leaf. You'll find gold leaf everywhere, even in unexpected things like gold leaf-covered ice cream.

Our first stop in Kanazawa is Omicho Market, the city's largest fresh food market. Its colourful network of covered streets is home to around 200 shops and stalls, most specialising in local seafood.

As the second largest city to escape destruction by air raids in WWII, much of its historical buildings have survived. As we walk around the enchanting Higashi Chaya geisha district we'll see traditional chaya (teahouse) - an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance - as well as other cafes and shops.

Then we'll visit Kenrokuen, which is widely regarded as one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. Since opening its doors to the public in 1871, the garden has enchanted visitors with a captivating array of flowering trees that look different in every season - there's always something new to see. 

We also visit the village of Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.  

Cameras at the ready today as we journey from Toyama to Nagano with scenic views of the Northern Alps of Japan.

Known as the Roof of Japan, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route was officially opened in 1971 and links Toyama City with Omachi in Nagano. The route takes us on a unique journey through the Northern Japanese Alps and Tateyama Mountain Range, which can only be travelled by a range of different transport methods, trains, busses, cable cars, ropeway and Japan's last remaining trolley bus. The name 'Roof of Japan' comes from the views at the highest altitudes along the route - a knee-trembling 2,450 metres at Murodo Station and 3,015 metres from Mount Tateyamam - from where you can literally look out over the 'un-kai' or 'cloud sea'. Needless to say, you're guaranteed some spectacular views on today's adventure (if the weather cooperates).

We'll see the magnificent, curved wall of the Kurobe Dam, Japan's tallest dam at around 54 storeys tall. Then we'll enjoy a bird's eye view of the reservoir from Tateyama Ropeway - a single span of cable with no intermediate towers to block the panoramic vistas as we continue to climb higher.

Once we reach Nagano, we'll then board a bullet train to Tokyo, where we'll spend one night.