The Northern Soul tour brings you some of Japan's most unique experiences; stunning temples in Nikko; Naruko Onsen, a remote hot spring resort set in a beautiful valley; quiet reflection and contemplation at temple lodgings on Mt. Haguro; the laid back city of Sendai.

The context for all of this is set with two nights in Tokyo to start your Northern Soul adventure. This is modern urban living on an enormous scale. The view from the top of Shinjuku's Government Metropolitan building says it all with concrete as far as the eye can see in every direction: This is the world's largest conurbation and home to 35 million Japanese. The streets are constantly buzzing with activity; the neon lights ablaze as soon as dusk descends and the suited salary-men who helped drive Japan's economic revolution pour out of the offices and into the bars, restaurants and hostess clubs.

You'll return to Tokyo on the 14th day of the tour. But until then you'll leave life at a hundred miles an hour behind and step into a different world. At Mt. Haguro's temple lodgings you will have all the time in the world to relax. You will awaken to a Buddhist vegetarian breakfast and the chanting of the temple monks at morning prayer and fall asleep breathing cool clean air under star filled mountain skies. We'll also be venturing across the Japan Sea to Sado Island, a place with a unique history being first an island of harsh exile and then the site of Japan's own gold rush. Today the island has a flourishing local arts scene which includes beautiful Okessa Odori dancing, pulsating taiko drumming and traditional Noh drama.

With two nights in Nikko, a town situated within beautiful mountainous country and home of Toshogu shrine and a stay in a hotspring ryokan in the remote Onsen resort of Naruko, a Northern Soul is a chance to get away from it all.

We won't, however, be leaving modern Japan behind completely; in between the rural retreats we will visit Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region and Niigata, a lively port town on the Japan sea coast.

Sumptuous evening meals are included at most destinations as well as three rides on the world renowned high-speed "Bullet" train. With your Tour Leader always on hand to assist, you are sure to get the most out of this fascinating trip.

Ideal for anyone returning to Japan or for first time visitors who are looking for something different, A Northern Soul is your chance to go beyond the regular tourist haunts and experience some of what lies at the heart of Japan. A 15 day adventure to treasure.

A Northern Soul: Sendai volunteering option

We are happy to announce a two night volunteering option for A Northern Soul participants in collaboration with the non-profit organisation "It's Not Just Mud". Why not get stuck in helping communities affected by the Tohoku tsunami? You'll be working alongside local people in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture either helping with some light physical labour or helping at community events taking place at temporary housing centres and sports centres.

Those that take this option will travel from Nikko to Sendai on Day 5 and spend the afternoon sightseeing with the tour group as planned. Volunteers will then stay in basic accommodation in Ishinomaki for two nights. Volunteers share rooms (single sex), sleeping on futons. Simple but hearty meals are included and cooked together on site. Day 6 will be spent doing volunteer work. On Day 7 volunteers rejoin the tour group for the journey to Hiraizumi.

Inside Japan Tours will make a donation to "It's Not Just Mud" for each volunteer. The donation will be equal to the cost of two nights in the Sendai ryokan.