Tokyo and Kyoto are the must-see cities of Japan and with an overnight stay in off the beaten track Izu Peninsula in between, our IJT Superior Spirit of Honshu tour is the perfect trip for anyone looking for a short group tour packed with inclusions. 

Led by retired businessman and experienced IJT tour leader Mr Yasuhiko Ota, the tour opens with a three night stay in Tokyo with accommodation in the heart of old town Asakusa. You'll have plenty of time to explore its lively backstreets packed with open-fronted restaurants and traditional stores as well as the impressive Sensoji Temple - perhaps pick up an omikuji fortune and learn what your future has in store!

A full day seeing the sights of the capital will be followed by a day trip to Nikko, home of the vast Toshogu complex of temples and shrines. Constructed over 21 years following the death of the first Tokugawa Shogun in 1616, this elaborate collection of buildings set amidst towering Japanese cypress trees, showcases the finest craftsmanship of the period. Look out for the dazzling carvings of dragons, lions and elephants and of course the iconic, "see-no-evil, speak-no-evil, hear-no-evil" monkeys.

Day 4 will see you leaving the city for the mountains and jagged coastline of the Izu Peninsula. Travelling by private microbus our itinerary will take in some of the best sites with possible stops including the Jigosaki volcanic coast line, historic Shuzenji Onsen, Kawazu in March for its early blooming cherry blossom, Shimoda in May for the kurofune 'black ships' festival and the Jukkoku Pass which on clear days offers dramatic views of Mount Fuji. If we miss Fuji-san today do not worry; on Day 5 we'll be taking a ferry journey across Suruga Bay from where, weather depending,  Japan's most famous icon can be seen towering over the coast - the sight that met sailors of old approaching Japan for the first time.

Our journey through Japan concludes with a three night stay in Kyoto, capital of Japanese history and culture. Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy the company of a Geisha at a private appointment in the Gion District, as well as being introduced by an expert local guide to a few of the World Heritage sites, gardens and traditional arts of the city. A day trip to nearby Nara with its giant statue of Buddha and friendly sacred deer will round off your stay in Japan.

Accommodation has been carefully chosen to be of a very good 4 star grade in Tokyo and Kyoto whilst on the Izu Pensinsula we stay in a lovely beachside Japanese-style inn with a top class kaiseki meal included - choose your fish fresh on arrival! Take a walk on the sands or enjoy a treatment in the spa before relaxing in a soothing natural hot spring bath; a quintessential Japanese experience.

With high quality accommodation throughout and first class rail travel on the famous Shinkansen 'Bullet Train', Spirit of Honshu brings you the quintessential sights of Japan whilst travelling in style.  

We have timed the departures of this tour to catch some very special seasons and events:

Early March: the first cherry blossom on mainland Japan reaches the Izu Peninsula in early March. Our departure is perfectly timed to coincide with the early March Cherry blossom festival on the Izu Peninsula.

April: The blossom reaches Tokyo and Kyoto in April and we have timed this departure to catch the full bloom.

Mid-May: May is 'green season' and one of the most pleasant times temperature-wise to be in Japan. The gardens are particularly lush and tourist sights tend to be quite peaceful. We will also catch the Kurofune 'Black Boats' festival in Shimoda on our May depparture.

Late October: We have timed this departure to catch the stunning autumn leaves which put on a magnificent display especially on the Izu Peninsula and in Kyoto.