This fourteen night trip begins in the buzzing neon of Tokyo, the modern capital of Japan and a treasure trove of sights and experiences. From here travel to Kawaguchi-ko, one of the five lakes set in the shadow of Japan's most evocative image, Mt. Fuji. In summertime this famous landmark opens
to climbers - only the truly determined need apply!

Stroll alongside the crystal blue waters of the Azusa River in the Kamikochi National Park - a stunning plateau some 2000 metres above sea level - keeping an eye out for the native monkey population. There is also serious hiking here if you wish, along with more opportunities for hot spring relaxation - perhaps even afternoon tea in the luxurious Kamikochi Imperial Hotel.

Whether it's to fuel gentle strolls or strenuous hikes, you'll be wanting to try as much Japanese food as possible. To this end we have made sure that this itinerary is a gourmet's treat; numerous evening meals are included, often served in your room as is traditional.

In Matsumoto, you will step back in time whilst climbing the well worn wooden stairs of the imposing 'Black Crow' castle, whilst Takayama's charming old-world streets, sake breweries and thatched roof farmhouses give a glimpse of rural life.

Kyoto, famed for its World Heritage temples, gardens and shrines is also surrounded by mountains. A walk through the majestic temples of Mt. Hiei or the hundreds of vermillion red tori gates climbing the hills of Fushimi Inari shrine, are a wonderful addition to the classic sights of the glorious Golden Pavilion and the Zen gardens of Ryoanji temple.

This Self-Guided Adventure brings you to the heart of Japan - a delicate balance between natural beauty and the ancient culture and traditions of the Japanese nation.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Tokyo

Upon arrival at customs you will be met by one of our local representatives who will help you with any queries you may have and provide you with express train tickets straight to the exciting district of Shinjuku where you will be staying. Your hotel is ideally located between the towering skyscrapers and the buzzing entertainment neighbourhood, giving you the perfect location for sightseeing in the immediate area as well as the ideal base for navigating the capital.

Day 2 Tokyo

Today you have eight hours with one of our excellent local guides, who will meet you at your hotel and show you the highlights and hidden sights of what this captivating city has to offer. The itinerary is at your disposal, so feel free to use your guide to discover those areas which have always fascinated you, or just sit back and allow them to exhibit their wealth of knowledge. You will be using the world-class public transport system, travelling as the Tokyoites do and getting close up to the city, with your guide on hand to answer all those inevitable questions! In the evening you can explore the vicinity of your hotel; from cheap and tasty street noodle stalls to exquisitely presented kaiseki meals.

Day 3 Tokyo

With a city the size of Tokyo, there is something for everyone and today you have a full free day to explore. Your included Tokyo Transport pass allows you to easily travel around without having to buy individual tickets. You may like to get going early with a visit to the hectic Tsukiji Fish Market and its frantic tuna auction before sampling a fresh sushi breakfast. Afterwards, you could head to the historical quarter of Asakusa with its atmospheric market stalls and magnificent Sensoji Temple. Or visit the contrast of the distinctive fashions of Harajuku with the nearby peaceful Meiji Shrine. And if at the end of the day you fancy some nightlife before heading out into the wilderness, you are in the perfect place!

Day 4 Kawaguchiko

It’s time to leave behind the lights and drama of the metropolis to head out on the highway to Lake Kawaguchiko, a perfect viewing place for the remarkable apparition of Fuji-san. The scenic Fuji Five Lakes area is home to dramatic scenery as well as Japan’s most sacred mountain; from here you can take the iconic picture of Mount Fuji, soaring over the picturesque Lake Kawaguchi. For those who are feeling particularly energetic there is the opportunity to climb the volcano during the summer months – only for the truly determined!

Day 5 Kawaguchiko

Depending on what thrills you are after, there is the option for a relaxing lake-side walk, simply taking in the atmosphere of the surroundings – or if you like a physical challenge, then during July and August you can attack the 3776m of Mount Fuji. The dormant volcano can be scaled at night to reach the summit in time for the spectacular sunrise (weather dependent!), or alternatively, a day time climb gives stunning views of the surrounding cities, countryside and coastline. Other options include the Fuji-Q Highland theme park, which is packed with exhilarating rides, or you may prefer the less hair-raising Fuji Safari Park where you can get close to native and exotic animals alike.

Day 6 Matsumoto

The express train will take you on to Matsumoto and back to the Sengoku era, as the imposing ‘Black Crow’ castle dominates this hot spring town in the foothills of the Japanese Alps. One of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles, it will transport you back in time as you climb the well worn wooden stairs and wander around the original stone walls. You can enjoy the famous soba noodles of Matsumoto for your dinner tonight, the local delicacy of wasabi, or if you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can sample the raw horse meat and bee larvae!

Day 7 Kamikochi

After a short train journey out of Matsumoto, you will take a scenic bus ride high up in to the Alps along dramatic gorges, with steam rising from the bubbling springs that lie all around, before cutting straight through a mountain and into the national park. When you emerge, a stunning river valley awaits you, surrounded on all sides by the towering mountain peaks. Without doubt one of the most magical places to visit in all Japan, a stay in Kamikochi is a chance to lose yourself in the beauty of an unspoilt natural landscape. With accommodation on the banks of the river this is sure to be a real trip highlight.

Day 8 Kamikochi

Get an early start this morning and you can tackle one of the many hiking trails to be found up to the peaks, rewarding you with amazing views and cool fresh air. At the centre of Kamikochi, straddling the Azusa River, lies Kappa-bashi bridge. The much-photographed view from this bridge is particularly beautiful when the larch trees along the river banks display their autumn colours. From here you can take various hiking routes ranging from easy strolls up to tough full day treks. You may also spot some of the resident population of monkeys who make this area their home!

Day 9 Takayama

Today you will head to the historic town of Takayama, situated on the lower reaches of the Japan Alps and surrounded by jagged peaks. It is perhaps due to the town's isolated location that a remarkable number of old traditions have been preserved. Within San-machi Suji and other parts of the town there are a large number of museums devoted to crafts, old lifestyles and other local traditions. This afternoon you can head up to the Hida Folk Village; the ‘praying hands’ thatched roof houses here give you a sense of what life was like in days gone by for Japanese farmers and craftsmen in what was once a very inaccessible rural region of Japan.

Day 10 Takayama

After breakfast head out to the morning farmers’ markets and try some of the local produce brought in from all over the region There are many sightseeing options including the museum housing floats from Takayama’s famous festival, some impressive merchants’ houses and the former local government offices. For lunch try some of the delicious Hida beef along with some locally farmed vegetables, perhaps followed by a visit to some of the sake breweries for a taste of the local tipple!

Day 11 Kyoto

From the highlands to the lowlands today; it’s back to the city by express train and shinkansen to the ancient capital of Japan. Kyoto is an essential stop for any trip to this country, packed with hidden shrines, grand temples and atmospheric back streets. Your first view will be of the ultra-modern glass and steel train station building, which announces your arrival to this diverse city where you will be staying in a central hotel, ideally located for sightseeing, shops and nightlife. After your stint in the countryside, it is time to discover the other side of Japanese culture in the busy shopping streets and bustling markets of Kyoto.

Day 12 Kyoto

Today you once again have the services of one of our excellent local guides, who will show you the sights and sounds of what this captivating city has to offer. The itinerary is once again up to you, so feel free to use your guide to discover those areas which have always fascinated you, or just sit back and allow them to guide you through the maze of shrines, temples and cobbled streets. There are almost limitless attractions in Japan’s capital of history and culture, with ancient temples hidden around every corner and glimpses of Geisha tottering gracefully along picturesque backstreets.

Day 13 Kyoto

Today you can either spend more time exploring Kyoto or if you prefer, make a day trip to one of the nearby places of interest. Nara lies just 40 minutes south of Kyoto and is always a popular choice, with the rambling parkland filled with cheeky deer surrounding the Todaiji Temple which houses a huge 30m bronze statue of Buddha. The poignant Second World War city of Hiroshima is only a couple of hours away on the ‘bullet train’, and you can stop in on Himeji Castle on your way – so much to do, you just have to make the choice!

Day 14 Tokyo

The bright lights of Tokyo will be waiting for you as you head back to the energetic capital today for your final night. It’s the perfect chance to catch up on anything you may have missed first time round and perhaps fit in some last minute shopping before you leave! You can use this time to fill up on delicious excellent value seafood or warble away to your favourite tunes at Karaoke. Whatever you want to do on your last day, you will be sure to find it in Tokyo.

Day 15 Depart

Unfortunately it is time to head back to the real world and board your plane home. You will take the Airport Limousine Bus to Narita Airport ready for your flight.