Japan has a long tradition of pilgrimage. Beginning in the Nara period (710 to 794) and increasing in popularity through the centuries, today over six million people a year head to Ise Shrine in search of a spiritual lift, a connection with their ancestors and more practical benefits such as a job promotion or good health!

Tokyo, Japan's remarkable capital city, provides a dramatic introduction to your stay. Here a visit to bustling Senso-ji Temple, where the smell of incense fills the air and young and old alike queue to purchase their fortunes, gives a glimpse of a Tokyo seemingly lost amongst the skyscrapers and office buildings; contrast this with Shinjuku, where dazzling neon lights the way to a high-tech, digital future.

A ride on Japan's Shinkansen (Bullet Train) followed by a scenic local train ride hugging the coastline brings you to the pilgrimage town of Ise where you will find Naiku, the inner shrine of Ise Jingu, dedicated to Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. Stroll through the extensive grounds before a traditional lunch in the restored old quarters.

Kyoto is your other city stay. As the cultural and historical heart of Japan, this city offers the very best in arts and crafts, gardens and cuisine as well as a remarkable 17 World Heritage sites. An expert private guide is included for one day, providing detailed background and the local low-down.

Following in the footsteps of Emperors, you will continue along the ancient Kumano Kodo, a designated World Heritage route leading to Kumano Sanzen, the three grand shrines of the Kii Peninsular. You will stay in the hot spring villages of Yunomine and Totsukawa, cherished by generations of travellers for their fantastic spa waters and beautiful scenery. For one day, your expert guide will lead you on a choice of hiking trails across the region, from easy to more challenging routes.

You will complete your pilgrimage with a temple lodging stay at the mountain-top sacred site of Koya-san. We recommend a twilight walk through the incredible Okuno-in cemetery before sitting down to a dinner of shoujin ryori, traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, served at your lodgings. Join the early morning meditation ceremony for full emersion into a timeless way of life that has endured since the monk Kukai first set foot on Mount Koya some 1200 years ago.

Historic cities, ancient forest paths, the most venerated of Shinto shrines and healing volcanic hot spring waters make this a very special spiritual journey through Japan.