Touchdown in Tokyo: sightseeing, cycling, and taiko drumming

Welcome to Japan! You'll be arriving in one of Tokyo's international airports today, Haneda or Narita, and we'll arrange for a private car to whisk you and your luggage in comfort to your hotel in the centre of Tokyo. We've chosen Ueno as your base as it has fantastic train links and plenty of excellent restaurants, shops, and Ueno park to stretch your legs.

In between seeing the sights, we've chosen two of our favourite family activities, cycling around the more traditional neighbourhoods, and a private taiko drumming class where you can put on your own family performance.

Overnight: Mimaru Apartment Hotel

Speed through the mountains on the bullet train

The sleek Shinkansen bullet train will speed you northwest through the Japan Alps to Kanazawa, a city famous for its garden, seafood, and traditional crafts. Kanazawa is the perfect size to walk around or you can hop on and off the retro loop bus, stopping at all the major destinations in a day. Don't miss Omicho Market full of weird and wonderful seafood – even if you don't want to eat what's on offer, it's quite the sight!

Overnight: Hotel Intergate Kanazawa

Pick up your rental car for the first part of your driving adventure

Your self-guided driving starts today, and we'll arrange for your rental car to be ready and waiting in Kanazawa. You'll see the city fall away to be replaced by rugged scenery as you make your way north. The Noto Peninsula is an unspoiled rural outposts, and the way of life here is a fascinating contrast to the non-stop energy of Tokyo. Your rental car gives you the freedom to stop off wherever you like and enjoy the little villages dotted around the coast; we're sure you'll fall in love with the warm, friendly atmosphere you'll find throughout the peninsula.

A traditional ryokan inn will be your base on the Noto Peninsula; tatami mat flooring, futon bedding, and delicious local cuisine.

Overnight: Tadaya

Marvel at the mountain vistas as you traverse the Alps

From the dramatic landscape of the Noto Peninsula you'll head inland to Toyama where you'll trade in your rental car for a whole host of different transport options. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a 37km course that spans the Japan Alps; until it's completion in the 1970s it wasn't possible to get directly from Toyama to Nagano through the mountains.

On this adventurous two-day section of your trip you'll hop on and off a mix of transport, including trolley bus, cable car, ropeway, and bus across the Midagahara alpine fields. No matter the time of year, the vistas from along the route are simply spectacular, and you'll be staying overnight at Murodo, the highest point (2450m), in order to make the most of the views and do a spot of hiking.

Depending on when you travel, you might be lucky enough to witness the ‘Snow Corridor' at Murodo, a section of road where the snow walls can reach a height of 20m!

Overnight: Hotel Tateyama

Complete the final section of the Alpine Route and make your way to Nagano City

The Alpine Route will finish in Nagano where you'll pick up a second rental car for the next driving portion of your trip. The Romantic Road, a 350km-long route heading east from Nagano, offers some of the best driving in eastern Japan. First you'll head to into the forests to see one of Japan's most iconic sights, the hot spring-bathing ‘snow monkeys' of Yudanaka.

Overnight: Metropolitan Hotel

Soak away tired muscles in the hot spring baths

Kusatsu is considered to be one of Japan's best hot spring resorts, and we wholeheartedly agree. The mountain it's located on, Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, is actually an active volcano so sometimes the hiking routes outside of the town and up the mountain can be out of bounds. The location means that gallons of mineral-rich hot spring water bubbles out of the ground across the town, most notably in the Yubutake hot water field in the centre of town which feeds the baths throughout Kusatsu Onsen.

There's a whole host of baths across the town which you can enjoy during the day, including a café with a foot bath built in beneath the seats.

Overnight: Kusatsu Hotel

Let off steam with high-thrills adventure activities

The two hour drive today will take you across the Kuresaka Pass and down to Minakami, situated alongside the fast-flowing Tone River. As the adventure hotspot of Japan, Minakami is THE place to partake in some high-thrills outdoor activities, including canyoning, white water rafting, and kayaking. Pile out of the car, pull on the swimsuits, and go!

Tonight you'll be staying in a traditional ryokan inn complete with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths and local specialties for dinner.

Overnight: Minakamikan

Pull on your walking shoes for some lakeside hikes

Today's pace will be slightly more sedate as you head 90km to Lake Chuzenji. This is Japan's highest lake and is home to the majestic Kegon Falls and some lovely hiking paths around the national park. If you fancy another dip in the hot spring pools, you can stop at Yumoto Onsen town on the edge of the lake.

This will be your last night staying in traditional accommodation, so make the most of the extensive meals.

Overnight: Oku Nikko Shikisai

Return to the bright lights for the last few days in the capital

You'll have two more nights back in Tokyo to finish off any last bits of sightseeing you missed first time round, or simply relax and enjoy the parks dotted across the city.

On the final day we'll arrange for a transfer out to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.

Overnight: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku