Ride on the Sumida river bus and sip green tea in the tranquil environs of Hamarikyu Gardens, an unlikely oasis in the centre of the Tokyo Metropolis.

On arrival in Tokyo you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel to your hotel in the traditional Asakusa district of the city by shared shuttle. Your tour leader will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby, and this evening you will convene with your group for an orientation meeting and a fabulous included meal at one of the area's great restaurants.

On day two of your itinerary we hope you're rested and ready for a tour of Tokyo's many exciting attractions. You will probably begin by exploring Asakusa's low-rise market stalls and its temple, Senso-ji, then go on to discover some of Tokyo's other distinct districts – perhaps the electronics shops of Akihabara, or the famous scramble crossing of Shibuya.

A ride on the Sumida River bus will be included today, along with entrance to the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens – an oasis in the centre of the metropolis.

Overnight: Gracery Asakusa Hotel

Fly north to Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island and home to spectacular wildlife and scenery.

Today you will hop aboard a private bus and head out of the city to Haneda Airport for your flight to Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the second-largest of Japan's four main islands, and yet it remains unvisited by most international visitors – and even by most Japanese! Known for its rare wildlife, rugged sweeping plains, volcanic landscapes and amazing snow festivals, Hokkaido is a superb winter destination and definitely off the beaten track.

You will land in Kushiro and transfer by private coach to Tsurui , where you'll be spending your first night in Hokkaido. A delicious home-cooked dinner will be included at your accommodation this evening.

Overnight: Woody Hotel & Restaurant Yumekobo

Witness the mating dance of the famous red-crowned crane in Tsurui.

Tsurui is famous as a breeding-ground for the rare red-crowned crane, and this morning you will have the services of an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader as you take a bird-watching tour of the area. Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to see the cranes perform their incredible mating dance – don't forget to bring your camera!

This afternoon you'll transfer by private coach to Kawayu Onsen near to Lake Kussharo.

Overnight: Kawayu Kanko Hotel

Take an icebreaker cruise amongst the ice floes of the Okhotsk Sea and visit one of Abashiri's fascinating museums.

This morning it's time to board an icebreaker for a cruise on the Okhotsk Sea. From your boat you'll be able to appreciate the wild scenery of the Shiretoko Peninsula and perhaps even get up close to a flock of Steller's Sea Eagles as they congregate on the ice floes.

Later on you will once again climb aboard a private coach and make your way to Abashiri, where this afternoon you'll visit the Abashiri Prison Museum, an interesting set of buildings that were constructed during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Dinner will be included tonight, at the hotel.

Overnight: Abashiri Koso

Marvel at the giant snow sculptures at Sapporo's famous Yuki Matsuri, or snow festival.

Today you will take the train from Abashiri to Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city. The train ride will be an experience in itself, offering fantastic views of Hokkaido's vast, windswept snowscapes as you journey across country.

In Sapporo you'll have a chance to slow your pace a little and relax, with three nights in your hotel located conveniently next to Sapporo station.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and most notably hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972. You'll have a chance to explore the city and sample some of the unique cuisine such the local buttery ramen noodles. The Odori Park in the centre of the city is a hive of activity and a great place to start. The city also features some Meiji period architecture most notably at the city's iconic Clock Tower.

On day eight you have another full day to enjoy the winter wonderland of Sapporo. We recommend visiting the Nijo Fish Market, checking out the Ainu Museum about Hokkaido's indigenous people, or perhaps scaling the TV tower for great views of the city.

If you're a keen skier or boarder, you could use this free day to hit the slopes of the Kiroro Ski Resort, just one hour away by bus. Your tour leader will be happy to help you organise a great value package including ski hire and a lift pass if this is up your street.

Overnight: Cross Hotel Sapporo

Explore Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, where you'll visit ancient temples and shrines and enjoy an exclusive audience with a trainee geisha.

Today it's time to leave Hokkaido behind and return to Honshu, Japan's main island, by plane. Flying from Sapporo to Kansai Airport, you'll then take the train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart and capital for over a millennium, from 794 until 1868.On arrival in the city you will drop off your luggage at your hotel in time to enjoy a delicious included meal with your group.

Kyoto's illustrious history as the seat of Imperial rule has left it with a bounty of ancient temples, shrines, palaces and gardens. In fact, Kyoto's heritage was considered so significant that it was spared bombing raids during World War Two, meaning that many of these historical treasures remain intact to this day.

On day ten your tour leader will take you on an extensive tour of the city, introducing you to some of its famous sites as well as some of its lesser-known treasures. This afternoon you will have the privilege of an exclusive audience with a maiko - or trainee geisha. This is a rare opportunity to ask questions and discover what life is like in this notoriously secretive world.

Finally, on day eleven, you will be free to continue exploring the countless sights of the city, or to make a day trip to one of the fascinating destinations within easy reach by rail. Your tour leader may be leading a tour of the former capital, Nara, just an hour's train ride away. You can choose to accompany the group, or make alternative plans if there is something else you'd like to see.

Overnight: Vischio Kyoto

Visit the hot spring-bathing snow monkeys of Yudanaka, a tiny town in the Japanese Alps.

Today you'll swap Japan's ancient capital for mountain scenery as you journey by limited express train into the Japanese Alps to Yudanaka Onsen, a quaint hot spring town that has retained its historical feel, with crooked alleys and wooden buildings.

In Yudanaka you'll be spending two nights at a traditional ryokan inn, where futon mattresses are laid out for you on tatami-mat floors. A beautiful Japanese-style meal will be included on both nights of your stay.

On day 13 you will walk on snowy paths through the forest to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll find Japan's most famous simian residents. The monkeys here have learnt to keep themselves warm by bathing in the natural hot spring waters, and even have fun throwing snowballs at one another from time to time!

When you return to your ryokan tonight, we recommend that you follow the monkeys' example and have a nice long soak in the inn's onsen hot spring baths.

Overnight: Ryokan View

Spend a final night in the buzzing entertainment hub of Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Finally it's time for you to return to Tokyo for one last evening in the city. Hopefully you should arrive in time for a little last-minute souvenir shopping! A farewell dinner is included this evening and we highly recommend that you join your tour leader and group for one last meal.

On day 15 a shared shuttle bus has been arranged to take you to the airport for your flight home. Have a safe trip!

Overnight: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku