Leave the big city behind and head north for two days of historic shrines and peaceful nature in Nikko National Park.

After saying goodbye to your tour leader and group in Tokyo, you will make your way by train north to Nikko. We'll extend your Japan Rail Passes to cover the additional trains and will provide full instructions for each self-guided journey. From the window of the train you can watch as the city falls away and is replaced by the sight of rice fields and forests as you head deeper into Tochigi Prefecture on your two hour ride.

Your hotel is located right next to the station, making it a very convenient base for your two days there. Upon arrival at Nikko Station you will be met by your local guide who is eager to share their wealth of knowledge about the Nikko area with you during your half day tour. You will certainly visit Tosho-gu Shrine which is one of the most lavishly decorated shrines in Japan, so be sure to take your time to look closely at the myriad intricate embellishments on the dozen buildings of the shrine complex.

On the following day you will have a day at leisure to explore further afield in Nikko National Park. Kegon Falls is particularly impressive, and nearby Lake Chuzenji, the highest lake in Japan, makes for a pleasant walk and has some lovely lakeview restaurants offering local specialities. If one last hot spring experience sounds enticing, you can while away a leisurely afternoon in the hot spring town of Yumoto Onsen where the hot water bubbles up from Yunodaira marsh.

Overnight: Nikko Station Classic

Fall in love with the northern charm of Sendai then take a day trip to the pine-covered islands of Matsushima or the scenic mountain temple of Yamadera.

The journey from Nikko to Sendai is an easy two hour ride with one change at Utsunomiya where you'll hop aboard the bullet train to speed further north. Sendai has an intriguing mix of modern culture in the form of Sendai Mediatheque, a complex housing art exhibits, and historical buildings such as Zuihoden Mausoleum where the feudal lord Date Masamune and his family is buried.

We have several suggestions for day trips from Sendai using your included Japan Rail Pass. To the east is the pine-covered islands dotting Matsushima Bay, and it is well-loved owing to its centuries-long status as one of the top three scenic ocean views of Japan, along with Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima and Amanohashidate in Kyoto. If you'd prefer to head into the hills, we recommend Yamadera, a temple complex just across the border in Yamagata Prefecture. It's famous for its beautiful temple buildings perched on the mountain, and it's where Matsuo Bassho, one of Japan's most famous poets, composed some of his best haiku poetry.

Overnight: Hotel Vista Sendai

Make your way back to Tokyo where you can indulge in your favourite food or a bit of shopping surrounded by the bright lights of Shinjuku.

The bullet train ride from Sendai back to Tokyo will take just over two hours, and after arrival you will have the rest of the day to spend as you please in this vibrant city. Your hotel is located in the lively Shinjuku district where you will have easy access to the huge number of eateries and bars, like Golden Gai and its veritable maze of dinky watering holes, or you can roam further afield to nearby Shibuya or other areas of the city.

On the following morning you'll use your Japan Rail Passes one last time on the Narita Express out to Narita Airport, or if it's more convenient to fly from Haneda Airport we can adjust arrangements to suit your needs.

Overnight: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku