Welcome to Japan!

After disembarking at Yokohama Port, a private car will be waiting to take you in comfort to your accommodation in the Asakusa area of Tokyo, an historic district full of traditional streets and the city's oldest temple, Sensoji. You'll have the rest of the day to find your feet as your explore the surrounding area, or you might like to throw yourself headfirst into the culinary delight of Japanese cuisine – the choice is yours.

On your first full day in the city a private English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on a day to remember through the city. Your guide will be able to introduce all the major sights, but if you have any specific requests of things you'd like to see or do, let us know and we can pass it on to your guide to help you personalize your day.

Overnight: Gate Hotel Kaminarimon

Marvel at the striking Black Crow castle

You would have seen plenty of ocean views during your cruise, so now it's time to head into the mountains. Matsumoto is an old castle town known for its iconic black castle, one of the finest remaining feudal castles in the country. While in town, be sure to try out the local cuisine; we highly recommend a bowl of freshly made soba noodles which can be enjoyed hot or cold depending on the season.

Overnight: Buena Vista Hotel

Journey by bus through the Alps

This morning you'll take a highway bus for the 2.5 hour ride through the mountains to the alpine town of Takayama. On your second day there we'll arrange for you to have a private food and culture tour that will take you through the wonderfully preserved wooden merchant districts where you can stop to try out some of the tasty delicacies, or even a cup of locally brewed sake.

Takayama will be your first chance to enjoy a stay at a traditional ryokan inn, complete with futon bedding spread on tatami mat flooring, hot spring baths, and kaiseki course cuisine.

Overnight: Tanabe Ryokan

Stroll through exquisite Kenrokuen gardens

Another two bus rides await you today, the first of which will take you to the thatched roof village of Shirakawago, deep in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. You can spend a few hours wandering around and taking in the atmosphere of this picture-perfect village. If you're feeling adventurous you can walk or hop on the bus up to the viewing point that offers a wonderful panorama over the valley.

The second of the bus journeys will bring you to the garden city of Kanazawa, located a short way from the Japan Sea – which means fresh seafood abounds. Kanazawa was fortunately spared bombing in World War II and a walk through the carefully preserved geisha and samurai districts is just like stepping back in time. Continuously lauded as one of the top three gardens in Japan, the landscape garden Kenrokuen is well worth a visit at any time of year.

Overnight: Kanazawa Tokyu

Temple-hop through the ancient capital

On your first evening in Kyoto a private walking tour of the Gion district will introduce you to one of the most intriguing sides of Japanese culture; the enigmatic world of geisha. If you're lucky you might even be able to spot a maiko (trainee geisha) as she darts between tea houses.

A guide will spend the next day with you to help you make the most out of your day in Kyoto. The city is home to more temples, shrines, and scenic spots than you could hope to explore in a month of living there, but your guide will ensure you visit the must-see places on your list, as well as introduce some secret places off the usual tourist path.

The following day will be at leisure, so you can either continue exploring Kyoto at your own pace or perhaps head out of the city on a day trip to nearby Nara, which used to be the capital in the 8th century. As well as being home to several UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines including impressive Todai-ji, Nara also has a large population of curious deer who are rather fond of interrupting picnics.

Overnight: Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei

Refresh in the hot spring baths

This morning will be your first journey on the famed Shinkansen bullet train as you travel east to Hakone in the foothills of Mount Fuji. The best way to see Hakone is by using your included Hakone Freepass on the varied transportation network that criss-crosses the valley, from buses to a ropeway to a cruise across Lake Ashi – keep your fingers crossed for views of the notoriously shy Mount Fuji. Your third guide of the trip will be with you today to help you navigate the sightseeing loop. In addition to scenic vistas, Hakone is also known for its variety of museums and galleries, and we highly recommend spending an hour or two at the fascinating Open Air Museum, full of thought-provoking sculptures and a small Picasso gallery.

In Hakone you'll be staying in a Japanese-style hotel, which cleverly mixes Western comforts with hot spring baths, Japanese décor, and fusion kaiseki cuisine.

Overnight: Kowakien Tenyu

Explore the bright lights of Shinjuku

Explore the bright lights of Shinjuku All aboard the ‘Romance Car' limited express train for the journey back to Tokyo for your final day of sightseeing, shopping, or simply relaxing – the choice is yours. This time you'll be staying in the vibrant Shinjuku district which is chock full of great places to enjoy a final meal in Japan. If there's anything in particular you'd love to see or do before leaving Japan, do let us know and we can make the arrangements for you.

Sadly all good things must come to an end, and today a private car will pick you up and take you out to the airport for your flight home.

Overnight: Century Southern Tower