Enjoy a tea ceremony in Hamarikyu Gardens or survey Tokyo from 634m above the ground as you explore the many delights of Japan's capital.

To kick off your northern adventure you will be staying in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, the city's historical quarter and home to Senso-ji: Tokyo's oldest temple. You have the remainder of today to settle in and explore the many great sights within the vicinity of your hotel. There are numerous restaurants nearby and plenty of exciting options to ease you into your Japanese experience.

On your first full day in Tokyo you will be taking a tour of the city with a private guide, who will help you plan an itinerary to cover some of the city's famous spots and some of its more unusual locations.

Perhaps visit Hamarikyu Gardens to participate in a tea ceremony, followed by a walk to the impressive Meiji Shrine and a spectacular view of Tokyo from the Metropolitan Government Buildings.

After an action-packed day of guiding you will have another full day to either continue exploring the city independently or to make a day trip out of Tokyo.

Just a short train ride away you'll find the vast Chinatown at Yokohama; the giant Buddha statue at coastal Kamakura; and some excellent hiking trails around Mount Takao. Details of how to make these day trips and more will be included in your Info-Pack.

Overnight: Gracery Asakusa Hotel

Swap city life for the peace and quiet of the forest as you take a tour of Japan's most opulent religious architecture in Nikko National Park.

Today you will leave the capital behind to start your journey north. You will travel by local train to Nikko, where you will have two days to explore the area, from Nikko's famous shrines and temples to the national park. Highlights include the impressive Kegon waterfalls, the hot spring temple at Yumoto and a cable car ride with great views of Lake Chuzen-ji – as well as plenty of hiking trails.

You will have another full day in Nikko to explore the area; a unique way to see the area is by bike, so we've included a guided cycling tour. If you'd prefer to explore on foot with a guide, we can arrange that too.

Lots of suggestions will be included in your Info-Pack.

Overnight: Nikko Station Classic

Speed north on the bullet train to Sendai, a modern city with a rich history.

This morning you will take the local train to Utsunomiya before changing trains for your first trip on the Shinkansen, Japan's world-famous bullet train. This will whisk you on to the city of Sendai, the gateway to the north and a modern city with a rich history.

Based at a hotel in the centre of the city, you will be able to use the loop bus to visit the various historical sights such as the castle ruins and the mausoleum of Sendai's founding father, Date Masamune. In the evening we'll arrange for you to join a guided food tour of some of Sendai's best eateries, giving you the chance to try out the local gourmet specialties.

On your second day in Sendai you will have the chance to go further afield and visit the island-studded bay of Matsushima. Our favourite way is to go with a guide to try out Matsushima's most famous produce: oysters, which you can pluck fresh from the sea! Non-seafood fans might prefer to explore on their own; your Info-Pack will be full of suggestions.

You will have one more day in Sendai, and again we highly recommend heading out on a day trip, this time to mountaintop Yamadera Temple. There are a fair few steps to get to the top, but the view – especially in autumn – is well worth it.

Overnight: Hotel Vista Sendai

Wend your way into the mountains for a relaxing stay at the hot spring village of Nyuto Onsen, one of the most impressive in Japan.

Today you will pick up your rental car and drive north to the mountain village of Nyuto Onsen.

Quite simply one of the most impressive hot spring towns in Japan, the baths here are scattered through forests and mountains and are a real treat! Dinner will be included tonight at your Japanese-style ryokan inn.

After a night in this secluded mountain village you will have a day to explore the area with your car. We recommend taking a day trip to either Lake Tazawa for a boat cruise or a cycle ride, or over to Mount Akita Komagatake for some great hiking and fabulous views.

In the evening you will be served another fabulous dinner and will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the hot springs in Nyuto Onsen.

Overnight: Tsurunoyu

Walk through history as you explore the ancient samurai town of Kakunodate.

Today you will make your way to Kakunodate, an ancient samurai town set on a plain amongst the Tohoku mountains. There are a number of original samurai residences here to explore and the whole town has a real sense of history to it.

Kakunodate is also the most popular spot in the Tohoku region for cherry blossom viewing, with hundreds of weeping shidareazakura trees around the historic town.

Overnight: Kakunodate Hotel Folkloro

Sample traditional temple fare as you spend the night at a shukubo temple lodging in Haguro village.

Today you will travel south along the Sea of Japan Coast before heading inland once more to Mount Haguro, one of the Dewa Sanzan sacred mountains. Here you will be staying at a traditional shukubo, or pilgrims' lodging, which is sure to be a memorable experience.

Whilst in Haguro you can make the trek up the 2,446 steps to the top of the mountain – or alternatively take the bus! You may also wish to visit the Yamabushi museum in the centre of Haguro village. A typical Buddhist shojin ryori dinner will be included in your stay tonight.

Overnight: Kanbayashi Katsukane Shukubo

Cap off your trip with a night in Tokyo's vibrant entertainment district, a dramatic contrast to your northern adventure!

Today you will drop off your hire car and hop on the Shinkansen for the last time to take you back to the capital city. You will be staying in Shinjuku, the entertainment and business heart of Tokyo. There are literally thousands of bars, restaurants, clubs and karaoke rooms to choose from here, so you're sure to have a fantastic finale to your adventures.

At last it is time for you to leave Japan, and on your final morning you will travel back to the airport by shuttle bus. Have a safe journey home!

Overnight: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku