Delve into the vibrant streets of Tokyo with a private guide, then rub elbows with the locals at a lively izakaya evening experience

Welcome to Japan! A private car will be waiting at the airport to whisk you to your accommodation in the city in comfort. The traditional area of Asakusa will be your home in Tokyo for these three days, and we've chosen a hotel located close to Kaminarimon, the majestic Thunder Gate which marks the entrance to Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji. You can spend a leisurely first afternoon in the city exploring the shops and food stalls along Nakamise Street leading from Kaminarimon to the main temple.

On your first full day we have arranged for a professional English speaking guide to show you the ropes and guide you through the city to all of the places you want to visit. Fancy seeing some cutting-edge architecture, or visiting a traditional garden tucked away amongst the skyscrapers? Let us or the guide know and we can easily arrange it.

Now that you've got a basic understanding of the train network in the city, it's time to head out on your own for a day of sightseeing, and your Info-Pack is chock full of extra ideas of what to see and do. In the evening we've arranged for one of our Insiders – native English speakers who live in Tokyo – to take you on a unique night out at some top izakaya, Japan's answer to a humble pub, often hidden down the backstreets and known only to locals. Your Insider will introduce you to some of our favourite lively spots for refreshing drinks and warming dishes. Cheers!

Overnight: Gate Hotel Kaminarimon

Walk through the snowy forest to Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can see the famous snow monkeys lounging in their beloved hot springs

Say farewell to the bright lights and head west into the snowy mountains of Nagano. The walk through the forest leading up to Jigokudani Monkey Park where the macaques while away their day soaking in the outdoor hot springs will be a snowy one, so be sure to wrap up warmly.

This evening you can mimic the monkeys and take full advantage of the private hot spring bath in your room at the authentic ryokan inn where you will spend the night on cosy thick futon the tatami mat floors. A full kaiseki course dinner awaits you.

Overnight: Jinpyokaku Honten

Get stuck into a soba noodle making experience, and explore the samurai castle city of Matsumoto

This morning it's a short journey to Matsumoto an old samurai city which provides a fascinating contrast to Tokyo. The majestic “Black Crow” castle in the centre of the city is of course the main attraction, and is often considered to be one of the most beautiful original castles in Japan thanks to its unique colouring.

After visiting the castle there's plenty more to do in Matsumoto; a visit to the ukiyo-e woodblock print museum just outside the city centre is well worth it. The following day we've arranged for you to have a soba making class, where you'll learn how to make (and eat!) the famous noodles from scratch.

Overnight: Buena Vista Hotel

Wander the traditional wooden streets of Takayama and try your hand at making Hida cuisine

We've reserved tickets for you to take the Highway Bus from Matsumoto to Takayama, a journey which will lead you through along winding roads besides rivers and huge dams in the picture-perfect snowy Japan Alps.

Another traditional inn will be your base for your stay in this well-preserved mountain town. A delicious course dinner will be prepared for your first night, but on the second night you have the freedom to explore one of the local restaurants in the area.

After enjoying the fresh local cuisine, on your second day you'll have the chance to make it yourself! The included group cooking class is a fantastic way to learn about the ingredients and dishes unique to Hida cuisine, and of course you'll get the chance to taste-test your creations for lunch.

Overnight: Tanabe Ryokan

Learn about Japanese culture from a local guide, and meet a maiko for afternoon tea in a traditional Gion tea house

Today it's onwards to Kyoto, using your Japan Rail Pass on the trains. As the former imperial capital, Kyoto is the cultural heart of the country; indeed, it has so many temples and shrines that it would be impossible to visit them all even if you stayed for two weeks. Fortunately, we have arranged for another private guide to take some of the hardship out of getting around all of the famous sights, and they'll even be able to lead you away from the major tourist spots to some lesser-known gems. To ward of the wintery chill, be sure to stop by a tea house to warm up with a steaming bowl of matcha green tea.

Later that afternoon your sightseeing will lead you to Gion, the traditional geisha district with its tiny streets lined with wooden houses and teashops, where afternoon tea with an apprentice geisha, known as a maiko, awaits. Your guide will accompany you to provide English translation services.

On your second day we've built in time for you to take a day trip to any number of destinations. Our favourite option is Nara, the capital before Kyoto, is only 40 minutes away by train, and has a wonderful array of UNESCO World Heritage sites and some very friendly deer. Other possible trips include the food mecca Osaka, an easy 30 minute train ride away, or the castle town of Himeji with its original feudal period gleaming white castle. Your Japan Rail Pass is valid on all of these routes, so you are free to come and go as you please.

The following morning you must bid farewell to Kyoto and return by bullet train to Tokyo – keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of elusive Mount Fuji as you pass by.

Overnight: Celestine Kyoto Gion

Return to Tokyo for a last night in the Shinjuku area of this bustling city

With the end of your trip just around the corner, it's now time to do a last spot of sightseeing to souvenir shopping. You'll be staying in the Shinjuku area, known for its neon-spangled skyscrapers and plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants.

At the end of your trip, you can either retrace your route to the airport, or you can add on some extra days skiing in another part of the country – just let us know your preferences and we can plan accordingly. We hope you have a safe journey home.

Overnight: Century Southern Tower