Begin your tour in Tokyo, where towering skyscrapers and brilliant neon provide the perfect introduction to modern Japan.

On arrival at Tokyo's Narita Airport, you will travel by shared shuttle bus to your hotel in Asakusa, Tokyo's most traditional district. Here you'll meet your tour leader and have the chance to begin getting to know your travel companions. Asakusa is a fascinating and very accessible district of Tokyo, known for the bright-red Senso-ji Temple, its many market stalls, and Kappabashi-dori (“Kitchen Street”). This is a fantastic place to begin your trip to Japan, and this evening your tour leader will take you out for a welcome meal at one of the area's many excellent restaurants.

On day two, having recharged your batteries with a good night's sleep, your tour leader will take you on a tour of the city using public transport – including famous spots such as the Shibuya scramble crossing, the crazy shopping streets of Harajuku and Akihabara “electric town”. You'll also visit serene Hamarikyu Gardens, an oasis of calm in the midst of the hubbub, and take a ride on the Sumida River bus for an alternative perspective on the city.

Overnight: Gracery Asakusa Hotel

Begin your journey northwards with two nights in Nikko, the home of some of Japan's most elaborate religious architecture set in a beautiful national park.

On day three you will take the train direct from Asakusa to Nikko, just a couple of hours' north of Tokyo yet worlds away in character and charm. This World Heritage Site is the final resting place of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of Japan's greatest shogunate, and exhibits some of the most impressive traditional architecture found anywhere in Japan. After checking in at your traditional ryokan accommodation, you will be met by our expert local guide for a full day's tour of the area's most impressive sites. This is sure to include Tokugawa's mausoleum, the “three wise monkeys” carving from the proverb “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” and a cable car ride to watch it all unfold below you.

On day four you'll have another full day to really explore the national park, with its winning combination of deep forest, beautiful lakes, impressive waterfalls and steaming hot springs. You'll have a private bus at your disposal to take you to some of the area's most scenic spots – including the Akechidaira Plateau and Kegon Falls – or you are welcome to strike out independently for an invigorating day of hiking.

Overnight: Kanaya Hotel

Move on to Hiraizumi, where beautiful temples and shrines remain as a legacy of the town's illustrious past.

In the 12th century, during the Heian Period of Japanese history, Hiraizumi was the seat of the powerful Fujiwara clan and was important enough to rival imperial Kyoto in the south. Today a glimpse of Hiraizumi's former glory remains in its beautiful temples and shrines, which are the most impressive in the Tohoku region - and another World Heritage Site.

After checking in at your accommodation in Hiraizumi, you will head out with your tour leader to visit Chuson-ji, the town's most famous temple. Chuson-ji is set in beautiful woodland and once comprised an extensive complex of buildings, but today there are just two – one of which, Konjikido, is entirely covered in gold like Kyoto's famous pavilion. Following this, you will have the option to join your tour leader on a cycle ride to Genbikei Gorge (weather permitting) or to take part in a traditional lantern-painting workshop.

On day six you'll have a full day to enjoy the Hiraizumi region. You'll take a boat ride through the Geibikei Gorge (not to be confused with Genbikei Gorge, visited the day before), visit the Yugendo Caves, and take part in a paper-making workshop.

In Hiraizumi you'll be staying at a Japanese-style hotel, where a traditional multi-course meal will be served on the first night of your stay.

Overnight: Musashibo

Spend the night in Naruko, a traditional onsen town where hot spring steam billows through the wood-panelled streets.

Today you'll transfer by private coach from Hiraizumi to Naruko Onsen, a charming traditional town known for its nine different hot springs – each with its own mineral composition and reputed health benefits. Your tour leader will accompany you on a day tour to some of the area's sights, including another stunning gorge – the Naruko Gorge, the impressive Naruko Dam, a visit to a nearby geyser, and an optional rowing boat trip on Katanuma Pond.

This afternoon you will also have the chance to learn about Naruko's most famous traditional craft, wooden kokeshi dolls, with a visit to the local kokeshi museum and a doll-painting workshop. Tonight you'll be staying at a traditional ryokan inn, where a delicious kaiseki dinner will be served this evening.

Overnight: Kameya

Learn about the devastating events of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami from the perspective of a volunteer guide in Ishinomaki, one of the towns worst affected by the disaster.

On the 11th of March 2011, Tohoku was hit by the largest earthquake in Japan's history, which in turn triggered a massive tsunami that devastated the region's eastern coast. Ishinomaki was one of the towns almost completely washed away by the wave, and in the aftermath several Inside Japan staff members travelled to the town to help with the clean-up and witness the scale of the damage first-hand.

Though the detritus has now been cleared, there are still many signs of the tsunami in Ishinomaki and it will be many years before the trauma of the disaster has faded. Today we've enlisted the services of a local volunteer guide to recount the events of 2011 and point out some of the town's significant sites. Though it's certainly sobering subject matter, the warmth and generosity of the people of Ishinomaki will ensure that your stay here is a highlight of your trip – and you will be left in no doubt that your visit is vastly appreciated.

While visiting Ishinomaki, you'll also make a trip to the Sant Juan Bautista Museum to see the replica of a Spanish galleon moored here, and learn about the construction of the original – built by lord Date Masamune in 1613 for a voyage to establish trade relations to Mexico. Not what you'd expect to find on the northern Japanese coast!

Overnight: Ishinomaki Grand Hotel

Following your visit to Ishinomaki, visit Matsushima Bay and spend a night in Sendai: the biggest, most energetic city in the Tohoku region.

Today you'll catch the train for the short journey from Ishinomaki to Matsushima Bay, an ocean inlet studded with leafy islands which is officially designated one of the Nihon San-Kei, or ‘Three Great Sights of Japan'. You'll explore the area by boat, visiting some of the bay's scenic piers and islands, as well as the lovely Entsuin Temple Gardens. After the day's sightseeing you'll take the train onwards to Sendai, where the rest of the afternoon will be at leisure to enjoy the city.

Sendai is known by the locals as the ‘city of trees' for its wild, tree-lined avenues and spacious parks, one of the more positive outcomes of the heavy bombardment the city suffered in WWII. As the capital of the north it has the best restaurant scene and nightlife in Tohoku, as well as plenty of excellent shops and galleries, so you'll have no problem entertaining yourself for the remainder of the day.

Overnight: Hotel Vista Sendai

Visit a dairy farm, make your own ice cream, admire vertiginous waterfalls and gaze over Okama Crater Lake on your way from the east to the west coast.

This morning, if you have time, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Sendai morning market before jumping onboard your coach again for the journey from east to west.

In Zao Onsen you'll stop at a local dairy farm, meet the farm's cows and try your hand at making (and tasting) ice cream, while at Togatta Onsen you'll stop to give your feet a rest in the ashiyu hot spring foot bath. From here, the ‘Zao Echo Line' road will lead you past spectacular waterfalls and mountains to Kattadake Peak, which boasts stunning views over the Okama Crater Lake and its mysterious colour-changing waters. Your final destination today is Niigata, a sizeable city on Japan's western coast.

On day 11 you'll continue your exploration of the west coast with a day of sightseeing in and around Niigata, including the beautiful Saito Family Summer Villa – an opulent example of turn-of-the-century Japanese architecture, a visit to the pretty Hakusan Park, and a spot of shopping at Honcho Market. The afternoon will be at leisure for you to spend as you choose; your tour leader will have some excellent suggestions as to how best to spend your time.

Overnight: Hotel Sunroute

Spend two nights on Sado Island, a former place of exile for Japanese dissidents that has its own unique culture and beautiful scenery.

On the morning of day 12 you will transfer by taxi to the port, where you'll catch the Jetfoil to Sado Island. Sado's remote location made it the perfect place for Japanese rulers to send dissenting politicians, artists, and other prominent figures – beginning with a poet in 722 and concluding almost a millennium later in 1700. During this time, Sado became home to banished emperors, monks and aristocrats alike, developing its own religious and cultural scene whose influence is still evident today.

On arrival on Sado you will meet your local guide, who will be with you for two full days to help you get beneath the surface of the island. Travelling in a private minibus, first you'll explore the Old Fishing Street and ride in a distinctive tub boat, later on you'll get the chance to learn about Sado's other most famous export: taiko drumming. This art is enjoyed throughout Japan, but Sado's taiko group, Kodo, is the most famous – having toured extensively through Japan, Europe and the US. You'll get a chance to have a go yourself with a lesson today. You'll arrive at your accommodation in time for the included dinner.

Gold was discovered on Sado around 400 years ago and briefly made the island the largest gold producer in the world. On your second full day on Sado Island, you'll start the day visiting the gold mine museum. After learning about the mining process, you'll pay a visit to the Sado Bugyosho, or former magistrate's office, from where the mining operation was governed. The rest of the day will be spent exploring a few more of the island's attractions, including a visit to the Ibis Sanctuary and a local sake brewery. Today you'll return to the accommodation with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the hot spring bath.

Overnight: Yoshidaya Ryokan

Return to Tokyo for one final exciting night amongst the bright lights of the capital.

On day 14 you'll board the ferry once more for the journey back to Niigata, where you'll catch a taxi to the station and jump on the bullet train to Tokyo. Japan's shinkansen is an experience in itself, and you're bound to enjoy zipping through the countryside as you return to Tokyo to conclude your trip.

For your final tour night, you'll be staying in Shinjuku – one of Tokyo's brightest, most exciting entertainment districts, crowded with skyscrapers packed to the rafters with bars, shops, restaurants and karaoke booths. This is the perfect place to head out and make the most of your last few hours in Japan – and it's well connected to every other part of the city, so if there's one last museum you want to squeeze in or a special souvenir you'd like to seek out, this is the time to do it. Tonight, a farewell dinner is included for you to enjoy one last night in Japan, the perfect opportunity to swap your favourite memories of the trip.

On day 15 your adventure comes to a close and you'll bid farewell to your tour leader and travelling companions as you make your way to the airport by shared shuttle bus. We hope you'll be back soon!

Overnight: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku