Grand Tour of Japan

Journey from incense-scented temples and elegant feudal castles to ultramodern electronics districts and dramatic volcanic landscapes as you travel the length of Japan on six spectacular train rides.

What's Included:

• Local English-speaking Guides
• Scheduled Flights from the UK.
• All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
• Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
• All airport taxes and security charges.

Day 1: UK to Sapporo

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Sapporo, via Hong Kong.

Day 2: Sapporo

On arrival in Sapporo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in before tonight's welcome dinner in a local restaurant introduces you to Japan's famed cuisine. Dinner

Day 3: Sapporo

Travel to the port city of Otaru and stroll along the Otaru Canal, the city's central waterway. Once the lifeblood of the city, it fell into disuse when modern dock facilities were opened but now boasts a gleaming restoration, with old gas lamps lining its path. Take in the delicately blown glassware of the Kitaichi Glass Shop then marvel at the 25,000 music boxes lining the shelves of the Music Box Museum, accompanied by the tinkle of their music. Continue on to the Nikka Whisky Distillery for a tour through the whisky barrels and casks and a tasting of this peaty whisky before returning to Sapporo. Breakfast

Day 4: Sapporo to Hakodate

Pack an overnight bag for your trip to Hakodate then, after breakfast, board an express train, travelling through the countryside to Hakodate. On arrival, cross the moats that surround the star-shaped former fort of Goryokaku and explore the tranquil green grounds. Next, travel to Mount Hakodate for a cable car ride to its summit, with each season offering a different bird's eye view of the city, from delicate cherry blossoms to ice-capped rooftops. Continue on to your hotel in Hakodate. Breakfast

Day 5: Hakodate to Tokyo

Catch a local train and join Hakodate's locals this morning as you browse the lively Morning Market, exploring over 280 stores hawking everything from salted squid and hairy crab - culinary specialities of the area, to souvenirs and locally crafted sake. Browse through the wares on offer then board your high-speed train to Tokyo. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Japan's dazzling capital. Breakfast

Day 6: Tokyo

Tokyo's enchanting fusion of futuristic districts, centuries-old palaces, family-run ramen booths and spotlessly clean streets, dotted with cutesy anime depictions, provides endless chances for exploration. Today's full-day city tour begins with a visit to the Meiji Shrine. Enter the sprawling complex through a towering wooden gate or 'torii' and explore the museum and inner garden. Continue on to Asakusa Kannon Buddhist Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down the age-old Nakamise Shopping Street to reach the main hall and pagoda, where fragrant incense and Buddhist prayer chants fill the air. Browse the stalls that line Ameya Yokocho Street then visit the magnificent Imperial Palace, taking in its moats, gardens and the picturesque Niju Bridge. Breakfast

Day 7: Tokyo to Hakone

Following breakfast, board the 'Romance Car' to Hakone, a train that passes through fantastic landscapes, allowing glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and rolling countryside. On arrival, make your way to the Hakone Open Air Museum which houses art collections, including a Picasso exhibit, and an expansive sculptural park. Take a Hakone Ropeway ride to a mountaintop station with spectacular vistas of the sparkling, blue waters of Lake Ashi and towering Mount Fuji. A short walking trail leads to Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic crater, where hot springs, bubbling pools and steam vents serve as reminders of the area's volcanic might. Continue on to the shores of Lake Ashi and enjoy a short cruise on this idyllic lake, surrounded by mountains and greenery. Breakfast

Day 8: Hakone to Matsumoto

Witness the grandeur of Mount Fuji as a coach ride takes you to the Fifth Station at the mountain's base. Enjoy unobstructed views from the observation deck before learning more about the mountain's cultural significance at the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre. Your coach ride continues on to the ancient hillside city of Matsumoto. Discover Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful and oldest castles. Ringed by a moat and soaring up over five stories, a climb up the steps to the top will reward you with mesmerizing views. Check into your hotel in Matsumoto for your overnight stay. Breakfast

Day 9: Matsumoto to Kyoto

Journey into the Japanese highlands of Yudanaka for an unforgettable encounter with the fluffy snow monkeys of the region, which can survive temperatures of below -15 degrees Centigrade. Witness these fascinating creatures lounging and paddling in the steaming onsen, or hot springs, as they beat the icy conditions. Accustomed to their daily encounters with humans, these fearless primates allow an up-close, memorable experience. Drive onward to Nagano's impressive Zenkoji Temple, which houses what is believed to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. Later, board your train and travel through picturesque rural landscapes, arriving in Kyoto for tonight's stay. Catch the subway to your hotel for tonight's stay. Breakfast

Day 10: Kyoto

Experience traditional Japan at its finest as you explore Kyoto, a city of shrines, temples and geisha teahouses. Discover the ancient hallways and sacred waterfall of Kiyomizudera Temple then walk along the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, past charming traditional wooden houses and shops. Enjoy double visions of gold as you witness the gold-leafed pavilion of Kinkaku-ji and its shimmering reflection mirrored in the surrounding moat. Visit Fushimi Inari and stroll through an amazing arcade of vivid red 'torii', or shrine gates, inscribed with dedications to Inari, the god of rice. Wander the Zen gardens of Kodaiji Temple before sampling the region's fragrant teas at a traditional tea ceremony in the temple hall. Explore the UNESCO-recognised fortifications and chambers of Nijo Castle then look out for geishas draped in lavish kimonos as you walk through the geisha district of Gion at the end of a thrilling day of exploration. Breakfast

Day 11: Kyoto to Hiroshima

Depart Kyoto for Hiroshima, first travelling to Japan's former capital city, Nara, where you'll visit the Todaiji Temple and the world's largest bronze Buddha statue nestled in its interior. Watch over 1,200 deer roaming nearby Nara Park, where deer crackers can be purchased and fed to these friendly park inhabitants. Drive onward to Osaka and catch your bullet train to Hiroshima for your overnight stay. Breakfast

Day 12: Hiroshima

Start your day with a visit to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park & Museum where photos and belonging of victims of the Hiroshima bombing are on display, serving as a reminder of the horror of the devastating event. Visit the A-Bomb Dome, one of the buildings which survived the blasts and remains as a symbol of peace in the city, before continuing onward to Miyajima. Take a boat ride to Miyajima Island, known as the 'Island of the Gods' and visit the awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine and its towering, free-standing wooden gate which stands in the middle of the sea. Return to your hotel in Hiroshima. Breakfast

Day 13: Hiroshima to Fukuoka

Depart Hiroshima on a bullet train ride to Fukuoka. On arrival, visit the tranquil Dazaifu Temmangu Shrine and learn more about Japan's long and rich history at the Kyushu National Museum. Wander the verdant pebbled gardens of Komyozenji Temple before continuing onward to your hotel for check-in. This evening, visit the Nakasu Area and follow your nose around the fragrant street food stalls. Leave space for tonight's farewell dinner, which marks the end of your Japanese adventure. Breakfast & Dinner

Day 14: Fukuoka to the UK

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK via Hong Kong, or continue on to your chosen extension. Breakfast