DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Tokyo.
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights (check in from 1pm). The remainder of the day is yours to relax.

DAY 3: Tokyo. Included sightseeing.
One of the most exciting cities in the world, Tokyo is home to more than 8 million people. Today's sightseeing tour takes you to the Meiji Shrine - a magnificent 20th century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Afterwards we pass by the Imperial Palace Plaza, the National Guest House, the Akihabara district and the famous Ginza shopping street. Our tour concludes with a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in this cosmopolitan city. (B)

DAY 4: Tokyo - Nikko - Bandai Asahi National Park - Fukushima.
We leave Tokyo this morning and journey north, stopping in Nikko to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Toshogu Shrine and to see its world famous Yomeimon Gate. We continue on to the I-Ro-Ha zaka driveway, which reaches elevations of 3,940 feet, to visit Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Waterfall, before arriving at Fukushima just outside the Bandai Asahi National Park for an overnight stay. This evening, you may wish to enjoy a dip in one of the traditional Japanese hot spring baths at your hotel. (B)

DAY 5: Fukushima - Bandai Asahi National Park - Aizu Wakamatsu - Toyama.
During your tour of the National Park, you will visit one of its most popular scenic sites - Goshiki-Numa, noted for the different colours of its lakes and ponds, created by the eruption of Mount Bandai in 1889. Afterwards we travel to Aizu Wakamatsu City, where we visit Tsurugajo Castle and a local lacquer-ware factory. In the afternoon, we take an express-way drive to Toyama City for one night. (B)

DAY 6: Toyama - Shirakawa - Takayama - Nagoya.
Continuing through Japan's beautiful mountain scenery we stop for a visit to one of the country's most remote regions - Shirakawa. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unique Gassho-Zukuri (meaning joined hands) style thatched houses can be found only in this area. This afternoon, we are cutting through the Japanese Alps via one of Japan's longest road tunnels - reaching the quiet isolated town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time. We visit the Kusakabe Heritage House for a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture of the late 19th century before heading to Nagoya. (B)

DAY 7: Nagoya - Toba - Osaka.
We begin this morning with a trip to Toba, where we visit Mikimoto Pearl Island to learn about the pearl cultivation process. Later, enjoy a visit to the most important shrine of the Shinto 'church' - Ise Grande Shrine. This afternoon we continue to Osaka, the second largest city of Japan, filled with a plethora of traditional and modern conveniences. The remainder of the day is free to spend at your leisure. (B)

DAY 8: Osaka - Matsue.
This morning we head to the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan. After a brief visit, continue to Izumo, to admire the exterior architecture of the Izumo Shrine. Then it's on to Matsue to see Matsue Bukeyashiki - a former samurai residence, and Matsue Castle. (B)

DAY 9: Matsue - Hiroshima. Included sightseeing.
On the journey from Matsue to Hiroshima we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating Torii Gate. From here, we continue to Hiroshima where your sightseeing tour of this important historical city features the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb. We also visit the Shukkeien Landscape Garden, which dates back to 1620. (B)

DAY 10: Hiroshima - Kyoto by Bullet Train.
A highlight of your tour is a journey on one of Japan's famous bullet trains, bound for Kyoto. Reaching Kyoto, one of the most fascinating cities in Japan, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore. (B)

DAY 11: Kyoto. Included sightseeing.
We take a tour of Kyoto, visiting many of the city's temples, shrines, palaces and pagodas. A highlight of the day is a visit to the extraordinary Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the official residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. You will also visit the Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion and the Heian Shrine and garden. During the day there will also be the chance to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. (B)

DAY 12: Kyoto - Hakone National Park - Tokyo.
We drive on the Meishin and Tomei expressways to Hakone National Park. On arrival, enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi and an aerial cable car ride over the beautiful Owakudani Valley. From here, weather permitting, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, before continuing on to your hotel at Tokyo's Narita Airport for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 13: Tokyo - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)