Depart London Heathrow this morning flying Air France to Paris (1 hour 15 minutes). Please note that other regional airports are available including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle – all subject to availability. In Paris connect to the onwards flight to Kyoto (11 hours 35 minutes).

On arrival in Kyoto early this morning, your Tour Manager will escort you to the ANA Hotel, Kyoto where you will be staying for 3 nights (standard room). The afternoon is at leisure and your Tour Manager will suggest some easy sightseeing to get your first day in Japan off to a good start.

Sightseeing in Kyoto includes Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, Ryoanji Rock Garden, Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle. A walk around the Gion area of Kyoto gives the opportunity to see the famous geishas and maikos rushing through the streets to attend their evening performances.

Full day excursion to Nara to see the Deer Park, Todajij Temple and Kasuga Shrine, including a traditional tea ceremony and a Japanese Tempura lunch.

Before departing Kyoto this morning visit the Fushimi Inari shrine where some scenes of the film, “Memoirs of a Geisha” were recorded. Also visit the Gekkeikan Okura sake museum. Depart Kyoto on board the Bullet Train to Hiroshima (1 hour 30 minutes) before taking the local train and ferry to Miyajima Island. Overnight at the Iwaso Ryokan. There is a some free time to enjoy the beauty of Miyajima Island and perhaps take a walk to the nearby park.

After breakfast enjoy a walking tour to enjoy the beauty of Miyajima Island with visits to the Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani Park. Return to the mainland and begin a tour of Hiroshima, including the poignant and powerful Peace Park, A-bomb Museum and the Shukukeien Gardens. Arrive at the Rihga Royal Hotel for your overnight stay. Dinner will be at a local restaurant tonight with the chance to try a traditional dish known as Okonomiyaki.

In the morning travel first by Bullet Train and after by Express Train, you will head for Kanazawa (600 km/4½ hours). An afternoon tour of the city takes in the beautiful landscapes of the Kenrokuen Gardens and a former Samurai House, now an interesting museum. Arrive at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel where you will be staying overnight.

Driving to Shirakawago explore something of its captivating old farm houses, taking in the traditional architectural style of the Gasshozukuri houses including a visit Gokayama Village. Arrive into Takayama (150 KM/full day including sightseeing stops). Overnight at the Hotel Associa Takayama Resort. This departure coincides with one of Japan’s most celebrated ‘matsuri’ (festivals). During this time the town changes magically as flags and lanterns decorate local houses and majestic floats and ancient puppets are paraded through the streets. This evening will be spent watching the display of festival floats lit up.

A walking tour of Takayama this morning takes in the Takayama Festival procession to see the floats being paraded through the streets of the town. Later visit more of Takayama including the Miyagawa market, and the beautifully preserved ambience of its old town. To add to the festivity today in a National Holiday in Japan.

Departing Takayama head to the magnificent setting of Mount Fuji. Depart by Express Train and then Bullet Train (454 KM/4 hours) to arrive at Mishima. Enjoy a visit to Hakone and take a boat ride on Lake Ashi before heading to the Hakone Palace Hotel for an overnight stay. You may wish to enjoy the hot springs at your hotel before having a western style dinner at the hotel.

This morning take a cable car ride to visit the sulphurous hot springs at Owakudani for which Hakone is famous. Travelling via Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji’s 5th station and enjoy some spectacular views of the landscape. Continue to Tokyo for 3 nights at the Keio Plaza Hotel (full day including sightseeing).

Morning tour of Japan’s vibrant capital visiting the site of the Imperial Palace, the Buddhist temple of Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon) and the famous Ginza district.

Full day’s excursion to Nikko, by train and coach, to visit the famous Toshugo Shrine and Rinoji Temple. Return to Tokyo late this afternoon.

The day is at leisure in Tokyo to explore on your own accord or perhaps do some last shopping. The public transport is very efficient and your tour manager will be able to make suggestions and provide maps. Please note check out time at the hotel is at midday unless you pre-book a late check out. A shared hospitality room will be provided for all clients to freshen up before the airport transfer. Leave by coach for Narita Airport at around 18:00 hrs. Fly with Air France to Paris (13 hours 20 minutes).

In Paris connect to the onwards Air France flight to Heathrow (1 hour 20 minutes), or other UK regional airport