Day 3 Kamakura
Accompanied by a private guide, take the train to the stunning temple town of Kamakura, the highlight of which is a mighty 11m bronze Buddha statue, cast in 1252. After your fill of exploring, return to Tokyo.

Days 4-5 Shibu Onsen & Matsumoto
Board your train to the Japanese Alps. En route, stop at Nagano before continuing onwards to your ryokan. The next day, follow the trail into the hills to see the endearing ‘snow monkeys’. Later, take the train to the delightful castle town of Matsumoto.

Day 6 Kamikochi
Rise early and make the short journey to Kamikochi. A popular hiking spot in the Japanese Alps, it’s well worth undertaking the circular 4-5 hour hike to experience some of the region’s most beautiful scenery.

Days 7-8 Takayama
Travel onwards by bus to Takayama. Unlock the secrets of the town’s unique history and visit some of the best places to sample rice dumplings, homemade sweets and local sake on a morning walking tour.

Day 9 Kanazawa
Spend a night in this historic castle town famed for its beautifully preserved Samurai and geisha houses, Japanese gardens and all things gold leaf.

Days 10-11 Hiroshima
80 years on from the atomic bomb, Hiroshima has blossomed into a modern, vibrant city, with the poignant Peace Memorial Museum and Park a moving centrepiece. Just across the water, the sacred island of Miyajima is famed for the centuries old Itsukushima Shrine.

Days 12-14 Kyoto
Head to Japan’s cultural capital. With your private guide, spend a day getting acquainted with some of the city’s highlights including Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine and Nishiki Market. The next day take a short train ride to explore Nara.

Day 15 Kyoto to Osaka
Transfer to airport.

Day 3 Tokyo to Mount Fuji
Depart Japan’s dynamic capital city by bullet train heading to Odawara. Float across Lake Ashi admiring the views of this beautiful area. Then after venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway, you’ll ascend Mount Fuji by road for breathtaking views of Fuji.

Day 4 Mount Fuji to Matsumoto
Explore the formidable 16th Century Matsumoto Castle. Stop at a Miso House to learn about the process of making this Japanese seasoning. Taste some delectable Miso soup before continuing to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region.

Day 5 Takayama
Spend the day walking through the town of Takayama sightseeing. Experience the Miyagawa morning market with its delicious local produce and surrounding traditional houses. Also visit several intriguing local museums and enjoy some free time along Kamisannomachi Street.

Day 6 Takayama to Kanazawa
Catch a glimpse of rural Japan at Shirakawago, famous for its traditional farmhouses built in the unique gassho-zukuri architectural style. Attempt washi paper making at your next stop in Gokayama before travelling to Kanazawa.

Day 7 Kanazawa to Kyoto
This morning learns the delicate process of making gold leaf. Stroll through classic Higashi Chaya, visiting Ochaya Shima – a historical geisha house. Journey onwards for a city full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime garden, Kyoto.

Day 8 Kyoto
Today begins with traversing Ryoanji, the ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’ and the iconic Kinkakuji. This afternoon, head to an authentic Japanese wooden townhouse to try your hand at the art of origami and enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master.

Day 9 Kyoto to Nara
Stop by the Fushimi Inari Shrine, impressive for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates, en route to Nara. Stroll through the undisturbed Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, and encounter the resident sika deer, before exploring Isuien Garden.

Day 10 Nara to Osaka
Japan’s most sacred mountain, the holy mountain of Koyasan is the tranquil heart of Shingon Buddhism. Wander around Okunoin, an immense burial ground, and enjoy the harmony as you discover Kongobuji Temple and the Garan Temple Complex. Later, continue to Osaka.

Day 11 Osaka
Enter Osaka Castle and climb to the top floor to survey the surrounding areas, alluring parks and cityscapes. A short river cruise along Yodogawa River and stroll through Dotonbori, will lead you to restaurant hub, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch.

Day 12 Osaka
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Day 4 Tokyo to Hakone
Board a train to the mountainous onsen town of Hakone. Ride a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani, later take a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake. Enjoy your feature stay in a traditional ryokan this evening.

Days 5-6 Hakone to Takayama
Travel to Takayama and head out on a walking tour of the old town. Learn about the culinary scene and explore the Takayama Showa-kan Museum. Visit the morning market and see the colourful stalls before continuing to the charming village of Shirakawa-go.

Days 7-8 Takayama to Hiroshima
Travel to Hiroshima this morning and enjoy an orientation walk with your leader. On day 8 visit the Genbaku Dome and Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the atomic impacts. After, head to Miyajima to see the Shinto shrine and torii gate.

Days 9-10 Hiroshima to Kyoto
Journey to Kyoto by bullet train, stopping at Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji en route. Walk around the geisha district, visit the extravagant Kinkakuji Temple, enjoy a guided meditation session, and learn about Zen Buddhism from a monk.

Days 11-12 Kyoto
Head to Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine before visiting a sake brewery. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Your trip comes to an end in Kyoto.

Days 2-3 Kyoto
Over two days get to know this fantastic city. With a full day private tour discover highlights such as the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple and Gion, the historic geisha district and enjoy a shared traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Day 4 Kyoto to Fuji Hakone NP
Journey by train to Hakone and enjoy mesmerising mountain scenery. Ride the cable car up Mount Owakudani or take a boat trip across Lake Ashinokoi. Stay overnight in a ryokan and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner.

Day 5 Fuji Hakone NP to Tokyo
Continue by train to Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital where fast-paced city life lies within reach of historic temples and fascinating museums.

Days 6-7 Tokyo
See Tokyo’s sights with a full day private tour utilising the city’s super-efficient metro system. Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the vibrant, creative districts of Omotesando and Harajuku and the more traditional Yanaka and Asakusa neighbourhoods.

Day 8 Tokyo
Today is free for you to continue your sightseeing or do some shopping in Tokyo before transferring by train or shuttle bus to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 9 Tokyo to Busan, South Korea
Head to the airport for your onward flight to Busan, upon arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 10 Busan
A private guide will take you to visit the poignant United Nations Memorial Cemetery, pop in to the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, stroll through the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village and take a scenic cable car ride over the ocean.

Days 11-12 Busan to Gyeongju
Drive north to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju, known as the ‘museum without walls’. Explore the temples, palaces and tombs and experience the lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks.

Day 12 Gyeongju to Seoul
Take a high speed train to Seoul. Get your first taste of South Korea’s vibrant capital with a delicious street food lunch at a traditional market before embarking on a sunset cruise for beautiful city views.

Days 13-14 Seoul
See the city’s highlights on a full day private tour including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and the Seoul City Wall. The following day join a shared tour to the DMZ, the notorious border between North and South Korea.

Day 15 Seoul
Transfer to the airport.