Fly to the vibrant city of Sapporo, capital of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
This morning, ascend to the Okurayama viewing point, soaring up to the summit of the Sapporo Winter Olympics ski jump by chair lift. Continue to the pretty port town of Otaru and take some time to walk along the streets of the village and stroll along the picturesque canal. This evening sample some of the beer on offer before heading to a local restaurant to dine on a Genghis Khan dinner '“ barbeque lamb, a Sapporo special!
Depart Sapporo and travel to a lovely lakeside spot to visit a museum of Ainu culture, an indigenous people of the area. After lunch, hop on a train to the harbour city of Hakodate, set on Hokkaido's southern tip, where you'll embark on a night tour with time to ascend the ropeway up Mount Hakodate, for magnificent views over the illuminated city.
Start the day wandering Hakodate's bustling asaichi (morning market), where hundreds of stores and stalls sell fresh local produce, seafood and the odd souvenir. Ascend Goryokaku Tower for views over Goryokaku Fort and Mount Hakodate before boarding the bullet train to the lovely city of Aomori in the north of Honshu, Japan's largest island. Visit the Nebuta Warasse, a museum dedicated to Aomori's famous, 300-year-old Nebuta Matsuri, a lively summer festival.
Depart Hirosaki for Kakunodate, an old samurai stronghold still known for its samurai traditions. Visit the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum for a fascinating look at samurai culture and stroll around Ishiguro House, a traditional samurai residence. Continue to the hot spring resort of Tsunagi, where you can make use of the onsen facilities at the traditional Japanese ryokan where you'll stay overnight.
Travel to Hiraizumi, where you'll explore the peaceful Chusonji Temple with its beautiful old gold leaf-covered hall. Continue to Matsushima to enjoy a relaxed cruise on Matsushima Bay, passing amongst the small pine tree-covered islands of this picturesque seascape.
Walk to Sendai station and take the bullet train to the culture-filled town of Nikko. Start your explorations in the beautiful surroundings of Nikko National Park, where you'll visit Toshogu shrine. Built in the 1600s, this is Japan's most lavish shrine, built as the final resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Continue to the magnificent Kegon Waterfall, taking a 100-metre tall elevator up to the perfect viewing spot. Transfer to Tokyo.
Tokyo, Japan's capital, is the ultimate 24- hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you'll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Start the day in the vibrant district of Asakusa, where you will visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise shopping street before a visit to Tokyo National Museum. After lunch, stroll through the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine complex, before ascending to the observatory deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for exceptional views over the city.
Travel by road from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, where you'll ascend 2,400 metres up Japan's most iconic sight to the 5th Station (weather permitting). Transfer to the Hakone area and enjoy a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi before flying high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway before returning to Tokyo.
Take a bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, the city today is full of the legacy of ancient Japan and home to tranquil temples and sublime gardens. This afternoon, visit Togetsukyo Bridge in the heart of the vibrant Arashiyama district and walk through the bamboo forest, with its towering bamboo thickets.
This morning, visit one of Japan's most famous temples, Kinkaku-ji, the '˜Golden Pavilion'. Set amongst classical Japanese Zen gardens and on the edge of a reflecting pool, the temple's main hall is covered in gold leaf. Then, stroll through Nishiki Market, dubbed '˜Kyoto's kitchen', where there are many interesting food and sake stores to explore. After lunch, stop by a sake brewery and learn about this traditional Japanese spirit, before a free afternoon to spend as you wish.
Start the day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its picturesque, open-air paths, framed by thousands of vermillion torii gates. Later, return to Kyoto and experience a Japanese tea ceremony before lunch, where you will be hosted by a very special guest - a maiko, or apprentice geisha! Finally, bid farewell to Kyoto and drive to the lively city of Osaka ahead of this evening's farewell dinner.
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home.
