On arrival in Osaka, the choice is yours, you can either relax at your hotel, or why not come along on a visit to the famous Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street. A roofed arcade stretching 600 metres, you can buy anything here, from traditional Japanese kimonos to the latest Western fashions and everything in between.

This evening we’ll take in the bright lights of Dotonbori, a lively entertainment area renowned for its neon lights and huge selection of bars and restaurants. After dinner here, those with a head for heights can enjoy a ride one of Osaka’s giant Ferris wheels.

Hotel: The Cross Hotel

We’ve an early start today, but it’s worth it for the amazing discoveries in store. Our first stop is the Namba Yasaka Shrine. One of Osaka’s most famous and distinctive places of worship, the building is formed in the shape of an enormous lion head, and the grounds are dotted with cherry blossom trees. Just a short walk away is the Edion Arena, where we’ll experience the ancient sport of sumo.

Next stop is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle. After stopping for a bite to eat, we’ll head to the Umeda Sky Building, where we can enjoy its sky garden and take in spectacular views over the city from the observation deck.

Hotel: The Cross Hotel

Included meals: Breakfast

We’ve an early start today as we visit Mount Koya, the holiest mountain in Japan and the centre of Shingon Buddhism. The journey to the top is long but the scenic views on the way will not disappoint.

Our accommodation tonight is something special – a Buddhist monastery where we’ll experience traditional vegetarian cuisine, a meditation class and a fascinating graveyard walking tour with a monk. We’ve another unique treat to look forward to in the morning, so an early night is recommended.

Hotel: Ekoin

Included meals: Breakfast & dinner (vegetarian)

We start the day early with a morning fire ceremony experience and the chance to watch the monks pray. After breakfast, we’ll take a walk through Kōyasan, where there will be some great photo opportunities.

Japan is famous for its super-fast Bullet Trains, and after collecting our luggage we board one and journey at top speed to Hiroshima. The city became infamous in 1945 when the world’s first deployed atomic bomb was dropped on it, almost destroying it completely. Rebuilt over decades, we’ll visit its serene Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the museum, where we’ll hear the terrifying experiences of an atomic bomb survivor.

Hotel: Intergate Hiroshima (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast

Today we’ll take the ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima, where we’ll see the famous floating torii gate and take a cable car up Mount Misen. The landscape, where wild deer roam, is dotted with ancient temples, so spend the day enjoying its beauty.

Hotel: Intergate Hiroshima (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast

Kyoto is our next destination, but we’ll enjoy a late start to the day. On arrival, our exploration of Japan’s ancient culture begins at the impressive Nijo Castle. We’ll also visit a museum, where you’ll have the chance to wield a Samurai sword. Kyoto is a city of many historic temples and shrines, which we’ll admire throughout the day.

Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae

Included meals: Breakfast

We’ll continue our cultural discoveries early this morning as we head to the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under its bright torii gates. Next, we make our way to the Nanzenji Temple, whose grounds are located at the foot of the Higashiyama Mountains, then on to the Eikando Temple.

Later, we head to Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. It is filled with shops, restaurants and the teahouses where geisha entertain, and on our travels, we’ll hope to see one of Japan’s most iconic sights. We end our tour in Pontocho, a narrow alley lined on both sides by vibrant restaurants, so let’s choose one and enjoy a wonderful dining experience.

Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae

Included meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae

Meals Included - b&b

We’ll learn about the ways of Japan’s secret ninja warriors today, with a visit to a ninja hideaway and an ancient ninja home with hidden trap doors. We’ll also visit the Ninja Museum, watch a live ninja battle show and visit a Samurai castle.

Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae

Included meals: Breakfast

To avoid the crowds, we’ll visit the Arashiyama bamboo grove early this morning. After taking in the amazing sight of the towering stalks of bamboo, we’ll visit the Tenryu-ji Temple and the Senkoji Temple. Our exploration of Arashiyama ends with a wonderful visit to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to more than 100 Japanese macaque, or snow monkeys.

We’ll stop to admire the silver temple of Gin-kakujin and end our day out with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae

Included meals: Breakfast

Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, created to protect the majestic Mount Fuji. We’ll enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashinoko to soak up the natural beauty of the area, and tonight we stay in traditional ryokan accommodation. This gives us the chance to experience traditional Japanese hospitality as we feast on a multi-course meal known as kaiseki, soak in the natural hot springs and sleep on a futon bed.

Hotel: Hakone Yutowa

Included meals: Breakfast

As we leave Hakone behind early this morning and head to Tokyo, let’s hope for a sighting of Mount Fuji in the distance. Although rare, it’s possible during the season we are travelling.

On arrival at our Tokyo hotel, we can enjoy a rest and time to freshen up before we make our way to Tokyo’s colourful entertainment district, Kabukicho. A robot café, cat cafés, tax-free shopping and a huge Godzilla model are just some of the highlights of this incredible place.

Hotel: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

Included meals: Breakfast

We’ll discover more of Japan’s capital today, and we’ll start at the man-made island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. We’ll visit a museum that’s home to the most sophisticated robot in the world, see a scaled-down version of the Statue of Liberty and step inside one of the world’s first digital art museums. A sure highlight of our day, visitors here are transported to another world as they explore.

We’ll spend some time at Odaiba Beach before heading back to our hotel.

Hotel: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

Included meals: Breakfast

Our final day in Tokyo is a day full of superlatives, as we tick even more items off our bucket lists! We’ll take a walk across the Shibuya crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world, and visit Yoyogi Park, one of the largest in Tokyo and a great spot for viewing the cherry blossom. We’ll see the Sensoji Temple, the oldest in the city, and take in the views from the Tokyo Skytree, which at 634 meters high is the tallest structure in Japan.

The drivers amongst you might want to join our optional activity later today, a drive through the Tokyo traffic in a go-kart. (This option must be pre-booked at the time of booking your holiday).

Hotel: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

Included meals: Breakfast

We’re heading back to the UK today after a holiday that’s sure to have left a lasting impression.

Hotel: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

Included meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

Meals Included - b&b