Ancient & Modern Japan

The trip starts in Kyoto, an atmospheric city amid beautiful hills. We gather for the first time at the hotel and have a welcome briefing this evening, a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the adventure ahead. Stay: Hotel Abest Grande Kyoto Kiyomizu (or similar).

With more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese heritage. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. Today, we have an introductory tour of the city. Starting with a visit to the impressive Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns, before moving onto the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, built in 1397 as a summer villa for the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga.

We then visit the Ryoan-ji temple, home to the most famous rock garden in Japan. After, we head to central Kyoto, with free time to eat a leisurely late lunch at a local restaurant, relax at the hotel or explore Kyoto more. Alternatively, stroll around Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's Kitchen. It's a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Stay: Hotel Abest Grande Kyoto Kiyomizu (or similar) (B).

Enjoy a trip to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan (approximately one hour each way). With eight World Heritage sites, it's second only to Kyoto as a repository of Japan's cultural legacy. Our walking tour includes a visit to the best-known temples and shrines, including the Todai-ji Great Buddha temple. Built in 752 by Emperor Shomu, this 49ft (15m) tall bronze Buddha is housed in what is reputed to be the largest wooden building in the world. We also spend time in the Nara Koen Park (home to large numbers of overfed and slightly unruly deer) and visit the attractive Kasuga Shinto shrine.

Later in the afternoon, we return to Kyoto and stop at the Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. As we head towards early evening, we can walk around Gion, the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. Packed with bars, restaurants and traditional teahouses, Gion is most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit. At this time, we may also see an apprentice geisha on the way to an appointment, though it's rare to see one. Stay: Hotel Abest Grande Kyoto Kiyomizu (or similar) (B).

Today is our first ride on the shinkansen (bullet train) as we depart Kyoto and speed to Hiroshima (approximately two hours). We then make a short excursion by local tram and ferry to the beautiful island of Miyajima, where we visit the famous floating torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine. Built on the water, this torii appears to float when the tide is high; combined with a backdrop of Mount Misen, it's a sight to behold. Back in Hiroshima, you have free time to explore. Options include the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower to visit the observation deck and bar with views over Peace Memorial Park.

Alternatively, there's the feudal-era Shukkeien Garden for a peaceful wander around the pond (they also do great ice cream!). Please note: As there is little storage room for large suitcases on the shinkansen, you need to pack an overnight bag for two nights (nights 4 and 5). You are reunited with your main luggage at the Kanazawa hotel on Day 6. Stay: Dormy Inn Hiroshima Annex (or similar) (B).

Spend time at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both monuments to the fateful day in August 1945 when the city was struck by the first wartime use of the atomic bomb. In the park, there's a symbolic flame that will only be extinguished when the last nuclear weapon on Earth has been destroyed. After, we head to Kobe by shinkansen (approximately 1hr 45min) where we stop for the night.

This compact port city is easy to explore on foot, so food-lovers might want to head out and try the world-renowned Kobe beef at source. Other optional adventures you could have include taking the ropeway to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, the largest herb garden in Japan, or visiting the historic district of Nankinmachi, also known as Kobe Chinatown. Stay: Kobe Motomachi Tokyu REI Hotel (or similar) (B).

Hop in a Thunderbird train this morning and travel (approximately 3hr 15min) north to Kanazawa, tracking the shores of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. In the western Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is an atmospheric town that once rivalled Kyoto as the historic jewel of mainland Japan and is renowned for its arts, wealth and abundant seafood. After lunch in Kanazawa, we visit the Kenrokuen Gardens, which is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan with a large artificial pond and flora that changes dramatically through the seasons. Stay: Hotel Amanek Kanazawa (or similar) (B).

Start with a trip to the 300-year-old Omicho Market, a bustling marketplace where chefs, locals and visitors stock up on fresh produce, including freshly caught seafood from the Sea of Japan. We then head to Nagamachi, the samurai district of Kanazawa during the Edo period. Here, we visit the Nomura Samurai House & Garden, a well-preserved representation of a wealthy samurai's home. We then further explore Nagamachi, finding samurai residences, narrow lanes and canals.

This evening is free to enjoy this vibrant town some more. Consider a visit to Higashi Chaya, one of Kanazawa's largest geisha districts. Stay: Hotel Amanek Kanazawa (or similar) (B).

We travel (approximately 1hr 30min) by bus to Shirakawa-go, a secluded mountainous region where the historic villages are populated by gassho-zukuri – uniquely designed farmhouses with steep thatched roofs that were built to withstand heavy winter snowfall and provide a large attic space for the cultivation of silkworms. Take a leisurely walk through the picture-perfect mountain village, with the opportunity to visit some of the oldest buildings.

After, we transfer (approximately one hour) by bus to the old town of Takayama, where we visit the Hida no Sato Open-Air Museum, a collection of 30 traditional Hida houses and other village buildings from the Edo period. We spend two nights in Takayama with plenty of time to appreciate the charm and ambience of this delightful spot in the majestic Hida Mountains. Stay: Classic hotel (B/D).

Today has been set aside to explore Takayama. We start with an orientation tour, which begins at the Morning Market, held daily alongside the Miyagawa River. We also wander around the historic Sanmachi district, before free time to explore, in which you can treat yourself to a local lunch and sake tasting, before stopping at the numerous lacquerware and antique shops.

You may also want to visit the old Government House of Takayama-jinya to learn about the lives of medieval Japanese officials and the way they dealt (often not so compassionately) with those in their charge. Another option is to stroll along the temple-lined Higashiyama Walkway and visit the temples and attractions created by the medieval warlord, Kanamori Nagachika. Stay: Classic hotel (B/D).

Today we travel (approximately four hours) by express and local trains to the historic castle town of Matsumoto. En route, we visit the medieval village of Tsumago, which has changed little from its heyday as a post town in the Edo period. This is the best preserved of the many staging posts along the old Nakasendo trail, which fulfils the same role it did in centuries past: offering food and refuge to travellers.

Those who wish can join the tour leader for a one-hour walk through peaceful forest trails, starting by the Odaki and Medaki waterfalls and finishing in Tsumago. We reach Matsumoto late afternoon, where we have time to relax and perhaps take a leisurely stroll after dinner to see the impressive Matsumoto Castle by night. Please note: As there is little room to store large suitcases on the train, you need to pack an overnight bag for two nights (nights 10 and 11). You will be reunited with your main luggage in Tokyo on Day 12. Stay: Dormy Inn Matsumoto (or similar) (B).

Visit Matsumoto Castle this morning, otherwise known as Crow Castle due to its all-black exterior. Built in 1504, it's one of the best-preserved castles in Japan, most others having been destroyed following the Meiji Restoration. Please note: the castle preserves its original interior and structure, with very tall steps and steep staircases, which some might find difficult to ascend and descend.

We then return to Matsumoto train station and travel (approximately three hours) to the picturesque town of Kawaguchiko, which sits by Lake Kawaguchi. If the conditions are right, you can even see Mount Fuji reflected in the waters. Next, we visit the lakeside Oishi Park, again with views of Fuji in the right conditions, before visiting Itchiku Kubota Art Museum with its impressive architecture inspired by the natural world and beautiful kimono displays. Stay: Route Inn Kawaguchiko (or similar) (B).

Depart early and travel (approximately 2hr 30min) by train to Tokyo. After arrival at our hotel, we use the highly efficient subway system to visit Tokyo landmarks, including the lively Senso-ji Temple in the old entertainment district of Asakusa and Ueno. We also visit a park or garden, which becomes especially spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn season.

In the evening, the entertainment possibilities are almost limitless with the Tokyo nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Asia. Stay: Hotel Monterey Hanzomon/Hotel Monterey Akasaka/The B Akasaka (or similar) (B).

Today has been left free for individual exploration of Tokyo with a one-day metro pass included. We recommend visiting the forest-wrapped Meiji Shrine. From there, cross over to the upscale Omotesando street, sometimes called the Champs Elysee of Tokyo. If you're interested in culture or shopping, there are limitless opportunities with districts such as Ginza, known for its exclusive stores, Shibuya, home to the busiest intersection in the world, and Shinjuku, the hub of Tokyo nightlife. Your tour leader can advise on how best to spend your free day in Tokyo.

This evening, you can join your group and tour leader for a farewell dinner, followed by optional karaoke. Stay: Hotel Monterey Hanzomon/Hotel Monterey Akasaka/The B Akasaka (or similar) (B).

Our Japanese adventure comes to end. Alternatively, if you'd like a bit more time to explore this energetic city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).