Discovering Japan

Welcome to Tokyo, the energetic and cosmopolitan capital of Japan. Marrying ancient traditions with modern innovations, Tokyo offers a sensory overload of neon lights, vibrant street fashion and exquisite cuisine. Transfer to your hotel where a Welcome Dinner gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort. Stay Two Nights: Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (D)

A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo Bay, to see an example of the precise art of Japanese gardening. Next, it's on to the Asakusa, to explore Sensoji Temple, this 1400-year-old Buddhist temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

Afterwards, pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine and the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection, before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)

Set off on foot to Shinjuku Station for your Insider Experience and your first journey on Japan railway. Arrive in Odawara and then transfer to Owakudani volcanic valley and enjoy a tour of its active sulphur vents and hot springs before taking a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the Togendai station, nestled on the shores of the tranquil Lake Ashi. Take a relaxing cruise around the lake soaking in the panoramic views of snow-capped mountains before continuing to your hotel for the evening. Stay: Hakone Hotel (B/D)

Insider Experience: Journey by Limited Express train to Hakone travelling on the picturesque narrow-gauge line.

This morning, travel to Mount Fuji, arguably Japan's most distinctive landmark, for your Insider Experience. Later, it's on to the alpine town Matsumoto to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay: Matsumoto, Hotel Buena Vista (B)

Insider Experience: Driving along the foot of the famous mountain, disembark at the Mount Fuji Visitor Centre to learn more about the country's tallest volcano. Continue to Mount Fuji's Fifth Station where, if the sun is shining, you will be able to see the iconic Japanese peak.

After your Insider Experience, continue to Matsumoto Castle. This stunning and well-preserved castle dates back to the 16th century and is famous for its black exterior and elegant architectural design. Continue to Takayama and soak in the spectacular mountain scenery on your way to visit Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum depicting more than 30 rustic farm dwellings from the Edo Period. Enjoy a night of leisure and time to explore the narrow streets of Takayama. Stay: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort (B)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a guided tour of a miso factory to find out how this Japanese staple is made. Discover why this paste – a mixture of fermented soya beans with salt and other umami-based ingredients – is so important in Japanese cooking, before tasting the distinctive flavours for yourself.

This morning, join a guided walking tour to see sights including Miyagawa Morning Market, with its array of stalls selling local farm products and handicrafts. Step inside the beautifully preserved Takayama Jinya, a historic government house and stroll Sannomachi Street, lined with traditional merchant houses and shops. Later, set off on your Insider Experiences to Hiroshima, renowned for the destruction during World War II. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (B)

Insider Experience: Travel by ‘shinkansen' Bullet Train, and the equally impressive Limited Express service from Takayama to Hiroshima.

Enjoy your Insider Experience before spending time at leisure on the Island to uncover more shrines and museums. Keep an eye out for the sacred deer before returning to Hiroshima for a night at leisure. Maybe head to a lively izakaya for snacks and beer or seek out the famous okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake. (B)

Insider Experience: Travel by local train and ferry to Miyajima Island and spend time admiring the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine and the iconic Tori Gate that guards its entrance which appears to float on the island's waters at high tide.

This morning, visit Hiroshima's World Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Museum, both reminders of the destruction levelled on the town in 1945. Afterwards, travel to Kyoto and appreciate your Insider Experiences. Stay Three Nights: Righa Royal Hotel Kyoto (B/D)

Insider Experience: Experience the speed and efficiency of Japan's renowned bullet train from Hiroshima to Kyoto. Wander the streets of the famous Gion district and keep watch for one of the many beautiful geiko and maiko, the titles given to geisha and their apprentices. Indulge in a traditional Japanese dinner at a local restaurant in Pontochow, a narrow alley filled with atmospheric dining venues renowned for using fresh and local produce.

This morning, begin with your special Insider Experience. Afterwards, take a tour of Kyoto's most famous landmarks including Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) with its shimmering gold leaf facade on the edge of a reflective pond, surrounded by lush forest; Kyoto Railway Museum to learn about the history of Japanese railways; and Kiyomizu Temple, a historic Buddhist temple that offers impressive views over the city. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. (B)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, and gain an insight into how to brew, serve and drink this distinguished drink in the traditional way.

Today you'll enjoy a day trip to Nara, a picturesque city with an abundance of impressive temples. See Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha and Nigatsu-do Shrine. Founded in 745 by Emperor Shomu, Todai-ji is a vast Buddhist temple complex that was constructed as a symbol of imperial power. Its famous Buddha towers overhead at 15 metres tall and is the largest Buddha statue in Japan.

Later, it's time for a stroll through Nara's famous Deer Park, home to over 1,200 wild deer who freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns. En route to Kyoto enjoy your Insider Experience. (B)

Insider Experience: Take part in a fascinating tea tasting where you will try 3 kinds of Japanese tea which are different in types and cultivars.

Leaving delightful Kyoto after breakfast this morning, we savour time in the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Stroll through the towering bamboo grove and marvel at one of the most breathtaking and iconic sites in all of Japan. Transfer by coach to Osaka and visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building, where you'll enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle from the open air deck.

Continue to the lively Dotonbori District filled with neon lights, extravagant billboards and bustling restaurants and bars. Celebrate your final evening with a Farewell Dinner in your hotel. Stay: Osaka, Sheraton Miyako Hotel (B/D)

Transfer to Kansai International Airport after breakfast for your onward flight. (B)