Day 1 – To Tokyo: Overnight flight from London to Tokyo with Cathay Pacific, via Hong Kong. (N)

Day 2 – Tokyo: Arrive and transfer to the Park Hotel Tokyo for 3 nights. (N)

Day 3 – Tokyo: Morning visit to Hamarikyu Gardens and cruise the Sumida river to Asakusa Kannon Temple. Continue to the National Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Japanese art. After a traditional kushiage lunch of deep-fried meat or vegetables, visit the Imperial East Garden and end the day in the futuristic Ginza district. (B, L)

Day 4 – Nikko: Full-day tour of Nikko, home to Japan’s loveliest shrines in a picturesque forest setting. Visit Toshogu Shrine and Rinoji Temple, and drive by the beautiful Lake Chuzenji and Kegon waterfall. The 12 May departure includes an evening trip to the Sumo Grand Championships. (B, L)

Day 5 – To Hakone National Park: Morning departure to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most famous natural landmark. Visit Mount Fuji 5th Station, the starting point for most hikers, before heading to Hakone National Park, with its lakes and peaks. Stay overnight at the Yumoto Fujiya Hotel. (B)

Day 6 – To Hiroshima: Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima and on to Miyajima Island. Evening visit to the famous red Torii Gate that rises from the harbour. Stay overnight at Iwaso Ryokan. (B, D)

Day 7 – To Kyoto: Optional morning walking tour of Mount Misen (payable locally). Late morning visit to Itsukushima Shrine. Transfer to Hiroshima to visit Hiroshima Castle, the A-bomb Museum and the Peace Memorial Park. This evening, take the bullet train to Kyoto and stay 3 nights at the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto. (B, L)

Day 8 – Kyoto: Full-day tour of Kyoto, the heart of ancient Japan. Visit Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple and its Zen Garden, and Nijo Castle. After a traditional lunch, visit a maiko (apprentice geisha) house, where you will experience a Japanese tea ceremony and maiko dance. End the day with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple. (B, L)

Day 9 – Nara: Full-day visit to Nara, the Sake Museum and Fushimi Inari Shrine. (B)

Day 10 – To London: Transfer to Osaka airport and fly to London with Cathay Pacific, via Hong Kong. (B)

Day 11 – London: Early morning arrival in London. (N)

Travel in Japan: Japan is like no other Far Eastcountry, due to the prohibitively high costs of vehicle hire and wages. This tour has been designed for groups travelling in chartered vehicles and Japan’s efficient public transport system, accompanied by a national escort, and cannot be replicated for independent travellers.

Festival departures: For festival departures,some elements of the sightseeing programme may be shortened or not included to allow time for the events. Please ask for a more detailed itinerary.

Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals