Today you will touch down in TOKYO, Japan's capital and the tenth most populous city in the world. On arrival at Tokyo International Airport, you will be welcomed by our Asia Senses representatives, and then provided with a transfer (via shared shuttle vehicle) to hotel for check in.

In the evening, you will have some free time to explore Tokyo’s exhilarating nightlife. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping, to neighbourhood backstreets lined with restaurants and karaoke bars. Perhaps take a walk down Shinjuku’s Memory Lane. This crowded alley of busy restaurants and bar stalls started in the 1940s and quickly gained infamy as a black market drinking quarter. Today, it is still one of the best spots to try some of Tokyo’s famed ‘fast food’ dishes.

Overnight at hotel in Tokyo.

Today you will take a full day private tour of the city with a private English speaking guide, travelling by public transport. The tour begins at the Imperial Palace, a huge parkland with magnificent gardens, the residence of Japan’s Imperial family.

Continue to Asakusa, once Tokyo’s leading entertainment district. Here, enter the massive gates to the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensoji built in the 7th century and the Kannon Temple, one of the most visited spiritual sites in the world. Browse the many interesting stalls – filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs – that line the shopping street of Nakamise dori.

After lunch, make a photo stop at the impressive Tokyo Tower, the world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower, a symbol of Japan's post-war rebirth. Continue through trendy Omotesando to the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a beautiful forested area that honors the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress. Next, to the frenetic Ginza district, Tokyo's celebrated shopping, dining and amusement area – time to linger and discover on your own. Here you’ll also have the chance to see a short performance of Kabuki, one of Japan’s more spectacular performing arts.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Travel to HAKONE by taking the super-fast bullet train to Odawara station, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring destinations, and view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park, an area encompassing coastlines, mountains, lakes and more than 1,000 volcanic islands.

Once in Hakone, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi for spectacular panoramas of this beautiful area before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway for amazing views back over the lake and Mount Fuji. Next, ascend to the 5th Station of the Mount Fuji, located at an elevation of 7,545 feet (weather permitting) pausing to admire the gorgeous panorama of the park and lake or to take in the breathtaking views over the Fuji Five Lakes below.

After lunch, stroll the grassy hillsides of Hakone’s Open Air Museum. Admire the impressive contemporary sculptures and artwork on display, including masterpieces by Henry Moore and Rodin. The museum also features one of the world’s finest Picasso exhibits, presenting visitors with some 300 works by the cubist master. With famous works by leading artists set amid stunning mountain scenery, this is sure to be a real highlight for any art fans.

Check in hotel then spend time at leisure to explore the surrounding area on your own.

Overnight in Hakone.

Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) high into the Japanese Alps to the mountain town of TAKAYAMA, historically renowned for producing exceptional craftsmen. You’ll reach speeds of 270 kilometres per hour and it will take around 4 hours to get there. Takayama is a great base for exploring the Japanese Alps and a lovely town for strolling around and discovering the many traditional wooden buildings, shops and superb local restaurants.

On arrival you’ll stop into one of the region's prized sake breweries for a tasting. The alpine climate and crystal clear mountain waters are perfect for creating this signature drop.

Later, take a 15-minute train to Hida, then visit the nearby Hida Folk Village, an outdoor museum where the traditional thatched-roof architecture unique to the area has been recreated in a delightful mountain setting. Discover the techniques used to build farmhouses that could withstand fierce winters and long periods of isolation due to snow-closed roads. The thick thatching kept in warmth and the roofs were angled so as to minimise snow build-up. Each house is like it’s own self-contained museum, with displays of personal items and traditional tools.

Return to Takayama, you’ll then have free time to explore the many art galleries, local museums, or simply wander the streets of this delightful little town. Experience a stay in a ryokan, the traditional Japanese-style inn furnished with low tables and chairs, sliding shoji doors, and tatami flooring.

Tonight you'll sample some more of Takayama's signature dishes at a local restaurant, or queue for the famous Hida beef sushi in one of the special food stalls.

Overnight in a ryokan in Takayama.

Takayama has an air of old world Japan, particularly around its wonderfully preserved old town. Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market. Stalls are set up by local farm women from 6am every morning. Look out for the unique local style of pickles, the bags of miso wrapped in leaves, Genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices, and the delicious marshmallow treat of owara tamaten.

While on a food and culture walk tour in Takayama, keep an eye out for some of these popular regional dishes – mitarashi dango (rice dumplings roasted in soy sauce), houba miso (miso vegetables cooked in magnolia leaf) and chuka soba (Hida's favourite noodle dish).

After that, take the 1-hour bus to SHIRAKAWAGO, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer," which is represented through the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs. This architectural style developed over many generations – the roofs were constructed without any nails and are intricately designed to withstand large amounts of snow. These houses are private homes of the locals but some are open to the public, such as Wada House, a legacy left behind by the Wada Family who used to be the richest family and village leader in Ogimachi. After that, we go for a short hike to one of the viewpoints for awe inspiring views of the valley.

While in Shirakawago, experience a stay in a minshuku, the traditional Japanese-style inn usually owned and run by families. The amenities are basic but the experience is sure to be one of a kind.

Overnight in Shirakawago.

From Shirakawago, you will head on down the eastern seaboard west to HIROSHIMA by Shinkansen using your Japan Rail Pass. This journey of nearly 600km takes approximately 5 hours, during which time the train passes through several major cities along the coast, including Kobe, famous for its top-grade beef.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide then visit some of the attractions of the city. Hiroshima is most famous for the events of 6th August 1945 when the city became the world's first to be visited by the horrors of nuclear holocaust. The events of that day are etched forever in the minds of Hiroshima's population and the city is full of reminders, none more poignant than the A-bomb Dome with its skeletal shell which has been preserved as a symbol of the devastation of nuclear war.

The Peace Museum and the open expanses of the peace park with the eternal flame which will burn until the last nuclear weapon is destroyed, are essential stops on any visit to Hiroshima and you should allow a full half day for these. However, despite this tragic past, Hiroshima is now a bustling and vibrant city which has truly risen from the ashes.

In the evening, you can try one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki, a kind savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat or seafood.

Overnight in Hiroshima.

In the morning, pay a quick visit to some of other attractions in Hiroshima. The first stop is sprawling city-centre green space of Chuo Central Park. Nearby, visit the magnificent Hiroshima Castle, which originally dates from the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but reconstructed in all its glory in the 1950s, and now holds an informative museum in its five stories. The wonderful Shukkeien Garden is the perfect place to decompress on a break from sightseeing, with a number of teahouses scattered throughout the grounds. Winding across the stone bridges past graceful teahouses and waterfalls can make you feel like you’re in another world.

Then make your way to the nearby MIYAJIMA ISLAND with its famous 'floating' Torii Gate and the grand Itsukushima Shrine. Keep your eyes out for inquisitive and hungry deer that roam the streets. The size and physical landscape of Miyajima makes it an ideal place for walking. There is the lovely Momaji Park (known as Maple Valley), from where it is possible to walk or take a cable car up to the top of Mount Misen.

You may also see some of the island's native fauna; the sacred deer are easy to spot as they roam freely, but you'll have to work a little harder to spot any of the resident monkey population; keep your eyes peeled! Miyajima is a wonderful place to slow down, unwind and relax, so take your time and let the magic of this island enchant you! Return to Hiroshima.

Overnight in Hiroshima.

Leave Hiroshima today and head to Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at HIMEJI by train (approx. 1 hour). The UNESCO Listed Himeji Castle was constructed of wood in 1346 and is renowned for its elegant shape, painted white exterior, together with a highly developed maze-like system of defence. Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 Samurai families and look out over the castle grounds and the city below from the seventh floor.

Continue on a 1 hour train ride to KYOTO. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally “tranquillity and peace capital”) by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto had its golden age during the imperial court's heyday from 794 to 1185. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years but the emperor and government are now located in Tokyo. With over 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a great place to get lost in. Spend some free time getting acquainted with Kyoto and walking through the historical streets.

Explore the Arashiyama neighborhood, including the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Later, bask in the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through towering bamboo shoots — considered by many a healing experience.

In the evening, free to make your way to Gion, the famed Geisha district to enjoy a guided walking tour before attending a famous Spring Geisha Dance and Tea Ceremony ("Miyako Odori" performance), which is hosted by a Geisha, in Japanese at the Minami-za theatre.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Today’s tour starts with a visit to Nijo Castle, an ornamental castle that was originally built to serve as the private villa of a powerful feudal lord. The main building was completed in early 1600s and has since then been known for its Momoyama-style architecture, decorated sliding doors, and “chirping nightingale” floors. Next on the list is the serene Ryoan-ji Temple, which is famous for its well-maintained rock garden and is home to the Myoshinji School of the Rinzai Buddhist sect.

Just a short distance from the Ryoan-ji is the stunning golden pavilion collectively known as Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto's famous Golden Pavilion zen temple which is decorated with gold leaf and stands over a tranquil pond. From the Kikakuji in the north of the city you can then head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the east. This impressive wooden structure is perched on a hillside surrounded by woodland and looks out across the city.

The tour ends with a stroll along the busy streets of Higashiyama District, a collection of narrow alleyways lined with local stores, souvenir shops, small eateries, and even pottery centers.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Today your Japan Classic Tour comes to an end. A departure transfer by shuttle bus will take you to Kansai Airport for your onward travel.