Experience the cultural and edifying traditions, spectacular architecture and sublime natural landscapes that create the unfailing allure of stunning Japan. Traverse the villages and valleys, temples and towns as you embark on an immersive 14 day tour that begins in Tokyo, Japan's eclectic and diverse capital. Visit the major landmarks and learn about its people from the Geisha to fashion clad youth that tread the streets of Harajuku.

From Tokyo it's off to Nikko for a day trip to visit the lavishly decorated Toshugu-shrine complex, situated amid a beautiful forest setting and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we head into the Japanese Alps in the Nagano Prefecture to the stunning Kiso Valley Region. After following in the footsteps of samurais and lords as you hike the old Nakasendo to Magome, we make our way to the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama. Visit traditional morning markets and learn about the production of local handicrafts including wood carving, weaving and lacquering.

Take in the sights and sounds of Kanazawa Castle before boarding a train to Hiroshima. Famous for being the target of the first atomic bomb, it is now a thriving and mesmerizing city. Hiroshima is one of Japan's most laid back and welcoming destinations with an endearing and friendly community of people.

We also encompass Kyoto, the former imperial capital known as Japan's cultural center, and Nara, a former capital in the 8^th century. Nara still has many of the temples and shrines built at that time and we would always recommend visiting Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha, Nara's most celebrated shrine.

Arrive in Tokyo and spend the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Spend a full day sightseeing. Visit Meiji shrine and Tokyo's youth fashion mecca, Harajuku. Also visit the city's oldest Geisha district and witness a short tea ceremony.

Overnight in Tokyo

Head to the stunning Nikko National Park in Tochigi Preference and visit the lavishly decorated Toshugu-shrine complex.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Venture into the central Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture. Tonight you will be staying in Tsumago, one of the Post towns that served the 500km Nakasendo trade route that ran between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo).

Overnight in Tsumago

Follow in the footsteps of samurais and lords as you hike the old route of Nakasendo to Magome. Pass through lush countryside and alongside the houses of local residents. Recover from the walk with a relaxing soak in a hot onsen.

Overnight in Takayama.

Explore the perfectly preserved town of Takayama before heading up to the Miyagawa morning market. Venture into the Hida No Sato Folk Village to see how many traditional handicrafts are made.

Overnight in Takayama.

Another stunning journey today as you take the train alongside the Sea of Japan to Kanazawa. The highlight of any visit to Kanazawa is Kenroku-en garden, ranked one of the top three gardens in Japan.

Overnight in Kanazawa

Continue to Hiroshima on the train. A city known as the first target of an atomic bomb, it is now a thriving destination with world class museums, stunning parks and friendly locals.

Overnight in Hiroshima.

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Stroll through the park and discover the many memorials, monuments and statues. A short ferry ride will take you to Miyajima Island where you will find the Floating Torii Gate.

Overnight in Hiroshima

Take the train to Shikoku Island, the least visited by tourists and famous for Kompirasan, located on the slopes of Mt Zozu. A challenging series of 1,368 stone steps leads the way to Kompirasan.

Overnight in Kotohira.

This morning continue by train to Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto, home to an astonishing 2000 Shrines and Temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guests also visit a former sake brewery for a tour with sake tasting.

Overnight in Kyoto

A full day to explore the former imperial capital with your knowledgeable local guide. Visit Nijo Castle, then continue on to Kinkakuji, known as the Golden Pavilion. Finish off the day with a stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama district, whose busy lanes lead up to Kiyomizu and are filled with quaint shops.

Overnight in Kyoto

Take a short 45min trip by train to Nara. Visit Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha. We also recommend visiting Kasuga Taisha, Nara's most celebrated shrine. The afternoon is free for you to continue your sightseeing in Nara or Kyoto.

Overnight in Kyoto

Today is free until your included departure by train to Kansai International Airport.

Your Japan Rail Pass will also cover your return train back to Tokyo Narita Airport (4.5hr)