11-Day Japan with a Twist

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Visit the capitals must-see landmarks on an amazing Tokyo tour. See the awe-inspiring Imperial Palace with its immaculate gardens, the ancient Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the impressive Tokyo Skytree and take a pleasant cruise of Tokyo Bay passing the famous Rainbow Bridge. Travelling in utmost comfort, drive by the Harajuku, National Diet Building, Akihabara, Marunouchi, Kanda, Akihabara, Ueno and Ame-Yoko Market, and Kappa-Bashi shopping arcade. This tour includes a delicious chanko lunch.

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Today you’re free to peel back the layers of Tokyo. If you're a food lover, wake up early and head to the Fish Market to explore the bustling stalls. For the urbanites, head to the famously busy crossing at Shibuya, before venturing to Maid Cafés and comic book stores of Akihabara “electric town”. To find peace, venture to Hamarikyu Gardens to take a stroll. In the evening, to see the city in full swing, head to Shinjuku to some of the country's best restaurants, bars, clubs and karaoke boxes.

You will be provided with 7-day Japan Rail Passes for your intercity journeys. Catch a 1-hour bullet train to Atami today then change to an express train down the scenic coast of the Izu Peninsula to Kawazu, where a shuttle bus can be arranged to take you to your traditional ‘ryokan’ Japanese-style spa hotel. Enjoy the included ‘kaiseki’ traditional dinner this evening, then you are free to relax in the ryokan’s various baths at your leisure.

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Use your rail passes to explore the Izu Peninsula today. You may like to visit Shimoda where America first opened Japan up to international trade with Commodore Perry’s ‘black ships’ in the mid-18th century. Or you may want to walk the rope bridges of the stunning Jogosaki coastline, or even head to Shirahama Beach to relax. Or you may simply wish to relax in your ryokan, enjoy the baths, ambience and charming ‘omotenashi’ hospitality before another included kaiseki feast this evening.

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Catch an express train back to Atami then a bullet train on to Kyoto today. Spend the afternoon at leisure getting settled into your hotel and doing a bit of exploring in your local area. You'll have the option of spending the afternoon discover the charm and tranquillity of Arashiyama, on the western outskirts of Kyoto. Start at Okochi Mountain Villa, the former estate of the film star, Okochi Denjiro. Walk around the splendid gardens and enjoy some tea before exploring the bamboo grove.

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Start your day at Nijo Castle with its palaces, ruins and gardens. Then, make your way to Kinkaku-ji Temple; the ‘Temple of the Golden Pavilion’ before Kyoto's Imperial Palace where you'll learn about the history of the emperors that resided here. If the palace is closed, you'll visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead. After lunch, head to Heian Jingu Shrine and Sanjusangendo Temple, which are equally culturally significant. Finally, visit Kiyomizu-Dera, established before Kyoto was the capital.

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In the morning, take the train to Nara. Visit Todaiji Temple, a revered World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. Listen to your guide tell you the history of this remarkable landmark of Nara. Explore Nara Park and watch the graceful deer nibbling at the grass hidden between the trees. Make your way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and admire the ornate interior filled with both bronze and stone lanterns before returning to the city.

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Use the rail pass to catch a Hikari, Kodama or Haruka train from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka. There are regular departures every 15 minutes. This afternoon, meet your private guide and set out to explore the city. First, visit the Umeda Sky Building with epic panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Then head down characterful side-streets to sample some of Osaka's local gourmet food including Kushi cutlets and Takoyaki deep-fried octopus dough balls.

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Over 400 years of history fusing the old and new, Osaka has many impressive sights to enjoy. Today, you could visit Osaka Castle, built as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo. Alternatively, the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living re-created buildings and streets to show what life was like in Osaka in different eras. In the evening, visit Dotonbori, where masses of neon lights and the atmosphere of the 17th century coexist.