Compare Highlights of Japan by Insider Journeys

Day 1 : Tokyo

Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the world's most energetic cities. Check-in to your hotel, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Leader (or local guide), and savour your first taste of Japan's world-famous cuisine. Hotel: Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyo (or similar)

Day 2 : Tokyo City Tour

Explore Japan's capital city utilising the super-efficient underground rail network. Visit the city's most famous sites including Meiji Jingu shrine and the Imperial Palace followed by a trip to Asakusa, one of Tokyo's liveliest districts, and home to some of the city's best street food and old izakaya and yakitori restaurants. Pick up some souvenirs along Nakamise Dori – a long shopping street which leads to Tokyo's oldest temple – Sensoji Temple. Hotel: Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyo (or similar)

Day 3 : Mt Fuji

Visit Hakone and see one of the world's most iconic natural sites – Mt Fuji. Explore this famous World Heritage listed natural region taking in waterfalls, Shinto Buddhist shrines and experience a ‘Panoramic Foot Bath'. Stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese guesthouse and savour an exquisitely presented home-cooked kaiseki dinner, soak in the onsen and sleep on a futon mattress in an immaculate tatami-floored room. Hotel: Hakone Yumoto (or similar)

Day 4 : Hakone to Takayama

Travel by train to ancient Takayama, home to two of Japan's most famous festivals to see the magnificent wooden floats that are paraded through town during festival time. Stroll along Kami Sannomachi Street enjoying the immaculately-preserved traditional wooden houses. Sample some sake at one of the enticing sake rice wine breweries. Hotel: Best Western Hotel Takayama (or similar)

Day 5 : Takayama

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring charming Takayama town at your own pace. You may choose to stroll around the Teramachi district, which is home to more conventional temples and shrines. Or visit Shirakawago, a World Heritage listed protected village famous for its stunning natural beauty, farmhouses, barns and sheds with steeply pitched thatched roofs designed to withstand the heavy winter snowfall. Hotel: Best Western Hotel Takayama (or similar)

Day 6 : Takayama to Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital and the setting to more than 1,600 temples and shrines, the principal hub for Geisha, and the home of royal cuisine. Highlights of the day include Geisha spotting in Gion district and exploring the beautifully-preserved traditional buildings along Ponto-cho and Hanami-koji Lane. Hotel: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Shijo (or similar)

Day 7 : Kyoto City Tour

Continue your discoveries of Kyoto on foot visiting some of the city's most cherished and famous sites including Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion, Japan's most famous rock garden and a temple nestled into the forest-clad side of Higashiyama Hill. Hotel: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Shijo (or similar)

Day 8 : Hiroshima

Take the bullet train to the historic city of Hiroshima, infamously targeted in the world's first atomic bomb attack. A short ferry ride takes you past one of Japan's most iconic sites, the ‘floating' red torii gate near Miyajima Island. Explore central Hiroshima, the Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome. Hotel: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Shijo (or similar)

Day 9 : Kyoto

Spend a free day exploring Kyoto at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a special kaiseki farewell dinner while being entertained by a Maiko. Hotel: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Shijo (or similar)

Day 10 : Kyoto

Transfer by private taxi to Kyoto Station for your onward journey. Tokyo Kyoto 10 Days