Classic Japan tour by train

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.

Spend the full day seeing the many sights of this wonderful metropolis. Use our folders to guide you to the modern areas such as upmarket Ginza and Shibuya, home of the famous Hachiko pedestrian crossing. But also make time to visit the traditional and historic Asakusa district in the northeast of the city, where you can see the huge red lantern of Senso-ji Temple.

A day at leisure. We suggest getting out of the city and catching the train (the journey lasts an hour and a quarter one way) to the seaside town of Kamakura, southwest of Tokyo. In this 800-year-old town you can see the Great Buddha of Kotokuin, and a number of scenic temples and shrines. Upon returning to Tokyo, head to one of our recommended restaurants for an evening meal.

Take the train to Hiroshima. This is quite a long journey of five hours and involves changing at Nagoya, then whizzing the rest of the way by bullet train. After checking into your hotel, head to the Peace Park. Despite it being a quite sobering experience, the Japanese have made it an extremely interesting place. Walk along the city's tree-lined avenues and visit the Memorial Museum.

Take the bullet train east to Kyoto, a journey of around two hours. In the afternoon, we can arrange for you to take part in a shared cultural activity at Kyoto's Women's Association. With the help of experienced English-speaking practitioners, you could learn Japanese arts such as calligraphy, the tea ceremony, origami, koto instrument-playing and sushi-making. Classes last around an hour.

A day at leisure in Kyoto. Navigate your way around the city seeing the many gardens, shrines and shops of this unique city. Highlights include the Golden Pavilion, the food markets selling tasty Japanese delicacies, and the traditional entertainment district of Gion. If you walk its streets at dusk, you may glimpse one of the city's enigmatic geisha on her way to work.

Take the bullet train to Hakone, a journey of around three and a half hours. Check in to your accommodation and either head to a hot spring to relax for the rest of the day, or use our folders to navigate your way around the National Park. You can use your Hakone free pass to reach several great viewing areas over the park's mountains and lakes.

A day at leisure to further explore Hakone National Park under your own steam. Your included Hakone Free Pass allows you to use the buses, trains and cable cars. Cross Lake Ashinoko on a replica pirate ship or head to a viewing spot for a glimpse of Mount Fuji. We also recommend visiting the excellent open air sculpture museum in Chokokunomori.

After a leisurely morning return to Tokyo (a one and a quarter hour train journey) for a final night in the capital. We suggest using your last few hours in the city to explore a new corner of it. Visit the Imperial Palace Gardens, the man-made island of Odaib, trendy Shinjuku or the peaceful landscaped Hamarikyu Gardens.

Take the airport shuttle transfer from your hotel lobby to the airport to catch your return flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.