City & beach: Tokyo and Okinawa

Day 1 : International outbound flight

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

Day 2 : Tokyo

On arriving into Japan, your airport representative welcomes you and helps you validate your rail pass vouchers and make seat reservations on the trains for you. He/she then escorts you to the Narita Express train service into the city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and relaxing after your flight.

Day 3 : Tokyo

A day at leisure in Tokyo. We suggest you make use of any lingering jet lag and visit the early morning Tsukiji Fish Market - buzzing with life, this is the biggest fish market in the world and a great place to see local life. The exciting tuna auctions take place at 5am each day. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city, perhaps taking a stroll around the Imperial Palace Gardens.

Day 4 : Tokyo

Get out of the city for the day and take the train to the seaside town of Kamakura, once Japan's capital and home to the Great Bronze Buddha. The journey takes about an hour. You can explore this town independently, visiting its many temples and shrines, including a quirky one in which locals wash money, hoping that it will cause their fortunes to increase.

Day 5 : Kyoto

Today travel by super-fast bullet train to Kyoto (a two and a half hour journey), home to some of Japan's most important works of art, its richest culture and its most refined cuisine.After leaving your bags at your hotel, we recommend that you set off to see some of the iconic sights, including the Golden Pavilion, the Zen gardens of Ryoanji and the beautiful terrace of Kiyomizudera.

Day 6 : Kyoto

A day at leisure in Kyoto to wander the streets of this compact city. Nishiki market is one recommendation in order to buy kimono silks, beautiful art and the famous Japanese knives. It also sells tasty Japanese delicacies - try matcha sweets or squid. An evening ambling around the geisha district of Gion, looking out for these elusive women as they head out to work appointments, caps off the day.

Day 7 : Kyoto

Put your rail pass to good use and make a day trip to Hiroshima via bullet train (two hours one way). Here you can explore the moving Peace Park, the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome and the Memorial Museum. Walk around the Shukkei-en Gardens, which date from the Edo period and are said to represent all the seasons. For lunch, try the local speciality of okonomiyaki (pancakes served with cabbage and many other fillings).

Day 8 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)

This morning transfer to the airport and fly to Miyakojima Island via Naha, the city and airport on the main island.Once landed on Miyakojima make your own way to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing by your hotel pool or basking on the soft sandy beach.

Day 9 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)

At leisure on Miyako Island. The best way to experience this place is simply to relax. Miyakojima's highlight is its beaches, some of the best in all of Japan. You can snorkel in its azur waters and the more energetic can take part in a range of water sports.

Day 10 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)

Another day at leisure to enjoy Maehama, Sunayama and Yoshino beaches. Today you may wish to try scuba diving at one of the nearby sites.

Day 11 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)

A third day on Miyako Island. As a change of pace, take a short domestic flight to the islands of Yaeyama. The main islands of Ishigaki, Taketomi and Iriomote have traditional villages, and jungle walks.

Day 12 : Tokyo

Retrace your steps to the airport to board your flight back to Tokyo. Once landed, the airport express is the quickest way into the city where you can spend a final night in the capital. Try rounding off your trip with a visit to one of our recommended restaurants to enjoy yakatori or monjayaki - flour and vegetable batter served with different toppings.

Day 13 : International return flight

Take the airport shuttle from the hotel lobby to Narita airport for your return flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.