Fly overnight to the charming city of Fukuoka, the gateway to the island of Kyushu. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Begin the day by travelling on the limited express train to Nagasaki. Upon arrival.head to the Atomic Bomb Museum to pay your respects to the victims of the 1945 atrocities. Later, visit Glover Garden, the hilltop park dominated by the Glover Residence, former home of 19th century merchant nicknamed 'the Scottish samurai'. Return to Fukuoka by train.

Board the bullet train to Hiroshima, located on Japan's largest island, Honshu. Here, take the ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the holy island of Miyajima. Here, visit the Itsukushima Shrine and see how the local treat, 'momiji manju', is made. Later, return to Hiroshima.

Spend the day in Hiroshima. Begin with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where you will have the opportunity to pay homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Ascending Orizuru Tower to view the city from above, followed by a stroll through Shukkei-en Garden.

Depart Hiroshima by bullet train, stopping at Himeji to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, followed by a walk through Koko-en Gardens. Continue to Osaka.

Begin the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building. Later, head to Nara, known for its beautiful (and cheeky ) bowing sika deer. Admire the enormous Todaiji Temple, which houses the 15-metre tall bronze Buddha known as the Daibutsu. Finally, enjoy an ink making and calligraphy class before returning to Osaka.

Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Upon arrival, stroll through the Arashiyama bamboo forest and admire the towering thickets. Also visit Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's best-known zen garden, and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' of Kinkaku-ji Temple.

The day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto. Next, enjoy the age-old rituals of a sacred tea ceremony before witnessing a Zen meditation demonstration and even trying your hand at fan painting. Later, explore Gion – Kyoto's famous geisha district, where you may be lucky enough to enjoy a rare glimpse of a geisha.

Take the limited express train to Kanazawa and upon arrival, meander your way through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Also visit the Nomura Samurai House and Kunani Pottery Factory.

Travel by road to Takayama, stopping en route for a sake wooden cup making experience and sake tasting. Next, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go Village to get a glimpse of rural Japan. Continue to Takayama.

Spend the morning browsing the local handicrafts and fresh produce at Miyagawa market, the Takayama Floats Museum and Takayama Jinya. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Drive through the Japanese Alps, enjoying the mountain scenery en route to Matsumoto and Nagano. After lunch, head to Yudanaka and head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. Walk 30-40 minutes (conditions depending) through a picturesque forested valley to the hot spring pools, where you can search for the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) - sighting not guaranteed. Later, return to Matsumoto.

Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle', due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. Also visit the former post town of Narai-juku before continuing to Suwa.

Travel by road for around 1.5 hours to the spectacular Mount Fuji region, where the serene volcanic lakes beautifully reflect Fuji’s iconic, symmetrical peak. Continue to the 5th Station* before enjoying lunch, then visit Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, offering lovely views of Mount Fuji on clear days. *Please note: The 5th Station may close in bad weather. If this happens, or if visibility is poor, your guide may instead take you to the Fuji World Heritage Centre (subject to opening hours).

Begin the day with a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. Next, take part in a sushi making class and enjoy your own creations for lunch! Later, soak up the atmosphere at Senso-ji temple, browse the stalls on Nakamise shopping street, and drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza.

Begin the day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views over the sprawling city. Next, pass by the world-famous Shibuya crossing. End the day with a relaxing dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

As the tour journeys to northern Honshu, board the bullet train to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku. Upon arrival, transfer by road to Matsushima and enjoy a cruise on Matsushima Bay. Later, visit the famous Nikka Whisky factory in Sendai. (Please note: Due to a change in the factory's opening hours, if your visit falls on a weekend, an alternative visit may be arranged locally.)

Say goodbye to Honshu Island as you board the bullet train to Hakodate located on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. Visit the Goryokaku Tower, from which you can look down into Hakodate's star-shaped fortress, followed by some time at leisure. This evening, ascend Mt Hakodate and enjoy the fabulous views of the city below.

Board the bullet train for the very last time to Sapporo. Head to the Clock Tower and Odori Park and in the evening, stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy a tasting or two, followed by a farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving the same or following day.