Direct flight London to Tokyo with British Airways or Japan Airlines.

U.K. regional departures from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast or New Castle available with alternative airlines.

Arrive in Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis. This bustling city is the economic and cultural hub of the nation.

Spend the afternoon exploring the best of what Tokyo has to offer, and enjoy the endless opportunities for fine dining and entertainment at every turn.

• 3 nights double room on B&B basis at The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku, Tokyo.

   

Full day free at leisure.

Tokyo, Japan's capital and largest city, is a dynamic metropolis known for its unique blend of modernity and tradition.

Home to cutting-edge technology, futuristic architecture, and a fast-paced lifestyle, Tokyo also preserves its rich cultural heritage with historic temples, shrines, and traditional tea houses. The city's diverse neighbourhoods offer everything from bustling shopping districts and vibrant entertainment areas to serene parks and gardens.

Tokyo's culinary scene is renowned for its variety, featuring sushi, ramen, and a wide range of international cuisines. The city's efficient public transportation system, including the iconic Tokyo Metro, facilitates easy exploration of its many facets. Overall, Tokyo is a symbol of Japan's innovation, resilience, and captivating juxtaposition of the old and the new.

Tokyo is a city with a hip, happening, and vibrant youth culture scene. Young Tokyoites have set trends both in Japan and globally with their avant garde fashion. Explore the perennially trendy neighbourhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku, stopping at Meiji Shrine for a glimpse of the local Shinto traditions, before heading to the ‘Skyscraper District’ of Shinjuku.

After a leisurely start to the morning, check out of your hotel to take the high speed bullet train to Nagano.

From there continue by express train to picturesque Kiso Fukushima, where you will find yourself stepping back in time to the Edo era.

The night skies are particularly beautiful here, so be sure to look up at the stars before retiring to bed.

• 2 nights double room on half board basis at Onyado Tsutaya Ryokan, Kiso Valley.

Experience the serene beauty of Japan’s wilderness with a hike along the Nakasendo, an ancient trail that winds through the Kiso Valley and connects the two charming historical post towns of Magome and Tsumago.

Wander around these well-preserved, atmospheric towns to get a feel of what life was like in olden day Japan.

 

Wave goodbye to the splendid, authentic Edo period town in the Kiso Valley and make your way to Kyoto, Japan’s reigning cultural capital.

This captivating city and former Imperial capital boasts over 2,000 shrines and temples, and 17 registered UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Spend the afternoon strolling around the historical geisha district of Gion and the modern shopping precinct of Shijo.

• 4 nights Japanese room on room only basis at Hotel M's Plus Shijo-Omiya, Kyoto.

Head off the beaten path today and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for the thousands of blazing red torii gates that line the trails winding through the forests.

Legend has it that torii are gateways between the earthly and divine realms. Follow the route to the sprawling and scenic grounds of Tofuku-ji Temple before ambling to Kiyomizudera Temple, one of Kyoto’s star attractions and an exquisite example of the skill displayed in traditional Japanese carpentry.

The day begins with a visit to Nanzen-ji Temple, famous for its magnificent 350-year-old wooden entrance gate known as the Sanmon, and the remarkably Roman-looking red brick aqueduct within its grounds.

From here, descend towards Ginkaku-ji Temple, the Silver Pavilion, and spend the rest of the afternoon beneath the towering cedars of Mt. Hiei, trekking the same trails used by the local ‘marathon monks’ during their ascetic training.

An idyllic excursion awaits you today.

Make your way to Kibune, a rural town with mythical origins set in a forested valley in the mountains to the north of Kyoto. From here, hike along a tranquil wooded path until you reach Kurama, a town steeped in mystery and folklore, and is known as the legendary lair of mountain goblins.

There are plenty of photogenic spots to admire on the way, so be sure to take your camera with you for those Instagrammable moments.

Hiroshima is a vibrant and thriving city that has found a way to honour its past without being solely defined by it. Besides having a number of historically significant sites to explore, it has an exciting food scene with several delicious specialities to offer.

In particular, a local favourite is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

• 2 nights deluxe room on B&B basis at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Hiroshima.

No visit to Hiroshima is complete without a day trip to Miyajima, the sacred island said to be the dwelling place of the gods.

Indeed, this sacred island is home to one of the most scenic views in Japan — the ‘Floating Torii Gate,’ of Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The next stop on the trip is Osaka — Japan’s culinary capital.

Renowned for its delectable soul food, it is an essential destination for foodies. In fact, the well-known motto of the city’s exuberant inhabitants is kuidaore or ‘eat until you drop,’ so be prepared to do just that.

• 2 nights double room on B&B basis at Swissotel Nankai, Osaka, Namba entertainment district.

 

Osaka is a lively city full of things to see and do.

Don’t miss Dotonbori, the beating heart of the city, Shinsaibashisuji, a major shopping arcade that shopaholics will adore, and Osaka Castle, where you can follow the evolution of the city from feudal times to the present day.

Alternatively, spend the day at Universal Studios Japan, one of the most popular and beloved theme parks in the country, or explore the underwater realm at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

Departure from Osaka.

Check out of your hotel and make your way to Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT).

A limousine bus runs from here to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in just under an hour.