b'GrandYOUR ITINERARYTour of Days 1-3London, Sapporo & OtaruWeflyfromLondontoSapporo,viaTokyo,arrivingonDay2fortwonights.Japan On Day 3 we head to Otaru. This small port city to the northwest of Sapporo has a wonderfully preserved canal area. We also visit the Otaru Music Box Museum before we experience a tasting at the Nikka Whisky Distillery.Days 4-5 - HakodateWe jump aboard the Super Hokuto limited express train to Hakodate, where we spend the night. In the afternoon, we enjoy a sightseeing tour by coach where we see Goryokaku, a vast, star-shaped, western-style fort that was completed in 1866. This evening, we ascend Mount Hakodate via a ropeway cable car. At the summit, there are fabulous views stretching out across the cityforustoadmire.OnDay5wevisitthelocalfishmarket,wherefreshproduce is bought and sold in a lively atmosphere. Afterwards, we board the bullet train to Tokyo, speeding through the countryside on the way to Japans futuristic capital and our home for the next two nights.Days 6-7Tokyo & HakoneWe discover Tokyo on a full-day tour. We visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple continuing to the imposing Imperial Plaza before visiting Shibuya crossing - the busiest intersection in the world. On Day 7 we board a train to Hakone for the night. On arrival, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town which includes a cruise across peaceful Lake Ashi and a journey on the Hakone Ropeway,acablecarthatoffersstunningviews.Day 8Mount FujiWe visit the iconic Mount Fuji. Driving along the foot of the mountain, we arrive at the Visitor Centre where we learn more about this world-famous peak. Perhaps the most acclaimed landmark in Japan, Mount Fuji is one of natures greatest masterpieces and seeing it in real life is truly astonishing. After our breathtaking mountain experience, we continue to Matsumoto, where we spend the night and visit the Chihiro Art Museum Azumino.Day 9 - Takayama ThismorningwestopoffatMatsumotosIshiiMisofactoryforaninsightintothe production of this traditional Japanese ingredient, alongside a tasting ofitsuniqueumamiflavours.Next,wevisitHidaFolkVillage,anopen-airmuseum of rustic farm dwellings in the mountains that shows us what traditional rural life was like in Japan. We also visit Matsumoto Castle, an impressive fortress completed in 1593. Continuing to Takayama we marvel at landscapes that seem almost untouched by the passage of time.Day 10 - TakayamaWere introduced to Takayama on a fascinating guided tour which includes a visit to the Miyagawa Open Air Market for a taste of local life. Afterwards, we ride a train to Nagoya where we board the sleek bullet train to Kyoto for two nights. Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a culturally rich city known for its 17UNESCOWorldHeritagesites,andmorethan2000templesandshrines.Day 11 - KyotoWe discover the delights of historic Kyoto, taking in the attractions of this ageless city on a guided tour. We see the fascinating Kyoto Railway Museum, the ethereal Sagano Bamboo Path, and Kinkakuji Temple followed by a traditional tea ceremony. Later, we take an evening stroll through the historic Gion area of the city. As we wander the lantern-adorned streets, keep your eyes open for one of Japans last-remaining geishas.Day 12NaraWe enjoy an excursion to Nara, another former ancient capital and home to an impressive eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. A tour of the city includes GEISHA the Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and home to 100 ASIA'