b'HAKODATE GRAND TOUR OF JAPAN|YOUR ITINERARYDays 1-3 - London and SapporoWe meet at London Heathrow and fly to Sapporo, travelling via Tokyo and arriving on Day 2 to settle into our hotel for two nights. Sapporo is famed for its 19th-century architecture and pretty public spaces, which we explore on Day 3s guided tour. We discover Otaru, Sapporos romantic port, and the Otaru Music Box Museum before heading to the Nikka Whisky Distillery. Founded in 1934, Nikkas malts blend high-quality Japanese whiskey with traditional Scottish techniques, which we sample before returning to Sapporo.Days 4-5 - HakodateTravelling to Hakodate for the night aboard the Super Hokuto limited express train, this afternoon we take a sightseeing tour of the local sights MOUNT FUJI by coach, including Goryokaku, a star-shaped fortress that dates back 150 years. This evening, we ascend Mount Hakodate via a ropeway cable car for fabulous views across the city. On Day 5, we visit Hakodates fish market before boarding our bullet train to Tokyo, Japans futuristic capital and home for the next two nights.Days 6-8 - Tokyo, Hakone and Mount FujiEnjoying a full-day tour of Tokyo, one of the worlds most contemporary cities, we get an insight into a high-tech, modern world thats still rooted in ancient traditions. We visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, a Buddhist temple built in pagoda style thats the oldest of its kind in the city, the imposing Imperial Plaza and Shibuya crossing - the busiest intersection on the planet. On Day 7, we catch the train to Hakone for the night. On arrival, we set out on a sightseeing tour that includes a cruise across peaceful Lake Ashi. We visit iconic Mount Fuji on Day 8, driving along the foot of the mountain before arriving at the visitor centre to learn more about this world-famous peak. Later, we continue to Matsumoto Castle, KYOTO built on a lake and a celebrated National Treasure of Japan. We spend tonight in Matsumoto.Days 9-10 - TakayamaBefore travelling to Takayama for the night, we stop off at Matsumotos Ishii Miso factory, recreating this traditional Japanese dish before tasting its unique umami flavours. Next, we visit the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum of rustic farm dwellings in the mountains. Continuing to Takayama, a town of narrow streets and wooden houses, we marvel at landscapes that seem almost untouched by the passage of time. Embarking on a guided tour on Day 10, we call at the Miyagawa Open Air Market for a taste of local life through the ages. Afterwards, we take the train to Nagoya and board the bullet train to Kyoto. Days 11-12 - Kyoto and NaraWith two nights in the ancient Japanese capital, we discover the delights HIROSHIMA of historic Kyoto, taking in the attractions of this ageless city from its charming temples to the fascinating Kyoto Railway Museum. We also enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, learning how this iconic drink should be brewed, poured and drunk, before 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. We enjoy an excursion to Nara on Day 12, another former ancient capital and home to an impressive eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. A tour of the city includes the Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and home to an imposing Great Buddha that dates from the 13th century. Built from solid bronze, it boasts an impressive 37-foot frame. We continue to Nara Park, a delightful deer sanctuary spread over almost 1,300 acres and home to deer that are so tame, they even bow in greeting. Next, we transfer to Osaka, catching another bullet train to Hiroshima, our base for two nights. 116 ASIA'