Japan holidays

Board the JR Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima. On arrival, visit Miyajima, a breathtaking island and designated historic site. With its dramatic mountains, tranquil sea and beautiful red shrine buildings, this tranquil region is one of Japan’s ‘Scenic Trio’ along with Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Ama-no-hashidate in Kyoto. Next head to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, located near the epicentre of a bomb area and featuring an interesting museum, before catching the train back to Kyoto.

Take a tour of Kyoto, a fascinating city that was once Japan’s capital. First visit Nijo Castle, home to shotguns from the Tokugawa era, and the Golden Pavilion, which is adorned with gold leaves and contains sacred relics of Buddha. Next stroll through the Imperial Palace before seeing traditional Japanese artisans create beautiful crafts at the Handicraft Centre. You’ll also visit Heian Jingu Shrine, a partial replica of the Imperial Palace; Sanjusangendi Temple with its 1,001 life-size statues of Buddhist deity Kannon; and the shops by Kiyomizudera Temple with stunning city views.

Spend the afternoon exploring Kyoto’s beautiful sights. First walk through Sanjusangendo Temple and see its 1,001 statues of Buddhist deity Kannon. Browse pottery shops along the quaint old lane leading to Kiyomizudera Temple before taking in sweeping city views. Finally, visit Heian Jingu Shrine, which features stunning inner gardens and ponds and was built to mark the Heian Period’s 1,100th anniversary.

Take a guided tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone. On arrival, stop at the visitor’s centre before embarking on a drive up to the mountain’s 5th station 2,300 metres above sea level for magnificent views. Next board a cruise on stunning Lake Ashi before riding the aerial cableway up and down Mount Komagatake for breathtaking views of Hakone National Park.

Visit Nara on a fascinating tour. First stop is Todaji, the world’s largest wooden structure, where you’ll see the Great Buddha, the biggest statue in Japan. Next explore Nara Deer Park, which covers 1,250 lush acres and is home to over 1,000 tame deer that will eat out of your hand. Finally visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns.

Visit Tokyo Tower and enjoy stunning views of Tokyo from the observatory. Continue to Happo-en Japanese Garden and take part in an enchanting traditional tea ceremony, before tucking into a barbecue-style lunch and Chinzanso Restaurant, a beautiful former manor. Next, stop at the Imperial Palace’s plaza for photos and a stroll along the surrounding moat, before boarding a cruise up the Sumida River to Asakusa. Walk up the shop-lined Nakamise walkway to Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and drive through Ginza, a world-famous shopping and entertainment district.