Sensory Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto and the Hakone Mountains

Touch down in Tokyo, Japan’s future-forward capital and its most animated city. Your first stop will be the artsy district of Nakameguro, lined with boutique galleries, cafes and bars. Despite being one of Tokyo’s most stylish neighbourhoods, it remains a largely undiscovered area. Enjoy a welcome feast with your fellow travellers, before heading to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to admire the panoramic views.

You’re off to an early start this morning as you head out to Tsukiji Fish Market. Step into the largest fish market in the world, where you’ll learn the fine art of sushi-making under the guidance of a master. Take this afternoon to explore Tokyo at your own pace, or join your guide in the lively Akihabara District. With its manga and anime stores and countless electronics retailers, encounter the neon jungle known as Tokyo’s ‘Electric Town’. In the evening, you’ll sample some of Japan’s finest liquor in the Tokyo Whisky Library.

Head east to the Kiyosumi-Shirakawa District this morning, where you’ll encounter a charming but forgotten neighbourhood. Over coffee at a nearby cafe, meet Ito – a born and bred local – who will show you the sights of her hometown on a backstreet cycling tour. Weave your way through a warren of alleys, making your way to a hidden temple, where you can catch a glimpse of a traditional Buddhist ceremony. Then, as evening falls, replenish with our favourite combination: a bowl of ramen and a craft beer.

Resist the temptation to indulge at breakfast today, because lunch will be shared with a real, working sumo wrestler over a typical sumo meal of Chanko Nabe Hot Pot. Learn what life is like for a traditional Japanese wrestler, before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring Tokyo as you please. From cat cafes to Samurai museums, there are endless sights to uncover in this city of contrasts.

Today’s adventure is all about the Hakone Mountains, home to spectacular lakes, forests and sweeping views of snow-capped Mount Fuji – best appreciated on a leisurely hike. Follow the trail of Tokaido until you reach a 17th-century teahouse, where you’ll refuel with some traditional tea. This evening, bathe your tired muscles in a steamy onsen, with water streaming from a natural hot spring. It’s single sex, optional and sadly anyone with tattoos can’t take part due to their association with the Japanese mafia (we suggest covering small tattoos with a plaster). Dinner will be comprised of fresh Pacific fish and vegetables cultivated from the Hakone Mountains.

This morning, embark on a wander through the alpine landscape. Providing the weather is on your side, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji as you follow dappled forest trails. Spend the rest of the day exploring the quaint town around Mount Hakone, complete with boutiques and museums. Our favourites? The Open Air Museum with its quirky assortment of sculptures; or the Museum of The Little Prince – the world’s only gallery dedicated to the novel by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Today you’re off to Kyoto, Japan’s celebrated cultural capital. Quaint streets, traditional huts and delicate paper lanterns create a distinctive atmosphere of Old Japan, with Buddhist temples and ninja heritage all part of the local culture. You’ll come face-to-face with Kyoto’s cultural heritage this afternoon, as you channel your inner ninja in a hands-on introduction to Japanese combat. Spend your evening in an izakaya – Japan’s equivalent of a gastro-pub – where you can enjoy a steady stream of sake and local dishes.

Start the day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. You’ll pass through thousands of majestic red gates (known as torii), that open onto beautiful walking trails along Mount Inari. Spend the next few hours trekking through the gentle wooded hills, until you reach the peak of the mountain for uninterrupted views. At midday, head to Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum to learn all about the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of the beloved Japanese spirit. Later, we recommend exploring the old Gion District, with its historic charm and wandering geishas. As evening falls, indulge in one of Japan’s favourite past-times (and ours too) as you become acquainted with the karaoke bars of Kyoto – the drinks are on us.

This morning, head west to Arashiyama and the famous bamboo forest. Meander through these 14th-century gardens, which have remained pristine despite wars, fires and various historical dramas. Scattered with temples and shrines, weave your way through the enchanting landscape, before catching a train to Hozugawa River. Here, you’ll board a traditional riverboat for a scenic two-hour ride, rural life unfolding around you.

Begin your day in Kyoto with a meditation class at Daisen-in Temple under the guidance of a Buddhist monk, followed by a traditional tea ceremony. Then, it’s on to Kinkaku-ji Temple – a pavilion completely coated in gold leaf, overlooking a serene lake. From here, you’ll cycle to the Imperial Palace – a lovely way to say goodbye to Kyoto before catching a bullet train to Hiroshima. Dive straight into the city’s cuisine with a feast of ‘okonomiyaki’ (meaning ‘grilled as you like it’). Think of them as savoury pancakes with all the great flavours of Japanese cuisine.

You can’t visit the revived city of Hiroshima without confronting its tragic past, so this morning you’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. From there, make your way to the scenic island of Miyajima – home to the iconic Great Torii floating shrine. Kayak through the serene island waters, then enjoy a leisurely evening overlooking the waterfront. We recommend sampling the excellent oysters that this region is famed for, paired with a glass of Chablis.

Take a morning stroll through Miyajima’s scenic streets, before catching the bullet train to Osaka. Known as the city of ‘kuidaore’ (meaning ‘eat till you drop’), there are countless foodie delights to be experienced here. Your expert guide will show you the finest local eateries, hidden away down backstreets; places that look like apartments or office blocks from their exteriors, but where you’ll actually find the tastiest food in town. Savour a variety of local delicacies, from octopus dumplings to the best kitsune udon in Japan.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, before making your own way to the airport. Not quite done with East Asia? We recommend combining this trip with our adventure in China to fully explore this enchanting region.