Japan Solo Adventure - 6 Days

Once you have arrived at Narita International Airport, a representative meets you and helps you onto an airport bus for the transfer to your accommodation. Tokyo has been the country's capital since 1868, when the seat of power moved from Kyoto and the city was renamed from Edo. Large parts of it were later rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and further destruction during the Second World War, and today it mixes shopping, dining, culture and entertainment with plenty of green space.

Later in the afternoon, we take the metro (tickets included) into the Shinjuku district, one of Tokyo's most important nightlife areas, and see first-hand how heavily the city's residents rely on this efficient transport network. Dinner follows at a local restaurant, and our guide leads the return journey to the accommodation by metro.

Please note: Depending on flight arrival times, the Shinjuku visit may take place today or after tomorrow's city tour instead.

This morning, our guide leads a five-hour tour that takes in the contrast between Tokyo's busy, ultra-modern districts and its quieter corners. We stop briefly at Zojoji Temple for a photograph of Tokyo Tower, where hundreds of Jizo statues, dressed in hats, robes and pinwheels, stand as traditional guardian deities said to protect travellers, give strength to the vulnerable such as children, and watch over those in dangerous places. From here we head to the Shibuya junction, reputedly the busiest crossing in the world, before visiting Meiji Temple, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, his wife and their spirits.

We continue along the elegant Omotesando street back to our bus, skirting the edge of the Imperial Palace and its gardens with a stop at the well-known Nijubashi Bridge. The route passes through Akihabara, the "electric town" known for its manga and anime culture, and Kokugikan, home of sumo wrestling, before we visit Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest and most significant temple, recognisable by its 55-metre pagoda.

You then have some free time to browse Nakamise, the traditional shopping street in the Asakusa district, before lunch together at a local restaurant and the return to the accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

We leave Tokyo behind and travel through pretty countryside toward Mount Fuji, stopping first at Arakurayama Sengen Park, known for its pagodas and some of the best, most recognisable views of the mountain. From here we continue to Kawaguchiko, a town of small houses, flowers and mountains set beside a beautiful lake.

On arrival, we visit Fuji Sengen Shrine, a magical site set among tall trees and traditionally the starting point for pilgrims climbing the mountain, where we pause to give thanks for the chance to visit. A boat trip on Lake Kawaguchiko is included, and afterwards you can stop for lunch (not included) before we begin the ascent of Mount Fuji as far as the "fifth station", a height of 2,305 metres, through forest scenery and wide views. We return to Kawaguchiko with time to stroll near the lake before the evening.

Tonight's accommodation is a traditional Japanese-style property, and you have the chance to relax in its onsen, or public hot spring bath.

Please note: In winter, the road up Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or other adverse weather, in which case the ascent goes as far as the authorised point.

In the morning, we follow the scenic lakeside road to Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small village destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later rebuilt as an open-air museum of traditional mountain architecture, its old houses now home to arts and crafts shops, restaurants and small museums. From here we admire Shitaito Falls, considered one of Japan's most striking natural sites, with a drop of 150 metres.

We continue to Nagoya, Japan's third most important city, set on the Pacific coast, where a visit to the Toyota Museum (admission included) is a must for anyone with an interest in cars. The day ends with the drive on to Kyoto.

We spend the whole day exploring Kyoto, the imperial capital of Japan from 794 to 1868 and once home to the Imperial Court. It was the only major Japanese city to escape bombing during the Second World War, and as a result still holds a wealth of artistic and historic heritage; it was also here that the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions was signed, in 1997.

On the edge of the city, we visit Arashiyama, crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge, the "bridge over the moon", for fantastic views, then visit Tenryuji, one of the five major Zen temples of Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a walk through its mystical bamboo forest. The day also takes in the marvellous Fushimi Inari Shinto shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion temple, with its wonderful gardens.

You then have some free time before visiting Gion, the traditional quarter well known for its geisha, with further free time before returning to the accommodation.

After breakfast, you make your own way to the airport in time for your onward flight home.