Narita or Haneda Airport is where an English speaking assistant meets you, in the arrivals lobby, before a join-in transfer runs you to the hotel. The welcome briefing happens next morning, on Day two. Shinjuku Washington Hotel (or a similar property) holds your first three nights.

The morning goes on foot. First stop is Meiji Jingu, the best known Shinto shrine in the city, then a short walk into Harajuku and its Cosplay (costume play) street scene. A train ride brings you to Shibuya and the famous scramble crossing outside the station. Graze along the counters of the Tokyu Food Hall, then take the rest of the day as you like. (B)

Asakusa Temple comes first, the oldest place of worship in Tokyo and the most venerated. Kappabashi Dori follows, block upon block of specialist shops. Yanaka Cemetery is next, a famous burial ground that reads more like parkland than a graveyard, and finally Yanaka Old Town, whose older buildings have been put to new uses. (B)

A train carries you to Hakone, where a short cruise crosses quiet Lake Ashi and the ropeway lifts you to grand views of Mt Fuji. Dinner comes in the evening, and afterwards there is time to sink into the onsen at the traditional Japanese hotel that hosts you. Tonight: Susukinohara Ichinoyu, a Japanese style room fitted with beds (or a similar property). (B,D)

Another rail journey takes you to Takayama. Takayama Jinya, once the seat of local government, is on the programme, plus a walk down Kami Sannomachi Street and its well-kept wooden houses. Takayama Ouan (or similar) is home for two nights. (B,L)

No guide today and nothing scheduled, so the day is yours to slow right down. If you would rather be out, the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall keeps the bright floats that appear twice a year at two of Japan's best known festivals. Spend the afternoon at an easy pace, or head out to the calm of Hidano-Sato. Your guide is happy to explain the route and what is worth seeing. (B)

Leave Takayama by train for lively Osaka. Bags go to the hotel first, then you head out on foot around Dotonbori, a district built on neon signs, street food stalls and shopping. Your base for two nights is Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka; a comparable property may be substituted. (B)

The morning starts at Umeda Sky Garden, high above the city, and carries on through Kuromon Ichiba Market, the place locals call 'Osaka's Kitchen.' Afternoons are your own. (B)

The train runs on to Hiroshima. The Peace Memorial Museum covers what happened in 1945, and in Peace Memorial Park stands the cenotaph to those killed by the bomb, a sobering stop. Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (or a similar property) covers two nights. (B)

A ferry crosses to quiet Miyajima Island, where Itsukushima Shrine stands. Climb on foot or take the ropeway up Mt Misen for wide views from the top. Try okonomiyaki, the traditional savoury pancake, before the ferry back to the mainland. The evening is free. (B)

Break the journey at Himeji, known for the commanding castle on its hill, then carry on to Kyoto. After dark comes a walk through Gion, along Ponto-cho and down Hanami-koji Lane, where a Geisha may pass between appointments. Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo hosts three nights, or a comparable property (B)

A day on foot through the best of Kyoto. It opens at Kiyomizudera Temple up in the eastern hills, then drops down the shophouse-lined Ninenzaka Street to Kenninji Temple, the oldest Zen foundation in the city. A traditional tea ceremony explains both the craft and the thinking behind serving tea. The day closes at Kinkakuji and its golden pavillion, the building Kyoto is best known for. (B)

The morning belongs to Fushimi Inari and its corridors of vermillion torii gates, among the images Kyoto is known by. Afterwards the time is yours, or you can add an optional afternoon run out to Arahiyama and its bamboo forest. A farewell dinner ends the trip, with a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, performing for the group. (B,D)

The trip ends here, though the stories go home with you. Kyoto Train Station is a short walk away, and your railpass still works for onward travel on JR Rail Network services. (B)