Arrive by overnight flight in Tokyo, a city unlike any other: supremely modern and culturally rich, and interspersed with the beautiful, contemplative gardens for which Japan is famous. Tonight, join fellow travellers for welcome cocktails and dinner. Imperial Hotel D

DAY 3: Tokyo

A full day of sightseeing starts with Tokyo Tower, built in 1958, and at over a thousand feet, the tallest self-supporting steel structure in the world. Continue to the futuristic Odaiba area. Visit Miraikan (the National Museum of Emerging Sciences) and Sega Joypolis, a theme park full of virtual reality games.

In the afternoon, take a cruise along the Sumida River to Shitamachi, the "old town" of Tokyo. Learn how to play the taiko (Japanese drum); then visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, where you have ample time to stroll along the shops of Nakamise dori, a historic avenue leading to the temple. Imperial Hotel B

DAY 4: Tokyo

DESIGN YOUR DAY options fill the morning or afternoon hours: embark on a guided tour of Harajuku, ground zero for teen fashion, or visit the Oedo Onsen, a public hot spring bath recreated in Edo era style. Imperial Hotel B D

DAY 5: Tokyo/Kamakura/Hakone

Take a scenic drive to Kamakura to see the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in. Next, visit Hase Temple, with its unusual flower-laden garden. After lunch, continue to the forested slopes of Hakone. Cruise Lake Ashi and board a gondola on the Komagatake Ropeway for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji (weather permitting).

After checking into your resort, take part in an origami lesson. Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa B L

DAY 6: Hakone/Odawara/Hiroshima

Board the bullet train to Hiroshima, visiting Himeji Castle en route. Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima B L

DAY 7: Hiroshima

Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum, dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack.

Following lunch, learn how to kayak and then, weather permitting, paddle to the picturesque island of Miyajima and the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its O-Tori gate, rising out of the waters in front of the shrine, is one of the iconic images of Japan. Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima B L

DAY 8: Hiroshima/Kyoto

Board the bullet train for Kyoto. Known as the cultural heart of Japan with more than 2,000 Buddhist temples and shrines, Kyoto's charms are so numerous that it would take a lifetime to explore them all.

Start your exploration with a visit to Sanjusangendo to see 1,001 intricately carved statues of Kannon (enlightened beings who stay on earth to help others reach enlightenment). Continue to Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and then visit Kiyomizu Temple, famous for its massive verandah. When one makes a big decision, it is said that one "leaps off the balcony at Kiyomizu." Afterward, enjoy a stroll past the charming traditional shops along Chawan-zaka (Teapot Alley). Kyoto Okura Hotel B L D

DAY 9: Kyoto

This morning, head to the northwest section of Kyoto to contemplate the iconic rock garden at Ryoan-ji, which has come to symbolize Zen Buddhism. Then visit the beautiful and oft-photographed Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).

After lunch, continue northwest to Arashiyama, one of the last remaining rural areas in Kyoto. Bike through peaceful bamboo groves and past serene temples, arriving at some well-preserved minka (folk houses) that show what Japanese country life was like centuries ago. Kyoto Okura Hotel B L D

DAY 10: Kyoto/Nara/Kyoto

Take a guided tour of the International Manga Museum, followed by a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine for a bracing hike through the thousands of vermillion torii (gates) that line the paths in the hills above the shrine.

Continue to ancient Nara, Japan's first capital. Stroll though Nara Park, home to over 1,000 tame deer, on your way to Todai-ji, the world's largest wooden temple structure that houses the largest bronze Buddha in Japan. Kyoto Okura Hotel B L D

DAY 11: Kyoto

This morning, take part in a kendo (Japanese sword fencing) lesson. Kendo originated in the 12th century as a way for samurai to train using bamboo swords and is closely linked with Zen Buddhism.

The afternoon is yours to explore Kyoto's famous gardens, stroll the Gion Geisha district or finish your last minute shopping.

This evening, celebrate the end of your fascinating journey with cocktails and dinner with your fellow travellers. Kyoto Okura Hotel B L D

DAY 12: Kyoto/USA or Canada