Snow Monkeys, Kyoto & Shimizu's Spring Blossoms, Mt. Fuji & Tokyo Stay, 11 March 2024 (20 nights)

Your first stop will be Tokyo Tower, with a viewing point offering sweeping views of Tokyo. You will then visit Meiji Shrine, a magnificent and serene location that showcases Japanese architecture. The Imperial Palace East Garden is next, where you can have a leisurely stroll while taking in the beauty and historical sites. After that, you'll have a break and a complimentary Japanese-style lunch at a nearby restaurant. Once you've had a chance to relax, head over to Hama-Rikyu Garden, which has tidal seawater ponds and an island-style teahouse where you can sit and enjoy the view. The backdrop of skyscrapers stands in dramatic contrast to the rustic garden. Next, spend some time unwinding on a Sumida River cruise that includes sightseeing of both the old and new Tokyo. Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street are the day's final but by no means least significant stops. The temple is a well-known Buddhist temple and a well-remembered Japanese landmark. An excellent location for taking pictures, and shopping for souvenirs before returning to your accommodation.

Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the renowned Snow Monkey. These Japanese Macaques enjoy bathing in hot spring pools during the cooler months (December - March) and are fascinating to observe as they frequently show utter indifference for humans. 

Your day will begin with a trip to Lake Kawaguchi, the second-largest of the famed Fuji Five Lakes, which are situated close to Mt. Fuji. The lake offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and makes for a great photo opportunity (weather permitting). If this isn't enough, you will take the Kawaguchi Ropeway to an observation deck with a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the lake below. Another fantastic photo opportunity awaits you today at Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine to cap off your visit. With Mt. Fuji in the backdrop, this five-tiered pagoda is ideally situated and will provide you with unforgettable views.

Visitors to Tokyo have an almost endless array of shopping, entertainment, culture and food options to explore in a city where the past, present and future blend together like no other. The city's history can be found all around it, as well as other superb museums, historic temples and parks.

Your first stop is Kinkakuji, a zen temple. This temple is referred to as the "Golden Pavillion" and stands out due to the fact that the upper two levels are entirely coated in gold leaf. It's quite a site to behold. This was the old retirement residence of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, located in a serene garden on the banks of a large pond. Only the Pavillion remains from the former retirement complex, but this too has burnt down multiple times. Next, visit Heian Shrine to viewin the 300 Cherry Blossom trees and if you are lucky they will be full of pink blossoms (sighting can never be guaranteed). The shrine itself was built in 1895 and is devoted to the ancestors of the city's first and last rulers.

Visit the stunning Himeji Castle where you will have free time to explore. Built in the 17th Century, it is one of Japan's most historic castles and is not only a Japanese national treasure, but also registered in the World Cultural Heritage listings. The castle is surrounded by the famous Cherry Blossom trees where you may be lucky enough to spot the blossoms in bloom (sighting can never be guaranteed).

First up is Nihondaira, a hilly area with stunning views across to Mt. Fuji (weather permitting) and over Suruga Bay. The area boasts in the region of 2,000 Cherry Blossom trees, so a great opportunity to try and spot the gorgeous blossoms (please note sighting can never be guaranteed). From here you will then take the ropeway over to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine - this is also an opportunity to enjoy an aerial view of the blossoms and Suruga Bay. Due to time restrictions, entry into the shrine will not be included. Before returning to the port, enjoy a local lunch with green tea.

Japan's tallest mountain at 3,776 metres high and nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji is on everyone's bucket-list of Japan, whether that's to take in the view from the surrounding idyllic surrounding countryside, a Tokyo rooftop or your seat on the famous bullet train or even take up the challenging of hiking up yourself. Mount Fuji is an active volcano but last erupted in 1707, so you've got plenty of time to enjoy the hike, normally taking between 5-10 hours.

Visitors to Tokyo have an almost endless array of shopping, entertainment, culture and food options to explore in a city where the past, present and future blend together like no other. The city's history can be found all around it, as well as other superb museums, historic temples and parks.