b'Grand Tour of JapanTEA CEREMONYYOUR ITINERARYDays 1-2 - Overnightight to lovelyDays 5-6 - Bullet train to Tokyo,the glistening shores of Lake Ashi, our Sapporo on scenic Hokkaido Japans vast but ecient capitalfantastic trip continues as we board Our grand tour of Japan begins as weAn early morning visit to the Hakodatean enchanting pirate boat for a meet our Tour Manager and fellowmarket precedes ourrst experiencecharming cruise across the lake to travellers at London Heathrow for ourof Japans world-famous bullet trainsour shoreline hotel.as we dash the 513 miles to Tokyo. Ouright to the magical Land of the Rising Sun. Landing in Tokyo on Day 2, wey4-Star hotel is in lively Shinjuku, whereDay 8 is all about Japans most revered to Sapporo, Hokkaidos capital, whereyou have a free evening to explore. peak, Mount Fujithe UNESCO-listed our English-speaking local guide joins us.active volcano instantly recognisable Our guide accompanies us on Dayfrom woodcut prints by Hokusai. We Days 3-4 - The historic Hokkaido6 as we embark on a coach tour ofset out by coach to explore the area port cities of Otaru and HakodateTokyo, starting at the landscaped Hamasurrounding Mount Fuji, visiting the Were introduced to Hokkaidos historyRikyu Gardens and the iron NijubashiWorld Heritage Centre. From here, on a guided visit of nearby Otaru,Bridge in the centre. Next, we visitwe travel across the mountains to the a small port city with a wonderfullythe enchanting 7th-century Senso- alpine city of Matsumoto, stopping at preserved canal area dating from theJi temple in Asakusa and the famedthe nearby Chihiro Art Museum. late-19th century. We also visit theShibuya crossing, where we also see the charming Otaru Music Box Museum.charming memorial honouring Hachiko,Days 9-10 - Breathtaking mountain renowned as Japans most loyal dog.towns of Matsumoto and Takayama Leaving Sapporo on Day 4 we board aOur English-speaking guide introduces train bound for Hakodate. On arrival,Days 7-8 - Spellbinding journey tous to charming Matsumoto, beginning we visit Goryokaku, a vast, star-shapedHakone in Mount Fujis shadowat a miso factory before continuing fortress. From the historic MotomachiFrom Shinjuku station we travel byto Matsumoto Castle, known as Crow district, we ascend Mount Hakodate bytrain to Odawara for an incredible rideCastle due to its unusual black exterior. a ropeway cable car for fabulous vistason the Hakone Ropeway with amazingTaking the scenic road to Takayama, we before dining in a local beer hall.views of iconic Mount Fuji. Arriving onvisit the open-air Hida Folk Village.50 ASIA'