Japan

Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Osaka

Tokyo

There's plenty to do in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Head to the Tsukiji Fish market early in the morning and get some fresh sushi then head to Hama Rikyu, one of Toyko's best Japanese Gardens. From here you can board a ferry for a cruise up the Sumida River to Asakusa so you can visit the Sensoji Temple. The Tokyo National Museum has a fantastic display of some of the world's finest Japanese arts and crafts. There is also plenty of shopping to be had at the huge department stores.

Tokyo - Hakone-

• Duration: 40 mins by Shinkansen to Odawara station where you can then take a small local train to Hakone Yumoto. (you will need to buy this ticket locally.)

Hakone

Hakone Yumoto is the gateway to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Travel through some of Japan's scenic countryside via a circular route that includes a trip on a two-car streetcar, a cable car, ropeway, and a boat, while seeing sights such as the wonderful Hakone Open-Air Museum and if the air is clear and you're lucky enough, you might even see Mount Fuji.

Hakone - Kyoto

• Duration: 3 1/2 hrs

Hakone Yumoto to Odawara, where you can transfer to the 3-hour Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto.

Kyoto

Take a walk through eastern Kyoto, visiting Sanjusangendo Hall with its 1,001 wooden statues, Kiyomizu Temple, Heian Shrine and garden and don't miss out on the shopping at the Kyoto Handicraft Center. There is plenty of other things to see and do in Kyoto including-- Nijo Castle, former home of the shogun; Kyoto Imperial Palace; the famous Zen Rock garden at Ryoanji Temple; and the Golden Pavilion. In the evening, visit Japan's most famous Geisha area in Gion or perhaps walk around Pontocho nightlife area.

Kyoto - Hiroshima

• Duration: 1 1/2 hrs by Shinkansen bullet train

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is best known as the world's first city destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945. There is now a Peace Memorial Park which contains the Peace Memorial Museum and is a sobering but worthwhile visit. There is also Hiroshima Castle which is also well worth a visit if you have the time.

Hiroshima - Osaka

• Duration: 1hr 45mins by Shinkansen.

The station is outside of the city and called "Shin-Osaka." From here you can buy a local subway ticket to get into the city centre.

Osaka

Osaka has plenty of things to do including a Floating Garden Observatory with its surreal views and a remake of Osaka Castle. Also Den Den Town, Osaka's electronics shopping street has plenty of technology to be amazed at.