Fly to the vibrant, neon bright metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

As modern as Tokyo may appear, behind the neon facade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Today, you will explore the city, ascending the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower, before taking a wander through Asakusa district, stopping to soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. This evening, enjoy a Japanese diner cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and admire the supercharged lights of the city.

Travel by road from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, where you'll ascend 2,400 metres up Japan's most iconic sight to the 5th Station (weather permitting - if the road to the 5th Station is closed, you will instead visit the Fuji Visitor Centre). Transfer to the spa region of Hakone. Embark on a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi, keeping an eye out for the vermilion torii gates that nestle in the surrounding hills and in the shallows of the lake itself. Next, fly high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway to the summit of Mt Komagatake for views of Mt Fuji. Stay overnight in Mishima.

Transfer to Odawara Station, jump onboard the bullet train and whizz your way to Kyoto. Capital for a millennium, Kyoto was also the heart of religion, philosophy, art and cuisine, making it a treasure trove of history and culture. It is here that all of the best known cultural arts were born. This afternoon, visit the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine, the most important of several thousands of dedicated to the god Inari. Follow the pathway through thousands of vermilion torii gates that leads through a complex of shrines spread over a peaceful, forested hillside.

Begin the day with a visit to one of Japan's most famous temples, Kinkakuji, the 'Golden Pavilion'. Set amongst classical Japanese Zen gardens and on the edge of a reflecting pool, the temple's main hall is covered in gold leaf - a breathtaking sight no matter what season you visit in. Continue to Ryoanji, a zen temple that is home to Japan's most famous Zen garden. Enjoy a taste of authentic Japanese culture, experiencing the elegant ritual of a tea ceremony with a tea master and learn the traditional art of calligraphy.

This morning, depart for Nara. Another former capital, Nara also has a huge cultural legacy, considered second only to Kyoto’s. This picturesque, compact city is truly charming. Spend the morning discovering Todaiji Temple which houses the magnificent Daibutsu, a 15-metre-tall bronze statue of Buddha. Here, you will also meet Nara’s famous sika deer. Stroll around Isuien, a prime example of a Meiji-era (1868-1912) garden. Continue to Osaka, and explore the Dotonbori district. Later, you can learn about the turbulent history of the magnificent Osaka Castle.

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.