Get to the heart of Japan on this 20-day adventure that blends vibrant cities with serene landscapes. Start in Tokyo’s neon glow before exploring the countryside with a local tea farm stay and beautiful views of Mt Fuji. Hop on a bullet train to experience Kyoto’s historical charm, then head north to Aomori’s ancient sites and Hokkaido’s hot springs, lakes and lavender fields. Meet the Ainu people in Asahikawa and sample traditional dumplings after a cooking demonstration. From sumo and sake to karaoke and onsen, this journey is a feast for the senses and a deep dive into Japan’s rich culture. Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.Japanese train connections are typically centred around major cities, so travelling to smaller towns and cities often requires passing through these larger hubs.This trip includes a canoeing activity which isn’t too demanding, but requires a good level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.