Private airport transfer to The Peninsula Tokyo for a 2-night stay. The Peninsula Tokyo is one of the city’s finest hotels, located opposite the Imperial Palace and a short walk from the fashionable Ginza shopping district.

Today you will be provided with a private car and driver for the day. Visits to the Tokyo National Museum’s Japanese gallery, the Imperial East Garden and the tranquil Meiji shrine are all recommended. Reservations can also be made for you to take in some of Japan’s unique cultural experiences, such as a visit to the Kabuki theatre. (B)

Drive south-west from Tokyo into Hakone National Park, a picturesque landscape of lakes, green valleys and volcanic hot springs. Stay overnight at one of the best ryokans in Japan, Gora Kadan, the former retreat of the imperial family and now a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property. Rooms are available here with private outdoor onsen (hot springs), or there is a luxury spa and access nearby to fishing, golf and hiking trails. (B, D)

Private transfer to Odawara station, then board a shinkansen (bullet train) for the journey south to Kyoto. You will be met on the platform by your guide, who will accompany you throughout your time in the city. Your itinerary and sightseeing will be tailor-made to your interests and requirements during your stay. Either let the guide introduce you to the cultural highlights of the city or structure travels around a theme: focus on Kyoto's best gardens; join an expert potter and gallery owner for a tour of Kyoto's ceramic legacy; discover local crafts such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints, yakimono pottery, Japanese doll-making, roketsu indigo dyeing or kanoko-shibori tie dyeing; or enjoy touring Kyoto's best sake district and the wonderful Fushimi Inari shrine, dedicated to the rice gods. Stay 3 nights at the Four Seasons Kyoto. (B)

Take a day trip outside the city to Nara, travelling by taxi to Kyoto station then on to Nara by train. Visit Kofukuji temple, the many pagodas in the park and Naramachi, a part of Nara old town that still has many older buildings. Other options include Todaiji museum and the Nigatsudo pavilion. Your guide will be able to explain all about the history of ancient Nara and the numerous world heritage sights. (B)

Continue south by train to Hiroshima, home to the A-Bomb Museum & Peace Memorial Park, built by the people of the city to symbolise their wishes for everlasting peace. Stay overnight at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel. Extensions are possible here to visit or stay overnight on nearby Miyajima, a peaceful island with walking trails, good ryokan accommodation and the renowned floating torii gate. (B)

Board a shinkansen once again for the final leg of your journey to Osaka. On arrival you will be met on the platform and taken by private car to the St Regis Hotel Osaka for a 1-night stay. The guide will also be available to help you explore the city this afternoon. (B)

Private transfer to Osaka airport to catch a flight to your next destination. (B)