Backpacking Japan: Expedition

Learn to roll your own soba noodles this morning, then head into the mountains to meet the famous red-faced snow monkeys of Jigokudani. They swing through the trees in summer and soak in the steaming hot springs in winter. We'll finish among the lakes and forests of Shiga Kogen National Park.

Back on the bullet train today, this time to Hakone, the mountain town Japan comes to for its jaw-dropping views of Mount Fuji. Settle into your onsen guesthouse, soak away the miles and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies in the morning.

Cruise Lake Ashi by pirate ship and ride the cable car high above Hakone, where a clear day serves up unrivalled views of Mount Fuji. Then it's on to Osaka for a BBQ dinner on us, before a big night out, Osaka style. Karaoke classics strongly encouraged.

Spend the morning shopping or exploring at your own pace before we visit Osaka Castle, first built over 400 years ago and packed with the history of Japan's ancient warriors, the Samurai. Tonight we head to Dotonbori, the neon-lit canal district serving some of the best food in the country.

Back to the mountains for a genuine once-in-a-lifetime night: sleeping in a 1000-year-old Buddhist temple in the sacred town of Koyasan. The monks teach you to meditate and serve their own traditional cuisine. After dark we'll take a lantern-lit stroll through Japan's largest cemetery.

An early start to watch the monks perform their morning prayers and fire ceremony, followed by a traditional breakfast served by the monks themselves. Then it's on to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, where a night-time tour of Gion introduces you to the mysterious world of the geisha.

Charge your phone! First up is Arashiyama's towering bamboo forest, then the shimmering Golden Pavilion reflected in its own lake. The evening is free to hunt down a sushi bar, find a rooftop drink or challenge your new mates to a round of bowling.

Walk the endless vermilion torii gates of Fushimi-Inari, winding up one of Japan's most iconic sacred mountains. In the afternoon a Samurai master who has given their life to the art of the sword teaches you how to wield one. Time to channel your inner warrior.

Hop a local train to Nara and spend the afternoon among ancient gardens and temples, home to one of the world's largest bronze Buddhas. The real stars are the friendly deer roaming the park, who will bow to you for a cracker. Back to Kyoto in the evening to rest up.

Begin with the calming ritual of a traditional matcha tea ceremony before the bullet train carries us south to Hiroshima. Here we visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The stories are heavy going, but they're an essential part of understanding Japan today.

Catch the ferry to Miyajima, one of the most beautiful corners of Japan, where the famous Torii gate appears to float out in the bay. Explore the temples, hiking trails and yet more friendly deer at your own pace, then get amongst Hiroshima's local bars tonight.

One last bullet train back to Osaka for final souvenir shopping and sightseeing. Tonight we're off to Shinsekai, the New World, a wonderfully retro corner of downtown packed with izakayas and quirky restaurants. Raise a glass and kanpai to 17 days you'll never forget.

Your Japan adventure comes to an end today. Check out and make your way home, stay on a little longer in Osaka, or keep travelling. Your leader will help you plan whatever comes next, and return options to Tokyo are available.