Japan Highlights

Dive right into Tokyo today by exploring historic Asakusa, one of the older and more traditional parts of the city. Visit the city's oldest temple, Senso-ji, founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. Browse the many interesting stalls filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs that line the shopping street of Nakamise Dori. Later, enjoy a different side of Tokyo as you relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River. Glide under the bridges that bisect the river and pass significant sights like the Sky Tree Tower, Asahi Beer Hall with its distinctive roof-top sculpture, the Sumo Stadium and the former Tsukiji Fish Market complex, alighting at the delightful urban oasis of the Hama Rikyu gardens.

Stroll along paths that were once the sole preserve of the shoguns (various military dictators that effectively ran Japan between 1185 and 1868) who would hunt ducks in the area. Visit the quirky fashion and pop culture centre of Harajuku. It's home to many of Japan's iconic youth subcultures and is a magnet for cosplayers and merchants of cool. It's also the source of Tokyo's best crepes! Get your fill (of both crepes and cool) then head to Meiji Jingu Shrine. Enter via a massive torii (gate) and find the sights and sounds of city replaced by a tranquil forest.

In the morning, jump on a train and make the one-hour journey from Tokyo to coastal Kamakura. Kamakura once served as the political center for Japan from the 12th to the 14th century. Now it's a great destination offering a variety of experiences - munch street food, take a hike in the mountains,or simply enjoy a walk on the beach. Get acquainted with the area with a ride the Enoden Train Line, which features heavily in Japan's wildly-popular cultural exports of Manga and Anime and shuttles commuters from Kamakura and Fujisawa. You can catch it every 12 minutes between 5 am and midnight, and the round trip takes about an hour.

Even if you're not into animation, the electric rail line travels along the coast at a gentle pace, making it a great way to see some sights. Then, stretch your legs on the Daibutso Trail (approx. 3 hrs), which takes walkers over a partially paved track through lovely green gardens, past the Zeniarai Benten Shrine and finishes at the famous Buddha statue. In your free time, maybe get your shopping on at Komachi Dori Street, a 360-metre-long stretch of food, souvenirs, clothes and drinks.