Japan's Golden Highlights

This morning, explore the captivating city of Kyoto, a place where old Japan is still alive. Begin the day wandering around the gardens of the famous Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion, so named because it is completely covered in gold leaf. Afterwards glide through the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on a traditional rickshaw.

Scenic Freechoice: This afternoon, explore the city on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Samurai & Ninja Museum: Your local guide will lead you on a 30-minute guided tour diving into the fascinating history of samurai and ninja through legendary stories and historical insights. Experience life as a Samurai, wearing authentic Samurai armour, holding a sword and learning how to throw ninja stars. Test your targeting skills by throwing a shuriken.
• Nijo Castle: Discover Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868). After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace before being donated to the city and opened to the public as a historic site. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era and the castle was designated a World Heritage Site in 1994.

• Scenic Enrich: Dinner with Maiko and Geiko: At tonight's special dinner, you will be able to interact with a Geiko and Maiko as they host your meal. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about what is involved in becoming a Geisha and the art of Japanese hospitality.

Learn about the ancient history of the area with a visit to the Shiro-to-Machi Museum before wandering through the old town's streets to Inuyama Castle, the oldest of just five castles nationwide designated as national treasures.

Scenic Freechoice: This afternoon, explore the city on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Meiji Mura: The Outdoor Museum for Reconstructed Buildings Meiji Mura, or Meiji Village, is a stunning demonstration of Meiji period (1868-1912) architecture from Japan. Walk around this vast theme park museum to see how Western culture inspired the architects of Japan as it moved from its samurai past to its modernised future.
• Seki Traditional Swordsmith and Museum: Seki City is one of the most well-known and highly regarded blade-producing areas in the world. To this day, Japanese swords continue to be produced by swordsmiths in the traditional forging style that has been passed down for centuries. The museum shows the history and tradition of blade-making that date back over 700 years with a possible demonstration by the master swordsmith in action.

Drive to Nagoya and travel via Shinkansen, in Green (Business) Class seats, to Tokyo. Once you arrive, spend time at the dazzling team Lab Borderless Digital Art Museum. Wander freely amongst the immersive displays, created by hundreds of projectors, lights and computers.

Later, check-into The Capital Hotel Tokyu, your Scenic Special Stay for the next three nights. With direct access to four subway lines, the hotel was given a prestigious five-star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide. Rooms overlook the most picturesque sites in Tokyo, such as the Imperial Palace, the 500-year-old Hie Jinja Shrine and beautiful landscaped Japanese gardens.

Scenic Freechoice Dining: This evening, choose from one of these Scenic Freechoice Dining options:

• Ninja Tokyo: This popular but unusual restaurant has a ninja theme that creates a memorable dining experience, combining gourmet cuisine with elaborate décor and entertainment.
• Nobu Tokyo: Part of the famous international chain of restaurants from celebrated Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, this casual but chic restaurant is known for its fusion cuisine blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients.
• Izakaya Nightlife: Sample a Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki dinner over some drinks at small local bars. This is a chance to mingle and dine in a traditional Japanese way.

Visit the Asakusa district, known as the centre of Tokyo's shitamachi or ‘low city'. Capturing the atmosphere of Tokyo's past, the narrow laneways are lined with traditional shopfronts, food stalls and ancient temples. You can pay your respects at Sensoji temple, the city's oldest Buddhist temple built in 645.

Scenic Freechoice: This afternoon, explore the city on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions.

• Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing: Explore the tranquil evergreen forest of the Meiji Shrine complex, before walking across the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and seeing the famous Hachiko dog statue in Shibuya.
• Cultural Shinjuku and Gyoen Gardens: Stroll through Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens, one of the most beautiful areas for cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Visit Shinjuku's shopping and entertainment districts. You can also choose to stay on and join the crowds later into the night.