Japan Highlights: Karaoke & Katsu

Seven days. Three legendary cities. And all the ancient temples, glittering skyscrapers, quirky neighbourhoods and local eats you can handle.

First: say konnichiwa to your fellow explorers. Then: prepare for your first taste of Japan – we've got a group dinner in the traditional Asakusa district lined up.

Rise and shrine! Our expert Trip Leader's got some sights they wanna show us on a walking tour. First up this morning: Meiji Jingū – Tokyo's grandest Shintō shrine. Take in all the spiritual vibes, make an offering and wander the blooming (or not) gardens.

Next, we're heading to the uber-kooky Harajuku district (aka cosplay heaven). Expect: neon tutus, rainbow-coloured wigs, bubble tea and fairy floss. We'll also swing by the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Then, we'll see the awesome Goma Fire Ritual at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple.

Tummies rumbling? Find a cosy restaurant. Grab some sushi. And practice those chopstick skills.

This is your day, your way. But if you need some quick-fire recommendations, we've got your back. Wander the futuristic neon-lit streets of Shibuya. Join an optional full-day tour of Mt Fuji and Hakone. Feeling peckish? See if kibi dango or melon pan are on the menu!

Check out the Oshino Ninja Village. Cruise across stunning Lake Ashi. Or soak up the beauty of the serene Hakone Shrine.

It's an early start to get the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines this place ticks all the spiritual boxes. After lunch, we'll visit the incredible Fushimi Inari Shrine – with plenty of time to hike to the top and explore the torii gates. Then the afternoon is yours.

Tonight, dinner's on you – and Kyoto's a decent city to try out all the good eats. Want inspiration? Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley are top tier foodie spots.

Just when you thought your jeans couldn't get any tighter – today we're headed for Osaka: the food capital of Japan. Here, they even have a word for “scoff till you drop”: kuidaore. Down your cup of matcha – we've got a lunchtime food tour of Osaka's backstreets to sink our teeth into. We'll finish up at Kuromon Market where you'll have the chance to try okonomiyaki (teppanyaki pancakes) and takoyaki (fried octopus balls). They're tastier than they sound.

Tummies full – the rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking. Whatever you get up to, just make sure you're back in time for tonight's included dinner. Thought you could come to Japan and not get involved in some karaoke? Think again! Gather the gang and bust out some bangers at tonight's included karaoke bar experience with bottomless drinks. What a way to end the trip!