Delve Deep: Intro to Japan

Seven days. Three legendary cities. And all the ancient temples, glittering skyscrapers, quirky neighbourhoods and local eats you can handle. Ready to experience this jaw-dropping country properly? You're in exactly the right place. 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. Yep, you're really here. (D)

Rise and shrine! We're off to check out Meiji Jingu this morning – Tokyo's grandest Shinto 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) with our in-the-know Trip Leader. Expect: neon tutus, rainbow-coloured wigs, bubble tea and fairy floss. We'll also swing by the iconic Shibuya Crossing. It's all the crazy.

Later: thought you could come to Japan and not get involved in some K-A-R-A-OKE? Think again! Gather the gang and bust out some bangers at tonight's included karaoke bar experience. (B)

This is your day, 100% your way. But if you need some recommendations, we've got your back. Ready to plunge into a world of manga and anime? Explore Tokyo's famous Akihabara district on an optional tour.

Later, you can wander the futuristic neon-lit streets of Shibuya. Or join an optional full-day tour of Mt Fuji and Hakone. Fill your camera roll with scenes of Japan's most ICONIC landscape. Check out the Oshino Ninja Village (as awesome as it sounds). Cruise across stunning Lake Ashi. And soak up the beauty of the serene Hakone Shrine. This is what you came for. (B)

Up and at ‘em: it's an early start to get the Shinkansen (bullet train FYI) 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. If you want, spend the rest of the day dressed up as a geisha or samurai (we told you it would get weird).

Tonight, we'll regroup for an included dinner – another chance to show off your chopstick skills. Or not. (B/D)

Time to explore this place with our expert Trip Leader. We'll tick off the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion before moving on to Arashiyama to visit the Tenryu-ji Temple. Grab a bite to eat then head out to explore the sprawling bamboo forest and Togetsu-kyo bridge. Then, the rest is up to you. Lose yourself, find yourself, then grab a biru at a local watering hole. (B)

Just when you thought your jeans couldn't get any tighter – today we're headed for Osaka: the foodie capital of Japan. Here, they even have a word for “scoff till you drop”: kuidaore. 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. (B/D)

Time to say sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun. Swap those Insta handles – you're going to need them to organise next year's reunion trip. What's next? We've got Delve Deep trips to Southeast Asia which you can hop straight on. Just saying... (B)