Delve Deep: Japan

You ready for 12 UNbelievable days of delving deep into Japanese culture? Discovering the ultra-modern, the ancient traditions and alllll the local eats – plus the weird, whacky and totally wonderful in between? We thought so. First: say konnichiwa to your fellow explorers. Then: we'll kick things off with a group dinner at a local restaurant. Nihon e yokoso – welcome to Japan! (D)

Down your cup of matcha cos we've got an INCRED day ahead of us. First up, it's time for the Meiji Shrine to SHINE. Tokyo's grandest Shinto shrine – take in all the spiritual vibes, make an offering and wander the blooming (or not) gardens. Important: you gotta cover that skin up when visiting this place – and any other religious site in Japan.

Next, we're heading to the quirky Harajuku district (aka cosplay heaven) with our in-the-know Trip Leader. Expect kawaii culture galore: neon tutus, rainbow-coloured wigs, bubble tea and fairy floss. We'll also swing by the legendary Shibuya Crossing – it's all the crazy. Then: we're off to check out the Goma Ritual of consecrated fire at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple. Your wishes could be part of this next-level experience. And tonight? Get ready to party at an Izakaya (Japan's equivalent of a pub). This is real culture in real time. (B)

It's your last day in Tokyo – so, you do you. Wanna spend your day breathing in the fresh mountain air? Join a day tour of Mount Fuji and Hakone. Outta-this-world scenery. Gobsmacking beauty. A side of Japan you only see IRL. It's giving allll the feels.

This evening: quiz your Trip Leader on where to find the best ramen – and be prepared to order on a ticket machine with pictures of the dishes. It might be a lucky dip, but that's what adventuring is all about. (B)

Rise and shine – it's an early start to get the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train FYI) to Takayama. Glue your face to the window as we zoom through the incredible Japanese Alps. Once we've pulled in, we''ll check into our authentic AF accommodation: a traditional ryokan – complete with tatami-matted floors and sliding doors straight out of The Last Samurai. Then it's time for a taste of traditional life with a visit to Hida Folk Village. And tonight? There's an optional Hida beef dinner with the gang on the menu – vegetarians look away now. (B)

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so we'll kick things off traditional-style in the ryokan before visiting the bustling morning riverside markets. Tighten those Nike laces to explore Takayama Jinya – the last remaining government outpost from the time of the Samurai and Shoguns. This arvo, sample some of the good stuff at a local sake brewery. Then: time to do whatever you want. Explore. It. All. The nooks and crannies. The narrow streets. The tranquil waters. Take your trip mates along for the ride.

Tonight: dinner's on you. It's all about that beef – if you missed out last night, now's your chance. And it's better than any maccas. Trust us. (B)

Hiroshima: we're coming for you. Grab a delish bento box to tuck into on the train. When we arrive this afternoon, we'll make our way to the Memorial Peace Park and its museum. Here, we'll discover the tragic events of 6 August 1945 when the world's first nuclear bomb was dropped on the city.

Later, an included group dinner''s on the cards at a local okonomiyaki restaurant. Savoury teppanyaki pancakes = YUM. Get ready to show off your expert chopstick skills (or drop even more stuff down your T-shirt). (B/D)

All aboard the ferry to the island of Miyajima! First up, check out the incred Itsukushima Shrine. Then, we''ve got the whole afternoon to explore before settling in for sunset. The floating torii gate is pretty spectacular. Back in Hiroshima: use your free time wisely. Put those super-stretchy pants to the test and do as the locals do: inhale more okonomiyaki or tuck into some local oysters with a glass of sake. When in Japan, right? (B)

Another day of living your best life, let's get it! Today, we're hitting the tracks to Japan's traditional capital, Kyoto. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, this place ticks all the spiritual boxes. We'll visit the incredible Fushimi Inari Shrine – with plenty of time to hike to the top and explore the torii gates. Getting hangry? Grab some lunch before we stop by the Nishiki food market. Drool = 100% guaranteed. Then: the afternoon's yours for exploring. (B)

Rise n shine travel besties, it's time to see what Kyoto's got to offer. And we're delving in deep with a full day of sightseeing. First up: Kinkaku-ji. Alter ego: Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Zen vibes allll day. Ready to feel like you're in an enchanted land? Arashiyama's gonna make your eyes sparkle. You've got some free time here, so make the most of it! Get lost in the bamboo forest. Cross Tokugetsukyo Bridge. See Tenryu-ji Temple and its lush garden.

After breathing in fresh Japanese air and making those calves work wonders, bellies will be ready to rumbleee. Gather the gang and hit Pontocho. Atmospheric. Traditional. Bombastic-side-eye-exclusivity. This place is where REAL Kyoto foodies thrive. (B)

And 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. Wanna put it to the test? We've got a date with Dotonbori Market on the agenda. Authentic street food that slaps? Sorted. (B)

Tuck into another included brekkie before heading out to do your own thing. It's your chance to uncover the real Osaka – so make every second count. Foodie? Opt for a ramen and gyoza cooking class that'll have you scribbling down recipes like there''s no tomorrow. Culture-fiend? Hit Shitennoji Temple – one of the oldest in all of Japan.

Tonight, we'll regroup and head to a local eatery for a send-off to remember. And later? It starts with a ‘K' and ends with an ‘E'. Nope, not kale. K-A-R-A-O-K-E time! This has been one hell of a trip. (B/D)

After breakfast it's sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun and our newfound travel fam. Swap Snapchats and start planning that next adventure. (B)