See Japan at its most vibrant

If seeing stunning Tokyo and Japan's top tourist sights is your dream holiday, then a tour taking in lots of the country in one trip might well be the way to go.

A nine-night tour beginning and ending in Japan's capital will highlight the contrasts of the great city, as well as giving first-time visitors an easy way to experience the vastly different culture of Japan.

The first two nights of the trip will be in Asakusa, an area of the city which is dominated by the atmospheric Senso-ji temple.

From Tokyo the tour will move on along the route of the old Tokaido highway (now traversed by the bullet train) taking in the old capitals of Kamakura and Kyoto and the mountainous hot-spring resort of Hakone along the way.

In Kamakura there is a locally run pension style hotel and where holidaymakers can enjoy an artfully presented and tasty “kaiseki” dinner.

Next on the itinerary is Hakone, a tourist hotspot for relaxing at health resorts and visiting the parks and mountains.

The volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, centred around Lake Ashi, is a popular tourist attraction, and is well known for its onsen hot springs and views of Mount Fuji.

In autumn foliage such as the Chinese silvergrass is a sight not to be missed.

In Hakone travellers will be able to stay in an authentic Japanese-style guesthouse close to the hot-spring baths.

The penultimate stop on round-trip will be Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heartland, where there is an exciting array of temples, shrines and gardens.

Hidden treasures lie around nearly every corner as Japan's rich culture of Buddhism and Shinto can be experienced at close quarters, offering a window into a very different past.

Kyoto is also the home of the Geisha, and visitors will be able catch a glimpse of a Geisha in her traditional home in a unique tour of the Gion district.

There is a relaxed approached to the itinerary, so you have the choice of using your third day in Kyoto to spend more time in the fascinating city or to take an excursion using seven-day rail pass included with the tour.

This will give you the chance to visit Hiroshima, Himeji Castle, the gardens of Kanazawa among others.

The tour leader will also be able to offer assistance in planning your day.

After seeing the top sights outside the capital, the tour returns to Tokyo on the super-fast bullet train, where travellers will stay at the end of the tour in the exciting Shinjuku district where a neon glow lights the restaurants, bars and shops.

All transfers are by public transport and hotels have been chosen for their proximity to the nearest station, so packing light is recommended.

All accommodation on the tour is equipped with full en-suite facilities. The tour costs £950 per person, and has places available on September 14th 2006, April 10th and November 6th 2007, and does not include international flights.

For more information see www.insidejapantours.com XXX