DAY ONE

DEPARTURE

On arrival in Tokyo, after a 13-hour flight and a 4-hour connection, we cleared immigration quickly thanks to having completed the online arrival card. We were met by our Wendy Wu guide, Rumi, and transferred to our first hotel, around 1.5 hours away. Time to rest before meeting again at 9:50 am tomorrow.

DAY TWO

HAMA-RIKYU GARDENS

Today began with a peaceful stroll through Hama-rikyu Gardens, a calm oasis in the heart of Tokyo. We then visited Senso-ji, Japan's oldest temple. We explored the nearby bustling shopping street filled with souvenirs and local treats.

Lunch was tempura with rice and miso, followed by an afternoon trip up Tokyo Skytree. At 634m, the views were incredible, although clouds hid Mt Fuji.

This evening we enjoyed a relaxing Symphony Classica dinner cruise, then visited Shibuya Crossing before heading back to the hotel by train.

DAY THREE

KOMAGATAKE CABLE CAR

We set off early for our trip to Mt Fuji, about 2.5 hours from Tokyo. It was a crisp autumn day, and on the way up, we caught stunning glimpses of the mountain. At the 5th Station, we had time for photos and a browse through the small souvenir shops.

Lunch was a buffet at the base of the mountain before heading to Lake Ashi, where we enjoyed a short boat ride followed by the Komagatake Cable Car for more beautiful views. However, clouds had begun to settle over Mt Fuji by late afternoon.

We returned to our hotel in Mishima for dinner, then ended the evening with a visit to a local bar.

DAY FOUR

MT FUJI

We woke to another stunning view of Mt Fuji before catching the 9:45 am bullet train to Kyoto. The journey was smooth, spacious, and only two hours.

After lunch, we explored the lively Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, walking through its famous red torii gates and browsing the many stalls.

We checked into our hotel and took a short walk, stopping at a bar called the "Museum of Liquor." Dinner was at a nearby hotel, and we finished the evening with a quick visit to an Irish bar before heading back.

DAY FIVE

GOLDEN TEMPLE

After breakfast, we enjoyed a Japanese writing lesson, learning to meditate and paint the character for "Happiness" with brush and ink. We then joined a traditional tea ceremony, sampling sweets and making our own matcha.

Next, we visited the stunning Golden Temple, its reflection glowing on the lake amid beautiful autumn colours. Lunch was a typical Japanese selection, mostly tofu and rice.

Our final stop was Ryoanji Temple for quiet reflection in the famous Zen Rock Garden, where 15 stones are placed so only 14 are visible at once, a reminder to always strive for better.

DAY SIX

NARA

We started the day with a trip to Nara, where we fed the friendly deer that bow for rice crackers, though they aren't shy about nudging for more. We then visited Todai-ji Temple, home to Japan's largest Buddha, an impressive and beautifully crafted sight.

Next, we strolled through Isuien Gardens, glowing with vibrant red maple trees and stunning autumn reflections on the lakes.

In Osaka, we enjoyed a hotplate lunch of squid, scallops, beef, omelette and noodles, one of the best meals of the trip. Afterwards, we explored the eight-storey Osaka Castle with its fantastic views across the city.

Dinner on the 9th floor of a hotel featured spaghetti, Kobe beef, and tiramisu. We ended the night with karaoke, plenty of laughs, and a brilliant finale to our trip.

DAY SEVEN

LAST DAY

We enjoyed a relaxed final morning, packing up after breakfast and picking up a few last-minute souvenirs before heading to the airport. Our journey continued with a four-hour flight to Hong Kong, a three-hour layover, and a quiet overnight flight back to Heathrow, ideal for anyone who could sleep (sadly, not me!).

This truly was the trip of a lifetime. Thanks to Wendy Wu Tours for an unforgettable experience, and here's hoping I can return one day to explore even more of beautiful Japan.