I must admit, of all the places that I have been in the world and of all the places I want to go Japan intrigues me the most. The mix of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modern living means it's a place that constantly surprises, and is therefore totally unique. 

When planning a trip to Japan for the first time visitor the real challenge is knowing where to start. You will never see everything you want to in that first trip but I like the idea of getting a little taster of many things that Japan has to offer. If you love the country I am sure you will be back to explore deeper!


As the written language and speech is so different to English, you also have to ask yourself if you don't speak Japanese, will it be simpler and easier to go for an organised itinerary with a guide, or will you take on the challenge of organising and planning it all yourself? However, with a completed organised tour often you don't have the flexibility. 

With the highlights of Japan tour below you can have the best of both worlds. A private guide to provide a personalised service on your first day in Tokyo as well as a private guide on your first day in Kyoto and then detailed documentation to assist you with the rest of your travels, including transfers and transportation and all accommodation. So you have the benefit of knowledgeable guides but the freedom to do what you want the rest of the time, within the constraints of an organised trip.

Tokyo

The tour starts with a couple of days in Tokyo to see it in all its neon glory. Orientate yourself to the most populated inner city area in the world with your personal tour guide. Visit the world's largest freestanding tower, the Skytree broadcasting hub whilst stopping for a bowl of ramen in Akihabara’s neon maze. For dinner, you are spoilt for choice as there are so many places eat in Japan, choose from simple street food or one of the many Michelin star restaurants for which Tokyo is known. There are so many cool things to do in Tokyo you will be spoilt for choice!

The next day, take a trip on a cable car up Mt. Takao to see Tokyo from above. Another idea is to visit the sleepy coastal town of Kamakura - the once 12th-century capital of Japan, and see the giant buddha for which Kamakura is famous. This prominent resort town is home to dozens of Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines.




Hakone

After Tokyo take a short train ride to Hakone, a mountainous town west of Tokyo to indulge in its hot spring resorts or onsens. Take in views of Mount Fuji, an active volcano and Japan's highest peak.



In Hakone stay in a traditional ryokan inn featuring tatami mats rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata, a casual Japanese kimono. 

Kyoto


Next stop Kyoto, on the bullet train! The high-speed bullet train races surprisingly quietly through Japan at speeds of up to 320 KM per hour and is known for its punctuality.


In Kyoto, the cultural heartland of Japan, visit one of the 1600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines and no less than 17 UNESCO world heritage listed sites.  Your personal tour guide can show you this beautiful city. Visit a tea house or stroll through the bamboo groves. Immerse yourself in the traditional culture for which Japan is known for and adored.
Nara


Only a 40-minute train journey from Kyoto is Nara, a compact city which is easy to see in a day. Nara, the capital city of Nara Prefecture, is known for some of Japan's oldest temples and monasteries. Take a rickshaw ride to Todaiji temple - the largest wooden building in the world which houses a giant buddha.



Finally, visit Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakaku to take in the natural beauty and see the hundreds of deer that roam free. According to local folklore, these deers were considered sacred until WW2 and now they are designated 'national treasures' and are protected as such. 

This whistlestop tour of Japan can be done in little over 10 days and is an introduction to Japan, perfect for the first time visitor. For an alternative check out this Japan itinerary by travel2next. I am hoping to go to Japan next year and can't wait to see and explore this beautiful melting pot of culture, tradition and modernity. It's a country that will give me the most amazing memories and one which I think I will never forget.





Tell me would you like to go to Japan? Which country in the world intrigues you?

*Collaborative post. Onsen photo courtesy of Japanexperterna Flickr CC

These are my top bucket list ideas for a once in a lifetime experience.

Fly Over The Grand Canyon


A survey of 2000 Britons by the National Lottery in 2014 placed seeing the Grand Canyon in the top 5 of all bucket list experiences. I was lucky enough to visit Vegas in the summer and during my time there we went on a helicopter tour of The Grand Canyon run by Sundance Helicopters. As we were only staying in Vegas for three days, we wanted to see The Grand Canyon in the most time efficient way possible so decided on a helicopter tour. 

A stretch limo picked us up at the hotel which was a lovely touch and with only a short transfer to the helicopter base at Mccarran Airport we were there in no time. After checking you in and weighing you (no one can see this) for weight distribution you are on your way. Pete, the helicopter pilot was very professional throughout, and after we strapped ourselves in, put on our headphones for the narration and protection from the noise, we were off!

I am a bit of a nervous flier but the trip was smooth as anything and before long I was enjoying the view. To see the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and The Grand Canyon from above was fantastic. Pete gave us a guided tour of the area we were flying over as we headed to our touchdown point. Did you know that the Hoover Dam is 726 feet high, 1244 feet long and provides water for an estimated 18 million people?

Sitting under the shaded canopy admiring the view it was amazing to think what nature had created. We had 30 minutes to explore before our picnic lunch was served, a selection of sandwiches, salad, and dessert with a glass of bubbly. The scenery was breathtaking. Apparently, there are 70 species of mammals, 250 species of birds and 25 types of reptiles here.