Tokyo Kyoto Osaka holiday package

You are staying right in the heart of Shinjuku, so today you do not need to go far. Start with the free observation decks of the Metropolitan Government Building for sweeping views over the city and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji on the horizon.

From there, wander into Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo, before losing yourself in the department stores, record shops and back streets around the station — the busiest railway station in the world.

As evening falls the district transforms, and the neon of Kabukicho lights up right on your doorstep.

A short ride from Shinjuku brings you to Shibuya and its famous scramble crossing, best seen from above with a coffee in hand before you brave it yourself.

Continue on foot to Harajuku, where Takeshita Street's youth fashion sits side by side with the calm cedar forest of Meiji Jingu shrine, then finish along the tree-lined boulevard of Omotesando.

Take today at your own pace, then save your evening for two of the most atmospheric corners of Shinjuku.

For dinner, we highly recommend heading to Omoide Yokocho, a tiny maze of narrow alleyways right next to Shinjuku Station packed with small izakayas, yakitori stalls and cosy little bars. It has a very old-school Tokyo atmosphere, with glowing lanterns, smoke from the grills and tiny restaurants where you sit almost shoulder to shoulder with locals. It is a great place to go in the evening for a few skewers, a beer or sake, and to experience a completely different side of Shinjuku away from the bright neon streets. It can get busy and a little touristy, but it still has loads of character and is definitely worth a wander.

Afterwards, explore Golden Gai, one of Shinjuku's most atmospheric nightlife areas — a small network of narrow alleyways packed with hundreds of tiny bars, many of them seating only a handful of people. Each bar has its own personality, from jazz and rock bars to quirky themed places and simple local drinking spots. Some are very welcoming to visitors, while others are mainly for regular customers. It is a brilliant place to wander around, have a drink and experience a more intimate side of Shinjuku's nightlife.

Today, escape the city for the coast. Kamakura, less than an hour from Tokyo, is a former political capital of Japan filled with temples, shrines and the celebrated Great Buddha.

From there, the vintage Enoden line runs along the shoreline towards the little island of Enoshima.

Fancy a close encounter with Mount Fuji? Today is the day.

Hakone offers hot springs, a lake cruise on Lake Ashi and the volcanic valley of Owakudani, while Lake Kawaguchiko gives you the classic postcard view of Fuji reflected in the water, with lakeside cycling paths and viewpoints all around.

Begin the morning at Tsukiji Outer Market, still the best place in the city for a fresh sushi breakfast, then walk through the elegant streets of Ginza and the peaceful gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace.

In the afternoon, cross the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, Tokyo's waterfront district, and finish the day with sunset views back across the bay to the skyline.

Check out of your hotel and make your way to the station for the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. The journey takes a little over two hours and, if the weather is kind, you will get a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the window on the right-hand side.

On arrival, settle into your hotel and spend your first evening walking the lantern-lit lanes of Pontocho along the Kamo River.

Head west this morning to Arashiyama, home to the famous bamboo grove, the riverside Togetsukyo Bridge and the monkey park up on the hillside.

In the afternoon, make your way to Fushimi Inari Taisha and its endless tunnels of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountainside.

A short train ride of around 30 minutes brings you from Kyoto to Osaka, Japan's warmest and most easy-going big city.

After checking in, head out to Dotonbori, where the canal is lined with giant illuminated signs and the street food never stops. This is the city that calls itself Japan's kitchen, so come hungry.

A full day to enjoy Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, browse the covered arcades of Shinsaibashi, or take in the view from the Umeda Sky Building's floating garden observatory.

In the evening, the retro neon of Shinsekai is a great spot for kushikatsu, the city's beloved deep-fried skewers.

Enjoy a free day at your leisure. Alternatively, we highly recommend an optional day visit to Nara.

Depending on your flight time, you may have a last morning to pick up souvenirs or revisit a favourite corner of the city, before making your way to the airport for your flight home.