Welcome to Japan! On arrival in Tokyo, we meet our guide and make our way into one of the world's great cities. After settling into our accommodation, we come together for a welcome dinner and introduction to the journey ahead. It's our first taste of Japan and a chance to take in the lights, energy and sheer scale of Tokyo before we begin exploring properly tomorrow. Overnight: Tokyo multi-share hotel rooms

Meals:  D

Today we dive into the energy and contrasts of contemporary Tokyo. We begin at peaceful Meiji Shrine, surrounded by forest despite its location in the heart of the city, before emerging into nearby Harajuku, famous for youth culture, fashion and creative trends. We continue into Shibuya, experiencing its famous crossing, giant digital screens, shops and fast-moving city streets. We finish with HADO, an energetic augmented-reality sport where teams compete using physical movement and digital technology – a fun, hands-on introduction to Japan's creative use of technology. Overnight: Tokyo multi-share hotel rooms

Meals:  B,D

Today we look beyond Tokyo's bright lights to explore how a megacity works and how cities might evolve in the future. At Miraikan, Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, we explore ideas around robotics, AI, mobility, sustainability and future urban living. We also experience the modern waterfront district of Odaiba, observing the transport, architecture, public spaces and infrastructure that help make an enormous city function. Later, we experience Japanese engineering firsthand aboard the Shinkansen high-speed train to Kyoto. Miraikan accepts pre-booked school and other group visits, making it a practical anchor for the day. Overnight: Kyoto multi-share hotel rooms

Meals:  B,D

After two days exploring contemporary Japan, today reveals another side of the country. In Kyoto we discover some of Japan's most celebrated cultural landmarks, beginning with Kiyomizu-dera and the preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. At lively Nishiki Market, we explore local ingredients, snacks and Kyoto's food culture before visiting the striking Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. We finish among the traditional streets and wooden buildings of Gion, gaining a very different perspective on Japan from the megacity we have just left behind. These locations form the core of the original Kyoto program. Overnight: Kyoto multi-share hotel rooms

Meals:  B,D

Today we leave Japan's major cities behind and travel into the countryside of Tamba Sasayama. Surrounded by mountains, forests and agricultural landscapes, the change in pace and scenery quickly becomes apparent. We explore the historic castle town before beginning our community interaction program, meeting local people and learning more about everyday life outside Japan's major urban centres. Depending on the season and local opportunities, experiences may introduce students to farming, local livelihoods, community development and some of the challenges facing rural communities. The region actively offers rural-life experiences involving local residents, farm work and community activities. Overnight: Shared traditional rooms in Tamba Sasayama

Meals:  B,L,D

We spend a full day immersed in rural Japan, beginning with a walk through the countryside, experiencing Tamba Sasayama's forests, hills, farmland and satoyama landscapes on foot. We continue our interaction with the local community, with activities shaped by the season and opportunities available during our visit. A highlight is a traditional home cooking experience with local village women, where we work together using regional ingredients and learn about everyday food and family life. Rather than simply visiting rural Japan, today is about getting outside, participating and spending time with the people who live here. Hiking, farm work and cooking with local produce are all established experiences in the region. Overnight: Shared traditional rooms in Tamba Sasayama

Meals:  B,L,D

After our time in the countryside, we return to big-city Japan as we travel to Osaka. The contrast is immediate. From the Umeda Sky Building, we take in sweeping views across the dense urban landscape before heading into the colourful streets of Dotonbori, famous for its enormous signs, restaurants, street food and entertainment. There is time to explore and soak up the atmosphere before our final dinner together. Experiencing Osaka immediately after Tamba Sasayama makes the differences between rural and urban Japan particularly striking. Overnight: Osaka multi-share hotel rooms

Meals:  B,D

Before saying goodbye to Japan, we have a final opportunity to enjoy the flavours and everyday experiences that have made the journey so memorable. Depending on our flight schedule, there may be time to pick up last-minute souvenirs, stock up on favourite Japanese snacks or enjoy one final taste of Japanese cuisine. We then make our way to Kansai International Airport for our flight home, leaving Japan with new a new appreciation for the mega and the rural magic of this beautifully contrasting country.

Meals:  B