A Northern Odyssey

Straight off the plane you head in to one of our favourite 'resort' hotels in Hirosaki - well, close to Hirosaki in Tsugaru. This is your base from which to explore the town and the region, and each night you come back to soak in the outdoor onsens and dine on the fine restaurant of KAI Hoshino resort. The most idyllic start to your journey.

In Hachinohe you have a choice, and we'd suggest that location is your key consideration. This is a provincial city without a range of characterful upmarket accommodation, unaccustomed as they are, but that's why you are here. An untouched and beautiful corner (literally) of the country, away from other travellers, where 'real Japan' is revealed. The accommodation options are fine - unremarkable, but perfectly comfortable - and proximity to Tatehana Wharf, the lively bar district and the many seafood restaurants is key. 

Nyuto Onsen village is, essentially, is a collection of ryokan in the mountains of eastern Akita Prefecture. The area is famous for its therapeutic hot spring baths which are found in all of its eight ryokan. Some are quite traditional and rustic and other more luxurious and modern. With a history of over 300 years, Tsurunoyu is the oldest and most famous inn.

Nikko itself has plenty fo lovely hotels, pensions and small ryokans, but we'd opt for a hotel on the shores of nearby Lake Chūzenji. Top of the tree is the amazing new Ritz Carlton, very close to pretty Kegon waterfalls. This hotel, without a moment's hesitation, now sets the standard in Japan - with perhaps only the Aman resorts in Tokyo, Kyoto and Mire Prefecture achieving the same standards of international excellence,

It is perfectly possible to explore Tokyo by yourself - most of the signs are now in English, the overground and subway rail system is second-to-none and a decent guide book will tell you much of what you need to know. We also publish our own pragmatic self-touring notes, which also include many personal recommendations. But to have a local guide accompany you undoubtedly elevates the experience, at the very least getting you between the 'must-see' sights more efficiently or - more importantly - explaining, adding context and showing you lesser-visited neighbourhoods which will no doubt form your most cherished memories of the capital. We can hire commuter bikes to explore the backstreets or head out of the city for day trips to Nikko, Hakone, Mount Fuji or Kamakura. Or perhaps you'd prefer that we weight the itinerary with 'experiences' as opposed to 'sights', such as cookery classes, sunset helicopter rides or visiting a sumo stable? In the evenings, head out with your guide to a buzzing 'locals' izakaya or yakitori stand, or to see show in the kabuki theatre...or robot café. It's Tokyo - the world's most exciting city and the possibilities are limitless!