Japan

Japan is a country of contrasts that somehow fit together: ancient wooden temples beside glass towers, quiet gardens a few streets from neon-lit crossings, and bullet trains that run to the minute. A first trip usually follows the “golden route” from Tokyo past Mount Fuji to Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, taking in the highlights without long journeys.

Tokyo deserves three or four days for Asakusa, Shibuya and a day trip to Fuji. In Kyoto, two or three days cover the torii gates of Fushimi Inari, the bamboo groves of Arashiyama and the old geisha district of Gion, with Nara an easy half-day away. Osaka adds street life, its castle and Universal Studios Japan, a favourite with families.

Japan is safe, spotless and wonderfully organised, which suits families and senior travellers as much as young couples. Vegetarian food takes planning, as many dishes use fish stock, so we arrange Indian restaurants, Buddhist temple cuisine in Kyoto and hotel meals in advance. Spring blossom and autumn colours are the loveliest seasons, and hotels fill early for both.