DAY 6: KYOTO/NARA/HIMEIJI/OSAKA AT LEISURE

Use your Japan Rail Pass to explore further afield. Why not visit Nara, Japan's first permanent capital and home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Or how about magnificent Himeji Castle? You could even check out nearby Osaka, Japan’s lively second city.

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DAY 7: KURASHIKI, OKAYAMA

Transfer to the quaint provincial town of Kurashiki, where rows of houses and streets form a townscape with a traditional old-world atmosphere in the delightful Bikanchiku canal district. We recommend you visit the Ohara Museum, the first Western art museum in Japan, and its collection of works by Western and Japanese artists. Nearby Kurashiki Mingeikan – a museum of folk craft is also worth a visit. Take the local train journey to Okayama and check in to your hotel located in central Okayama for two nights.

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DAY 8: NAOSHIMA

Spend today on wonderful Naoshima Island. The island is the centre of the Setouchi Art Islands area, where sleepy villages and picturesque sandy beaches combine with cutting-edge art installations and museums in a truly unique way, making for a fascinating experience. The highlight of the island is Benesse House, a modern art museum and resort hotel complex designed by the famous Japanese architect Ando Tadao. You can find the work of Western and Japanese artists throughout the island, which is small enough to explore in a day.

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DAY 9: FUKUOKA

This morning take the Bullet train once more to Fukuoka, located on the southern island of Kyushu. On arrival, visit Ohori Park, home to the Fukuoka Art Museum, where you can see a range of early Japanese and Asian art. A short bus ride away is Fukuoka Tower, the city's most striking landmark from which you can see spectacular views of the city. This evening try some of the famous Hakata tonkotsu style ramen at one of the city's famous street vendors in the party district of Nakasu.

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DAY 10: ARITA

Spend your last day visiting Arita in nearby Saga prefecture – famous for Arita-ware. The first Japanese porcelain was produced in Saga, and there is an abundance of local styles. A good first stop is the superb Kyushu Ceramic Museum in Arita where you can view the numerous different styles of porcelainware and some wonderful contemporary pieces. Later head into the mountains and visit the delightful secret hidden, pottery village Okawachiyama, one of the first homes of Japanese porcelain.

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Okawachiyama has a long history of producing its unique own ceramics in the secret kilns built in the mountains. Aside from browsing the numerous shops, you can explore this beautiful village and visit the Imari Nabeshima-ware Exhibition Hall. From atop of the observatory at Nabeshima-han Yo Park, you can view the lovely scenery of the village below. At the end of the day, head back to Fukuoka for one last night in Kyushu's lively regional capital.

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DAY 11: DEPART JAPAN

Say goodbye to Japan from Fukuoka International Airport (Fukuoka).