We depart Sydney Airport on Cathay Pacific flight CX138 on the 3rd April at 21:55, arrive in Hong Kong at 5:15 on the 4th April and then transfering to our second Cathay Pacific flight CX504 at 9:05 and arriving in Tokyo, Japan at 14:25.

We have made it to the airport. The trip into the international terminal was hassle free, even the m5 tunnel was easy. Then check in and through customs without any issues - other than the now normal body scan.

Now we have some time to get something to eat for dinner before making our way to the gate.

The airport is still a very busy place on Sunday night, the flight is full. Hoping that we can board and get to sleep.

Good morning from Hong Kong!

As you are waking up, we are finishing our first leg of the journey. The fight was not too bad, it was full and there were lots of children who did not want to go to sleep. I think I dozed for a couple of hours.

It is only 5am here so no shops open, a quiet couple of hours before heading to the gate. It is 24 degrees so rather pleasant before chilly Tokyo.

I have just found a mc cafe so might grab a coffee...

Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! On arrival we will be met by our Scenic Representative and transferred to our luxury hotel. Overlooking Tokyo's Shiodome area and the Tokyo Bay skyline, the hotel is only five minutes from the Ginza Shopping Street. This evening we meet our Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink and a tour briefing.

Two Night Special Stay: Conrad Tokyo

The second leg of the flight was ok, a bit of turbulence and an old plane that squeaked.

Will keep updating in the hotel.

ok, back online. Getting out of the airport was very smooth, even though there were a lot of people. The first thing I noticed was how well all of the bags were stacked on the conveyor. All up the right way, on after each other in a straight line. The customs queue moved quickly.

then we were on our way to the hotel and it was not long before the first sight of cherry blossoms.

The hotel is very nice, also very big. We only had a couple of hours after arriving before meeting our guide, so not enough for a sleep, but a long hot shower made me feel normal again. For those that have been to Japan you will know what I am talking about when I mention the number of buttons that the toilets have, the hardest one to find is the one that flushes.

we met our guide and group for a welcome drink, I think there is around 15 of us. not long after I crashed and had a great nights sleep, ready for the day ahead.

Tokyo - Enjoy your sightseeing tour of this dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Start with a walk through the private landscaped gardens of Hama-Rikyu which are where the shogun (commander in chief) would hunt and relax. We then njoy a moment of calm and enjoy a uniquely Japanese experience, a special tea ceremony in the gardens. Cruise on the Sumida River for a different view and perspective of Tokyo before visiting Asakusa district, an atmospheric old part of the city for a glimpse into Tokyo's past. Then admire the spectacular views from atop the world's tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree. Experience Sensoji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. Our dining choices tonight are: (1) a very special authentic Japanese experience as we set sail on a Yakatabune, an old-fashioned houseboat, and enjoy the Tokyo skyline whilst dining on delicious Japanese cuisine; or (2) dine on exquisite Japanese cuisine and enjoy views over Tokyo from the 42nd floor of one of the city's skyscrapers.

Good Morning

It was a busy first day, after a very good nights sleep I woke to an overcast and drizzly day. The good news is that when we left the hotel the rain had cleared but the clouds remained. The temperature hit highs of 14 degrees so I am very grateful for my recent puffer jacket purchase - I also fitted right in.

First stop this morning was to some gardens, cherry blossoms were out as well as a 300 year old pine tree, its branches supported by wooden poles. In the gardens was a tea house where we learnt about the Japanese tea ceremony and tasted our first Japanese green tea. This is where I also started to realise that there is going to be a lot of no shoes and eating and drinking sitting on the floor, more about that later.

Then we left for our cruise along the river and at this time of year there are a lot of people about so the boat was full. The river had some thirteen bridges and in parts was lined with cherry blossoms (you are going to hear that word a lot). The two buildings of note was the skytree (tallest tower in the world) and the saki beer company - gold through the main building with froth at the top. The crowd on the boat went crazy when the reflection of the skytree was on the side of the gold building. It took me a while to find out what the fuss was about.

We got off the boat at one of the stops with cherry blossoms, many people were dressed in kimono's getting their photo's taken with the blossoms and celebrating the festival.

Then it was off to lunch, I think I am going to struggle with the Japanese names but I will try and describe lunch to you instead. Today was wagyu beef that was cooked in your own hot pot over flame, most meals so far have comprised of many dishes so lunch also had miso soup, sashimi, egg custard (savory), rice, and other things that I can't remember. By the way, I am on holidays so please forgive my spelling or rushed typing.

After lunch it was off to the temple, which can only be reached by making your way through a crowded alley full of shops/stalls with everyone else. Here we learnt the importance of luck and lucky charms, how to bow at the shrine and the Buddhism religion. and yes, there were cherry blossoms here too. I have taken so many photo's of cherry blossoms I have even out done myself, also remembering that we are still in Tokyo on the first day and it is not until later that they are supposed to be prettier.

Last stop for the day was the Skytree, the tallest tower, I think the viewing platform was around 360m. It was a great view, but the cloud restricted our view, I can only imagine what it would be like on a clear day. Then back to the hotel to change for dinner.

Dinner tonight was on a river boat that is famous for its tempura. Again you sat on the floor, but this time there were holes cut out under the table for your legs. There was so much food - this time small whole baby squid, something with sesame, mixed seafood, sashimi, pea jelly, lots of seafood and vegetables in tempura. Again a lot of dishes, that I can't even remember.

You can probably tell by now that is was a very busy day, right now I am finishing this post and getting ready for our second day - heading towards the mountains. The sky is blue so I am hoping that we can see some of the mountains.

Tokyo then Mt Fuji region - This morning we leave Tokyo towards the Mount Fuji area. Travel up through the mountains glimpsing amazing views of the surrounding valleys. Embark on a cable car ride for a bird's eye view of the lakes and peaks. Throughout the day we will have the opportunity to glimpse majestic Mt Fuji but remember she is notoriously shy! Continue to the intriguing ltchiku Kubota Art Museum to see the wonderful kimonos dyed using an ancient technique more than 300 years old. The museum's buildings made of Okinawan coral and limestone and gardens are also fascinating. Our dining choices tonight: (1) French cuisine at Bellevue restaurant; or (2) delight in the delicate, elegant formal Kaiseki cuisine unique to Japan.

Overnight Stay: Mt Fuji region - Mt Fuji View Hotel

We left our very nice Tokyo hotel first thing in the morning to travel towards the mountains. We had a clear day which was critical for us to be able to even see Mt Fuji. As we neared the outskirts of the city we had our first sighting. We had been told that the mountain is 'shy' and cloud can cover it quickly. This meant that the first round of photo's were on the iPhone out of the bus window. You have to take them because there is no guarantee that the mountain will still be visible when we get closer. The weather forecast was overcast. So my first photo's are of the mountain with a reflection of the bus through the glass and some road signs or power lines.

I am pleased to say that I can delete these as the mountain remained in view for us for most of the day. The first stop was on a lake, we walked around the edges and then onto the famous 'cedar lane' where people used to travel. This took us into a town that was used as a checkpoint. If you had permission to travel then you could go through, if not, it was jail. I guess something line modern border control.

Lunch was a buffet at a local hotel - including a mix of western food. From here we were waiting to see if it was possible for us to take the gondola to get a better view of the mountain. After waiting all morning it was a green light for us to go up. This is again because of the cloud, sometimes you can go up but not see a thing. So up we went on the gondola to see the view. The mountain was a bit misty at this point, but still clear enough to see.

Then onto a gallery to see dyed Kimono's - they were spectacular. A series of them depicting all four seasons. You could not take photo's but I will see if I can find a website.

Last stop before the hotel was to another vantage point to see the mountain. Dinner was at the hotel, this time they provided a menu that I could take with me so I can share it and give you an idea of the cuisine.

Appetizer - sesame sauce / bamboo shoot / mushroom / urchin

Hors d'oeuvre - sweetfish with soybean paste / tofu skin sushi / abalone / gumbo / bean curd

Soup bowl - sakura shrimp cake / soft seaweed

Sashimi - assortment of sliced raw fish / garnish / wasabi (red snapper, tuna, yellow fin)

Grilled dish - conger eel / japanese ginger / green pepper / turban shell with seaweed

Steamed dish - potato ball / chicken / onion / fried broad bean / egg / soybean paste

Toubanyaki - beef / onion / mushroom / zucchini / soybean paste

Fried dish - fried greenling (fish) / red bell pepper / edible wild plants

Rice of bamboo shoot / pickles / miso soup

Dessert - tea jelly / blueberry / orange

Yes I tried everything!

Mt Fuji region then Takayama - We continue through the beautiful Japanese Alps, take in the fresh mountain air and absorb the incredible landscapes of this alpine region on our way to the quiet and preserved hill town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time. On the way we stop at a wasabi farm and sample some of the products including wasabi sausages, beer, juice and chocolate. In Takayama, discover this beautifully preserved old hill town, previously isolated and inaccessible, which has developed its own unique culture including the mascot of the region, the Sarubobo. Experience making one of these special mascots said to prevent sickness and accidents. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the hotel

Two Night Stay: Takayama - Associa Hotel

After a clear day yesterday we woke to rain and it continued all day. Good news is that it was mostly a travelling day. The mountains were beautiful and the view was great, just not good for photos through a wet bus window. There was snow as we climbed to the top.

Our first stop was at a wasabi farm where we learnt about the plant and how it grows, lunch was in their restaurant and was a bento box full of various foods.

When we arrived in takayama we went to a small village and made a local charm. It has been a while since I used a needle and thread. Although the Japanese ladies probably thought we were hopeless it was fun.

Then off to the hotel and dinner - hida beef - the best steak ever! It just melted in your mouth.

Not having much luck with the wifi at this hotel so no new photos yet (now there is!).

Takayama - Wander through the old town filled with old wooden buildings and visit the local market to taste some of the region's delicious produce on our walking tour. Enjoy a special lunch of Hida Beef, the name given only to exceptionally excellent Japanese black beef produced in Gifu Prefecture. Continue on our journey to the World Heritage site Shirakawago, famous for its traditional farmhouses. Built to resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, some are more than 250 years old.

An early start this morning to visit the markets by the river. There was a mix of local produce and handicrafts. Then to a village about an hour away from the city, this is a lived in village of traditional Japanese houses. They had sloped thatched roofs and did not have nails, this is so that they stay standing in earthquakes because they sway and can also be packed up and moved. We also had lunch

after the village we headed back into the city to see the traditional floats used in the spring and autum festivals. Then some free time to wander in the old city and take photos of some more cherry blossoms.

Takayama and Hiroshima - We board the train for one of the most scenic railway journeys in Japan, winding its way through tall mountains and stunning gorges to Nagoya. Travel like a local as we dine on our bento box and travel on the world famous Shinkansen bullet train. Experience the impressive efficiency and engineering feat of Japan's railways as we speed our way to Hiroshima. Perhaps more than any other city in the world, Hroshima is famous for one moment in history and we will have time to reflect and remember this on our visit to the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. This evening we enjoy a local variant of the famous okonomiyaki, a Japanese style pancake.

One Night Stay: Hiroshima - Sheraton

This morning we left Takayama on the mountain train. The weather was good and we had about a 2.5 hour trip. The scenery was stunning, mountains, rivers, cherry blossoms as we travelled down from the mountains.

Then a change of trains to the famous bullet train. This train travels speeds up to 300km per hour. The trip on this train took around 2 hours. The train is wider than a normal one and has 3 and then 2 seats. For lunch we had a bento box, popular with travellers. This one was also self-heating, when you are ready to eat you pull the string and it heats your meal. Perfect for travel. Then the ice cream man came around with dessert!

We arrived in Hiroshima late in the afternoon, our hotel - the Sheraton is right next to the station, so only a short walk. Time for a 1/2 hour break and then off again to the Hiroshima peace park and museum.

Hiroshima was the city where the first atom bomb was released on humans. We visited the bridge that the bomb was intended and the site where it fell - hypocentre, this was a hospital. There is one building that remains - well part of that is now a monument, this was because it was a European building made of steel and concrete. There are several monuments through the peace park that we wandered through. Then into the museum, where there were photographs, stories etc from that time. It was pretty horrific.

Then onto dinner - Japanese pancake. A bit different from ours. It is like teppanyaki, where food is cooked in front of you on a grill. It was quite a production, the ingredients I remember on top of a pancake are - noodles, egg, prawn, squid, pancetta, spices, spring onion, cabbage, a fruit sauce etc. It was very tasty, but more than one person could eat!

Hiroshima then Miyajima and Kyoto - Begin the day with our visit to Miyajima Island. Explore the island's many shrines and temples and encounter the most photographed site in Japan, the 6th century Floating Torii Gate, as it rises majestically out of the sea during high tide. Travel at speeds excess of 300 kilometres an hour on our Shinkansen bullet train journey to Kyoto, Japans cultural capital. Enjoy a drink in the gardens of a temple founded in the 17th century and appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of Kyoto

Three Night Special Stay: Kyoto - Hyatt Regency

The G7 is in town so we left early to make sure that we could get across to the island without any worries. It is a 10 minute ferry ride across to the island. The weather was mostly cloudy, but no rain and the temperature was mild.

We walked along the shoreline towards the tori gate to take our photos and then onto the temple and shrine. At the temple we were lucky enough to see a traditional Japanese wedding. It starts with a procession of the bride, groom, family through to the temple, then the service lasts around 30 minutes. This includes drinking saki.

after this we had to free time to wander through the gardens, shops etc. then lunch, which was either oysters (the island is famous for them) or pork, both prepared in breadcrumbs. It was a bit like a schnitzel.

Then it was off to the ferry for our return trip to Hiroshima station to catch the next bullet train to Kyoto.

The train trip was around an hour and a half. We arrived in Kyoto at about 5pm, it is a very busy city.

After checking into the hotel we had a few minutes to change before heading out again for drinks in a Japanese garden. Then onto dinner that happened to be Italian. It was a great meal, but a very long day.

Kyoto - Enjoy our full day tour of Kyoto, home to an astonishing 2000 shrines and temples, including several world Heritage-listed sites. Explore the back streets of this former capital; see the shimmering reflection of Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, in the small lake; explore the classical Zen Garden of Ryoanji Temple a simple and yet elaborate Japanese rock garden built in the 15th century; and admire Njo Castle, which symbolised the power, prestige and riches of the Edo based Shogunate. Head to the beautiful Kiyomizu-Dera (Pure Water) Temple for our visit. Looking out over a lush canopy of red, yellow and green foliage below, we will appreciate the extensive views of the city and the brilliant hues of its many shrines and pagodas. Stroll through the streets of Gion, one of the main Geisha enclaves with a local expert and learn more about the interesting world of the Geisha. lf we are lucky we will have the chance to see a Geisha or Maiko (apprentice Geisha) as they head to their first appointment of the evening

Today was a day of temples and shrines.

First stop was a large wooden structure situated on the side of a cliff with a view over the city, it also had a path that wound through a garden.

Second was a golden temple covered in 20kg of gold leaf. Situated on a lake.

Third was more about the gardens around the temple. A zen garden of rocks and then another around a lake. There were a lot of blossoms in this garden and in parts it felt like you were in 'fairy land' with a carpet of pink and white leaves, moss on the bottom of trees and a canopy of blossoms. This was my favourite!

After a short break (1/2 hour) we headed out to the Geisha district and did see one on their way to work. We learnt about their lives and what is required to become one.

Then a special Japanese dinner with a visit and performance by a Maiko. After dancing she stayed and answered questions. A very interesting life!

A Maiko is an apprentice Geisha, they usually start at around the age of 15 and leave home to join a boarding hour run by 'mother' the person who puts them through their training and finances the kimono's etc. They are selected after an interview with 'mother' and their parents.

Once selected they begin years of training in dance, music etc. It takes around 2 hours to get dressed and apply their make up. They can only visit home 2 times around a year. Their hair is their own and it stays in that style all the time, they visit a hair salon one a week and use a small hard pillow under their necks so that it does not get messed up while they sleep. Everything that they earn as a Maiko goes to 'mother' to repay their debt. At around 20 they are tested to see if they can become a geisha. It is then when they reach around 30 that they earn there own money and can live independently.

Kyoto then Nara and Kyoto - Travel to Nara, home to Japan's original emperors and its capital for 74 years in the 8th century, where we will visit the Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building with fine sculptures and a huge bronze Buddha. covering a finely wooded area, the Nara Park is popularly known as Deer Park for its herd of gentle deer. Enjoy our visit to Inari Shrine featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". This site is home to over 10,000 red torii gates which form a path up the mountain the temple. Indulge in sake tasting during a visit to a sake brewery before returning to Kyoto

Today we headed out from Kyoto to visit the largest statue of buddha in Japan. Then onto a Saki brewery and the site of 10,000 tori gates.... more later

Kyoto and Tokyo - Choice of activity today: (1) visit a traditional Japanese machiya (tradesman's house) and learn to make origami and calligraphy; or (2) join a Japanese cooking lesson in a private home; or (3) take a walk along the Philosopher's Path and discover how it got its name; or (4) discover the hidden secrets of Kyoto as we pedal along the backstreets and paths by the rivers. During some free time we can take a walk through the lively Nshiki Markets, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen' or stroll through more of Kyoto's serene temples before boarding our Shinkansen bullet train for our return to Tokyo.

Two Night Special Stay: Tokyo - Conrad Hotel

For the final morning in Kyoto we went for a walk on the philosophers path, which is a path next to a small canal that is lined with blossoms. The season though is almost over, they really do not last very long.

After this we had some free time in the middle of the city where we visited the markets and had some lunch before meeting again to go to the station.

Our last trip on the train was for around two hours, using the train is so much better than having to get internal flight and wait at airports.

We arrived back in the hotel in Tokyo at 5pm and it was a nice surprise to be upgraded to the top floor with a view over the harbour!

We went to the restaurant in the hotel for dinner, a nice wagyu steak.

Tokyo - Today we can choose: (1) learn about sumo wrestling with a visit to a Ryogoku; or (2) venture into the world's biggest fish market at Tsukiji and experience sushi at its freshest; or (3) enjoy a guided walk through Yanaka, a maze of streets with traditional shops and restaurants; or (4) spend time discovering more of this cosmopolitan city on board the hop on hop off bus. This afternoon we wander through Tokyo's famous Meji Shrine, dediated to the late Emperor, and set in a beautiful forest of more than 120,000 trees. Tonight we get to appreciate the Tokyo skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows and admire the contemporary Japanese decor as we join our Tour Director for our Farewell Japanese Dinner.

The fish markets were amazing. There were three parts, one for private auctions, one for wholesale and one for consumers.

I went to the second two. To get to the auction, the are only about 100 tickets each day and you need to line up from about 2am.

The markets were a hive of activity - workers, sellers, buyers, tourists, bikes, forklifts, trucks. Basically motored vehicles have the right of way and you move or get run over.

The size of the knives to cut the tuna were enormous and it took 5 men to lift it. There was almost everything fishy that you can imagine.

After walking through for a few hours we then had an early lunch of sashimi in a restaurant that was famous for its purchase of a 225kg tuna that cost over a million japanese yen.

This afternoon our last trip was to a shrine in Tokyo and now we are sitting in the executive lounge enjoying afternoon tea.

Depart Tokyo - After breakfast there will be time to squeeze in some last minute shopping before taking the transfer to Tokyo airport for our homebound flight.

We have had a great trip and loved Japan. Some final thoughts:

The country - is beautiful, we were lucky to have mostly fine weather, there have been cities, mountains, beaches, parks and gardens. Everything is very clean and efficient.

The people - are very friendly, polite and could not do enough for you, our tour guide was great.

The transportation - is very good and efficient, particularly the bullet trains, we could learn a lot!

The cherry blossoms - we were lucky to see them, they do not last very long and sometimes we were there just before or after they had bloomed. We planned the trip especially to see them and they did not disappoint.

The toilets - yes, I need to make a special mention, they were all western, they all had heated seats, even the public ones, there was a button for everything, they made a flushing sound as soon as you sit on one so that no one can hear you.

Leaving Tokyo airport on Cathay Pacific flight CX505 at 18:35, arriving in Hong Kong at 22:25 for our connecting flight CX101 to Sydney at 23:55 and then arriving in Sydney at 10:55 on the 16th of April.