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Want to see the snow monkeys of Hell Valley, sleep in a traditional Japanese inn, join a tea ceremony or explore a wasabi farm?

Saga’s new Into the Heart of Japan tour takes guests by train from the bright lights of Tokyo to the haunting beauty of Hiroshima’s Memorial Peace Garden for a full immersion into the elegance and energy of Japanese culture.

There’s plenty of opportunity to meet charming locals, make sushi, try on a Kimono, dine in a ‘Ninja’ restaurant and join a sake tasting session during the 13-night journey by rail to Kanazawa, Kyoto and Hiroshima, plus the bullet train to Osaka.

Further highlights to experience include a cable-car ride in Owakudani, a cruise on Lake Ashi, visiting Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, discovering the mountain village of Shirakawa-go, viewing Takayama’s traditional architecture, learning about the skills used to make artisan gold-leaf and visiting the historic Senko-Ji temple.

In the small coastal town of Kurashiki guests can also walk along willow-lined canals to experience the local culture and architecture.

Guests also enjoy stays in quality hotels and a Japanese heritage inn, known as a ryokan, sleeping close to the floor on a tatami mat. There is also an opportunity to visit an ‘onsen’, a traditional therapeutic hot-spring bath.

For ease of travel, luggage is transferred to hotels during train journeys so there is nothing to carry during visits.

A choice of holiday dates offers guests the chance to choose from blossom time departures in spring, tours during warmer summer days or a focus on autumn colour. The holiday can also be extended with a three-night stay in Hong Kong.

For details call free on 0800 056 0464 or visit saga.co.uk/japan

13 nights from £3,799 departing on September 15, October 14, November 24, 2018 and March 25, April 8, May 12 and June 9, 2019. Price includes 11 nights in 4Q and 3Q hotels, 16 meals (11 breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners), VIP door-to-door chauffeur service, return flights from London Heathrow with Cathay Pacific to Tokyo Haneda, via Hong Kong, returning from Osaka, transfers, porterage, tour manager, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

Editors’ notes

Saga has created four new ‘Time to’ holiday styles: Go for it, Stay & Explore, Discover and Unwind. Each style helps guests decide on a holiday that feels right for them. Into the Heart of Japan is Discover pace 3.