Visit Murin-an (just west of Nanzen-ji), one of Kyoto’s most peaceful and beautiful gardens, but often overlooked by tourists. (◙ www.murin-an.jp/en ☼7.30am-6pm but varies so check website, ¥410)

Getting there – It’s easy to travel from Tokyo to the Fuji Five Lakes region; a train to Kawaguchiko station takes about 2 hours from Shinjuku station (4110 yen). Note that you must change to the Fujikyu railway line at Otsuki, so your JR Pass won’t be valid for the later section of the journey. Use (◙ www.hyperdia.com) to check train times and

If looking to take a break, head to Itsuki Garden. Located in the grounds of a private residence, hikers would often get lost when walking the

To the west is Roppongi Hills, a stylish complex of office and residential spaces, shops and restaurants, and the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo

Nikko National Park, an area full of scenic mountains, lakes, hot springs, wild monkeys and which is crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails. The town itself has

Nara (奈良) ** As the first permanent capital of Japan in 710, Nara is a city of historical and political significance which defies its small and compact size.

Maid cafes are also popular, as dainty young girls in French maid outfits serve tea and engage in chitchat with customers. Head to @Home Café for English speaking maids.

Somewhat south of the city itself (30 minutes on the JR Sakurai line, Miwa station) is Omiwa Shrine,

Hakone (箱根) A popular weekend retreat for busy Tokyoites, Hakone is famous