Starting at GBP900 / USD1500 for 9 nights (land only), the tours have a maximum group size of 12 people, are led by a full time tour buddy and include breakfast everyday, a number of evening meals, airport meet-and-greet and all transport between destinations. Each tour includes a mixture of western and Japanese style accommodation and no single supplement is charged for solo travellers.

Director Simon King explained, 'After a very successful 2003 season we are really looking forward to welcoming even more people to Japan next year. Our tours cover the essential sights such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Mt. Fuji but we also try to get beneath the surface of Japan by stopping off at hot-spring spa towns and staying in traditional ryokan. We travel as the Japanese do -by bullet train and public transport - and include a wide variety of local meals and experiences whilst trying to keep things as flexible as possible.'

THE 2004 SEASON

The 2004 season starts with a March 13th departure for the Tokaido Trail tour. This classic Japan tour gives first-time visitors to Japan a chance to discover the must-see highlights of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mt Fuji.

The 9 night tour includes experiences such as sampling fresh sushi at Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market, watching Sumo Asa-Geiko (morning practice), taking a walking tour of Kyoto's Gion Geisha district and enjoying a sumptuous Kaiseki dinner.

Other tours include the Spring Elegance tour which visits some of the most elegant and captivating destinations Japan has to offer just as the cherry blossom front sweeps across the country in March and April.

The Essential Honshu tour meanwhile is a comprehensive 14 night tour combining pulsing city life, culture, tradition and rural getaways. The summer departures also include the chance to climb Mt. Fuji.

For those seeking something 'bit different' InsideJapan Tours are offering their Alpine Highway and Northern Soul itineraries. Tour buddy Jill Gibson explained, 'These tours really take people off the beaten trail. The Alpine Highway will immerse you in Japan's stunning mountain landscapes whilst the Northern Soul is a feast of hot spring spas and historic towns with a wealth of Samurai history.'