Japanese imperial wonderland

If you were captivated by the bestselling book Memoirs of a Geisha, a 14-day tour of Japan is available to take you to the pebble gardens, traditional teahouses and immaculate park walkways of Kyoto, imperial capital from 794 to 1868.

Among the optional activities are soaking in hot springs where swimsuits are not allowed, visits to the shrines and temples of Nikko National Park, and a ride in the 270 km/h Shinkansen bullet train which takes tour groups to a sake brewery.

The price, excluding airfares, is $3197 a person.

Contact: Flight Centre, 0800 354 448.