A sweltering day began in Sugamo; a charming, retro style area of Tokyo with an old shopping street, temples and a streetcar running through it. Walking around here feels like you are back in Japan during the Showa Era (1926-1989). Jizo-dori, the shopping arcade that's also known affectionately as Grandma's Harajuku, has a great selection of old mom and pop stores that are particularly attractive for senior citizens. Another popular location for the elderly is Koganji Temple that is said to promote longevity. It has a washing deity called the Arai Kannon, which people wipe with a cloth hoping that it will cure their ailments. The nearby Shinshoji Temple has an imposing Jizo statue that is believed to be a protector of children and unborn babies.

A relaxing lunch was followed by mayhem. Exciting, hectic and crazy: Shibuya is all of these and so much more. From the famous statue of Hachiko — the loyal dog who continued to wait for his owner nine years after he died — to the sprawling ensemble of lights and people that is the scramble intersection, this district is an absolute must for any visitor to Tokyo. One of the most popular destinations in the area is the iconic 109 department store that has been a mecca for young women for decades now. Bright and flashy, the clothes may not be to everyone's taste, but you can't say they are lacking in originality.

A fascinating state-of-the-art museum showcasing Kaichiro Nezu's extensive private collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art. The renowned politician, philanthropist and former president of Tobu Railway Co., Ltd., gathered a wide variety of works, including paintings, lacquerware, bamboo crafts, armor and a whole lot more. Generous individuals have added to the collection, enhancing its reputation further. Yet, what really gives Nezu the edge over other museums in Tokyo is the idyllic verdant garden at the back which has two ponds connected by small streams. Immaculately kept, it is an urban oasis and unquestionably the highlight of the museum.

The kawaii capital of the world, the Harajuku area near Omotesando has been at the heart of the Japanese fashion scene for decades, particularly when it comes to teen fashion. Takeshita-dori is at the center of it all and feels almost like another world with all kinds of styles on view, ranging from cute princesses to gothic Lolitas. It's also a street famous for its crepes and more recently cotton candy. The area around Omotesando Hills is far more upmarket with all the high-end brands you could hope for and many trendy cafes.

A unique and quirky capsule-style hotel that looks like a library, Book & Bed was both very comfortable and a lot of fun. Besides the sleeping area they have a nice sofa where you can relax with one of the books from the shelves. Most of them are in Japanese, but there's also a good selection of English books available. Hidden behind a bookshelf, the bed itself was more spacious than expected making it easy to get a good night's sleep. There are outlets for phones and computers, as well as free Wi-Fi. The staff at the front were very helpful and work hard to ensure guests feel at home.

From check-in to boarding, everything went smoothly at Haneda Airport. With hardly any line at the security gate there was plenty of time to get some breakfast at the beautifully designed dining area and look around the shops selling Japanese confectionaries and various other souvenirs. Friendly JAL's staff greeted us as we boarded the plane, which as expected, left on time.

The first destination in Kitakyushu was Kokura, an intriguing area with a fantastic mix of modern and historic buildings. It is most famous for its majestic castle in the middle of town. The best view of the castle is from the nearby garden where you can also enjoy a tea ceremony. The Tanga Market, known as the kitchen of Kitakyushu, has a really lively atmosphere. You can buy all kinds of fresh ingredients here, including meat, fish and vegetables. The market is particularly popular with local restaurants, including the delicious Tanga Table where we went for lunch. In the late afternoon there was time to stop by the Manga Museum that has some fun interactive acivities and a massive collection of comics, both domestic and international.

A delightful setting for a pleasant evening stroll, the Mojiko Retro District is a picturesque port town known for its historic European-style buildings. One of the most striking buildings is the former Moji Mitsui Club that hosted Albert Einstein and his wife when they visited Kyushu in the 1920s. We went to Hakusuian, a stunning family-run restaurant specializing in fugu. Seated in an elegant tatami room overlooking an enchanting little garden as the dishes just kept on coming, it truly was an amazing experience.

Moving from Kitakyushu to Fukuoka, the first port of call was the region of Dazaifu, home to the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. With a history dating back more than 1,100 years, this majestic Shinto sanctuary is the oldest tenmangu shrine (a shrine dedicated to the God of Academics Sugawara no Michizane's spirit) in the country and is particularly popular for students who go there to pray for success on examinations. After getting a blessing there it was then time to do some shopping in Monzen Machi, a quaint little street, it can be found when approaching the shrine from the station.

Located just behind Monzen Machi and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is the Kyushu National Museum. The most modern of Japan's four national museums, it is an impressive building with a huge entrance. The main exhibition is on the fourth floor and divided up into five chronological sections starting in the prehistoric age. There are some fascinating artifacts on show and the headset, with English translation, provided an interesting history lesson. Well worth a visit after going to the shrine.

Going out with a big group for lunch or dinner can be a lot of fun, but there are times when you just want to focus on what you're eating. That is the main concept at Ichiran, a famous international tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen shop where you order from a machine and then sit in your own little booth. After filling out other requirements, such as how you want your soup and how hard you want your noodles to be, you then press the button and a staff member will appear from behind the bamboo curtain. No fuss, just some heavenly noodles and pork in a savory broth. Without doubt one of the best ramen chain restaurants you will find in Japan.

Following some heavy showers, the sun came out just in time for a delightful ride along the canal on a gondola known locally as a donko-bune. The willow trees, historical buildings and tiny bridges made for some glorious scenery and then there were the drinks, snacks and a singing boatman. It was the ideal way to spend a lazy Tuesday afternoon. In the end, it was a shame we had to disembark, but Yanagawa — known as the city of water — had plenty of other treats in store, most notably Ohana Shoto-en garden. Viewed through the 100-tatami Japanese-style oh-hiroma (great hall), it is a wondrous sight. With 14 stone lanterns, black pines and thousands of stones, it was built to resemble Matsushima, which is regarded as one of the three great scenic spots of Japan. The Ohana Villa, which also includes a Western-style Seiyokan annex, has become a very popular destination for weddings. The museum, with all kinds of armor and costumes, is also worth visiting.

Visiting the Ohana grounds was one thing, being able to stay at the ryokan (Japanese inn) was something else all together. The Western and Japanese-style rooms were all large, yet at the same time cozy with balconies that allow guests to look down on the alluring Shoto-en garden from up high. The course dinner, which included the city's famed steamed eel dish, and the colorful breakfast both tasted fantastic and the service throughout was exceptional. Ohana prides itself on its outstanding hospitality (known in Japanese as omotenashi) and it was easy to see why.

Loved by Fukuoka locals, Kushida Shrine is a fascinating cultural and historical site in the center of the city. The best time to visit is during the summer Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival and Hakata Okunchi in autumn, but don't worry if you can't make it for either of them as the enormous and colorful kazari yamkasa floats are on display all year round. The shrine is also famous for its sequence of red torii, the water from an ancient well that is said to grant eternal youth, and the power stones that are lifted by sumo wrestlers to show off their strength.

Sampling some of the locally produced sake from Hyakunengura Ishikura Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in Fukuoka, was the perfect way to end what had already been a magnificent trip. Registered as a tangible cultural property, you can feel the 140-year history of the cellar as you walk through. Trying around six different drinks, it was the plum and sparkling sake that stood out the most. After a brief tour of the place, it was then back ot the shop to find some souvenirs to take home.

All in all a very enjoyable tour that was well organized and informative. The guides in both Tokyo and Fukuoka were both extremely enthusiastic and helpful. There were some fantastic sites and amazing dishes along the way, as well as a lot of fun activities. Beforehand Fukuoka didn’t seem so appealing, but that feeling soon changed after arrival. It exceeded expectations and then some.