Drive from Tokyo to Tsukuba and visit Japan’s Space Centre. Home to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Tsukuba Space Center is the operations facility and the leading institution directing Japan’s space research and development programs. Here you can see the Astronaut Training Area, the space flight control room of KIBO, as well as an exhibition area featuring satellite models, astronaut training equipment, and other items related to the history of space exploration. You can also witness the operators in the flight control room at work communicating with the astronauts on the ISS, as well as with other space flight operation centres around the world.

Later take the cable car up to Mt Tsukuba for surrounding views back to Tokyo before continuing to Kashima Jingu Grand Shrine, said to be the oldest and largest Shinto Shrine in the Kanto region. The shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, the Shinto deity of martial arts. After visiting the shrine, see the crystal blue Mitarashi Pond. Finish the day with your final picturesque drive along the coastline to Mito, the Prefectural capital of Ibaraki. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

Meals: Lunch