There's nothing quite like an unexpected upgrade to business class, and this is exactly what I got when I checked in for my Cathay flight from Hong Kong - Osaka. Hooray!

Arrived into Osaka and got straight on the train from the airport - Kyoto station. It takes 75 mins and is very easy.

Arrived in Kyoto and got a cab to Uemura Ryokan in the heart of old Kyoto. Quite a sweet place run by an old, very friendly couple. Amazing location and we spend the late afternoon and evening wandering the streets of the Gion district and looking at temples lit up, admiring the lanterns that cover the cobbled streets and eating delicious food.

Spent the whole day visiting temples in Gion. They are stunning. Sadly I can't remember any of the names. We visited them all on foot and walked between them. It was easy, and a great way to soak up the atmosphere of the place. I was blown away by some of the temples and their gardens, almost preferring the completely understated tiny ones off the beaten track. In the late afternoon we transferred to another, much swankier Ryokan called Hiiragiya. Great room, complete with sliding doors and tatami mats. We had the traditional 8 course meal in our room and languished in the ryokan's own onsen (spa). Bliss.

Train back VERY early to Osaka airport to fly up to Sapporo.

Arrive in Sapporo and head up to the ski resort of Niseko, where we spent the next 5 days. A wonderful place. Unlike European resorts, the pistes are pretty short, but there's lots of backcountry skiing and tons of powder. Great bars, restaurants and lunch spots too. Highly recommended.

Left Niseko and got a flight from Sapporo to Tokyo. At Haneda airport we caught the skyrail into town. I think this is the quickest and easiest way in.

Checked into the Grand Hyatt. Very luxurious and spoiling. Great room, great spa, great location in cool Roppongi Hills. Met up with some friends for a Yakitori dinner at Roppongi Robataya. DELICIOUS kobi beef, sashimi, sake, yakitori veggies and a really fun place. From there we went for drinks in Nishiazabu. One place that stood out was called These. A very cool "library lounge" with great cocktails.

Spent the day visiting temples, checking out the school kids who dress up as anime characters every Sunday, shopping and eating. Tokyo is an amazing place.