Japan Explorer
Itinerary
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka! Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
Head to the old capital of Nara, visit Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha of Nara and the bowing deer's who are the messengers of the Japanese gods. Proceed back to Osaka for lunch and take an Osaka central walking cultural tour to glimpse the lifestyle of the Osaka people.
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in the dynamic city of Osaka. Whether you choose to revisit favourite sights from your cultural walking tour or venture out to discover new corners of the city, there is plenty to see and experience. From bustling shopping districts to historic landmarks and delicious local cuisine.
Begin the day with a tasting of the world-renowned Kikumasamune sake. Then journey to Himeji to enjoy a delicious local lunch before visiting the iconic Himeji Castle, Japan's finest surviving feudal castle. Continue to the picturesque city of Kurashiki, where you'll wander through beautifully preserved samurai and merchant quarters dating back to the Edo period. End the day with a relaxing dinner at your hotel in Takamatsu.
Experience the beauty of Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece perfected over 185 years, featuring six tranquil ponds set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Journey into the remote Iya Gorge to admire its dramatic scenery, cross the iconic vine bridge, and enjoy a scenic boat cruise through the gorge. Then unwind at historic Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, before continuing to Matsuyama for an overnight stay.
Begin your day with a visit to Iwaya Temple, one of the sacred temples on the renowned Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Continue to Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's twelve original surviving castles, where you can admire its rich history and panoramic views. Next, travel along the spectacular Shimanami Kaido, a scenic route spanning the Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy a refreshing open-sea boat cruise while taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery before continuing your journey to Hiroshima.
Start the day with a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum, gaining insight into Japan's perspective on this significant chapter of history. After lunch in central Hiroshima, continue to the sacred island of Miyajima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its iconic giant torii gate, which appears to float gracefully on the water.
Travel to Kyoto aboard Japan's famous bullet train and enjoy a traditional hotpot lunch upon arrival. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Japan's ancient capital with a tea ceremony at a traditional tea house, followed by a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Later, enjoy free time exploring the historic streets of Gion, where you may catch a glimpse of a maiko or geisha amidst the district's timeless charm.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, with time to explore its serene temples, tranquil gardens, and historic neighbourhoods at your own pace. Alternatively, take advantage of Kyoto's close proximity to Osaka and set out on an independent day trip for shopping and city exploration.
Continue your Kyoto journey with visits to Tenryu-ji Temple and the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where soaring bamboo creates a serene natural sanctuary. Proceed to Ryoan-ji Temple, famed for its Zen rock garden, before visiting the magnificent Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site shimmering in gold. Enjoy a local Kyoto-style lunch before boarding the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train and continuing to the Mt Fuji region for your next stage of discovery.
Explore the eastern side of Mount Fuji with a visit to the serene springs of Oshino Hakkai. Depending on conditions, either ascend to the 5th Station of Mount Fuji for panoramic alpine views, or travel to Iyashi no Sato Nenba to experience a beautifully restored traditional village set against the mountain backdrop. Continue to a striking kimono display museum before proceeding to Tokyo for the next stage of your journey.
Based in the Nikko Sanzan, the sacred three mountains of Nikko, visit the ornate mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Enjoy a local yuba-based lunch before continuing to “Little Edo,” the historic town of Kanuma or surrounding Edo-style district, where beautifully preserved warehouse streets and traditional festival floats evoke Japan's rich heritage.
Enjoy an immersive sumo experience, including a morning training session if available, or an alternative sumo demonstration.
Later, visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where you can take in the energy of one of the world's busiest intersections. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Conclude the day with a dinner cruise.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, arriving home the same or following day.
Trip Inclusions
- Explore historic Edo-period streets in Kurashiki.
- Visit one of Japan's oldest onsen Dogo Onsen
- Enjoy a scenic boat cruise in IYA gorge
- Reflect in Hiroshima & Miyajima
- Free time to enjoy streets of Kyoto
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Most Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Domestic transportation
- 3.5 - 4 star accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 13 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 9 Dinners
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available. Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
- Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
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Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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