Overview
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, perhaps to sample this city's famous shopping and food. (D)
Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan's first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isui-en Garden. Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle. (B/L/D)
Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden. (B/L/D)
Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Reflect on the city's tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, hop on the ferry across to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy some free time. (B/L/D)
Start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'. (B/L/D)
Enjoy one of Kyoto's most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th Century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates. (B/L/D)
Travel by road to Kanazawa. Meander through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before visiting a historic samurai house. (B/L/D)
Depart for Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper making workshop. Continue to Shirakawa-go, where you will explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before reaching Takayama. (B/L/D)
Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market, wander past some of the lovely traditional houses and visit several of the excellent local museums, including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya, followed by a stroll down Kamisannomachi Street. (B/L/D)
Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Visit a miso house and learn about this famous Japanese seasoning. Go on to continue to Nagano. (B/L/D)
Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to search for the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at the Jigokudani Monkey Park - sighting not guaranteed. Continue to Zenkoji, one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist temples. (B/L/D)
Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th station (weather permitting). Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Overnight accommodation will be in Mishima or the wider Fuji area. (B/L/D)
Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. Next, soar high on the Hakone Ropeway over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone.
Later, proceed to Tokyo. (B/L/D)
A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden, visit Meiji Shrine and stop by the famous Shibuya Crossing. (B/L/D)
Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until the evening, when you will board a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise. (B/L/D)
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Discover historic Kyoto & Nara
- Reflect in Hiroshima & Miyajima
- Admire beautiful Mount Fuji
- Search for Snow Monkeys in the Japanese Alps
- Feel the rush of Tokyo & Osaka
- Explore Kanazawa & Takayama
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- Dedicated Solo Departures only: Complimentary airport lounge pass in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth, single room included in price,
- 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners
- Grand Prince Hotel, Hiroshima (4 star): Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.
- Rihga Gran Kyoto, Kyoto (4 star): Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
- Hotel Vista Kanazawa, Kanazawa (3 star): Situated in Kanazawa, the Hotel Vista Kanazawa is perfectly located just a short distance from many of the cities main attractions including Kenroku-en. The interior of the hotel is decorated with traditional local crafts and contemporary art.
- Mercure Hida Takayama, Takayama (4 star): Conveniently located within the heart of the city, the Mercure Hida Takayama hotel offers beautifully designed rooms finished with traditional yet modern touches. Guests staying here will be able to enjoy delicious delights from the on site restaurant and bar, serving a range of locally-inspired dishes throughout the day. Staying at this hotel will also mean you are in close proximity to a number of attractions, including the Hida Kokubun-ji Temple, Takayama Zenko-ji Temple plus much more!
- Royal Hotel, Nagano (4 star): Set in a historical castle town, the 4-star Royal Hotel Nagano offers spacious guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi and a flat screen TV. The hotel features relaxing hot spring baths, a sauna and tennis courts. Dine on a variety of cuisines including French, Japanese and Chinese in the in house restaurant, Shononoji.
- Sunshine City Prince Hotel, Tokyo (3 star): The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- 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.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
- 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
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
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.
