Wendy Wu Experience Japan

– See the famous Japanese Macaques bathe and play
– Visit Kotokuin Temple which houses Japan’s second tallest bronze buddha statue
– Visit a historic Kyoto-fan house to try your hand at the art of Japanese fan painting
– Enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi and soak up the views of famous Mount Fuji

Days 1-2: Fly Overnight to Osaka

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.

Day 3: Discover Nara

Visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River. After lunch, continue to Nara and enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Gardens before returning to Osaka.

Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Start with a visit to Togetsukyo Bridge located in the heart of the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous zen garden and the famous ‘Golden Pavilion’ Kinkakuji Temple. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to further explore the city.

Day 5: Experience Kyoto

Begin the day with a visit to one of Kyoto’s most famous sites – Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates and follow a forested hillside pathway passing numerous shrines along the way. Later, enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master, and try your hand at origami. After lunch, your immersive experience continues with a fan painting class where you will learn the technique of this highly refined and sought-after visual art.

Day 6: See the Snow Monkeys

Spend the morning travelling by bullet train to Nagoya and then journey on the limited express train to Nagano. Upon arrival, head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen and walk through a picturesque, forested valley to the hot pools where you will see the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play. Also visit the 7th-century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most popular Buddhist temples, before continuing by road to Matsumoto.

Day 7: Miso & Sake Tasting

Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’, due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. After lunch, visit a sake brewery and enjoy a tipple or two! There will be some free time this afternoon to further explore Matsumoto.

Day 8: Mont Fuji

Travel by road to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th Station to view Mt Fuji (weather permitting). Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway to enjoy the breathtaking scenery below. Continue to Mishima and stay overnight.

Day 9: Kamakura Grand Buddha

Journey to Kamakura, a popular coastal city located south of Tokyo. Visit Kotokuin Temple, which houses Japan’s second tallest bronze buddha statue, followed by a stroll through Komachi Street which is lined with pretty little shops before visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s most important shrine. After lunch, continue to Tokyo and enjoy a leisurely walk though Hamarikyu Gardens.

Day 10: Discover Tokyo

Begin the day by ascending to the observation deck at the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower, for panoramic views over the city below. Next, head to the old district of Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, before browsing the stalls on Nakamise shopping street. After lunch, explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about Tokyo’s historical heritage. End the day with a cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and enjoy dinner from the perfect vantage point to admire the supercharged lights of the city.

Day 11: Fly Tokyo to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

You’ll spend 9 nights in 3* or 4* accommodations

Japanese Fan Painting
Visit a historic Kyoto-fan house to try your hand at the art of Japanese fan painting, a craft that has been practised for over a thousand years

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Stroll through the scores of torii gates to the 800 year old shrine, a beautiful shrine dedicated to the god of samurai in Kamakura

Edo-Tokyo Museum
Explore the cultural heritage of Tokyo and get a glimpse of what life was like through the ages

– Return international flights
– All Accommodation
– All meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
– All transportation & transfers
– All sightseeing & entrance fees
– English speaking National Escort & local guides

– Based on London Heathrow departures
– Regional UK departures available
– Flight upgrades available on request

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.

Classic

These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of Japan on an excellent value group tour whilst travelling with like-minded people. The tours are on a fully-inclusive basis so you’ll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escorts, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience.

The maximum number of people per group for this tour is 28.

This tour has a Level 1 fitness rating. This means that a reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.

If you want to explore more of Japan or simply want more time in your destination, then you can add an extension or stop over.*

Choose from the following Extensions and stopovers
Tokyo Extension (Tokyo)
Kyoto Extension (Kyoto)
Nara Extension (Osaka)
Hiroshima & Miyajima Short stay (Osaka)
Naoshima Extension (Osaka)
Nikko & Kamakura Extension (Tokyo)
Sapporo & Otaru Extension (Sapporo)
Tokyo, Mount Fuji & Bullet Train (Tokyo)
Snow Monkeys Extension (Tokyo)
Koya-san Extension (Osaka)

*Available extensions and stopovers depend on your chosen airline